New Delhi City Profile
New Delhi is the largest city in India as well as the political hub. The IT business is not so fast in Delhi, but Legal Process Outsourcing and Call Centers thrive there. Culturally, Delhi is quite a mix with a large population of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, and even a few folks from the Asiatic parts of India such as Manipur (which is near Burma).
Attractions
Red Fort is a huge attraction and you can spend a few hours perusing through this historical castle. Humayun’s tomb is another famous place to visit in Delhi too. This is the tomb of the Moghul emporer Humayun and was completed in 1571. The architecture of this building resembles other moghai sites including the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Qutab Minar is another famous site and is a minaret that is very high — in fact, the worlds tallest brick minaret. India Gate, another famous landmark looks a bit like L’arc du Triumph in Paris, and is another popular place to visit.
Weather
Delhi gets very hot in the spring and summer, and can get nippy in the winter. Plan appropriately when traveling to this area. Rain can be excessive during the monsoon season which is in the summer and lasts for a few months. Please note that Indian nationals incorrectly use the term, “Summer”, to refer to what scientists refer to as “Spring” in the Northern hemisphere. Getting the locals to use scientifically correct language is not within the realm of possibility in India, at least during this generation. Summer officially starts on June 21st and ends on September 21st in the Northern hemisphere while Indians will try to convince you that summer starts in late march and is followed by the monsoon season which comes in early June in Delhi. Please keep in Mind, that the monsoon season starts much earlier in Kerela and Goa if you are planning on traveling to the South.
Lifestyle
Connaught place is the place to go in Delhi. It might be closed on Sundays (I don’t have access to that information, but heard through the grapevine). They have a wide variety of cuisines from around the world, and it is the place to go when in town. Five star hotels such as La Meridian are also fantastic places to go eat with a friend, as they offer the best sense of class of anywhere that you could go.
Transportation
Since Delhi is the capital of India, flights are easily available to Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, Arabia, Europe, and many other places. This is the easiest city in India to get a wide variety of international flights. Rick shaws and cabs are also a popular choice for local transportation. However, it is not recommeneded that foreigners travel between the hours of 8pm and 6am as there are many shady characters in the cab business who might take you off course to some hoodlums who want to rob you. Delhi is the most dangerous place in India for foreigners and women, so its better to travel under the protection of a saavy local — preferably of the male gender. Also keep in mind that if there are riots, you could be stranded in this city, and riots happen on schedule every several years.