The author of this material is often surprised by modern ideas about travel and the inaccessibility of some points on the map. As he repeatedly described the beauty of India, he heard a categorical response: “Oh, India is so far away. Isn’t it Turkey? Allow me. Under current conditions, the flight from Moscow to Bodrum will take five and a half hours, and from Moscow to Delhi will take six hours. Without overshadowing the prestige of the Aegean coast and the cultural richness of the Ottoman Empire for a moment, I would like to point out that the idea of spending a weekend in India sounds like a much more colorful and original idea. In pursuit of new impressions, we forget all our prejudices and go to one of the oldest cities in the world.
Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi – What is the name of the capital of India?
We recommend defining concepts at the beginning of the journey. So Delhi is a populated area, a city, divided into two large parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. The latter is the capital of modern India. So you will have a flight ticket to Delhi but you will land in New Delhi – complete confusion.
Delhi is sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Seven Empires as it contains the ruins of seven different cities and different civilizations. Strangely, the influence of the Great Mughals, the culture of the British Empire and the traditions of Hinduism are intertwined here. This spicy “cocktail” is what will sweep you off your feet and make you dizzy. They say that there is no one who remains indifferent to the capital of India, they either fall in love at first sight or categorically refuse.
Where to live: Leela Palace New Delhi
Where to live in New Delhi? Of course, in the palace! Feel like a true maharaja (or maharani, aka the king’s wife) by staying at The Leela Palace New Delhi, the city’s most luxurious hotel.
The hotel is located in the diplomatic district, one of the quietest and greenest areas of the city. This 10-storey building is the tallest building in the area (below are the parks and low-rise buildings of colonial England), so most of the windows offer picturesque panoramic views of the capital.
Leela represents a magnificent symbiosis between an authentic atmosphere, national flavor and the most modern elements of service and comfort. Here, in traditional oriental interiors, Apple speakers are comfortably placed, organic cosmetics Tishya from The Leela are lined up on the edge of the golden bathtub (by the way, they are produced specifically for the hotel), all the latest press is on the website. BMW and VIP guests are served as a transfer.
The hotel’s four restaurants serving different cuisines are so successful that they attract the attention of gourmets from all over the city. For example, Megu, one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in New Delhi, is here. To dine with a view of the famous “ice Buddha”, you need to reserve a table a few weeks in advance.
The unspoken motto of the hotel is the good old saying “Atithi Devo Bhava” – “A guest is like a god”. This motto certainly accompanies everyone who crosses Leela’s threshold. I would also like to make a special mention of the gilded rooftop pool, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city. The ideal photo spot and location was found for a romantic sunset.
What to do in New Delhi on the weekend?
– Drive a rickshaw in the old cityWe take millions of color photos on the go. It is better to come here accompanied by a local guide, otherwise you risk getting lost.
– Discover contemporary Indian artists. First of all, we recommend you visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, where artists from the late 19th century to the present are exhibited. Second, you can book a tour with an art guide to the Leela Palace New Delhi, home to dozens of extraordinary works of art (paintings, photographs, sculptures). Hotel owners have been collecting this collection since the day it opened. By the way, even in the rooms there are limited edition lithographs decorated with gold leaf and semi-precious stones.
– Take a trip to the aforementioned Humayun’s tomb – A more modest, but no less interesting analogue of the Taj Mahal.
– Walk in Lodhi Garden Park – this is literally Indian Central Park! Perfectly trimmed lawns, everything around is blooming and fragrant, greenery of all shades shines, many beautiful palaces and even a pond with swans. It is an extremely beautiful place, it is very enjoyable to walk here, if you get tired there are enough benches for everyone.
– Buy a modern Indian outfit. At least a shawl embroidered with patterns (useful in cold Moscow).
– Try the local cuisine. Fun fact: There is no single Indian cuisine. What we usually buy for this (curry, chutney, etc.) varies greatly by region. This is explained by the huge difference in temperatures, weather conditions, availability of products and traditions. So if you try tandoori in Kolkata, there’s a good chance you won’t recognize this dish in Mumbai or New Delhi. In the same hotel, The Leela, there is a wonderful authentic restaurant, Jamavar. More Europeanized versions of traditional Indian cuisine can be found at The Qube restaurant.
And now a secret bonus for those who read the material to the end. If you manage to stay in India, instead of just one The Leela hotel, you can visit several at once, thanks to The Leela Palace Trail program, which combines the chain’s hotels in three cities – New Delhi, Jaipur (pink city), Udaipur (city of lakes) – a lot for travelers under pleasant conditions. So, get ready with our Jaipur and Udaipur travel guides and hit the road!
Source: People Talk
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
