If you are in Mumbai, then you know, it is a place full of opportunities and filled with hardworking and less judgmental people. The diverse culture is also something to admire, everywhere you go, you will meet self resilient people from different cultures, even better, they are able to interact with each other and work together in developing the city of dreams that Mumbai is.
My family and I have always lived in Mumbai, but you know what happens when you stay in the same place for a long time. No matter how great it is, boredom can settle in at some point. So when an opportunity for vacation presented itself, we warmly embraced it!
Now, you may be right to think that Delhi is not that much different from Mumbai, given that both cities are pinned on a map of the same country. However, there is still so much about Delhi that you won’t find anywhere else in the world including Mumbai. In this article, we are going to share with you some of the helpful things to keep in mind before or while visiting Delhi. Especially if you are visiting from Mumbai!
How to get there
There are various modes of transport you can use to reach Delhi from Mumbai, but the flight is obviously the quickest. Therefore, if spending hours on the road or train is not your cup of tea, you can check out the Mumbai to Delhi flight status or schedules that will favor you. If you have an internet connection, you can easily do this online at the comfort of your home, instead of visiting or calling agents. That is the beauty of modern technology!
Delhi is approximately 1140 kilometers from Mumbai, but the frequency of flights that run operations between New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is great. So, there are different airlines to choose from and a flight will take just 2 hours.
Departing from Mumbai
You can access your nearest airport in different ways depending on where you reside in Mumbai. For our case, we took a local train at the Andheri Railway station and then a taxi to reach the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Time taken to reach the airports depends on traffic. Private taxis can be a little expensive but they are extremely convenient especially if you are traveling with kids or have too much luggage.
Leaving the Delhi Airport
Upon arriving at the Delhi airport and getting all the necessary clearance, you can get out of the airport either by cab or by metro. For cabs, you can take prepaid ones. You will find them parked at the booth just outside the airport’s arrival hall. You can also opt for a radio taxi, and go with it to your destination. They usually have pickup points outside the airport.
Delhi Airport Metro Express is the quickest way to reach the city, they are also very economical in case you are traveling on a budget, and can help you avoid the traffic snarls during the rush hours.
Your first impression of Delhi would probably be the crowded city that is a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. It is an impression that can make or break your trip but I have compiled practical tips to help you get around like a pro!
Consider visiting during winter
November to March is the ideal month to visit Delhi, particularly if you can handle the hot sun, humid weather, or flooded streets associated with the Delhi monsoons. There is something amazing about Delhi’s winter mornings, especially during the colder months.
The Singing Tree, an awesome tea house in the Chittaranjan Park area of South Delhi serving a variety of teas and coffees, offers the best of Delhi winters with khullad waali chai (hot tea that is served in handcrafted clay cups).
Avoid tap water
You shouldn’t drink Delhi’s tap water, so, unless you are a guest of someone who uses a purifier to sanitize water, only drink bottled water and skip the ice in drinks at pubs and restaurants. In this way, you will minimize your chances of feeling unwell or not enjoying your vacation. While in public places, don’t let your drinks go unattended and also don’t take drinks from strangers.
Don’t forget your bug and pepper spray
Most cities in the world have their own share of trouble and Delhi is no exception. Therefore, there is no harm in being cautious while in the capital city. To get rid of pests of any sort both your pepper and bug spray will help keep you safe.
Don’t be quick to book accommodation
If you’re looking for accommodation in Delhi, Paharganj is a great choice and popular among tourists from all over the world. Also consider options in posh areas, such as South Delhi, where you can enjoy upscale amenities for a reasonable price.
Check out the shopping options
It’s important to know your options when it comes to shopping and bargaining in Delhi, so take time to examine the other vendors just blocks away. Unfortunately, tourists are often exploited to a certain extent. However, a little bit of skillful bargaining can save one some money. Some of the popular markets you can bargain with are located in GK M Block Market, Sarojini Nagar, among others.
Dining out
Delhi is one of the best cities in the world for eating out. Whether it is street food, you can enjoy it throughout the day for about $18, Delhi is a great place to pick up great flavors too, no matter what your budget is. You can easily discover the restaurant directory of Delhi using a food application like Zomato.
Be patient
Explore a different major area and market every day, dividing your time accordingly. Don’t rush through your travels, and try to relax as much as possible. The chaos of the city may
not work out as you planned, so adapt and go with the flow. Consider visiting a few of the city’s best sites like Red Fort, India Gate, Chandni Chowk, etc. Try to enjoy the city, one day at a time.
Be a part of Delhi
There may be a few things about Delhi that aren’t perfect, but it is still a great place to live. To have an extraordinary experience in the capital, embrace the unique, strange, and exceptional nature of the city and its people. Consider putting the concept of personal space aside for a couple of weeks, and go with the flow.