[karuna]

Well, the day we arrive in India we're going to spend in Delhi, from about 7am to when our train leaves at 9pm (assuming I can get tickets for the Jammu Mail!).  Unfortunately our visit to India is very short so I don't feel I can afford to spend that first night in Delhi- we'll be spending our last few nights there anyway, so when we arrive the plan is to get to McLeodganj as soon as possible. So we're left with this one day, and I just don't know what to do with it! We'll be fresh off the plane, tired, and carrying luggage- we really need some space we can chill out in! Are there any hotels where we can pay for a day? Or pay for the night and not use it? Check in first thing in the morning, use the room to keep our luggage in and have a rest, and then leave in the evening?

Or are there any other ideas? I don't think we'll be in any state for sightseeing, so nice, gentle, not too adventurous ideas please! Remember we're India first-timers too.....

[Seventies'Neil]

karuna, on May 31 2006, 04:37 PM, said:

Well, the day we arrive in India we're going to spend in Delhi, from about 7am to when our train leaves at 9pm (assuming I can get tickets for the Jammu Mail!).  Unfortunately our visit to India is very short so I don't feel I can afford to spend that first night in Delhi- we'll be spending our last few nights there anyway, so when we arrive the plan is to get to McLeodganj as soon as possible. So we're left with this one day, and I just don't know what to do with it! We'll be fresh off the plane, tired, and carrying luggage- we really need some space we can chill out in! Are there any hotels where we can pay for a day? Or pay for the night and not use it? Check in first thing in the morning, use the room to keep our luggage in and have a rest, and then leave in the evening?

Or are there any other ideas? I don't think we'll be in any state for sightseeing, so nice, gentle, not too adventurous ideas please! Remember we're India first-timers too.....

All hotels will book you a room for a day/night whether you stay the night or not, With some you might be able to negotiate a reduced rate if you explain,
At least you'll have luggage storage for the day & a place to wash, no real need to go to up market, some will even pick you up from the airport at whatever time you arrive.
Pahargange would be the best area, lots of budget hotels & walking distance to New Delhi train station.

[dzibead]

My suggestion would the the YWCA Blue Triangle Family Hostel on Ashoka Road.  It's centrally located, inexpensive, and pleasant.  

As for what to do for the day?  After having a wash up and getting refreshed, hire a car and driver, just to drive around and get a "feel" for Delhi and see a few sights.  I like Humanayan's Tomb in South Delhi, which is very peaceful.  It's the first place I went in Delhi when I was, like you, an "India virgin" and needed something to do for just a day, and it's really stuck in my mind.  For a more in-your-face Delhi experience, you could go up to Chandi Chowk and walk around for a while.  There are lots of places to eat there, too.  Namaste Tours and Travel, which is a member here, can help you set up a good car and driver for the day (Note: this is an unsolicited recommendation!   I've actually used them and they're very good)  Check www.namasteindiatours.com  Having a dedicated driver for the day will also help you get to the train station on time when you're ready leave!  (If you're taking the Jammu Mail, you'll be leaving from the Old Delhi Station.)

If you'd like to spend a little time shopping or browsing/window shopping, the various State Emporia in Baba Karak Singh Marg are not far from the Blue Triangle and they're a lot of fun, even if you don't intend to buy anything.  (I don't know how you'll be able to resist!)  Good shopping/browing can be had at the Cottage Industries Emporium, a multi-storey "Aladdin's cave" of every kind of Indian product and handicraft you can image, on the corner of Janpath and Tolstoy Marg, also within reasonable striking distance of the Blue Triangle.  

Across Janpath and down a little bit from the Cottage Industries Emporium is the Imperial Hotel - very high end, and has nice restaurants.  If you're feeling overwhelmed, you can just go in (you don't have to be a guest) and have a relaxing meal in the veranda restaruant or even better "The Spice Route."  Just stopping in here for a break can provide a bit of a "soft landing" for your first time in India.  Check out www.theimperialindia.com

So those are my suggestions.  What are you going to be doing in McLeod Ganj?  (I have my suggestions for there, too   )

Edited by dzibead, 31 May 2006 - 11:37 PM.

[karuna]

Thanks both!

Sorry for the delay in replying, I only have limited internet access.

Great suggestions, thanks.

I think I might go for one of those Namaste day tours of Delhi- good idea.



Mcleodganj? Chilling out! I've got a few day trip ideas but more are welcome!