updates, changes also made to wt
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Revision as of 12:26, 28 February 2015
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====Hop on Hop off====
====Hop on Hop off====
[[Image:HoHo - Delhi Tourism Bus.jpg|thumb|Hop on Hop off Delhi Tourism Bus]]
[[Image:HoHo - Delhi Tourism Bus.jpg|thumb|Hop on Hop off Delhi Tourism Bus]]
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Delhi Tourism
has
a "[http://www.hohodelhi.com Hop On Hop Off] (HOHO)" bus service, (Helpline) ☎ +91 11 4094 0000. A fleet of air conditioned low floored buses follow a pre-defined set of stops around the city and passengers can ''hop'' off the bus, see the place at one's own convenience and ''hop'' on the next bus. The service runs on a 45 minute interval and covers important monuments, memorials, museums and shopping places in the city. Each bus is staffed with a knowledgeable English speaking guide. The ticket costs ₹ 300 and is valid for 2 consecutive days. The service does not operate on Mondays.
+
Delhi Tourism
operates
a "[http://www.hohodelhi.com Hop On Hop Off] (HOHO)" bus service, (Helpline) ☎ +91 11 4094 0000. A fleet of air conditioned low floored buses follow a pre-defined set of stops around the city and passengers can ''hop'' off the bus, see the place at one's own convenience and ''hop'' on the next bus. The service runs on a 45 minute interval and covers important monuments, memorials, museums and shopping places in the city. Each bus is staffed with a knowledgeable English speaking guide. The ticket costs ₹ 300 and is valid for 2 consecutive days. The service does not operate on Mondays.
===By taxi===
===By taxi===
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There are also car rental portals which provide car rental services in and around Delhi.
There are also car rental portals which provide car rental services in and around Delhi.
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You shouldn't take non-official taxis, sometimes they take you to a wrong hotel, or to a "tourist information centre", and try to sell you overpriced things.
These are generally known to fleece and rip off tourists. It is better to keep a safe distance from these guys.
+
You shouldn't take non-official taxis, sometimes they take you to a wrong hotel, or to a "tourist information centre", and try to sell you overpriced things.
===By auto rickshaws===
===By auto rickshaws===
−
[[Image:Auto-rickshaw.JPG|thumb|250px|Auto-rickshaws - no doors]]
[[Image:Auto-rickshaw.JPG|thumb|250px|Auto-rickshaws - no doors]]
−
'''Auto rickshaws''' (also called '''three-wheeled scooters''', '''tuk-tuks''' or simply '''autos''') are good for shorter trips. Always in a distinctive '''yellow-and-green''' livery, auto rickshaws are three-wheeled partially enclosed contraptions (no doors!) that run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. In general, they are much cheaper than taxis and can be hailed from the street. Although by law the rickshaw drivers should charge according to the meter in their vehicle (₹25 for the first two kms, ₹8/km after), this rate is unrealistically low and they will almost always try to [[haggle]] for price.
In May 2013, base rates increased from ₹19
to
₹25 and from ₹6.5 to ₹8/km thereafter. Many drivers have not updated their electronic meters and will use this as
a
way
to
haggle for vastly more money - "This is old rate, new rate ₹80!" If their meter says ₹19 when you get in, they aren't lying about not having updated, but are likely exaggerating
the
new rate, which should only be roughly 25-30% higher than the displayed rate, not double or triple as some will claim
. As rules of thumb, expect even the shortest journey to cost ₹30-40 regardless of the meter, but you should never need to pay over ₹150 for any trip within the city. If you're overquoted, don't be afraid to walk away. It's usually easy to find another one soon, usually with a driver who won't rip you off.
+
'''Auto rickshaws''' (also called '''three-wheeled scooters''', '''tuk-tuks''' or simply '''autos''') are good for shorter trips. Always in a distinctive '''yellow-and-green''' livery, auto rickshaws are three-wheeled partially enclosed contraptions (no doors!) that run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. In general, they are much cheaper than taxis and can be hailed from the street. Although by law the rickshaw drivers should charge according to the meter in their vehicle (₹25 for the first two kms, ₹8/km after), this rate is unrealistically low and they will almost always try to [[haggle]] for price.
Try
to
negotiate
a
price
before
entering
the
vehicle
. As rules of thumb, expect even the shortest journey to cost ₹30-40 regardless of the meter, but you should never need to pay over ₹150 for any trip within the city. If you're overquoted, don't be afraid to walk away. It's usually easy to find another one soon, usually with a driver who won't rip you off.
−
If you have any trouble with
them
, go to any of the numerous tourist police stations in the city center and they will give you a complaint slip which will result in a
₹ 500
fine for the auto driver. There should also be a telephone number written on the vehicle to call in case of any complaint.
+
If you have any trouble with
drivers
, go to any of the numerous tourist police stations in the city center and they will give you a complaint slip which will result in a
₹500
fine for the auto driver. There should also be a telephone number written on the vehicle to call in case of any complaint.
−
There are a number of "Pre-paid"
Auto
stands run by the Police
, at all railway stations and bus stands, and also several other locations in the city
.
Tell them where you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include
₹ 5
for the service.
You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the auto driver and that's it.
Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).
+
There are a number of "Pre-paid"
auto
stands run by the Police. Tell them where you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include
₹5
for the service. You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the auto driver and that's it. Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).
===By cycle rickshaws===
===By cycle rickshaws===
[[Image:ChawriBazaar JamaMasjid.JPG|thumb|Traffic in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazaar, facing Jama Masjid]]
[[Image:ChawriBazaar JamaMasjid.JPG|thumb|Traffic in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazaar, facing Jama Masjid]]
−
Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled, pedal-powered rickshaws with seats in the back to seat passengers and a driver in the front. They are good for short distances, or places which are too far to walk but too short for taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws don't use meters, so establish a price before getting on.
₹ 15
is reasonable for most journeys of
1–2
km.
+
Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled, pedal-powered rickshaws with seats in the back to seat passengers and a driver in the front. They are good for short distances, or places which are too far to walk but too short for taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws don't use meters, so establish a price before getting on.
₹20-50
is reasonable for most journeys of
a few
km.
−
Cycle rickshaws are best to use in Old Delhi to visit the intricate
''
galis
''
(walkways) and to enjoy the smells and sounds of the city.
+
Cycle rickshaws are best to use in Old Delhi to visit the intricate galis (walkways) and to enjoy the smells and sounds of the city.
===On foot===
===On foot===
[[Image:Salt March Statue.jpg|thumb|300px|Gandhi's famed Salt March]]
[[Image:Salt March Statue.jpg|thumb|300px|Gandhi's famed Salt March]]
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Much of Delhi is quite pedestrian-hostile.
Distances are long, road signage is poor, and in the more tourist oriented areas, you'll be constantly accosted by beggars and touts. Crossing roads often involves wading across multiple lanes of heavy traffic. Try your best to move in a predictable straight line, so vehicles can weave around you. (Better yet, latch onto a group of locals and cross in their shadow.) If you really want to walk around, these places would be good:
+
Much of Delhi is quite pedestrian-hostile. Distances are long, road signage is poor, and in the more tourist oriented areas, you'll be constantly accosted by beggars and touts. Crossing roads often involves wading across multiple lanes of heavy traffic. Try your best to move in a predictable straight line, so vehicles can weave around you. (Better yet, latch onto a group of locals and cross in their shadow.) If you really want to walk around, these places would be good:
* Walk from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's house) to India Gate on the Rajpath (a walk of close to 3–4 km).
* Walk from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's house) to India Gate on the Rajpath (a walk of close to 3–4 km).
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* There are many walks that you can do in Old and central Delhi.
* There are many walks that you can do in Old and central Delhi.
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==Talk==
−
−
The native language of the Delhi area is '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''', which also happens to be the main official language of the Union Government. Almost everybody you meet will be able to speak Hindi, quite often with the Bihari and Punjabi accents. Most educated people will also be fluent in English, and many shopkeepers and taxi drivers will have a functional command of English. [[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]] and Urdu are also official languages, but they are spoken much less widely. The Hindi spoken in Delhi is quite Persianized, similar to the Hindi spoken in [[Uttar Pradesh|Western Uttar Pradesh]] and much less Sanskritized than the Hindi spoken in [[Madhya Pradesh]]. Signage is usually bilingual in Hindi and English, but some road signs (especially in South and Central Delhi) are in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu. Announcements on the metro are in Hindi (male voice) and English (female voice).
==See==
==See==
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==Eat==
==Eat==
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[[Image:Street Food.jpg|thumb|250px|Street Food]]
[[Image:Street Food.jpg|thumb|250px|Street Food]]
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| content=403 rooms on 6 acres.
| content=403 rooms on 6 acres.
}}
}}
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==Stay healthy==
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−
Delhi is a hot, dusty city and combination of the two, may reduce visibility in the summer. In April through June, temperatures regularly top 40°C, meaning that proper hydration is of the utmost importance. In winter there can be seasonal fog; on particularly foggy days, it can be difficult to see across the street. If you happen to be traveling in or out of Delhi during the winters, be aware of fog-related flight delays.
−
−
Drink only packaged bottled water so you may avoid any water-related illness. Keep yourself covered in summers to avoid a heat stroke. Drink a lot of water, 3 liters a day, particularly in the summer. Sticking to freshly, well-cooked vegetarian food will lessen your chances on acquiring the "Delhi belly."
==Stay safe==
==Stay safe==
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For non-emergencies, or to report a crime, go to the police station.
For non-emergencies, or to report a crime, go to the police station.
+
+
==Stay healthy==
+
+
Delhi is a hot, dusty city and combination of the two, may reduce visibility in the summer. In April through June, temperatures regularly top 40°C, meaning that proper hydration is of the utmost importance. In winter there can be seasonal fog; on particularly foggy days, it can be difficult to see across the street. If you happen to be traveling in or out of Delhi during the winters, be aware of fog-related flight delays.
+
+
Drink only packaged bottled water so you may avoid any water-related illness. Keep yourself covered in summers to avoid a heat stroke. Drink a lot of water, 3 liters a day, particularly in the summer. Sticking to freshly, well-cooked vegetarian food will lessen your chances on acquiring the "Delhi belly."
==Connect==
==Connect==
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*'''Exercising''' outdoors is not recommended due to the level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. Instead, look for a hotel with a gym or a pool since many offer day passes. You can always try a morning or evening walk in the parks.
*'''Exercising''' outdoors is not recommended due to the level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. Instead, look for a hotel with a gym or a pool since many offer day passes. You can always try a morning or evening walk in the parks.
+
+
==Language==
+
+
The native language of the Delhi area is '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''', which also happens to be the main official language of the Union Government. Almost everybody you meet will be able to speak Hindi, quite often with the Bihari and Punjabi accents. Most educated people will also be fluent in English, and many shopkeepers and taxi drivers will have a functional command of English. [[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]] and Urdu are also official languages, but they are spoken much less widely. The Hindi spoken in Delhi is quite Persianized, similar to the Hindi spoken in [[Uttar Pradesh|Western Uttar Pradesh]] and much less Sanskritized than the Hindi spoken in [[Madhya Pradesh]]. Signage is usually bilingual in Hindi and English, but some road signs (especially in South and Central Delhi) are in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu. Announcements on the metro are in Hindi (male voice) and English (female voice).
===Embassies & High Commissions===
===Embassies & High Commissions===