3 Responses to “India”

1. payal Says:
   December 28th, 2005 at 12:02 pm

   i spent 6 weeks this summer living in Delhi, so I’ll start with suggestions there–

   –Dillihaat. It’s a big market that has stalls from vendors from different provinces in India–it costs about Rs 15 to get in, but worth it to see all of the crafts and there is a good food market inside with food from different provinces in India. Requires bargaining.

   –State Emporium. It’s a block of shops from different provinces in India, which are more upscale than the ones in Dillihaat. However, the prices are fixed which is great if you’re feeling burnt out.

   –Cottage Industries. Same concept (handicrafts, etc), with fixed prices. Near the state emporium.

   –Old Delhi. It’s the old part of Delhi (not the part designed by the British–with lots of traffic circles, etc), and has a great spice market, a beautiful Jain temple, etc. Get jellibees (sp? they’re fried dough coated in syrup) at the old jellibee- wallah. Must see. Nearby is the Red Fort, which is also a must see.

   –Andhra Bhavan. Great south indian restaurant in Delhi. Looks divey but is amazingly good.

   –Janpath is another market, with lots of foreign tourists, so you have to bargain super hard. A less touristy market is Lajpat Nagar, but also prepare to bargain hard.

   –For an upscale meal, check out Spice Route, a restaurant in one of the hotels (google it). It has beautiful architecture/design–ask for a tour from your waiter, who will explain how each piece was crafted and the symbolism of the layout.

   –Defense Colony is the more expat area, but has a lot of great restaurants (more expensive than many small restaurants, but really good food.) I can’t remember the name of the restaurant I really liked there, but it started with an “S” and was Indian food…ask the driver to take you to Defense Colony Market, and look from there.

   –Lodhi Gardens. it’s a beautiful old garden that at least in the summer had a ton of birds and beautiful vegetations…very green and pretty.

   –You’ll also of course see the India Gate, which I recommend seeing at night, when the lights are on. I think they light it every night, but am not sure.

   –If you’re into museums, the National Museum is actually pretty cool…lots of pretty jewelry, antique saris, miniature paintings, old weapons,etc.

   –Siri Fort sometimes has cool movies, etc playing. See if you can check out if there are any film festivals or anything going on.

   –Nelly’s for saris, anokhi (in Khan Market) for upscale block printed fabrics, and Fab India (in GK 1, i think) for cheap but cool kurtas (shirts), shawls, and pyjama type pants. All of the markets have good food…

   I would pick up a copy of City of Djinns to take with you on your travels. It’s a great book about a year spent living in Delhi, and will give you more ideas on places you might want to check out.

   In Jaipur, go to the Hawa Mahel, the City Palace, Amber Fort (outside of Jaipur), drive around at night to see the city wall lit up pink, check out the Jowari Bazaar (bargain hard, but good jewelry and sterling silver, great tapestries, flimsy but cute shoes). I forget where we ate (some backpacker place, and then some place that started with an L that was famous, but I can’t remember the name. It was ok). we stayed in an amazing hotel–Samode Haveli. If you don’t have a place to stay, I highly recommend it–worth the splurge.

   Haven’t been to Agra since I was 12, so can’t help there.

   Bombay–I didn’t spent much time there, but definitely check out Chowpatty. If you eat street food, then Golden Bhel is supposed to be amazing. Elephanta Caves is also supposed to be amazing. Not sure what else to suggest, but maybe Sural can help.

2. jishman Says:
   December 28th, 2005 at 9:01 pm

   Have a great time!

3. hleahh Says:
   December 28th, 2005 at 10:20 pm

   Could you get Sujal and me some wedding clothes? It’s stressing me out too much.

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