After Varanasi, my Indian adventure continued on with a late night flight into New Delhi. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in India and recently won 4th place in SKYTRAX’s Most Improved Airport awards.
Arrival Into New Delhi at The Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL):
Arrival Hall at The Indira Gandhi International Airport
Colors of the Holi Festival at The Indira Gandhi International Airport
After deplaning, I headed straight to the Plaza Premium Lounge (a Priority Lounge) for a quick bite and chai tea. I noticed there was also an American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3. I flashed my Amex Platinum card and popped in for a quick view (and mental note for next time) before heading to the Hotel.
The Eros Hotel:
The Eros Hotel was a bit of a trek from the airport, about a 45 minute ride. But it felt longer than that. The hotel was beautiful and upscale. The rooms were very posh and comfortable, and even had fresh fruit waiting.
(Image courtesy of eroshotels.co.in)
The morning breakfast buffet spread was one of the best I had on my entire trip to India. Look for the coffee labeled ‘Strong’.
(Image courtesy of eroshotels.co.in)
The Jama Masjid (Red Mosque), Old Delhi
The first place visited, was the Jama Masjid, built by the Mughals in the mid-1600’s.
The Raj Ghat:
The Raj Ghat is the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandi in 1948. There are many other memorials in the surrounding park, including Nehru and Indira Ghandi.
The Infamous Electric Wiring of Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi):
The India Gate:
The New Delhi Federal Government Complex:
Qutub Minar and its Monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Qutub Minar is the #1 most visited attraction in Delhi. Construction began on the Qutub Minar  in 1192 AD.
The Birla Mandir Temple:
The Birla Mandir Temple was an unexpected surprise. Completed in 1939, this temple was realtivly new, and made for a beautiful walk-through. The interior is perhaps even more stunning than the exterior (pictures were not allowed inside).
Swaminarayan Akshardham:
The Aksardham Delhi was the newest place visited, having opened in 2005. It was absolutely stunning. The exterior was built by hand and decorated with various Hindu stories and parables.
Cameras are not allowed inside, however, you can pay to have your photo taken or buy some great books from the gift shop for less than $3 US (highly recommended).
Why I’m Going Bank to Delhi:
Besides the fact that Delhi is the main gateway to India for most people on international flights, Delhi has a lot to see and do. On my quick visit, I missed two UNESCO Sites (Humayun’s Tomb, and The Red Fort) and I missed the Bahai Lotus Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. I would also like to explore the National Museum and the National Gallery Museum.
Cheers!
