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Government Tourist Office: 88 Janpath telephone 3320005.
They are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. You will need to ask for info as
rarely is it on display. There are also offices at the airports
and they can be contacted on 5694229 or 5665296. The
other tourist office is the Delhi Tourist Corporation and
it can be found on N.Block, Connaught Place or give them a call on
3313637
 Adventure
Club
Is only open to Indian nationals above the age of ten years and
promotes adventure activities. The club provides special packages
in all adventure activities -
parasailing, mountain
expeditions,
trekking,
rock climbing, adventure camps
and water sports,
including river
rafting in the Ganga. Further details are available
at the Delhi Tourism Adventure Tourism Division, 10th Floor, Mayur
Bhawan, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
 Art
Galleries
abound and there is much to see. Cruising through the
different art exhibitions and galleries of Delhi, one transcends
to a different world altogether. Delhi can boast to having one of
the most prestigious art galleries, The National Gallery of
Modern Art, an institution in itself. In 1976, The Lalit Kala
Academy, with the help of Delhi Development Authority, set up
studios known as Garhi, the artists’ haven. Inspired by the
city of art in Paris, where artists are provided with studios and
lodgings, Garhi was built on these lines.
 At
Anandgram in Qutab
Mehrauli is the Sanskriti Kendra, a serene sprawling
sanctuary for artists, craftsmen, as well as visitors. Set amidst
eight acres of land dotted with two thousand trees, the Sanskriti
Kendra was the brainchild of Mr. O. P. Jain, a distinguished art
collector. Here craftsmen live in mud huts reminiscent of their
village homes while, scholars are provided complete studio,
workshop, library, and residential facilities. The Kendra has an
art gallery for exhibition of work of artists, an auditorium and
an open-air amphitheatre.
Other important art galleries in Delhi include AIFACS Gallery, Art
Heritage, Art Today, Azad Bhawan Gallery, Center for Contemporary
Art, Delhi Art Gallery, Dhoomimal Art Center, National Gallery of
Modern Art, Triveni Kala Sangam, Wadhera Art Gallery, Sahitya Kala
Parishad, and many more.
 Azad
Hind Gram Tourist Complex
located at National Highway No. 10 at Tikri Kalan is a
project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space with wayside
amenities for the citizens. Located within two km of the Delhi
Haryana border on NH-10, it offers extensive plazas, an
amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden
shop, food kiosks, a restaurant and convention facilities. For
further details, please contact 5183102
 Bars
Anyone who has been to Delhi returns to tell stories about the
Rodeo Bar, A-Block, Connaught Place, because of the mock
saddle seats at the bar and its Indian waiters dressed, quite
preposterously, as cowboys. The Pegasus Bar, L-Block,
Connaught Place, is the most convincing attempt in Delhi to
replicate an English pub. The Maurya Sheraton, Diplomatic
Enclave, has a lively bar behind the lobby of the hotel, with a
golfing theme, while Henri’s at the top of the Meridien
Hotel, Windsor Place, offers a fine panorama of the city. The
celebrated Cavalry Bar, in the Oberoi Maidan Hotel, Civil
Lines, is a relic of the Raj and will appeal to those who like
bars to be simple yet smart. Rick’s, situated in the Taj
Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road offers live music. In Defence Colony
Market there is a new and deafeningly noisy bar above the
restaurant, Gola. Vasant Vihar boasts a TGI Fridays
– very popular with hip young Delhiites – and the Golden
Dragon,
both situated in C-Block, Market. Expresso bars are increasingly
popular and can be found in many areas of the city. The Barista
chain is the most widely established.
 Ballooning
The Balloon Club of India on 8-B, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
telephone 3317977 is a wonderful way to view the
surrounding area. Check it out…you won’t be disappointed.
Balloons generally hold from one to ten people and can rise to
heights of over 800 feet. The other place to contact regarding
this sport is Wanderlust located opposite the Hyatt Regency, New
Delhi. Contact them on 6875200 for more information.
 Bike
Safaris are an excellent
way to discover Delhi and its surrounds. Call Indian Shepherds
located at 491, Pocket C, Sector A, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on
6898191 for more information.
 Billiards
(Snooker) If your hotel
doesn't have these facilities and you are ken on a game then pop
by one of the following venues and challenge someone to a game.
Vertex, located at G-31 Kalkaji Extension call them on 6487180
or 6487280. Cues,
opposite the Priya cinema, 38
Vasant Vihar Community Centre. Give them a call on 6140598
or 6140475. Blade Point located at Jassum House, 44 AY 2
Kalu Sarai. Phone 6861353.
 Bird
Watching
in Delhi is a pleasant pastime and can be done at the Ridge
and the green areas surrounding the cities historic monuments. In
winter, the
Delhi Zoo
is transformed into a small bird sanctuary with migratory birds
halting by its artificial lakes. Painted Strokes, Pintail Ducks,
Bar headed Geese and spot bill ducks are among the migratory birds
which can be seen here. Delhi's tree - lined avenues are also
reach in avian life. So are the forests of Ridge, which harbour
more than 100 species of birds, from peacocks to predators. The
Ridge is accessible through narrow paths that lead off Sardar
Patel Marg.
 Boating
Delhi Tourism has provided paddleboats on various bodies of water
in the heart of the city. These include the lakes near India Gate,
Purana Qila- Prasad Nagar Lake and Naini Lake in Model Town. A
variety of fiberglass boats have been acquired by the Corporation
and can be hired at reasonable rates. Special training programs in
kayaking and canoeing are organized at the latter too.
 Bowling
can be done at First Bowl located at 32, Milestones
Complex, Delhi-Jaipur Bypass, Gurgaon Phone them on 8-322528
or at Leisure Bowl which can be found at Aruna Asaf Ali Marg,
Vasant Kunj. They can be contacted on (91-11) 6895247 or
6121574 or you can try Little paradise located at 12/7,
Mathura Road, Faridabad. Call them on 8-278469 and another
good venue is at Qutabowl located at the Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet
Singh Marg. Call them on 6862711 or (011) 652 1234
for more information. Then there is Bowl Out located at
the Hotel Surya Continental J- Block, Community Centre, Rajouri
Garden, New Delhi. Call them on
5122881/80. There are others too and your best bet is to ask
which, if any are located close to your hotel on arrival.
 Bungee
Jumping Wanderlust Travels has set up a mobile crane for
bungee jumping in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. This is a
great activity for those brave folk out there. If you are not up
to it yourself, you can get some photos of those who are mad
enough to give it a go.
 Camel
Safari
An ideal trip for those with time to spare and with the desire to
experience the subtle sunset shades of the desert and the solitary
magic of the rolling golden sands. Camel safaris are available in
the Thar desert, and range from one to fifteen days duration. The
best safaris are in the heart of the Thar, in the Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer and Bikaner region, and will pass tiny villages and
remote trading posts. Another popular area is the Shekhawati
region. The safari organisers attempt to recreate the atmosphere
of the old caravan journeys; music, traditional food and campfire
hospitality are all part of this unique experience. Staff are
available for assistance, and all necessary equipment is provided.
Casinos
There are no casinos in Delhi as gambling in India – except on the
racecourse – is illegal.
Cinemas
The following is a list of movie houses (cinemas) and their
telephone numbers if you wish to watch Bollywood and other films.
-
Anupam PVR-IV, Saket : 6865999
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 Priya
PVR-I, Vasant Vihar : 6140048
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Chanakaya, Chanakaya Puri : 4674009, 4670423
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Golcha,
Deriyaganj : 3265192
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Liberty, Karol Bagh : 5722998
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Odeon, Connaught Place : 3322167
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Plaza, Connaught Place : 3320753
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Satyam, Ranjit Nagar : 5797387
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Sheila, Paharganj : 7772100
 Craft
Go to Matia Mahal’s Pahadi Bhojla and you will find umpteen
jewellers shops where they fashion beautiful bangles and
necklaces out of bone. Their predecessors were ivory craftsmen.
However, with the ban on ivory, they were compelled to change
their raw material and switch over to bones of buffaloes and
camels instead.
 Zardozi
is the art of embroidery with gold thread. These craftsmen work
intricate designs on silk, velvet, and even tissue materials.
Insignias, pulpit covers, embroidery on the robes of bishops and
even the Pope are all created here.
 Silver
The medicinal value of silver paper (varak) is well known. Thin
sheets of silver paper are still wrapped around sweets and even
betel leaves. If you are looking for the authentic one, go to
Matia Mahal again. A few of the craftsmen who beat silver into
thin sheets, by hand, still live here. You might have to do a
little asking around to reach some small workshops.
 Lacquer
work
bangles are one of the old art forms still living in Shahjahanabad.
Bright shades of yellow, red, and blue are perked up with tiny
pieces of mirrors and gold-coloured borders with beads to add that
extra touch.
Pottery
Common to many parts of Delhi are the potters. Not only do they
fashion pots for the hot summer, which, in spite of refrigerators,
are still greatly in demand, they also fashion beautiful clay and
paper-mache
dolls.
 Cricket
In India, cricket reigns supreme and is played everywhere, from
smart cricket clubs to the grassy spaces of New Delhi and street
corners. If you are keen on a game, just ask any of the locals
playing on the nearest patch of open grass, and you’ll be invited
to join in. If watching is more your forte, go and watch a
professional game. In Delhi, Test Matches are played at Ferozshah
Kotla Stadium, located on Bahadur Shah Zhafar Marg, between
September and March. Attending a Test Match here is quite an
experience and is not for the faint-hearted. For more info call
the Tejpal Cricket Club on
2051994
or the
Sunrise Cricket Club on:
2484611.
 Cycling
can be done at the Yamuna Velodrome, Indraprastha Estate. Phone it
on 3731613 for more information. If that doesn't take your
fancy then perhaps renting a bike and peddling your way around New
Delhi's outlying areas might, such aas one of the fascinating
Bike Safaris on offer? Whatever your
fancy, it's a wonderful way to keep fit.
 Dance
Shows
If its dance and music you are interested in, then you can choose
which kind you prefer watching and concentrate your energies in
that direction. If it’s the classical dance form you want to view,
go to the Kamani Auditorium or Siri Fort. Triveni
Kala Sangam has an auditorium too. Then there’s India
International Centre on Lodhi Road that offers very good
programs. In the cooler months, many dance and music festivals are
organized and every corner of the city is alive with various
interpretations of movement and sound.
 Fishing
This is a wonderfully relaxing pastime and if you enjoy this sport
or want to try your hand at it, pop down to the Badhkal Lake,
Surajkund, Okhla located on Mathura Road (closed on Mondays)
 Fitness
Centres
In Delhi, fitness centres mean status and the well groomed keep in
shape at Arya Vaidya Sala, South Extension telephone (011) 462
1790 and Nelson Health Club, Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri. Phone
(011) 611 0606. Many of the five-star
hotels also provide exercise facilities for their guests
 Flying
Take to the skies and discover Delhi and her surrounds from the
air. This can be done at the Delhi Flying Club, Safdarjung
Airport. Give them a call on 4618931
 Gliding
is another skyway to enjoy Delhi and its surrounding landscape and
is certainly a lot quieter than being on terra firma. For
information on this peaceful activity give the Delhi Gliding Club,
at Safdarjung Airport a call on 4436052. They have daily
flights departing anytime from 1 pm till sunset except Wednesdays.
Excellent western air disturbances make it possible to glide
as far a field as Calcutta from here, although typically flights
are less ambitious. Generally, the best seasons are September to
November and March to June.
 Golf
Several golf courses offer visitors temporary memberships, under
certain conditions. For more info ask at your hotel on arrival or
give the Delhi Tourism folk a call.
Most local golf clubs issue temporary memberships to visitors.
Clubs to call are the Army Golf Club, Delhi Cantt. The Delhi Golf
Club, call Dr. Zakir Hussain Road on
4362235 or 4361236,
the DDA Siri Fort Sports Complex phone 6467842 or the Noida
Golf Club phone 8572753 or
914-72753.
The
Arawali Golf Club, Surajkund Tourist
Complex, Hotel Raj Hans, Faridabad Golf Club on 8214810 or
91-214810 Caddies and
ball-spotters are available on the courses.
(Please
note that the above golf course telephone contacts may not be
correct as at the time of writing I received differing
information...you are therefore advised to double check on arrival
in Delhi - editor)
 Hang
Gliding
is rapidly growing in popularity and it is one which provides an
exciting way of seeing the landscape of India. There are clubs in
Pune, New Delhi, Bombay, Chandigarh, Shimla, Devlali and
Bangalore. Many hang-gliding sites in India (particularly in the
Himalaya region) have been highly rated by experts, and the
climate of the country gives particularly good thermal soaring
effects in the summer months; the monsoons are the only bad period
for this sport. For more information or to partake in this type of
sport pop out to Water Banks, the lakeside Swiss camp 42kms from
south of Delhi or give the place a call on any of the following
telephone numbers: 4679059, 4679107, 6875200, 6111889, 6881206
 Horse
Racing
Delhi
Racecourse, off Safdarjang Road, can be contacted on 301 2943
and has regular meetings during the racing season, which runs from
October until the end of April. Delhi’s racecourse is an informal,
almost provincial course, in marked contrast to Mumbai’s grand
stands and spacious lawns. There is a large covered shed, which
contains the bookies’ pitches.
 Horse
Riding
is a wonderful pastime for the whole family and the following
establishments have horses for hire as well as lessons for
beginners. The Delhi Riding Club located on Safdarjung Road can be
contacted on 3011891 or if you have kids with you try the
Children's Riding Club on 3012265. The other place to
contact for more info is the Delhi Gymkhana Club Limited 2,
Safdarjung Road, ND-11. Phone: 3015533.
 Jogging
is popular at
Lodhi Gardens
in South Delhi and Nehru Park in
Chanakyapuri.
 Kabbadi
is a team sport combining the characteristics of wrestling and
rugby and is worthwhile watching.
Kho kho
is an evolved game of catch and hockey combined, in which India
regularly produce sides that challenge the best in the world.
Watch a game a learn something new.
 Live
music
The Jazz Bar, at the Maurya Sheraton, Sardar Patel Marg,
features a live jazz show every evening, performed by Indian
musicians. The Tavern, at the Hotel Imperial, on Janpath,
offers the same in its restaurant-cum-bar.
 Motor
Rallying
The topographical diversity of India makes it ideal for running
road rallies, over anything from desert roads to beach, hill,
mountain and forest tracks. There are many picturesque vintage car
rallies, but also events featuring more modern vehicles, providing
a supreme test of a driver’s mastery of both machine and
conditions. Principal among these are the Monsoon Rally, the
Charminar Challenge and – most demanding of all the Himalayan Car
Rally. This rally is usually divided into four legs totalling of
Himachel Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. For more info call 6835258.
 Motor
Sports
If you like the roar of engines and the smell of fuel get in touch
with the Performance Car Racing Trust on 147 Kilokari, Ring Road,
or phone them on 6835258. They have information on rally
racing. For other motor sports such as Vintage Cars contact the
Statesman House at 148 Barakhamba Road or call them on
3315911-17
 Mountaineering
contact the Indian Mountaineering Federation, Benito Juarez Road
on
4677935 or try 4671211, 6883412
before you set out as here are numerous rules and regulations you
will need to follow as well as your requiring permission before
you set out. Not only that it’s always a good idea to let the
authorities know before you set off on this type of intrepid
adventure.
 Music
Concerts
Music connoisseurs have a variety of sounds to choose from. The
auditoria where these concerts are held are the same as the dance
programs. Whether Indian classical, Hindustani or Carnatic, or the
lighter ghazals, there is no dearth of choice. When a particularly
well-known singer comes to town, it is usually well covered by the
press. The papers also reserve a column in their daily editions to
display a list of programs for the day. These programs include not
only the visual arts but also lectures on a wide variety of topics
by scholars or luminaries in that particular field. To see the
craftsmen of the city and the country make their wares, you must
go to the crafts museum in Pragati Maidan
and Dilli Haat. They try to display
this form of indigenous talent and let the craftsmen benefit from
their skill at the same time.
 Musical
Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park
is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing
getaway from the bustle of the city. The musical fountain
is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on
Tuesday. For further details, please call 3524834
Nightlife
Delhi is not exactly famous for its nightlife. Most of the city's
discos, nightclubs and bars are in the deluxe hotels, which means
they tend to be exclusive and expensive. Other nightlife options
include movies, plays and music concerts. Popular evening events
of particular interest to foreign visitors are the sound-and-light
shows staged nightly at both Red Fort
and Purana Qila.
 Parasailing
For the truly adventurous, parasailing is available at Kanwar
Shikha near Sohna in Haryana, about 60 km from Delhi. Soar
like an eagle under the watchful eyes of professional instructors.
No advanced training or special skills are required to learn this
inexpensive sport, which can be enjoyed by any one weighing
between 40 kg and 80 kg without any element of risk under the
watchful supervision of trained staff. Parasailing is under an
open parachute with the aid of a special rope hooked up to a jeep.
As the jeep moves, the parachute opens and the para-sailor ascends
to a height of about 100m Since the parasailing is limited in
number and the flying hours regulated, bookings will have to be
made in advance.
The sport
is also available at the Safdarjung Airport under the guidance of
trained experts. Call them on 4617623.
 Polo
is a very popular sport throughout India and you will have the
opportunity to see some brilliant horsemanship at the Polo Club,
61 Cavalry Cariappa Marg, Delhi Cantt. Call them on
3299444/777
Note: The polo season is from October to March only.
 Rock
Climbing
Equipment and training is provided to aspiring rock climbers in
and around Delhi from October to March for more information
contact the tourist authorities. Call them on 3317011, 3321238,
3321242 or fax them on 3321246. There is an artificial
wall on Benito Juarez Marg, or the real thing at Lado Sarai
Adventure Park. Delhi Tourism provides the requisite equipment and
training to scale the rocks in the vicinity of the Qutab Minar. In
fact Delhi is the centre for most rock climbing activity in India,
the prime area being Tughlaqabad. Slightly further a-field,
excellent climbing may be had in the Aravalli Hills (particularly
Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh). Beyond Pune on the Western Ghats the
gentle hills from picturesque rock formations and many places are
ideal for climbing. Further north, the Manali valley and Rohtang
Pass regions of Himachal Pradesh are popular, as are the Chamundi
Hills in Karnataka and the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh.
More gentle climbs can be had in the area of Mount Abu and Sariska
(Rajasthan). Excepting the monsoon periods, rock climbing is
virtually a year-round activity, and most equipment can be hired
locally.
Roller
Skating can be done at the Talkatora Skating Rink or in some
parks in the city.
Sailing
can be done on a number of lakes within the city or you can watch
the real action at the Defence Service Sailing Club (for members
only) Okhla, ND-25. Phone: 6910863
 Shooting
The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range on Surajkund Road, will more
than cater to your shooting needs. Give them a call on 6986802.
 Skiing
is fast becoming a popular sport. Facilities are offered by some
resorts in the north of the country. The two major ones are
Gulmarg in Kashmir and Kufri in Himachel Pradesh, set in some of
the most beautiful mountain landscape in the world. Contact
3322251 or 3325320 for more information.
Squash
If your hotel doesn’t have a court visitors are welcome at any DDA
Sports Complex or Clubs throughout the city.
 Sound
and Light Show at Purana Quila
The historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi’s
rejuvenation, periods of anarchy and the rise and fall of empires,
is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings
alive the history of the capital. The viewer is transported back
in time to where Delhi, the great empire rose and fell; where
citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of
mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and
imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever
flowing life force of India. For details about the show contact
4629365, 4603178
 Swimming
If your hotel doesn’t cater to this wet activity, there are others
around the city that do, as follows:
-
Talkatora Pool phone 3019901
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National Stadium Complex opposite India Gate, near Patiala
house. Call them on 3389470
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NDMC Pool Nehru Park, Laxmi Bai Ngr. School and Sarojini Ngr.
Phone:
6110552
 Tennis
Again if your hotel doesn’t have courts the following places
welcome guests who are ken on a game:
-
Delhi Tennis Association on Africa Avenue. Phone 6515899
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Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhishama Pitamah Road. Call them on
4629400
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National Sports Club of India opposite Purana Qila, Mathura
Road. Phone 3385564
 Trekking
India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering
everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges
of the snowy peaks. To take a trek in India is to rediscover the
awesome majesty and beauty of nature around us. Trekkers are
reminded that it is forbidden to enter Restricted and Protected
Areas without the correct documentation. Please consult the
Tourist Office before departure or local tourist offices on
arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may apply and what
documentation may be required. The trekking season varies from
region to region; check with the Tourist
Office for further information. In general, the season runs
from April to June and September to November.
 Water
Sports
A multi-sports and leisure complex has been created by Delhi
Tourism at Bhalswa
Lake,
situated at Delhi’s north-eastern edge. This offers facilities for
boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and
speed boats. Keen anglers can also indulge in fishing.
Hovercraft and water scooters are also available
here. Pedal boats at reasonable rates are available at the Hari
Nagar, India Gate,
Purana Quila and Naini lakes. Special
training programmes in kayaking and canoeing are organised at all
the lakes. Call the Tourist Department
for more information.
 White
Water Rafting or River Running
is a fairly young sport in India. The snow-fed mountain rivers
that run down from the mighty Himalayas make northern India one of
the best regions in the world for this sport. Amateurs and
first-timers have their choice of quieter waters, but with the
promise of a passage through some truly spectacular riverside
landscapes. Some rapids hit Colorado 8 (the highest is 10) on
the scale, but most are on the 4 to 6 grade. The main regions are
Ladakh, Garhwal and the four rivers of Himachal Pradesh. For more
information contact the Indian River Runners Association, 606
Akashdeep, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Phone: 331 3229
Yoga
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre, Community Centre, East
of Kailash phone 648 0869 offers yoga classes.
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