Drinking in Delhi.

Being British backpackers, we're very comfortable/keen to live up to the stereotype for our love of happy hours and cheap beer. Being a predominately Hindu country, it's notoriously difficult to get pissed in India, and where it's not difficult it's both expensive and frowned upon. So, after two weeks in Rajahstan, we were a little over excited about heading back to Delhi where the drinks are heavily taxed, but readily available and happy hours are in abundance. 

Coco's. Inner Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Me, Alice and three British lads we'd befriended at the hostel each payed 990rps (£9.90) for two hours of all you can drink beer, rum and vodka (with a free starter thrown in the line the stomach.)

Needless to say things escalated quickly and neither of us really remember being hit with the 20% tax which made the deal a little less appealing, but we defintaly had a laugh and the service was really quite attentive considering how often we asked for the next round. 

MyBar, M-block Market, Greater Kailash, New Delhi. 

"MyBars are the spoons of Delhi" we were told, so we couldn't not take a look. The music's loud, the decor's rowdy and the drinks are remarkably cheap. Cocktails start at 120rps and beers from 100rps. A tonic will mix you 4 g&t's so buy accordingly to keep the price down. 

 

Monkey Bar, South Delhi.

This place is a bit of an institution in South Delhi, recognisable from miles away because of it's glass pyramid roof. We didn't make it (coco's was to blame), but many people recommended visiting if you want to party with locals and are okay with paying a little more for premium drinks. 

Shangri-la, Connaught Place, New Delhi. 

Yeah, this happened. No, we don't remember a huge amount. I can tell you that the g&t's were bloody awesome, you can get a great negroni if you tell the barman exactly how to make it, there are bar snacks, gold drink coasters (Alice found them in her bag the next day) and a huge golden throne in the foyer. Of course it's expensive, but it's probably the cheapest Shangri-la you'll ever drink in.

Mountain coffee, M-block market, greater Kailash, New Delhi. 

Need a hangover cure? This is the best coffee shop we've found in Delhi. It's pricey, but worth it, and the decor is beautiful; like a ski lodge in the middle of the mayhem. If you're feeling civilised (and wealthy) do it.

Hotel City Star, New Delhi.

I booked 3 nights at City Star as a birthday present for Al, and a way of breaking us both in to the chaos of Delhi. At around £70 for 3 nights, it is no doubt the most expensive place we'll stay. With good reviews on booking.com, free wifi and breakfast, and the promise of complimentary airport pick-up, it seemed like the good choice. 

We arrived in Delhi airport a half hour later than scheduled. Our bags took another nail-biting 45minutes to arrive. By this point it was 4.30am and we were beginning to stress out ever so slightly... We left the airport, hoping to see our names amongst the white boards held out offering lifts to hotels around the city. Alas, ours was not there. Keen to keep the faith, we left the airport to check the outside crowds. Still no sign, and now no way back into the airport or means of changing money. Hesitantly we resided to the fact that we were going to have to join the mass of people and attempt to get a cab... With no Indian cash. 

$7 and 45minutes later (with at least roadside stops as we attempted to show the driver where the hotel actually was...) we finally rocked up at the hotel. Time: 5.45am. "Our driver was waiting for you for an hour and a half" the guy on reception said. Sod's law; we probably missed him by minutes. The desk rectified this straight away by offering a complimentary ride back to the airport after our stay... So all was not lost.

The room was large and clean, with a queen sized bed and a huge window over-looking not a lot. Complimentary water and papers were supplied everyday, and towels and toiletries were stocked in the bathroom. The tv didn't work, and there wasn't a hairdryer but we didn't really have (m)any complaints. 

Breakfast was a simple affair out on the roof terrace; with a good selection of Indian options which we stayed clear of. For the less adventurous (us), cereal, toast and fruit were offered along with pancakes and omelettes to order. The coffee was alright too. 

The roof terrace was one of the hotels best features; it'd be a good spot for a beer and a game of cards.

Overall the staff were really friendly and obliging, the wifi was good, the gym was well equipped and the location was pretty perfect. We took up the offer of the hotels cab for the first day and Rashu their driver took us to all the sights, whilst also doubling up as our private photographer. At 800rps for both I think we were probably ripped off; but it was an easy option and we weren't about to step out in Delhi on our first day and grab a random tuc-tuc. 

Overall, it was a good stay I'd say. 

(There's Alice in the lobby with our travel companions Bentley and Boris.) 

2 Days in New Delhi: Do's and don't's.

Do:

- Eat the "best thali on Delhi" (according to lonely planet) at Hotel Savarana Bhavan in block 15 on Connaught place. A canteen style restaurant that is full of locals and serves huge, fresh dosas from as little as 65rps (60p). We shared the mixed mini tiffin too, and although we had no idea what we were eating, it was great. Meal for two with soft drinks: 325rps 

- Head to the Main Bazzaar in Paharganj. It's busy, but not as intense as the Chandni Chowk or Khan markets. We got 4 pairs of trousers for 500rps, and could have continued shopping all day. There are a lot of cheap backpacker hostels on thai road too, we stopped at Ajays for a drink and free wifi, there were more travellers in that one restaurant than we saw anywhere else in the city.

- Visit Humayun Tomb. The entrance fee is 250rps for foreigners, but it's worth it because the tomb is beautiful. Known locally as the mini Taj, it offers lovely views of the city if nothing else. Al and I loved the garden tomb out front. 

- India gate is also worth a look, though only for a quick pic. The Red Fort, too, is a popular tourist spot. Again, it cost 250rps pp. We spent an hour or so exploring the buildings and people watching. Make sure you take water because it is hot; and expect to be bombarded with tour guide offers, tuc-tub rides and photos. 

Don't:

- Don't go into Chowri Chowk without a guide. This market is huge, and it's like a labyrinth. We paid 100rps for an hour, and our guide Ichbali rode us on his rickshaw through some of the popular streets, then walked us through the narrower parts of the Bazzaar. We wouldn't have done it alone because it was mental, so it's worth having someone tag along. 

Check out my video: http://youtu.be/VM4H1u990i8

- Don't scream and run away from the men trying to sell wooden snakes in the market. It's a little embarassing. 🐍

- Don't get caught up in a taxi tour scam. We took the hotels cab on the first day and, although we had a great day, did visit a number of places we knew nothing about and didn't find all that memorable. Everyone likes different things, but it's worth making sure your route is sorted before you set off. 

- Be careful at night. A lot of Indian men like to think they are helping by warning you about pickpockets and what-not. This happened to us a couple of times and if anything freaked us out. Be firm, and just be aware that at night you're an easier target than during the day. 

Tackling the roads of New Delhi.

Here's a brief insight into the chaotic roads of New Delhi, shot from both a tuc-tuc and a rickshaw:

Alice and I both don't think this does it justice, but it gives you a rough idea. The sound of car horns is relentless out here, and provides the soundtrack to the crazy sights of the city. There are so many people, so many tuc-tucs and a ridiculous amount of knock-off  ray-ban sunglasses for sale. 

Enjoy.

L&A