A stopover in Delhi seems essential if you’re skiing in India at Gulmarg in Kashmir or going heliskiing in Manali. Many flight connections onto Srinagar or Manali necessitate a one night stay in Delhi, or you can choose to stay for a few days. Delhi is one of those places that you’re highly likely to love or hate. Either way, what’s guaranteed is that your senses will get an overload, unless of course you just stay cooped up inside your hotel.

Getting To & Around New Delhi

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is a busy airport, with many direct flights from around the world. You can look at flight options here.

Delhi is probably not the place to rent a car. Even the most adventurous travellers may find driving in Delhi is enough to fray the nerves, even if you’re adept at driving in a place where many road rules or international driving etiquette is not adhered to, and the roads are very congested.

Some of the Delhi airport hotels provide shuttle services to and from the airport, which offer peace of mind but can be a bit costly. Otherwise use one of the pre-paid taxi options inside the airport to get to your hotel. For your return flight or for connecting flights onto Srinagar the next day, allow lots of time before your flight because traffic, long check-in queues, and security lines can make the process very lengthy.

Many parts of New Delhi are surprisingly difficult to explore on foot, considering the 6-way roundabouts, lack of pedestrian road crossings, and numerous annoying touts. Auto-rickshaws are great for short trips, or use a cycle rickshaw to get around Old Delhi, whilst for longer trips get your hotel to organise a driver.

Naturally, keep your wits about you whilst using rickshaws or other modes of transport and don’t take the advice of the driver regarding the most amazing shop you must visit or a phenomenal hotel they know. Scams of all kinds are rife in Delhi, and if it’s your first time to India do not openly admit this or you’ll be a greater target.

Delhi Hotels

Many 5 star hotels in Delhi are surprisingly affordable, and 4 star hotels are usually of reasonable quality. There are also plenty of downright dodgy hotels in Delhi that are only fit for fleas.

Delhi is such a big city and there’s no one area that’s well placed to take in the major sights on foot. And a word of warning, Old Delhi is an intense place to visit but not a great area to stay.

We’ve stayed in Connaught Place in the heart of New Delhi in the upscale Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, which was fabulous.
 
New Delhi Hotels

Airport Hotels

There are numerous hotels close to the Delhi airport. For easy access to and from the airport, you can stay at one of the Aerocity hotels which are all 4 and 5 star rated.

The Ibis New Delhi Aerocity is a reasonably priced 4 star hotel in Aerocity.

The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is a no fuss 5 star hotel that offers very good value for money.

The Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport Hotel is just a 5 minute drive from Aerocity, and offers very deluxe accommodation.

If you don’t want to leave the airport, Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport is a hotel inside the terminal.

Aerocity Hotels

Delhi Activities

There are plenty of interesting sights in Delhi including lots of temples and monuments. India Gate is a war memorial surrounded by lovely gardens which is a quintessential landmark of Delhi. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar and the Bahá'í Lotus Temple Kalkaji which is shaped like a lotus bud, are other classic sights. Your best bet to go sightseeing in Delhi is to go on a private tour for the day, which will include your own driver and guide. Or include some Delhi exploration as part of a Golden Triangle Tour which also takes in the Taj Mahal and Jaipur. There are numerous Golden Triangle Tours available, and they’re surprisingly good and affordable due to hot competition for great reviews.

Shopping in Delhi can be a highlight or hell, depending on your perspective. If you’re on a tour, your guide will probably take you to a couple of places which you can probably politely decline or enjoy. Old Delhi is abuzz with all things colourful, gleaming and grubby, and there are many other emporiums and bazaars that are good places to shop in Delhi. Sharpen your elbows, don’t be afraid to barter, and really get it clear in your mind whether you truly need a sari. There are lots of Kashmiri handicrafts for sale in Delhi, so if you’re heading to Kashmir to go skiing in Gulmarg it seems prudent to make purchases in Kashmir, either in Gulmarg or in Srinagar, where you can feast on pashminas and famous Kashmir carpets.