Namaskar: Welcome to Delhi-NCR

Try as you might, you can’t miss the magnificence of the NCR. Delhi finds reference in the Mahabharata as Indraprastha, the city of the Pandavas. The city has borne the brunt of empires being built and vanquished, so much so that Delhi has been rebuilt five times. The ancient walls of the capital tell a million stories. But, the NCR is more than its past. Here’s a city of the future laid with flyovers, connected with the rapid transport system, sporting glitzy shopping complexes and living out the “India shining” image in a big way.

Climate
The once-magnificent river Yamuna is today just an apology for its past grandeur, but Delhi still thrives on its banks. Spread over an area of 1483 sq km, Delhi is flanked by the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Being landlocked, the NCR experiences an extreme climate. Summer temperatures rise to a scorching 48^oC (April to June) with dust storms and hot winds (popularly called loo) raging through the city, while winters (November to February) see the mercury dipping down to a freezing 2^oC. The best time to visit Delhi is from late October to early April.

Population
With a population bordering on 14 million in Delhi alone, the NCR has to constantly negotiate with a growing migrant population as well. Multilingual, multi-religious and multicultural, the capital is a heady mix of it all. Though entirely cosmopolitan in its ways, NCR can surprise you at times with traditional mindsets.

Food and wear
The NCR is an epicurean’s paradise. From food courts to stand-alone restaurants, dhabas to new-age cafes you have it all. You can sit down to a traditional plate of sarson da saag–makki di roti or curl up your lips to a fabulous platter of sushi. Delhi has a vibrant nightlife as well; hip-shake in one of its popular nightclubs or lounge in one of the trendy restrobars.

Dressing down in smart casuals for every occasion is the norm. But, parties in the city are when daring stilettos, ethnic Indian wear and western party wear make their appearance. Workwear is formal trousers right down to blazers. Skimpy dressing will draw stares. So reserve daring outfits for parties and ensure you have company after.

Shopping
If you are a shopaholic, Delhi is your dream come true. Every major locality has a neighbourhood market, big enough to sport all major brands and exhaustive enough to stock your larder requirements to the T. Because of the large expat crowd that inhabits the city, you get to pick up exotic ingredients of your choice. Some of the markets that throng with shoppers round-the-year include, Sarojini Nagar Market, Janpath, Greater Kailash (M and N Blocks) and South Extension. All major state emporiums too have a pronounced existence in the shopping turf.

Festivals
National events like Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayaniti are celebrated. Religious festivals include Diwali (the festival of lights), Mahavir Jayanti, Guru Nanak's Birthday, Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Maha Shivaratri, Eid and Buddha Jayanti. The Qutub Festival is an annual event when performers from all over the country and abroad showcase their talents, with Qutub Minar acting as a gorgeous backdrop.

Other events, such as, Kite Flying Festival, International Mango Festival and Vasant Panchami (the Spring Festival) are held every year as well. The Auto Expo, Asia's largest auto show, is held in New Delhi biennially.

Sightseeing in Delhi
A trip to the NCR can have a never-ending itinerary. After all, you would have to first unveil the secrets of Delhi’s rich past through the mind-boggling streets of Chandni Chowk and the ruins and tombs across town to come to terms with the city as it is today. A regular tourist guide will rattle off familiar names like Jama Masjid, Red Fort, National Museum, Rail Museum, India Gate, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Jantar Mantar, Akshardham, Lotus Temple, Lodhi Gardens and Qutub Minar. However, you’ll definitely fail to experience the pulse of the city if you do not turn up at the flea markets or Delhi Haat or miss catching a stage show at the famed Mandi House. You could also take a heritage walk through Delhi. Delhi is an open book. But, don’t forget to read between the lines!

Getaways from Delhi
Because of it location, Delhi offers a lot of options if you are planning a short getaway. Dehradun, Mussourie, Nainital, Shimla, Rishikesh are favourite hillspots. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur give you a glimpse of the Thar desert. Corbet National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve and Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary are ideal places for nature lovers. The Taj Mahal in Agra will appeal to the most romantic side in you.

Moving around in Delhi
Travelling within Delhi is possible by taxi, buses, autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws. The Metro rail plies from Connaught Place to Old Delhi, Dwarka, Karol Bagh and covers almost 60 areas. Metro rail connectivity from Delhi to Gurgaon is also under way. Within Gurgaon only private cars, cycle rickshaws and taxi services operate. Recently, the Haryana government has also given the green signal for autos to ply from Delhi to Gurgaon.

Reaching Delhi
Interstate road connectivity has made commuting to the NCR easy. The Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT bus adda as it is popularly known) is the hub of road travel. Delhi is also connected by rail with the entire country. New Delhi Railway Station (for trains going to eastern and northern states), Nizamuddin (for trains going to the southern states) and Sarai Rohila (for trains going to the western states) are the three main railway stations. Besides these, all domestic and international flights touch down Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

A city to remember
A day in the NCR is breathless. Within the 24 hours Delhiites work 14 hours, travel 80 kilometres and still find time to soak in the cultural performances, shop for mom, cook a meal and go dancing at a nightclub. Where else in India can one find a metro with such a delicious mix of work and play; past, present and future?

We wish you a pleasant stay in Delhi.