Delhi

DELHI SIGHTSEEING

Jan Morris calls New Delhi, the sweltering capital of India,  ‘unimaginably antique’. It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, with a history dating back to 1000 BC, so take advantage of your day or two in Delhi to do some exploring. If you have more time, make an excursion to the Taj Mahal & Agra, or venture further into Rajasthan.
 

SIGHTSEEING
Let Prince & Rajesh of Dhruv Travels show you around the Sights of Delhi for a half or full day of sightseeing. Take the Metro to get to many places in Delhi, it’s a great way to get around, and air conditioned! Or jump in a taxi or auto rickshaw, a taste of India ...

 

Avon Juice Bar, Pahar Ganj

 

Busy Delhi Market

 

Dhruv Travels (Prince & Rajesh)
Office: +(91 11) 5536 8764
Prince mobile: +(91) 9810 485897
Rajesh mobile: +(91) 9899 373886
travelorganiserindia@yahoo.co.in

 

Prince (middle left) with Kim & Lhakpa

 

HOTELS

 

LUXURY

Imperial Hotel

Janpath Rd

Aman New Delhi

– All rooms with private plunge pools

Taj Mahal Hotel

Grand Hotel

MID-RANGE
PAHAR GANJ
Metropolis Tourist Home
Jyoti Mahal
Cottage Yes Please
CAROL BAGH
Wood Castle

BOUTIQUE
The Amber
Shanti Home

OTHER

Lhasa House
(New Tibetan Camp, New Aruna Nagar)
lhasahouse@rediffmail.com
+(91) 23939888

 

DELHI HOMESTAYS
Homestays are increasingly becoming popular in Delhi. Search on-line for a good one. They usually provide breakfast, and dinner if requested.

 

NOTE: There are MANY 5-Star hotels in Delhi.
Try Trip Advisor www.tripadvisor.com or other boutique hotel search sites such as www.i-escape.com

 

 

 

RESTAURANTS

zomato
(restaurant guide)

pahar ganj
The Metropolis Rooftop (Main Bazaar, Pahar Ganj - Indian, Tandoori, cold beers)
Jyoti Mahal - Rajasthani-styled restaurant on rooftop!

connaught place & central delhi
Bhukhara (Sheraton, one of Delhi's most famous restaurants)
Olive Beach (North Indian, European, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Asian. A great 'beachy' setting and one of the best restaurants in Delhi.)
Q'BA ( European, North Indian, Italian, Thai)
Chor Bizarre (North Indian, Kashmiri)
Karim Hotel (Mughai, fantastic meats)
Shalom (Lebonese, Meditteranean)
Veda (North Indian)
Swagath (Indian Coastal/seafood, Eclectic)
Zing (Indian, Continental)
Taste of China(Chinese, Thai)
Amber Restaurant – N-19 Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place (Indian)
The Embassy Restaurant – Corner of D & E Block, Inner Circle (Indian, classic restaurant)
Blue’s – N Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place (Mexican, Lots of Other Food, Jazzy Atmosphere)
Banana Leaf – L-18 Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place (South Indian)
United Coffee House – E- 15 Block, Inner Circle, Connaught Place (Indian, classic restaurant)
Berco’s – E-8 (Chinese, Asian, very popular)

imperial hotel restaurants
The Spice Route
1911
The Atrium
(Don't miss brunch ...)

hauz khas
Park Balluchi (Mughlai, Afgani)
Naiveydyam (Vegetarian)

... Google these if I didn't include a link. 

elsewhere in delhi

Varq
www.tajhotels.com

 

 

SHOPPING

 

There's great shopping in Delhi, and as it is also the privileged Delhi set's preferred activity, you won't be alone. Get out there with your credit card and some Indian rupees ...

 

Connaught Place (Metro Map)

*C0nnaught Place
Upscale, Western shops, good bookshops, great coffee & restaurants. (the Inner Circle is the best and easiest to navigate, take subway to Rajiv Gandi Chowk).
Karol Bagh
A large bazaar, a mix of upscale and narrow alleys specializing in watches, mobile phones, etc ...
Main Bazaar, Pahar Ganj
A maze of small alleys, jam packed with people, cows, rickshaws, scooters, etc. The shops are not upscale (although some now are) at all but fun to wander through! Everything available here, including coffee shops, restaurants, shipping agents, cyber cafes ...
*** Banjara House (a treasure trove of tribal textiles & furniture)
*Janpath
Off Connaught Place, a great spot for souvenirs, books, Kashmiri crafts and Rajasthani tribal crafts (separate lane off Janpath, just before the Imperial Hotel). Don't miss the clothing bazaar perpendicular to Janpath Ave on Janpath Lane.
*Khan Market
All sorts of upscale and funky shops, good restaurants, mocern cafes, sunglasses, western foods & shops.
Try Anokhi for great 'modern Indian' clothes shopping.
INA Market
Large bazaar for all sorts of food, including some Western 'luxury' goods such as Blue Cheese ...
Palika Bazaar
Inside Connaught Place, a crowded underground shopping center packed with cheap (much of it fake) electronic goods, mobile phones, cameras, etc. Keep your wallet safely here!
Chandini Chowk
An old trading bazaar in the heart of old Delhi; an experience!
*Haus Kus
An upscale and modern shopping center, where you can get clothes made by Indian designers with a 'fusions' style ...
Dilli Haat
The newer version of the weekly market in India, with crafts from around the country.
Sanojini Market
Local market ...

Sites & Maps of Shopping in Delhi
http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/shopping/-Tourism website
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/delhi/new-delhi-shoppingcomplex.htm - Map
http://www.incredibleindia.org/ - Official India website

 

Leh

SIGHTSEEING

There is LOTS to do in Leh & the surrounding villages, including
Indus Valley Sightseeing & Jeep Safaris to visit the many old, spectacularly set gompas along the Indus Valley. We have drivers that can take you for the day; the cost depends on the itinerary, but it's usually about $25-$30 per day for a jeep

 

Leh Indus Valley Gompa Tours - Chemrey Gompa

 

In Leh itself, there is plenty to keep you busy for days! See Leh Sightseeing for details of the sights in & around Leh.

 

Leh Fort & Gompas

 

Looking down at Leh & Chubi Valley from Fort

 

SIGHTS

Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Fort & Gompas

The Main Bazaar

Leh Gompa & Mosque

Shanti Stupa

Changspa & Chubi Suburbs

Moti Market

Tibetan Markets

The Main Bazaar afternoon Vegetable Market

The Kashmiri 'Sabzi Market'

The Dried Apricots & Nuts Market

 

Dried Apricots & Nuts Market # 13

 

Main Bazaar

 

Adventures Around Leh & The Indus Valley

 

White Water Rafting

There is some good rafting within a few hours of Leh, either on the Zanskar River or the Indus River. We recommend 'Splash Ladakh' just off the Main Bazaar for rafting, and can either make arrangements for you or direct you to the office.
 2011 Rates:

Full day Zanskar River white water rafting - 1600 IC
Rull day Indus River white water rafting - 1200 IC
Expedition white water rafting - Inquire for rates and destinations
www.spashladakh.com
 Contacts:
Dawa Jora (owner)

dawa_jora@yahoo.com
mobile: (0091) 9419-178883
Stanny
splashladakh@gmail.com
mobile: (0091) 9906-982251

office: (0091) 01982-254870

 

Mountain Biking

There are many options for biking, which we are happy to help you arrange. You can rent a bike and head out on your own, or organize a bike trip through a local Leh company. We recommend 'Himalayan Bikers' on Changspa Road.
www.himalayan-bikers.com 

Contact:
Sonam Norboo (organizer)
sonamnorboo@rediffmail.com

mobile: (0091) 94690-49270

office: (0091) 1982-250937, 94192-54639

 

Peak Climbing
Leh is surrounded by the snow-peaks of the Ladakh, Stok & Zanskar Ranges, most of which can be climbed privately or with a qualified Leh climbing guide. There are all-levels of peaks, from (almost) beginner to quite advanced, 6000 meters and above. We recommend 'Destination Inde' on Old Leh Road as a safe, very experienced company to climb and/or trek with. We can arrange a climb (or trek) with them, or you can contact them directly.
www.ladakhholidays.com

Contact:
Rashid (owner/manager)
mobile: (0091) 9906 996677
office: (0091) 1982-251414

 

Trekking & Sightseeing
The opportunities are endless. Our local trekking and sighteeing company is
Wonderland Trek & Tours (at the Shaynam Hotel)

www.wonderlandladakh.com
Contact: Rinchin Pituk
office: (0091) 1982-255990
mobile: (0091) 9906990444, 9419179154

 

 

HOTELS

 

*****The Grand Dragon Ladakh - Old Leh Rd (trying to be 5-star, nice rooms)
tel: 01982-250786, 255866, 255266

****Hotel Gawaling International - Off Changspa Rd (a wonderful hotel, in a quiet part of north Leh)
tel: 01982-253252, 256456, 251009
mobile: 09419178813

**** Hotel Omasila–Changspa Rd (wonderful atmosphere & rooms in Changspa)
tel: 01982-252119, 251178
mobile: 09419 178815

****Hotel Dragon – Old Leh Rd (Ladakhi architecture, nice atmosphere, cultural shows, centrally-located so can be a bit loud)
tel: 01982-252139, 252720, 250919, 250786

***1/2 Padma Guest House - Off Fort Rd (great choice, good price, nice rooms; the best thing is the roof-top terrace & restaurant)
tel: 01982-252630, 252514, 09906981140
mobile: 09419178171, 09906982171

*** Hotel Snowland - Upper Tukucha Rd (new, lawn/garden with tables, some rooms with terraces, Ladakhi style, clean)
tel: 01982-253027

*** Shynam Hotel  - Old Road Leh (Ladakhi family-run guest house, great location, good rooms, garden, can be a bit loud)
tel: 01982-255990
mobile: 09906990444, 09419179154

**Atisha Guest House - Markpak (Ladakhi family-run, roof-top, nice atmosphere)
tel: 01982-251106

**Hotel Munshi Continental - Fort Rd (new, good value, right in the middle of town, quite nice)

tel: 01982-253607

mobile: 09906988901

*Norbulinga Guest House - Chubi Rd (A family-run guest house where you'll want to stay for a while, great location, quiet, garden)
tel: 01982- 52941

*Dorje Guest House - Upper Tukcha Rd

tel: 01982-253460
mobile: 09419269780, 09419242858

 

Hotel Gawaling

 

 

Shaynam Garden

 

RESTAURANTS

 

The Ibex (Tandoori, Indian, Chinese & Continental, great food, outdoors, local & tourist mix, only ‘bar’ in Leh) – Fort Rd

Summer Harvest (Tibetan & India, Tandoori, great, very popular & hard to get a seat) – Fort Rd

Tibetan Kitchen (Tibetan & Asian) – Fort Rd

Chopsticks (Asian, great ambiance) –Fort Rd

Penguin Bakery (Leh’s most popular bakery & good restaurant, garden setting) – Dragon Rd

Bon Appetit (new restaurant with interesting menu, a bit more $ but worth visiting) - Zing Yok, Lower Zarzoo

Leh Café (Asian, wonderful, casual spot for lunch) – Veg Market Rd

Wonderland (Tibetan, Indian & Italian) – Changspa

Café Jeevan (Asian, vegetarian, no beer) - Changspa

Pumpernickel Bakery (Leh’s first bakery, still good, best for take-away) – Veg Market Rd

Open Hand (cafe & coffeeshop with style & a gift shop) - Dragon Rd

Dzomsa (MUST visit, water, juice, lassie, laundry – all natural, local-incentive, friendly, ecological) – Main CornerLeh-Chen (Indian, Italian & other things) – Off Fort Rd

 

SHOPPING

 

Pashmina shawls & tribal rugs & kilims are the specialty in Leh, as well as all the Tibetan (sold) products and local Ladakhi & Zanskari antiques. Don't miss the local Moti Market on the way down to the mini-bus stand (just above Leh Gate), the Main Bazaar & the Tibetan markets.

 

Main Bazaar Sign

 

Some suggestions:

Shangaloo Heritage - Main Bazaar (Pashmina, shawls, scarves, silk & tribal carpets; have a cup of Kashmiri tea!)

Tribal Carpets - Fort Rd (same owners)

Tibet Arts - Gompa Rd

Karma's Heritage - Gompa Rd (poke around for inexpensive Ladakhi antiques)

Tibet Dergi Arts - Fort Rd (high end Tibetan treasures)

The Tibet House - Fort Rd (Ladakhi treasures, poke around)

Lhasa Crafts - Fort Rd

Ladakh Book Shop - Gompa Rd

 

Karma's Shop

 

Vegetables sold by local woman on the Main Bazaar

 

Shangaloo Heritage

 

EMAIL & FLIGHT BOOKING

 

Sky Cyber Cafe
Main Bazaar, Samkar Gonpa Complex
Contact:
Mohd Yousuf
yousufskyblue@yahoo.com
yousuf_leh@hotmail.com

Office: (0091) 1982-250294
Mobile: (0091) 9906-997227

 

Manali

SIGHTSEEING

 

There’s not so much sightseeing in Manali itself (besides watching the Indians on vacation enjoying themselves) so take a walk down the Main Bazaar where the Indian tourists roam, poke around the shops, and enjoy the alpine scenery. There is a Tibetan Buddhist gompa at the lower end of the Bazaar. Take a walk to Hadimba Temple on Hadimba Temple Rd, off Clubhouse Rd, and then continue past Neru's Woods on Clubhouse Rd across the bridge to Old Manali. If you want to take a ride, go to Naggar and see some old Himacheli architecture along the way – or better yet, if you can find a bike, cycle there on the smaller road, cross the bridge and come back via Patlikul.

 

*** There are many places to rent Enfields, and the roads around Manali are wonderful for cruising on a motorbike ...

 

HOTELS

 

***Mayflower Hotel – Clubhouse Rd

***Johnson’s Lodge – Clubhouse Rd

***Hotel Ragini - Naggar

 

RESTAURANTS

 

Il Forno (the best Italian in Manali, on Hadimba Rd)

Johnson’s Cafe & Lodge (wonderful ambiance & food, ‘boutique’ Indian, Italian & Continental, on Clubhouse Rd)

Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant (next door, owned by the brother, go for the bar)

Mayflower Restaurant (new, lovely out-door seating under the pines of Neru's Woods, on Clubhouse Rd)

 

SHOPPING

 

Manjuri (Woman's Co-Op) - locally-spun & woven Kullu, Kinnauri & Spiti shawls in wool, angora & pashmina - behind the old bus-stand.