With due regards to Kanika, I would say that her review on Delhi is very good but meant for ’’5 Star’’ class. I am staying in Delhi since last more 3 years now so have a mixed feeling of both being a ’’guest’’ as well as a local resident. I shall discuss Delhi for an average/slightly above average tourist or resident.
Despite being most crowded city (in terms of vehicles in India) the best thing Delhi has is, more than 3 routes to reach a destination any where in Delhi just in case you find traffic crawling or not moving at all on one road. This is a real plus.
Now something which most Hard Core Delhlite wont like (Please forgive me if I sound offending, but travel by BUS/Auto’s, shop at markets like janpath, Lajpat nagar and don’t but anything if you don’t like anything in a shop) and you will know what I am talking about.. It is a city of somewhat rude people. Blame it to the ’’touch’’ of language/accent of this region but that’s the way they sound.
Chapter One : Transport
If you are a tourist DON’T TRAVEL BY BUS, Blue Lines (private operators are a nightmare, DTC is not much better)is a BIG NO. The private operators will get you on their BUS no matter if it is going south and you have to travel west, if they can make out that you are new to this city. When you will realize (after paying for your ticket), they will tell you to get down take bus # X that will take you where you wanted to go. FEMALES are not at all safe in these buses, even the staff on the bus will not let an opportunity go to tease you. Auto walla’s are no different , they will ask you triple the fare and their union is so strong at places like Railway Station/Bus Stops that if you refuse to go by one auto because you think the driver is over charging, no other driver will offer you less fare. Meter is a joke for them, all have a standard response ’’it’s not working’’. They are so arrogant that they will even insult you if you try to argue with them. But, since Taxies are expensive you will have to manage with these Auto’s. And any ways even Taxi Driver’s are like this. My suggestion is, If you have a planned outing the best thing to do would be to hire a Taxi from a local Taxi Stand. You can get a Taxi for Rs. 500 for 8 hours/80 Kms and Rs. 300 for 4 hours/40 Kms. They charge you on km/hour basis if any of these exceeds. If you have good money, call 1929 for Mega Cab, the most comfortable one. But, considering my salary I do not use it more than once a month. It costs you Rs. 15/KM.
Chapter Two - Culture
Delhi, despite being a metro city has a culture which doesn’t really give you a feeling of being a metro (Except you stay in areas like zorbagh and go to ’’Oberois’’ only for your family lunch/dinners). more or less, people in one society know/meet each other. In private colonies, it’s like a typical punjabi neighborhood. If you are a working women and want to stay alone in an apartment, you might find it difficult to get one for you. (except areas which are developing and are nearby good MNC’s like Gurgaon).
City hardly has any night life to offer (again, except you have enough money to spend in those expensive bar’s and hotels, unlike Mumbai). Major reason for this are the highest level of security required for this capital city of India and second the ’’Culture’’ itself. Also, government is taking strange decisions to kill whatever nightlife this city have, such as the recent decision of closing the shops by 7 PM ( 7 PM? can you beat it, no one reaches home before 8 here after his/her office).However, Call Centers are rapidly changing the face of Delhi with youngsters from different cities making a mark of their own.
Chapter three - Tourist Places
Not much to talk about, there is enough data on net. A couple of Do’s and Don’ts for tourists.
Do’s
Always carry water with you specially if you are visiting in summers
Plan your trip keeping in mind the regular traffic jams.
Hire a Taxi before hand and make sure driver is not new to the city.
Dont’s
If you haven’t hired a Taxi and using Auto from one destination to other, quote 60% of what Auto Wallah has offered.
If foreigner, don’t respond to comments from ’’locals’’.
Don’t stay in hotels nearby Railway Station (Pahar Ganj) if you are with family, they are cheap but you never know that there might be prostitution going on next to your room.
Overall, Delhi is a nice place to be in after you know how to deal with all those whom I have mentioned above. The city is beautiful at night for long drives (specially the lutyen’s Delhi).