MUST SEE LIST

So many of you ask where to go and what to do once landing in Delhi. 

This post will list the best of the best, as far as our family is concerned.  

We've seen loads in this city, and these are our favorites.  

I've linked to previously written posts about each spot, so that you can read more about each location and see photos.  I've also listed some tips/hints.

(For most locations, bring along your FRRO documentation for reduced entrance tickets -- i.e. admission for a foreigner, Rs 250 ... with valid FRRO paperwork, Rs. 20)

Enjoy!

(get your hands on the Eicher's Map Book for a handy reference guide.  Even better, buy two and keep one at home and one in the car!)

Qutub Minar

Our family's visit

My Seven Cities visit

• There are restrooms.  Take a left after the main tower down the crazy huge stairs, then another left.
• Make it a longer visit, by taking a small picnic lunch and take advantage of the many green/grassy areas
• Make it an even longer stay, by visiting the Mehrauli flower market, just a short walk from the monument site.

Delhi Zoo

 

Mia's preschool visit

• The zoo is best visited on a weekday, if possible, as weekends are unbearably packed.
• Take advantage of the trolley service - which starts just as you make the long walk into the zoo.  Rates are very reasonable and will save your legs!  If you have a stroller, be aware that the stroller will have to be collapsed each time you re-board the trolley.  The trolley makes stops at all of the main attractions and the kids like the ride as well!
• There are bathrooms at various points along the way.
• You are not allowed to bring in food or gum into the zoo.
• There are small snack stations all throughout the property with drinks and ice cream.
• If you choose to WALK the zoo, avoid the obvious lines/crowds by going early in the morning and starting your tour from the RIGHT, instead of veering left at the beginning!

Old Fort

My Seven Cities tour

My spur-of-the-moment visit with Mia

• While there isn't much to "do" here, it is a beautiful and serene location, often visited by "lovebirds" and picnickers.
• Restrooms are located in the office (towards the back on the left hand side of the property) although you need to say "please and thank you" and have the little ones in tow to gain access (toddlers jumping up and down, saying "POTTY!" seems to work wonders as well).
• Near to the restrooms is a small shop selling cold drinks.

Dilli Haat

Retail therapy!

• This is a shopper's paradise when you need to find trinkets, take-home gifts or just want a break from the typical market/shopping experience.  
• Entrance is a reasonable Rs 15 per person.
• The vendors will rotate every couple of weeks, so your shopping finds will never be the same.  
• Take your own carry-home bags and be prepared to BARGAIN!  Of course, feel free to pay the original asking price, but know that bargaining is almost expected and if you're in the mood for it, it can be fun!

Gandhi Memorial / Museum


My visit with mom

I can't begin to tell you how to get here, but the museum and memorial are both located in Raj Ghat.  A somewhat informative website for the museum is here.  

Entrance to both the museum and memorial are free and photographs are encouraged.  You WILL want to know though that there are no shoes allowed inside the memorial area, so if you go on a hot/sunny day, it is advised to bring socks! They do roll out carpets of green turf, but it still gets steamy on the ole toes!

Santushti

I have yet to photograph or blog about this location, but it is a delightful break.  Filled with individual shopping huts, you will find all sorts of clothing, home decor, etc here ... as well as several great restaurants.  There are two sides to Santushti (separated by a small street).  There isn't much shade to be found here, but the ambience is such that you won't feel stifled, crowded or bothered by anyone trying to sell you trinkets, sunglasses or belts.

DELHI CLIMATE

Back in Nebraska, we joked that there were 5 seasons ... Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall and Construction.

Delhi seems to have 3 ... Summer, Winter and Monsoon.  I'll share with you some of my tips for getting through each season and adjusting as best you can!

SUMMER ::

Adjusting to the summer heat in Delhi can be a chore.

With temperatures typically ranging from 35-45 degrees Celsius (100 - 113 degrees Fahrenheit), it can be quite oppressive.  Factor in the humidity and you end up with normal "feels like" temperatures of sometimes 52 Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) !!

The summer months and associated heat begins in April (give or take) and lasts through at least September.  The following are some of my suggestions, based on our experience, for how to handle, survive and actually ENJOY the heat!

• Get in the habit of placing filtered water bottles in the freezer each night.  When you place those frozen water bottles in your car in the morning, you are left with deliciously chilled water throughout the day!
• Drink water, drink more water and drink some more water.  
  
• Pack babywipes in your car.  Perfect for washing hands, legs and faces AS WELL as providing an instant "bath" if you will.  If you are out and about for several hours, a quick washdown is helpful and often NEEDED!
• Plan for short trips out.  If you need to go to the market, avoid staying any longer than one hour.  If you are planning a sightseeing trip, be prepared that you might need to cut it short based on your children's ability to handle the heat.
• Make friends with someone who lives at a farmhouse (i.e. has a POOL) or consider joining a club that has a pool.  If you keep a bag in your car that contains an extra swimming suit, some towels and goggles, you'll always be prepared for a quick dip in the water!

WINTER ::

On the flip side, winter can be a shock to the system as well ... although you won't find snow and water left out overnight is unlikely to freeze.

• Wear layers when you leave in the morning.  Having an item or two of clothing you can shed throughout the day is a big help.  Often a very chilly morning gives way to a very pleasant, if not quite warm, afternoon!
• Purchase radiator or fan heaters for your home - as most homes have chilly marble floors and little (if any) insulation.  Teach your children to wear socks, don sweatshirts and keep blankets in your living spaces.
• Most markets have sweaters galore and some even offer warm coats.  Purchase some mittens for the coldest of mornings.
• Know that winter doesn't last forever and is the coldest only for 4-6 weeks!

MONSOON ::

Another component of adjusting to the climate is the monsoon season.

• Wear flipflops during monsoon season, or bring your rainboots!  
• Carry a bag/purse that ZIPS shut.  Nothing is more frustrating than a purse full of water!
• Ziploc your wallet, makeup, anything else you want to protect should it fall out of your car.
• Keep a stash of towels in your car.  Better to wash towels than have damp/musty seats in the car!
• Let your children enjoy monsoon season.  We've never seen rain puddles quite like this!

Those of you who live (or have lived) in Delhi.  What other tips and tricks can you offer readers on how to acclimate to the climate?  

CULTURAL INFO

Importance of Hierarchy

India is a complex interplay of deeply entrenched hierarchical tradition and a rapidly changing social milieu that is heavily influenced by a huge influx of foreign business as well as Indians returning from work or education abroad. Regardless of the modernity of the individual, India’s long history of hierarchical structure and reverence for family is still quite influential.

Indians are aware of their social order and each person’s place within it, even though there are some young people who are beginning to question these social mores. Traditional values held that Hinduism’s emphasis on karma and reincarnation reinforced this hierarchy in that many believed their current standing stemmed from behaviour in a previous life. For example, to be born poor meant you led an earlier life that warranted your current circumstances, whereas a person of means must have done something right and is now enjoying the reward.

Since India is a hierarchical country where the caste system has left its mark, every person in a working environment has a clear-cut set of roles and responsibilities based upon their job level. An employee’s role in the organization may be as important as the work performed.

Family and Group Before Self

Indians generally will sacrifice for the good of the group, even at the cost of their personal desires because they usually live in close-knit extended families (calling one another “brother” and “sister” even when such status isn’t strictly true). People identify by family name, religious beliefs, or social and career status. This family brings its own interrelationships, structures, and rules, all quite nuanced. The family also affords trust and support, so that relatives loan each other money, help each other find work, nurse their own sick, and more.

In a business situation it is quite important to understand the primary role of the family since an individual’s responsibilities extend to the family at all times. This may conflict with work duties on occasion. Regardless of the motivation of the employee and the desire to do good work, family concerns will often take precedence,

Maintaining Harmony

The need to maintain harmony within the group is an extremely important element of working with people from India. It requires tactful communication and careful listening on the part of non-Indians in order to effectively conduct business. Since Indians do not like to deliver bad news, it’s crucial to ask questions in such a way that negative news can be delivered without disturbing the individuals involved. For example, avoiding situations where the person will have to say “no” is a more effective way to obtain information.

The Caste System

While the caste system is now officially and legally banned, it has its legacy in the depth and tenacity of the hierarchical structures of the society.  Hindu scripture codified this stratification, and society officially recognized it until 1949, when the country’s constitution finally banned caste-based discrimination.

With the industrial revolution and modern life, India’s social delineations have inevitably begun to break down. While remnants are visible, mingling and intermixing occur in previously unimaginable ways. In rural areas, caste structures are firmer than in the rapidly changing urban areas, and attempts at achieving equality often end poorly. While the government has taken measures to instil education and job quotas for people from the lower castes, that, too, often brings complaints of unfair treatment.

FAST PHRASES

• Yes: Haan
• No: Nahin
• Hello/Goodbye: Namaste
• Please: Meharbani she or Kripaya
• Thank you: Shukriya or Dhanyavad

FAST FACTS

Name of country: Republic of India

Population: 1,147,995,898 (July 2008 est.)

Capital city: New Delhi

Key cities: New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai

ON WHAT TO PACK

For me, the thought of packing for our relocation to Delhi was the recipe for nightmares!

I scoured the internet and found new blogging friends to help with my packing list.  I created spreadsheets and lists galore in an effort to be organized (I'll share those later).

This is a difficult post to construct as your situation may differ from mine.  Your shipment allotment may be larger than ours, or you may have a smaller budget for your move.  Your company (or the government) may dictate what you can and can't bring with you.

My best advice to you is to start laying out the suitcases and boxes early on in your adventure and plan for lots of changes to their contents along the way.

* * *

MOST things are available in Delhi.  This may not be the case in Hyderabad or Chennai, so complete as much due diligence as you can before you start packing.  Try to find out as much information as possible about what things are readily available in the city you're landing in.

Some of the things I have found we DID need to bring with us (some more for familiarity and ease) ::

Children's medicines that you are used to dosing (i.e. Benadryl, Allergy medicine) ... 

NOTE :: the chemists here have everything you need, and most of it you can "self prescribe".  Having the convenience of the chemist is great, BUT it is also handy to have "US brands" available to you.  If you ask for Benadryl at the chemist, you will get a blank stare in response.  

Stain Remover if you employ a dhobi (laundry help) in your home, it is good practice to keep a bottle or two of stain remover in your bedrooms, so that you can treat stains before you discard the dirty clothes into your hamper at night. 

Dryer Sheets (available, but expensive!)

Socks & Underwear (while available, the selection did not make my troop happy)

Regarding women's undergarments, you will find them available, but to save you some headaches and grief, bring a new allotment WITH you versus attempting to find your size(s) in a mall/store where they will try to stuff you into whatever size they currently have in stock!

Feminine Products OB is the only brand I've been able to find on a regular basis.  Plan ahead, ladies!  

Clothing I have had a blast purchasing clothes for myself and the two littles.  However, shopping for my big boys has been a chore.  Indian men are (for the most part) teensy.  Even the "large" doesn't fit my 15 year old.  Be aware that if you have a larger guy/teenager, it may be a bit troublesome to find even normal tshirts, jeans, pants, shorts to fit.

Pantry Items

Crackers, cookies, cake mixes, etc.  You may be surprised that you can find most everything you desire (goldfish, lucky charms, etc!).  It can be a bit hit and run with selections.  One day you may find your favorite kind of chips, and the next time you find them, they are stale.  The following week, they may not be available at all!

Triscuits seem to be the elusive boxed item that we have yet to find ... that and Honey Maid Graham Crackers  :(

Cake mixes and frosting are definitely available, but at a price.  You'll be better off baking from scratch!

Ziploc baggies are available here (contrary to what I had been told before we arrived) but the quality is not what you'll be used to.  Adjust your preferences a bit, and you'll be fine.

Saran wrap, wax paper and tinfoil are all available - however, we have been unable to find the boxes that contain the serated edge for tearing off your selected size of wrap/paper/foil.  I wish that we had brought at least one box of each to use as our dispenser.

Toiletries you will find most everything you need in this category.  However, if you have special needs for your hair, you may want to bring your own products (my frizzy hair demands stuff from the States).

Stick deodorant for the boys in our family seems to be an elusive find.  Spray options abound ... but normal run-o-the-mill STICK deodorant ... you may want to stock up if you have a favorite.

If you're located in Delhi as an expat, what things did you wish you'd packed?

What do you fill your suitcases with when you return home?

What items are on your list of 'creature comforts' that you miss most about your life before you arrived?