A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to New Delhi
Considered by many locals and tourists to be a magical city, visiting New Delhi is essentially like visiting an entirely new world. With its exotic history, vibrant colors, enticing smells, and organized chaos, New Delhi is truly a fascinating place to discover, especially if it is your first visit to India’s capital city. Of course, with so much to see and do, it can be almost impossible to decide where to start.
If you are in the process of planning your luxury getaway to New Delhi, India, here are three of the best and most luxurious places to stay, as well as three five star restaurants you should not miss the chance to dine at, and three places you must make the time to see.
Where to Stay
The Leela Palace
Ranked the #1 hotel of 698 in New Delhi by TripAdvisor, The Leela Palace is one of the top luxury hotels in the world. Rooms range from around $271 per night for a beautiful room with access to all the amenities to $1,091 for a suite, which includes two-way airport transfers monitored by hotel attendants, styling accessories, yoga mats, high speed internet access, 5 meals a day, and more. The Leela features a gorgeous pool, full spa, gym, 24/7 room service, on-call doctors, and dry cleaning.
Taj Palacej New Delhi
Considered one of the city’s most iconic hotels, Taj Palace frequently hosts heads of state, royalty, and corporate czars. The hotel is home to multiple award-winning, fine dining restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine options, a tea and coffee lounge, the Jive Spa & Salon, a huge outdoor pool, on-call doctors and nurses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 6 acres of perfectly landscaped grounds. Rooms range from $186 per night for a single room to $918 for a luxury suite with king bed. If money is no object, the 7.534 sq. ft. TATA Suite is available for $12,242 per night.Â
The Lodhi
Gorgeous and elegant, The Lodhi is a boutique hotel that opened in 2013 and is situated on 7 acres of land next to the Delhi Golf Course. Rates range from $361 per night for a premier room to around $640 per night for a suite. The Lodhi boasts private plunge pools, a library and cigar bar, spa and salon, two gyms filled with the latest equipment, and a Pilates studio, among other things. In addition, the hotel is happy to provide personalized tours and excursions throughout New Delhi.
Where to Eat
Indian Accent
Voted the top restaurant out of more than 11,000 on TripAdvisor, Indian Accent features a contemporary Indian menu that incorporates unusual ingredients from all over the world and fresh seasonal produce. In addition to the standard menu, you can choose the six course Chef Tasting menu, which is paired with some of the best wine in the world. (The six course meal is priced between $40 and $46.) Vegetarian options are available.
Tamra
Tamra is an award winning restaurant that serves Indian, Asian, Japanese, and international fare prepared in five different interactive kitchens. Located in the Shangri-La’s -Eros Hotel, Tamra serves breakfast, including hot Indian dishes, such as Poori Bhaji and Parantha-Aloo, omelets, and pancakes, as well as lunch, dinner, and overnight meals.
Parikrama: The Revolving Restaurant
Centrally located in the heart of the city, Parikrama sits 240 feet above the ground, which means diners get to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, as well as delicious Indian, Thai, Mughalai, and Chinese cuisine. In just 90 minutes, the restaurant completes a full 360-degree rotation. The restaurant is also host to a fully stocked bar that includes exotic liquors, beer, and wine from all over the world.
What to See
The Red Fort Complex
Built in the 16th century, the Red Fort, which was constructed using red sand and includes palaces, a mosque, and much more, served as the home of the Mughai emperor for almost two centuries. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and includes several museums, such as the Museum of Indian Independence, that features amazing, insightful exhibits, including carvings and sculptures. displaying the area’s unique history. It is worth visiting in the evening to ensure you catch the Lights and Sound Show. The entry fee is $2.25 and an additional 75 cents to attend the Lights and Sound Show.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
The largest Sikh temple of worship in New Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib offers the perfect opportunity to learn about Sikhism, while also enjoying the exquisite architecture and one of a kind sights, including a handwritten Mool Mantar and various historical manuscripts. Originally built in 1664 for Raja Jai Singh, an Indian ruler, it is believed to have been made of Ashtadhatu (a combination of copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, silver, tin, and zinc).
Today, it is considered by many locals to be the most relaxing and peaceful spot in a busy city. In addition to there being no charge for entry, it functions as a huge community kitchen, which serves everyone regardless of race or religion.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Inaugurated in 2005, more than 11,000 highly skilled artisans were required to complete this intricately decorated Hindu temple. Â Swaminarayan Akshardham offers a wide variety of activities to do and exhibitions to see. This includes making a wish at Charanarvind- Holy Footprints, engaging with the elephants that roam the lower level of the grounds in Gajendra Peeth, and taking part in spiritual prayer and ritual that includes offering holy water to Neelkanth.
In addition, you have the option of watching several exhibitions that are designed to transport you back to the days of ancient India, as well as a spriritual multimedia water show that incorporates live actors, underwater flames, lasers, video projects, and more into a story from the Kena Upanishad. While entrance to Swaminarayan Akshardham is free, there is a nominal fee for some activities.