Category Archives: Delhi

The Finest Clubs for Partying the Night Away in New Delhi

delhi-nightlife

The vibrant capital of India -New Delhi – has a pulsating night life scene. Thronged by the youth, there are many clubs in Delhi that meet international standards in terms of music, food, service, ambience and safety. To make sure that you party at only the best places, we have put together a list of top five clubs in Delhi that you can consider if you are looking to paint the town red during your New Delhi visit:

Kitty Su, Vasant Kunj

Kitty Su is located in Vasant Kunj in South Delhi and is one of the most happening clubs in the city. Frequented by the plush South Delhi crowd, the club remains open till 3am in the night. Fans of EDM are sure to have a great time as the club is known for playing some intense EDM numbers. Kitty Su is divided into a Champagne lounge, an ‘A’ list section, a mini club, a tattoo parlour and a salon. The club remains open three days a week – Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  A night of partying for two people will cost approximately INR 3500 here.

Keya, Vasant Kunj

Located in the plush DLF Promenade Mall of Vasant Kunj, Keya impresses its visitors with its romantic outdoor seating area, a huge open lounge area and a classic indoor nightclub ambiance. Costing approximately INR 4000 for a night of dining and wining, Keya is one of the more expensive clubs in Delhi. Their signature cocktails remain quite popular and its hospitality plays a huge role in drawing visitors to the club.

The Electric Room, Lodhi Road

Newly opened, The Electric Room has everyone swooning over its live music performances. The club-goers are particularly excited about the Gin Fizz, Kimchi Bloody Mary and the Pomegranate Caprioska cocktails served here. And in then food department, the Crispy Soft Shell Crab Tempura Roll, the Philadelphia Rolls and Mac n Cheese has many takers. Perfect for an after-party, the club remains open till 4am. Depending upon the day of the week, the talented line-up of artists will make you groove to the Indie and Experimental music, the Club Tunes and the Underground music as well as the Pop Rock and Hard Rock music.

Lithiyum, Ashoka Hotel, Chanakyapuri

Launched in July 2017, Lithiyum is already making news, and getting rave reviews for being the first international and premium club, lounge and fine dine property in New Delhi. Divided into the Club Room, the Drawing Room & Arena, Lithiyum is being promoted as one of the best fine dining places, gastropub nightclubs and cocktailerias in the capital city. The club is also being appreciated for its brilliant lighting and sound system.

Privee’, Connaught Place

Located in the Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel, Privee’ enjoys a huge popularity amidst all the party people in the town. The club boasts a huge dance floor, and is all the rave for the hip hop music that specially plays here on Sundays. Their delectable cocktails are one of the best things about this place. It is important to note that the club hosts expat nights as well as ladies nights every Thursday.

Winter Fun in New Delhi, India

Many people in the UK have a notion that Delhi is a very hot place and they are not wrong, as the mercury does rise drastically during the summer months. But many overlook the fact that during winters, the temperature can dip remarkably low, resulting in cold and dry weather. However, winter

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is welcomed in India with great enthusiasm. If you are thinking of visiting Delhi in this season, here are some of the things Delhi has to offer, that you can do to beat the chill while having fun.

Eating Hot Momos

While it is not clear how or when Momos became an integral part of Delhi’s fast-food cuisine, most the people are thankful that it is available in the streets of Delhi. Traditionally Momos are steamed or fried dumplings served with a tangy spicy chilli sauce, making it a perfect comfort food during

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winters. They were said to have been brought by the Buddhist monks. For traditional Momos, we’d recommend you to go to “Majnu ka Teela” situated in the northern part of Delhi.
Tip: You should definitely try the improvised “tandoori momos” that suit the palettes of the locals, at Satya Niketan market near the South Campus of Delhi University.

Fun and Frolic by a Bonfire

The joy of sitting together for a bonfire-session on the terrace, porch or garden is slowly fading away with time. In the age of central heating systems and radiators, people in a metropolitan city rarely engage in the tradition of bonfire parties which involves singing, storytelling, dancing, eating and a lot of party games. Luckily, Delhi is among the few cities where this culture is still alive and people often host bonfire and barbecue parties. You can ask locals as well as various expatriate groups about getting an invite to bonfire parties.
Tip: You can host your own party at an open space; all you need are some friends, a bonfire and good food.

Going on Picnics

If you are planning to go sightseeing with your family, remember to pack a picnic basket, as most of the heritage sites have an open area where you can relax and picnic with your family. The best part is, unlike some countries where you have to buy tickets to reserve picnic sites, several monuments in Delhi, such as the Hauz Khas complex and Lodhi gardens are free for the public.
Tip: If you are travelling alone, you should definitely spend a day out in the lawns, basking in the warm and pleasant sunshine with a book and some munchies.

Top Upcoming Delhi Events during October-November’15

Delhi, the capital of India is a vibrant city with varied shades. Every month, a number of cultural, social, historical artistic and literary events and activities here beckon a large number of participants from different fields.

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If you are in Delhi between October and November, and love arts, culture, literature and history, then you should take a look at the top events that are slated to be held here.

Kaafiya- The Poetry Festival

On 10th and 11th October, 2015, Kaafiya- The Poetry Festival will be held to celebrate and revive the trend of poetry with other forms of art. If you are a poetry enthusiast, this is the place to be, as the festival aims to bring different styles of poets and poetry together on a common platform. Kaafiya aspires to make Delhi, the poetry capital of India and gradually the whole world, by uniting people from different places, cultures and styles here. The two day event is going to take place at the India Habitat Centre, in Lodhi Road and will feature various distinguished personalities such as Deepti Naval, Ashok Chakradhar, Sukrita Paul Kumar, Sohail Hashmi, Peggy Mohan, Rashmi Khanna, Darain Shahidi and Abdul Bismillah. The events will include poetry and other subjects such as dance, painting, psychology, history and photography. You do not need tickets to attend the event as it is open to everyone. Visit their official website for more information.

Delhi Photo Festival

On 30th October, Delhi Photo Festival will work its magic on one and all. The aim of the Festival is to depict photography as an art form, by taking independent art into the public space, for people to understand, appreciate, and learn from the different photographic mediums. Although the main events and exhibitions are going to be held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, a few of the leading art institutions and art galleries in Delhi will also be coming together to showcase independent events and exhibitions at their own galleries making it a city-wide festival. As Delhi Photo Festival is a non-profit venture, there are no entry fees or tickets to the main venues. The festival will last from 30th October to 8th November.

Hemis Festival: Another Enthralling Reason to Visit Ladakh

June is probably the best time to visit Ladakh, the largest region in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The warm weather is perfect to explore the region’s unbelievable natural beauty. It is also the time when Ladakh celebrates the much-awaited Hemis Festival at the famous Hemis Gompa. Depicting the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the fascinating Hemis Festival draws culture-enthusiasts from far and wide. In 2015, the carnival will be held on 26th and 27th June.

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Festivity

Celebrating the birth anniversary of the great Buddhist leader, Guru Padmasambhava, this two-day carnival has a lot in store for the visitors. The Hemis Gompa where this festival takes place comes alive with loads of music and dancing. The ceremony begins at dawn, and showcases the glory of Buddhism with lots of drum beating and clashing of cymbals. The ceremony is followed by the unique dance performance by masked Lamas. The performers gather around the central flagpole and dance in enchanting ways. This performance is the main highlight of Hemis Festival, and is something that never fails to enthral visitors.

Shopping for a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts is another highlight of the festival. You can pick from a range of hand-made shawls, traditional ornaments, and various other items sold at numerous stalls and shops at the fair. Make sure that you don’t miss the opportunity to try out the local delicacies.

Hemis-GompaAbout Hemis Gompa

Situated 45kms from Leh, Hemis Gompa is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Jammu & Kashmir. Apart from its unique architectural beauty, the gompa is famous for its awe-inspiring collection of historical paintings, artefacts and Thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). Inside the gompa are many statues, including the large, ornamented statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

How to Reach There

Leh has an airport with regular flights from Delhi, the national capital of India.  From Leh Airport, tourists can hire taxis or board buses to reach Hemis Monastery. Buses and taxis are easily available right outside the airport terminal.

Some Popular Bars and Bistros in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi’s Party Hub

The mere mention of Hauz Khas Village light up the faces of those who have delved into Delhi’s heart-throbbing nightlife and seek to get more. Hauz Khas Village is one of the most happening corners in the Indian capital that brims with an eclectic choice of fun avenues!! Whether you’re a wine cognoscente, a food-lover, an active hipster or indolent epicurean, Hauz Khas Village boasts everything you require for your kind of night-out in Delhi. Listed below are good options to taste a regaling nightlife in Hauz Khas Village, the glittering party hub of Delhi.

Some-Popular-Bars-and-Bistros-in-Hauz-Khas-Village-Delhi-Party-Hub

U n Me Lounge Bar

With delicious Chinese cuisines, extensive beverage menu, beautiful decor and soothing ambience, this captivating bar in main market of Hauz Khas Village overwhelms one and all. Price is quite pocket-friendly, when it comes to dining as well as wining. It attracts a huge crowd including both locals and international tourists who have spent on flights and holiday deals for the Indian capital.

Botttegger

If you’re after best alcohol, Bottlegger is the place to be. Their innovative cocktail menu has everything from Rum to Whiskey and a whimsical blend of various quality wines from across the globe. Try Chicken Bites with Bbq Sauce or Chicken Caesar Salad to give your taste buds a pleasing experience! The ambiance as well as hospitality at Bottlegger is par excellence, attracting many who have grabbed tickets on flights for a fun-filled holiday in Delhi.

Social Offline

An understated, welcoming place to relish the company of friends while gorging on quality food and wine, Social Offline offers the best of both worlds. Add to that interesting art and photography exhibits, stand-up comedy act or a live DJ performance, and that’s Social Offline for you to have a wonderful night-out in Delhi.

Fork You

The extensive menu at ‘Fork You’ specialises in delicious burgers and chilled beer, making it a great place to hang out with friends. Located near Green Park Metro Station, this swanky establishment is fast becoming a vital part of beer scene in the area. A range of burgers are main highlights of food menu; however, you can try several other delicacies as well. Panko Fried Prawns, Smoked Barbecued Chicken and Pesto Olive Chicken are the specialities at Fork You that are sure to delight international foodies arriving here after disembarking their Delhi bound flights.

Best Places to Relish Ethnic Shopping in Delhi, India’s Cultural Hub!

Delhi, India’s colourful capital, boasts a cultural diversity like no other city in the world. From diverse dining to deep-rooted history and multi-hued festivals, Delhi beckons you to soak in its cultural ecstasy till you feel satiated to the core! Among the many prerogatives that culture-vultures enjoy after de-boarding their flights in the metropolis, ethnic shopping, to bring back home some exquisite souvenirs and exotic memories, is the most enchanting one. In fact, buying interesting local items from the city’s fine markets is a highlight of all Delhi tours. Check out these popular shopping spots where one can get the best ethnic deals!

Dilli Haat, INA

Delhi Haat by meenakshi madhavan/ CC BY

Delhi Haat by meenakshi madhavan/ CC BY

Located in South Delhi, this wonderful cultural quarter is a haven for souvenir hunters and epicureans, alike. Plenty of stalls and shops here offer rich picking for ethnic Indian apparel, interesting paintings, jewellery, arts and crafts and several other Indian indigenous goods. Moreover, there are great Indian delicacies to savour – North Indian, South Indian, Rajasathani, Mughlai… the list goes on. Not surprisingly, Dilli Haat has been a big hit with culture-vultures who spend on flights’ tickets and holiday deals for the Indian capital.

Janpath, Central Delhi

The vibe of this heritage market is appealing and so is the range of products on offer! The many shops here sell a broad array of ethnic stuff, ranging from clothes to footwear and bags to decorative artefacts, and attract shopaholics from far and wide. Bibliophiles will surely love this place; books from virtually all genres are sold here at highly affordable rates. Also, with Palika Bazaar, the famous underground market in Connaught Place, just a stone’s throw away, budget shoppers arriving here will surely get the maximum bang for their money invested on flights, hotels and other holiday essentials!

The Hauz Khas Village

Qutub-MinarNestling in the shadow of the soaring Qutub Minar, the Hauz Khas Village blends history with creativity. After a tryst with the 12th century tall minaret, depicting the rich Mughal history in India, you can head to the special boutiques and galleries in the village selling some of the best brands in designer wear and exquisite old textiles. Several bars and restaurants in Hauz Khas Village are also to be found, which catch the fancy of most epicureans buying air tickets for holidaying in Delhi. Popular venues to shop here include Nalini Malhotra’s A Touch of Gold, Ashish Anand’s Delhi Art Gallery and Krishna at Chaupal.

Get an Overview of Skiing in Auli – the Ski Capital of India

Get-an-Overview-of-Skiing-in-Auli---the-Ski-Capital-of-India

When it comes to skiing in India, Auli is an inevitable name in the lists of adrenaline junkies. Pearly white bed of snow, majesty of oak trees and an undefined captivation collectively make up the first impression of Auli, the skiing capital of India. There are only a few ski areas in India that feature world class cable car systems and gondola rides; and Auli tops this list. Planning to experience the magnificence of this heaven? Read on to know more about this top notch ski resort in India.

Location and Accessibility

It is strategically located in the state of Uttrakhand and travellers seeking flights to reach Auli can buy tickets to disembark at Dehradun from where Auli is less than 300 kilometres. Also, travellers boarding flights to Delhi seek availability of train tickets till Haridwar. Last leg of the journey is covered by Cable Car. This ride through the irresistible beauty of the surroundings is sure to take away all of your fatigue and anxiety.

Best Time to Visit

Undoubtedly, winter is the season to plan a holiday in Auli. In India, winter season lies between November and February (starting) but here you can enjoy skiing from end of December till March. Remember to bring quality woollen clothes including caps, gloves and snowshoes. You can consider bringing your own skiing gear but majority of travellers keep their baggage light as quality gear is available on rent at the resort.

Ski Training

If you are novice, don’t shy away from grabbing tickets to visit Auli as you can enrol with a 7-day or 14-day course to hone your skiing skills under the supervision of experts. Those looking for a certification should opt for 14-day course which offer only 15 seats.

Major Attractions

Skiing, certainly, is the top attraction in Auli. Ski lovers netting tickets to admire the snowy facade of India must consider adding this resort to their itineraries. Besides skiing, trekking is also emerging as a popular activity here. Another highlight of this area is Artificial Lake, which is the highest manmade lake in the world.

Delhi Airport Express-The Quickest Way to Move to and From the Airport

Delhi-Airport-Express

Delhi Airport Express has emerged as one of the fastest modes to travel to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). A good number of arriving as well as departing passengers who book tickets for flights make use of this service. The Delhi Metro Line, also known as the Orange line, runs from New Delhi Metro Station to Dwarka Sector 21 and links the international airport. New Delhi Station (near Delhi’s CBD Connaught Place); Shivaji Stadium; Dhaula Kuan; Delhi Aerocity; IGI Airport and Dwarka Sector 21 are the six metro stations that fall on this line and are called City Airport Terminals. IGI station is situated opposite to Terminal 3’s arrival halls. One can reach the arrivals gate No.2&4 through the subway that connects it to the station.

Best of Both the Worlds

Delhi Airport Express offers best of both the worlds to passengers who take Delhi bound flights and arrive here. It takes 18 minutes from New Delhi to the Airport T3 and makes for the fastest mode for moving to the airport. These trains run at 15 minutes interval. Comfort and conveniences are the added fillips for travellers who take Delhi Airport Express for getting to the gateway. They can relax at cushioned seats and sound resistant coaches. Every coach features the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) and LED based Line Route Maps to provide constant information. There is also a wheel chair facility for fliers with special needs.

In Town check-in

Much more than a way of travel, the airport line is a bundle of conveniences that ensures a remarkable continuance to the journey of passengers who take Delhi bound flights. One of the best advantages is city-check in facility. Now passengers can handily check-in for their flights from station and obtain boarding pass at the city check-in counter. They can also check-in their luggage and it will be directly transferred to IGI Airport, Terminal 3, through a secured Baggage Handling System (BHS). One can check in up to 8 hours prior to the departure time of their flights. City Check-in facility is available to all air passengers with a valid Delhi Airport Express Ticket to IGI Airport Station.

Three Interesting Venues to Visit in the Central Part of Delhi, India

Delhi, India is a fantastic holiday destination, given the large variety of sightseeing and other offerings of the place. A number of people who plan India holidays make it a point to include a few days trip to the wonderful capital of the country. While everyone who is booking flights to the city is somewhat aware of the major charms of the place, there are certain venues and spots that are usually left unchecked while on holidays here. The central part of Delhi is one such area that is generally skipped over considering it mostly boasts high-security bungalows of bureaucrats and the political class. But there are certain spots that must be paid a visit to in case it is a comprehensive tour of the city that’s sought post the booking of flights.

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Talkatora Gardens

It is a lush park right beside the President’s House in the very middle of the city. Not many tourists are seen entering the premises of this beautiful green park that also boasts of various historical remnants. But those who indeed make a visit here will find it an apt place to spend a quiet evening. There is a separate playground for kids with swings and slides, which make it even more engaging for families who are on a detailed tour of the city.

Gyarah Murti

Gyarah Murti (11 Statues) is a fantastic place that cannot be termed any less popular than any other top attraction of Delhi. It is just that it is often over-looked by tourists as it located right at corner of a busy intersection. Those who take the trouble of parking their vehicles will find it an incredible remnant of India’s independence movement. It is a depiction of Mahatma Gandhi’s famous Dandi March and is sure to impress the history lovers who board flights to Delhi.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is not very far off from Gyarah Murti. In fact, a single road connects the both. So it makes all the sense in the world to pay a visit to the venue. It was the residence of the former Prime Minister of India and was later converted into a museum. People who are aware of Indian history will know that the Nehru-Gandhi family has played a very prominent role in Indian politics. It sure is a fine place to visit if one seeks to understand the country’s complicated political legacy after boarding flights to the city.

Delhi Brunches – Gastronomic Sophistication at its Best!

The multidimensional facet of Delhi, the capital city of India, is depicted by its tantalizing assortment of monuments, museums, cultural activities and of course, most sought after spots to savour delectable fare. Street food is an allure for numerous foodies disembarking their flights to Delhi Airport. If you want to gorge on scrummy dishes whilst experiencing the upscale service, choose from plethora of hi-end restaurants located across the city. Such establishments entice epicureans with their extensive brunch menus. Here’s a list of few of the most notable ones.

Magique

Magique is a villa-styled eating joint located at Garden of Five Senses, a prominent park in South Delhi. The open-air setting and top picks from international cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Chinese in addition to specialities from various parts of India make for an impressive spot to relish delicious brunch amidst quaint surroundings. Aromas of grilled items such as Jumbo Prawns and Kiwi Lamp Chops sprinkled with lemon garlic butter tickle the senses of the most discerning gluttons. Dessert lovers boarding Delhi bound flights can satiate their appetite for desserts while enjoying a luxurious brunch at Magique and taste Dreamy Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake-and-Mousse.

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Cosy ambience, lavish decor and an incredible assortment of wines and scrumptious salads, desserts, pizzas and more is just a glimpse of Olive Beach. This snazzy restaurant is an integral part of Hotel Diplomat located at Chankyapuri, one of the most affluent areas in the city and a sure visit for people who travel by premium class on flights! Presentation and taste of even the most common food items of India, Europe and Middle East on the brunch menu are enhanced by the experiments of celebrated Chef Saby and are a lure for foodies booking flights to explore the uniqueness of Delhi’s gastronomy.

Brunch at Drift offers sumptuous options for epicureans craving for delicacies from North India, South India, France, Italy, China and Americas. Their menu is peppered with baked items such as croissants and doughnuts apart from pasta and broiled fish. International travelers dining here can ill afford to miss out on ordering something at the Prantha Station that specializes in serving north Indian specialty parantha, flat bread stuffed with variety of ingredients.