Western Delhi
Western Delhi is the more suburban part of Delhi. It is home to many of Delhi's markets and fairs.
Get in
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Map of Delhi/Western Delhi
By metro
[edit]There are many metro lines that take you to Western Delhi. The Green Line 5 and the Red Line 1 cover the northwestern parts, the Blue Line 3/4 goes across the west-central parts, while the southwestern parts are connected to the Orange Line Airport Express . The Pink Line 7 extensively covers the inner parts of Western Delhi, with a connection to the Orange Line as the Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus stop.
See and do
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- 1 Azaad Hind Gram, NH 10, Block C, Tyagi Vihar, Ghevra (metro: Tikri Kalan 5 ), ☏ +91 11 2835 3102. 10AM–6PM daily. A tourist complex dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a leader in the Indian independence movement.
- 2 Coronation Park. The place of the three Delhi durbars. Durbar, literally meaning court, is an Indian imperial-style mass assembly organised by the British to mark the succession of an Emperor ad Empress of India. The first durbar was held in 1877 and proclaimed Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. The second durbar was held in 1903 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. The third and final durbar was held on 12 December 1911 to commemorate the coronation of George V (the original coronation was held on 22 June 1911 in London). It was an initiative of Lord Hardinge (1910–16) and was attended by George V and Queen Mary. It was also at this durbar the King-Emperor announced the move of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. After the three durbars, a towering coronation memorial was built. Built in obelisk style the sandstone memorial is approachable from all sides by a flight of stairs. The memorial contains English and Urdu inscriptions on both sides about the final durbar. The park also contains a 15 m high (including a pedestal) marble statue of King George V. The statue once stood beneath the cupola on the east of India Gate. In the 1960s the statue of King George V was removed to the Coronation Park. There were plans to remove other statues of British officials from different parts of Delhi to the Coronation Park. A total of 19 pedestals were set up to house the statues, sadly a few of these were ever occupied. Ever since the park has been lying in utter neglect. In 2011 restoring and landscaping of the park started. The towering Coronation Memorial stands at the centre of the park dominating the skyline. Behind the memorial is the towering statue of King George V. Statues of four viceroys occupy the four corners of the park. The statues are of Lord Hardinge, Lord Willingdon, Lord Irwin and Lord Chelmsford. The Coronation Park will consist of paved pathways through manicured lawns and lines of Mughal-styled small sandstone pavilions. An amphitheatre, water bodies, children's play area and restaurant are part of the restored Coronation Park.
- 3 Delhi Ridge. A northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, some 1.5 billion years old (by comparison, the Himalayas are only 50 million years old). The Ridge acts as the "green lungs" for the city, and protects Delhi from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west.
- 4 Dwarka Baoli (द्वारका बावली Dvārkā Bāvlī), Sector 12, Dwarka (between the Dwarka Internation School and Gangotri Apartments). It was discovered only in 2011 under the foliage of thick vegetation and undergrowth and hidden behind a large group of tall trees. The Dwaraka Baoli finds a mention in the list of Maulvi Zafar Hasan of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Maulvi Zafar Hasan documented the list of baolis in 1910 and listed over 100 baolis in and around Delhi. It was listed as the Loharheri Baoli or the Blacksmith’s stepwell. It is a 22-step stepwell or baoli, made of rubble masonry. The well, now covered by an iron grill, is situated on the southern end of the baoli. The side wall contains two sets of recessed arches. It is a small baoli with no ornamentation and not much of general tourist interest.
- 5 The Free Spirit Dance Studio, J13/69, Basement, Block J, Rajouri Garden Extension, Rajouri Garden, ☏ +91 96430 92737. Daily 7AM-9PM. Dance workshops on Bollywood, Indian folk genres like bhangra and contemporary Western and fusion genres, including jazz, hip-hop and zumba.
- 6 Gurdwara Nank Piao, Rana Pratap Road (also known as Grand Trunk Road or GT Road), Rana Pratap Bagh (north Delhi, bus 19, 19A, 62, 102 to Nanak Piao Gurudwara stop, or from Metro: Model Town (Yellow) 1km South), ☏ +91 11 2742 5087. Built at the site, in the garden where Guru Nanak Dev camped when he visited Delhi in 1505 during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi.
- 7 Guru Tegh Bahadur Smarak, GT Karnal Road, Singhu Border, NH1 (Far north. From Jahangirpuri Metro Station (the closest one) fifteen km to north. Narela train station (west, about three km). Take bus 131, 136, 144-1, 144, 193 to stop Shingu Gaon. Walk ~200 m NE). This monument has a unique concept. Guru Tegh Bahadur has been depicted by a central pylon but his three disciples by three semi-arches.
- 8 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU; जवाहरलाल नेहरू विश्वविद्यालय Javāharlāl Nehrū Viśvavidyālay), JNU Ring Rd (bus # 615 from Connaught Pl), ☏ +91 11 2670 4090. 24 hours daily. Not usually considered a "place of interest" for tourists, this one-of-a-kind campus of the premier National University of India remains a hidden gem of the city. The campus is hilly and rocky and some areas look more like a jungle with peacocks. The hostels represent the geographical vastness of India as they are named after Indian Rivers. For instance Godavari and Ganga. Specific areas of the campus are named after a particular geographical region in India. For instance Uttarakhand and Dakshinapuram. Some of the non-scholarly attractions of India's best University include 24x7, an open aired restaurant.
- 9 Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens). A Mughal garden with shade trees, majestic parterre and the garden pavilion.
- 10 Sultan Ghari's Tomb (Hindi: सुल्तान ग़ारी, Urdu: سلطان غاری), Garhi's Tomb Rd, Ruchi Vihar, Vasant Kunj (take bus 66 to stop IMIC Hospital; metro: Delhi Aero City Airport Express , 2 km NW). This is the first tomb built in Delhi. It was built by Sultan Iltutmish in 1231 CE for his son Prince Ghiyasuddin Muhammad. This was later renovated by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. It is in the form of a fortress with a courtyard-like layout, not common among tombs. The octagonal grave–chamber with the crypt has an underground opening. The western prayer wall has a mihrab, decorated with marble in exquisite Turkish and Afghan design and includes some inscriptions from the Quran. The front, marble facade, dated to Feroze Shah's rule (1351–88). The prayer chamber depicts a base slab of a Linga. - Events: # Thursday is a special (tolerance) day for worship when devotees both Hindus and Muslims. # Every year, on the 17th day of the Islamic month between Ramadan and Eid festivals, the “Urs of Nasiruddin Shah” (death anniversary) fest is held.
- 11 Uttara Swami Malai Temple (Tamil: உத்தர சுவாமி மலை கோவில்; Malai Mandir (Hill Temple)), Sector 7, RK Puram (Bus 66 to Malai Mandir). The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum of Lord Swaminatha. The temple is built entirely of granite and is reminiscent of the Chola style of South Indian temple architecture.
Museums
[edit]- 12 Indian Air Force Museum (वायु सेना संग्रहालय Vāyu Sena Saṅgrahālay), Palam, Subroto Park (from metro Dhaula Kuan Airport Express take bus 543B, 706, 722, 729, 773, 790, 792 or AG to Subroto Park), ☏ +91 11 25687194, +91 11 25675161. W–Su 10AM–5PM. The oldest museum of its kind in the country. It houses aircraft, photos, memorabilia, weapons and uniforms of the Indian Air Force. Free.
- 13 Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. A rather unusual museum dedicated to the global history of sanitation and toilets. The objective in establishing this museum was to highlight the need to address the problems of the sanitation sector in India.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Dilli Haat (metro: Dilli Haat - INA 2 ). A paid-entrance open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar. It is a wonderful place to get crafts from all over the country. What is distinctive here is that the artists themselves come to sell their goods, so your money goes directly to them, rather than to middlemen. Some bargaining may be necessary if you want the best price. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but the modest entry fee keeps out beggars, ripoff artists, and most touts. Many visitors find the mellow atmosphere worth the extra cost of shopping here. It also has a section called Foods of India. This has a huge number of restaurants, each showcasing the food of a particular state of India. (Most of them give a mix of Chinese and Indian food, but state delicacies are also included). This section is a must-go for the foodie-cum-tourist.
- 2 Janak Place, Janakpuri (metro: Janakpuri West 3/4 8 ). 10:00AM–8:30PM.
- 3 Metro Walk, Sector 10, Rohini (metro: Rithala 1 ). An open shopping mall with an amusement park called Adventure Island. There are many stand-alone restaurants as well as food court kiosks.
- 4 Rajouri Garden Market, Ring Road, Sharda Puri (Metro Blue to 'Rajouri Garden' or Bus 81, 442, 448,448A, 479, 508, 529, 529EXT, 567, 567A, 568, 568A, 569, 569A, 569EXT to stop 'Rajouri Garden'). A famous shopping area, the largest mall complex in Delhi. It offers a variety of both national and international clothing brands, such as United Colors of Benetton, Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer and Bossini. Excellent place to shop for weddings as well as everyday clothing.
- 5 Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, Najafgarh Road, ☏ +91 96500 97011. 11AM-11:30PM. One of the leading shopping malls of West Delhi. Over 130 global and Indian brands are here offering all types of fashion and food. There is also a multiplex cinema and bowling arcade.
- 6 Potters Village (Kumhar Gram), Rani Bagh, Kumahar Wali Gali, Parjapat Colony, Bindapur (near Uttam Nagar). A hidden gem of sorts, walking into the village feels like travelling back in time. 700 potter families from all over India live here and make pottery the traditional way. Guided tours are available.
- 7 Sarojini Nagar Market, Sarojini Nagar (adjacent to Central Government employees flats - Sarojini Nagar Stn. 0.5 km N).
- 8 Vegas Mall, Sector 14, Dwarka (metro: Dwarka Sector 14 3/4 ), ☏ +91 11 6650 2020. 11AM–10PM. Other than the shopping mall, it has a movie theatre, corporate offices and various restaurants.
Malls
[edit]- 9 Ambience Vasant Kunj, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj. It is perhaps India's most luxuriant mall. You'll find 3 floors of international designer brands, as well as a number of Indian designers. Emporio also houses one of New Delhi's most popular new restautrants, Set'z (formerly Zest), a chic dining experience with over seven different cuisines to choose from.
- 10 DLF Emporio, 4, Nelson Mandela Rd, Vasant Kunj (Bus 66, 326, 602-1, 602, 603, 604 to Shopping Centre Nelson), ☏ +91 11 4611 6666. 11AM-9PM. It is one luxury malls. The mall has been designed by architect Mohit Gujral and Chandu Chadha in Italian marble, burnished wood, and gleaming brass detailing. DLF Emporio has four floors including ground floor and comprises an area of 3 ha. The mall features over 170 brands including 75 international brands. The promoters also run a 180-seater, high-end restaurant called Setz.
- 11 DLF Promenade, 3, Nelson Mandela Rd, Vasant Kunj (Bus 66, 326, 602-1, 602, 603, 604 to Shopping Centre Nelson), ☏ +91 11 4611 6666. 11AM-9PM. Features the only 7-screen multiplex in Delhi.
Eat and drink
[edit]- Amritsari Kulcha Wala, Paschim Vihar Red Light, (near Jwala Heri Market). If you are into amritsari kulcha, you probably can't miss this. People on dieting beware: the amount of butter that the vendor puts in is huge. However, without it you will not enjoy the Amritsari Kulcha so much. It is kind of a road side dhaba or shack. ₹60 for two kulchas is what he charges. It is actually on Outer Ring Road, Adjoining to a park wall. You can ask anybody about the Kulcha wala and they will be able to tell you the direction in Paschim Vihar/Meera Vihar Outer Ring Rd.
- Barbeque Nation, B-1 623, Opp. District Centre, Janakpuri. Offers an option where customers can make their food on their personal grills, which are embedded in each table. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ starters, a main course buffet, soups, salads, desserts and a variety of liquors.
- 1 Om Sweets, GL- 23, Jail road, Hari Nagar, ☏ +91 11 4578 2222, +91 11 4578 2223, care@omsweets.in. 9AM - 10:30PM. Both a sweet shop and casual multi-cuisine restaurant with a strong emphasis on quality and hygiene.
- 2 Sartoria Italian Cuisine, Basant Lok, Shiv Nagar, ☏ +91 11 4168 3305. Noon-midnight. Italian style food, great pizzas, carpaccio, pasta and wines. Mains are about ₹ 500.
Sleep
[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹4,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹8,000 |
For places to sleep near Delhi Airport, see Indira Gandhi International Airport#Sleep.
Budget
[edit]- 1 Aman Palace, A-40 Vishal Enclave (Opposite TDI Mall, Rajouri Garden), ☏ +91 11 25921555, +91 11 25113555, +91 11 25468555. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Basic hotel. ₹2,200-3,500.
- 2 Maya's Nest, C2 Flat 2038 Vasant Kunj (next to JNU campus), ☏ +91 9811604892, +91 9811601053, mayasnest@gmail.com. Bed & breakfast located in a safe, green, quiet, residential area. Caters to single female travellers. Dorm bed: ₹1,500; Double: ₹3,500.
Mid-range
[edit]- Caravan Homestay, 1/13 Tilak Nagar, ☏ +91 99 7184 3131, caravanhomestay@gmail.com. A small and cosy homestay in Delhi that houses a friendly Indian family with well-maintained, clean and affordable rooms. ₹4,500.
Splurge
[edit]- 3 The Grand (Formerly the Grand Hyatt), Vasant kunj - Phase II, Nelson Mandela Rd, ☏ +91 11 2677 1234, reservation@thegrandnewdelhi.com. 390-room business hotel generally not for tourists. Opulent lobby, modern rooms, pool and spa. From ₹9,000.
- 4 Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, ☏ +91 11 4612 1234. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 5 Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaiji Cama Pl, Ring Rd, ☏ +91 11 2679 1234. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Huge and slightly aged, but still 5 stars, outdoor pool, small gym and spa, 3 restaurants, and all the usual amenities. Halfway between the airport and Connaught Place. From ₹8,000 during low season and ₹11,500 during high season, discounts given for advance payment.
- 6 Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi Dwarka, Sector 13, Dwarka, toll-free: 1800 108 0333. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon.
- 7 Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi Paschim Vihar, Outer Ring Rd, Paschim Vihar, ☏ +91 1146399999. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 8 Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka, Sector 21, Dwarka, ☏ +91 11 6600 3000. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 9 Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Sector 10, Dwarka, ☏ +91 11 4222 9222. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon.