Travel: New Delhi, India part.1

Posted by Scott – Travel Contributor

If you are like me, you sometimes have the opportunity to mix work with pleasure. After all, how often can you say that you would have never visited a place unless work sent you there.  I know I’ll raise my hand to that.

On a recent business trip to New Delhi, India I had roughly one day to see the sights and sounds of this fascinating culture in South Asia.  If you have limited time and want to get a feel for the capital, here are my 10 must-sees that you could do in just 10 hours:

1. Qutab Minar

2. Red Fort

3. Lotus Temple

4. Humayan Tomb

5. India Gate

6. Raj Ghat

7.  Old Delhi  — Get lost in the sights and sounds of this section of the capital. If you want to see the “real” Delhi, this is it!

8. Lodi Gardens

9. Eating — Get your camera ready for the vibrant colors of Indian food.  This meal made up various dishes is served in small bowls on top of a banana leaf on a round tray.  This meal was all vegetarian.  My favorite part…the dessert!

10. Shopping  — http://www.cottageemporium.in/ — If you have limited time to buy for your friends and family, consider stopping at the Cottage Emporium.  This site is your go-to place for all authentic Indian handicrafts.  From scarfs to tablecloths to bracelets to bowls, get it here. The best part is that major credit cards are accepted and you don’t have to deal with bargaining at the markets.

What a whirlwind!  Now get some sleep at the incredible and luxurious Leela Palace Hotel (http://www.theleela.com/locations/new-delhi/).  With an actual menu of various pillows to choose from and a TV built into the mirror of the bathroom, you deserve to sleep and relax in style. At a p(a)lace like the Leela, the bed bugs will never bite…or at least they shouldn’t 🙂