ABOUT DELHI

Delhi has something for everyone and that is amply reflected in the cosmopolitan culture that nurtures festivals of all faiths and religions, places of worship. You can take a stroll at your own leisurely pace, or a jog or a run and move faster than the common man. This is also reflected in the market places, the dhabas and restaurants or the gorgeous five-star hotels. Theatre, drama and entertainment of all sorts including the best of discotheques are all there. Delhi is one city from where you can branch off to any corner of the country either by a well-connected system of railways or by road and air. The rest is for you to explore.

Alliance Francaise De Delhi
75, Lodhi Estate
Ph: 2625 8128

American Centre
24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Tel 2331 6841
0830- 1730 closed on Wednesday

British Council
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Tel 2370 1401
09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri Library
10:00-1800 Closed on Sun-Mon

French Cultural Centre
2 Auranzeb Road
Tel 2304 4682

Italian Culture Centre
50E Chandragupta Marg, Chanakypuri
Tel 2463 8070

Israel Culture Centre
3 Aurangzeb Road
Tel 2301 3238

Judah Hyam Synagogue
2 Humayun Road, opp. Taj Mahal Hotel
Tel 2463 5500
Friday Service 0700, Winter 1830
Open for tourists 24 hours.
Hebrew classes, guided tour by appointment.

Japan Cultural And Information Centre
32 Firoz Shah Road
Tel 2332 9803

Portuguese Cultural Centre
13 Sunder Nagar
Tel 2460 2695

Hungarian Information and Culture Centre
I-A, Janpath
Tel 2301 4497
09:00 - 14:30
Closed on Sat & Sun

Max Mueller Bhawan
3 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Tel 2332 9506/9890
Fax: 2332 5534 / 2372 2573
09:00-1800

Damdama Lake
If boiling and rock climbing is your thing, head for Damdama lake near the Aravalli Hills, a there hour Drive from the city, the lake is just short of Sohna

Water banks Island Resorts
(Organised by Wanderlust) Around 42 kms away from the city, Damdama Lake facing cottages, rowing/boating /fishing, for sports, day picnics and much more.

Mughal Gardens
Surrounded by beautiful flowers, magnificent trees and Impeccably manicured lawns, Mughal Gardens is Situated behind the Rastrapati Bhawan and is open to the public in the third week of February.

Ganga Banks
Around 17 kms away from Rishikesh, on the Ganga with 30 river-facing tents, Rafting, wild life and nature - the most eco-friendly Resort in India.

Dhauj
Around 40 kms away from the city, on the Faridabad-Sohna highway, it's tucked into the Aravalli Hills. With Red cliffs overlooking a reservoir, Dhauj is great for Rock-climbing and bird watching.

Buddha Jayanti Park
Favourite spot for family picnics. In winter the flowers
Is a sight to behold.

Sohna
A three and a half hour drive from Delhi brings you to Sohna, in the bordering state of Haryana. It's hot Springs and grassy expanses make it a popular picnic Spot. And during an early weekend in February, it is the destination of the Statesman Vintage Car Rally.

AMERICAN CENTRE LIBRARY
24 KG Marg, 1100 To 1800 Hrs, Sundays Closed

BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY
17 KG Marg, 1000 To 1800 Hrs, Sundays Closed

MAHARAJA FATEHSINHRAO GAEKWAD LIBRARY AND DOCUMENTATION CENTRE
172-B, Lodhi Estate, 0930 To 1730 Hrs, 2nd and 4th Saturdays And Sundays Closed

MAX MUELLER BHAVAN
KG Marg, 1100 To 1800 Hrs, Sundays Closed

NATIONAL SCIENCE LIBRARY
INSDOC, 14 Satsang Vihar Marg, Institutional Area, Mehrauli Road, Weekdays: 0930 To 2030 Hrs, Saturdays, 0930 To 1700 Hrs, Sundays Closed

NEHRU MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Teen Murti, 0930 To 1900 Hrs, Sundays Closed

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION LIBRARY
Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Panchkuian Road, 0800 To 1100 And 1600-2000 Hrs, Mondays Closed

INDIA GATE
The most recognizable monument of New Delhi, this 42m high, free standing arch was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931. An eternal flame is lit here to honour the immortal soldiers, the Amar Jawans.

RED FORT
Since the Revolt of 1857, the Indian Army occupies more than half of what used to be a mini city within the walls of the Lal Quila. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from here every Independence Day.

RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
The official residence of the President of India, this heritage building was also designed by Lutyens. Its original copper dome was painted black during the war years as it made too easy a target for enemy fire.

QUTAB MINAR
At a height of 72.5m, with 379 steps, this tower was built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori over the rajputs in 1192. It is known as the might of Islam. Also of interest is the 7.2m tall Iron Pillar in the courtyard of this mosque. It bears a Sanskrit inscription saying that it was the flagpole of Vishnu temple in the 4th or 5th Century.

OLD FORT
This was the citadel of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor. This is the venue for a spectacular sound and light show that traces the history of Delhi. Timings: summer-2000hrs, winter-1900hrs. Fee: Rs.25

JANTAR MANTAR
The Maharaja of Jaipur built this in 1724 as an astronomic observatory. He constructed giant replicas of existing instruments (too small for accuracy, he thought). It is popular place for staging protests and strikes.

RAJGHAT
It is the memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He was cremated here on the banks, or ghats, of the Yamuna. There are daily prayer meetings here at 1700hrs. Set in acres of Landscaped gardens, Rajghat is ideal for quiet contemplation.

LOTUS TEMPLE
The Baha'i House of Worship is built in the shape of a lotus blossom. The petals are of concrete covered with white marble, making it look fresh and cool especially on a hot summer's day.

JAMA MASJID
It is the grandest example of a three-domed Mughal mosque. A flawless piece of architecture, it is now surrounded by crowded bazaars on all sides.

NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF INDIA
Janpath. Tel: 301 9272/9322 * 1000-1700. Closed on Mon. Entry fee Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 150 for Foreigners.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Mandi House, Barakhamba Road. Tel: 331 4849/7992 * 1000-1700. Closed on Mon. Free Entry.

NATIONAL GALERY OF MODERN ART
Embassy Road Chanakyapuri, Tel: 338-4640 * 0930-1930. Closed on Mon. Entry Fee Rs. 10for Indians & Rs. 150 for foreigners Re. 1 for Children/students.

NATIONAL GANDHI MUSEUM
Rajghat. Tel: 331 0168 * 0930-1730. Closed on Mon. and 2nd Sat. Free Entry.
NEHRU RAIL MUSEUM
Embassy Road Chanakyapuri, Tel: 688-1816 * 0930-1930. Closed on Mon. Entry Fee Rs. 10 for adults Rs. 3 for 3-12 yrs old.

NEHRU MEMORIAL PLANETARIUM AND MUSEUM
Teen Murti. Tel 301-4504. Museum:- * 1000-1500, Planetarium:- * 1130-1500. Closed on Mon.

HOME OF FOLK ART
2009, Sector-IV, Urban Estate, Gurgaon. Tel: 91-632-1783 Open Only on Sundays, 1000-1700. Other days by appointment. Entry free.

INDIA GATE LAWNS
Ideal for quiet walks contemplating life, the traffic, and your luck at not having kids to drag to the park across road. The beautiful lake alongside gives you an opportunity to appreciate nature through boating.

LODHI GARDEN
A huge park frequented by joggers and amorous young couples. The garden is laid out around the beautiful tombs of the Lodi and Sayyid sultans who rules North India in the 15th and the 16th century.

NEHRU PARK
On Sunday mornings Indian classical music concerts are held here. For that special touch of leisure on a lazy Sunday morning.

CHILDREN'S PARK
Cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream from street vendors add to its attraction for kids. The park has swings, slides, a jungle gym and an aquarium.