| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
200km (124 miles) NW of Agra; 261km (162 miles) NE of Jaipur; 604km (375 miles) NE of Jodhpur The capital of the world's largest democracy has a fascinating history, but with a population of 14 million sprawling over some 1,500 sq. km (585 sq. miles), and plagued by the subcontinent's highest levels of pollution, growth, and poverty, Delhi's delights are not immediately apparent. Even Delhiites, most of whom were born elsewhere, seldom show pride in the city they now call home, bemoaning its drab mix of civil servants, aspiring politicians, and avaricious businessfolk; the ever-expanding slums and "unauthorized" colonies; the relatively high levels of crime; and the general demise of traditional ways. Yet Delhi is in many ways the essence of modern India, with its vivid paradox of old and new, rich and poor, foreign and familiar. Today, to the return visitor, what is startlingly noticeable is the unprecedented growth; to some extent, this is a natural, organic expansion, but it's also part of a mapped-out initiative to prepare the city for its highly anticipated role as host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games and as a leading Asian capital. Beyond the "Games City" moniker, there's the somewhat draconian-sounding "Master Plan for Delhi 2021," which aims to thrust the capital -- kicking and screaming if need be -- into a better, brighter (and, perhaps sadly, thoroughly Westernized) future. It's clearly a role that local government is taking seriously, because the change i
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| When To Go (Source: Fodors) | Top | It's best to visit Delhi between mid-October and March. Autumn and early spring yield mild, sunny days. The crowds are thinner than in the winter, and the temperatures are such that most people are comfortable in shirt sleeves. The heat is intense from April until the monsoon arrives in July, after which rain and intense humidity add to the misery. Despite the reputation for heat, the city gets downright cold in late-December and January, with temperatures near freezing. But homes and hotels here are built for the heat: marble floors and drafty interiors don't provide much relief from the cold, so pack accordingly. If you'll only be in Delhi a few days, note that the Red Fort and most museums are closed on Monday, and the Jama Masjid is closed to non-Muslims on Friday.
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