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Delhi is a daunting city. It sprawls uncontrollably over a vast tract of the Jamuna plain, its population (13.8 million at the last count) is a seething mass of humanity and its poverty and pollution challenge the sensibilities and respiratory systems of even the most hardened travellers. Those who look beyond the squalor that envelops much of the city, the thundering traffic, the acrid smog and the constant demands of the hustlers will find delights at every turn - historical, architectural, floral and culinary - quite apart from the vivid colour, eastern eccentricity and restless vibrancy that give Delhi its spirit.

Delhi has been the capital of India since Independence in 1947, but even before that, the British moved their capital here from Calcutta in 1911. For much of its history, Delhi was the centre of power of the various Muslim dynasties that ruled swathes of the subcontinent from the 12th century onwards. Modern Delhi is really two cities: Old Delhi, packed into the narrow, filthy streets beneath the Red Fort's imposing walls, and New Delhi, which is its polar opposite, complete with the grandiose Imperial citadel, broad, leafy boulevards and well-spaced bungalows, as laid out by Lutyens and Baker in the 1920s. Old Delhi, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is only the latest of seven cities that have existed in this location since the Muslims first arrived. Around New Delhi, particularly in the area known as Transjamuna, across the river from the Old City, are the suburbs and slums that have sprung up to accommodate a population that has increased, more by migration than by natural increment, by 46% between 1991 and 2001 (latest figure available). This population explosion has brought greater poverty and more wretched degradation in its wake - 45% of Delhis inhabitants live in slum accommodation and there are beggars on every street corner. In India, literacy rates are improving sharply, but in Delhi, illiteracy continues, marginally, to grow.

As well as being a starting-point for visiting Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal, or the cities and forts of Rajasthan, Delhi itself has much to offer. The architectural legacy of the Islamic conquerors is rich and varied, the colonial centre is imposingly impressive; there are some interesting museums and the citys bazaars and shops offer a bewildering array of goods, from spices and silks to car spare parts. The citys restaurants tempt the visitor with a wide variety of delicious food, which by Western standards is mostly very reasonably priced.

Summer in Delhi is best avoided. From mid-April, the temperature rises inexorably. For much of May, June and July the thermometer is stuck at around 45C (113F), before the monsoon brings some relief. The best time to visit is February or March.

Despite its long history, Delhi as a city is in fact very young. At partition in 1947, Delhi was radically and permanently changed, more or less overnight. With the creation of a predominately Hindu India and an exclusively Muslim Pakistan, there was a mass migration of peoples in both directions and sectarian bloodletting on a horrifying scale. Having been largely Muslim, before 1947, at Partition Delhi became a Hindu and Sikh, Punjabi-speaking city. At the same time, the population virtually doubled, despite the mass exodus of Muslims. This astonishing, artificial demographic change does much to explain Delhis brashness and insecurity - in many respects, it is a city that is only half a century old.
  • Humayun's Tomb
    The second Mughal Emperor Humayun died in 1556, and his Persian wife, Hamida Begum, supervised the construction of his tomb from 1562-1572, designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. The beautiful mausoleum, built of red sandstone and red and white marble, sits in the centre of an enclosure on a large platform and has a series of cells with arched openings.
  • Jama Masjid
    The largest mosque in India, Delhi's Jama Masjid was originally called Masjid-i-Jahanuma, meaning "the mosque commanding a view of the world". It is the last architectural work of Shah Jahan and was begun in 1644, completed in 1658.
  • National Museum
    The National Museum is the largest in Delhi. Around 200,000 exhibits of exquisite art provide a detailed insight into Indian history and cultural heritage.
  • Lodi Gardens
    As well as providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, the Lodi Gardens harbour a number of beautiful tombs and a fine collection of tropical shrubs and trees.
  • Red Fort
    In 1638 when the capital of India was moved from Agra to Delhi, a new royal palace was constructed for the then-ruler of the Mughal Dynasty, Shah Jahan. Known as the Red Fort, or Lal Qila, it was completed in 1648. The name derives from its massive red sandstone walls, some up to 110 feet high, which surround this magnificent work of Mughal architecture. The palace itself is made of white marble and decorated in gold and precious stones.

Airport Guide

(New Delhi) Indira Gandhi International Airport

Airport Information

Country

India

Address

Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi 110 037, India

Country Code

91

Telephone

(0)11 2567 5126 (Terminal 1) or (0)11 2565 2011/21 (Terminal 2)

Fax

(0)11 2567 5444 (Terminal 1) or (0)11 2565 2030 (Terminal 2)

E-mail

apdigia@nde.vsnl.net.in

Website

www.airportsindia.org.in

Location

The airport is located 23km (14 miles) south of New Delhi

Time Zone

GMT + 5.5

Number of Terminals

2

Transfer between Terminals

The International Terminal (Terminal 2) is about 5km (3 miles) away from the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1) at Palam. There is a free transfer shuttle between the terminals. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India also operate a free shuttle running 24 hours; information counters are situated in the Arrivals areas of both terminals.

Car Parking

Car parking is available at both terminals. There are two car parks at Terminal 2 (premium and standard parking); a premium car park is also situated outside Terminal 1 (hall B). Free transfer is provided between Terminal 2 and the car park.

Car Hire

Car hire is available from Nitin Transport Company outside the customs halls at both terminals; however, there is no facility for hiring self-drive cars at the airport, as these are not generally available in India.

Public Transport

Road: Taxi: Delhi Traffic Police pre-paid taxi booths, located in the Arrivals areas of both terminals, issue vouchers for travel to the city; travellers should retain the receipt until reaching the desired destination and then hand it to the driver. Metered taxis and auto rickshaws are also available. Bus: Buses run from the Arrivals area of Terminal 2 to central Delhi via Terminal 1 24 hours a day (journey time: 50 minutes). A railway reservations desk is located in the Arrivals area of Terminal 2 for passengers wanting to connect with the railway. Coach: An air-conditioned coach service is available; bookings and information is available in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 2.

Information and Help Desks

There are information counters in both terminals. An Airport Manager Office is located at both terminals for 24 hour information and assistance.

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Banks, bureau de change facilities, a post office and credit-card operated Internet kiosks are provided at both terminals. Eating and drinking: There are snack bars and restaurants in Arrivals and Departures areas. Shopping: There are duty-free shops in both the Arrivals and Departures lounges. The Terminal 2 transit lounge has duty-free and speciality shops. Luggage: There is a left-luggage facility at the premium car park area near Terminal 2 and the standard car park opposite Terminal 1. A baggage wrapping service is available in Terminal 2. Lost property is at the Airport Manager Offices in both terminals. Other facilities: There is a pharmacy in the International Terminal and medical units in both terminals, manned by a doctor 24-hours a day. Resting rooms and baby care rooms are available at both terminals.

Conference and Business Facilities

Executive lounges with business facilities are located in Terminal 1 halls A and B. The Maharaja Lounge is situated in transit area of Terminal 2; other lounges are available. Conference and banqueting facilities are available at the Centaur Hotel (tel: (0)11 565 2223), is situated near Terminal 2.

Disabled Facilities

Toilets and ambulift facilities for disabled travellers are available; passengers should request any special assistance when booking their tickets. There is a special parking area for disabled travellers.

Airport Hotels

The Centaur Hotel (tel: (0)11 565 2223) is located on site, 1km (0.5 mile) from Terminal 2. Nearby hotels include the Radisson Hotel New Delhi, Taj Palace Hotel, Hotel Vasant Continental, Hotel Ashok, Le Meridien Delhi, The Oberoi New Delhi, The Imperial, Ambassador Hotel and The Taj Mahal Hotel, all within 15km (9 miles) of the airport. Hotels and travel agents can arrange airport transfer by taxi (book in advance).

City

New Delhi

Full Airport Name

(Delhi) Indira Gandhi International Airport

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