New Delhi - Essential Information
Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport is a major hub for domestic and international air travel. The domestic terminals (1A and 1B) are 15 km from the city centre and the international terminal is a further 8 km out. A free shuttle bus service operates between the terminals. All international visitors must have a valid visa for entry.
Taxis, buses and rickshaws are available at the airport to take you into the city. Buses have a fixed-price (Rs 50), though may be uncomfortable. The best option is to book a taxi through your hotel prior to arrival, or, alternatively, there is a Pre-Paid Taxi Booth in the Arrivals Hall, which will arrange a fixed-price taxi ride.
Public transport
The local transport system in Delhi has been transformed in the last year by the opening of the Delhi Metro. This brand new rail network has lines running north to south and east to west, crossing at Connaught Place. It is by far the easiest way to get around this traffic-choked city, with Tourist Cards offering unlimited travel for one day (Rs70) or three days (Rs200).
Delhi also has five network railway stations to destinations around the country, the main one being New Delhi Station, a chaotic place with an international travel bureau on the first floor. Delhi Inter State Bus Terminal is the main bus station, to the north of Old Delhi train station.
Metro: www.delhimetrorail.com,
Buses: www.dtc.nic.in,
Trains: www.indianrail.gov.in.
Taxi
It is easy to hail a taxi or rickshaw on the street, especially in the city centre or at the airport and train stations. To avoid the hassle of haggling for a price, try the Delhi Traffic Police Pre-Paid Taxi Booth at the airport or book taxis through your hotel. For short journeys around the city, auto-rickshaws are fast, convenient and inexpensive, while the cycle rickshaws are far more atmospheric and peaceful.
Stamps can be purchased from post offices, newsagents and some travel stores. Local post offices are generally open Monday to Friday, 10.00 - 17.00 and Saturday, 10.00 - 12.00 with the large General Post Offices opening longer, Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 18.00 and Saturday, 09.30 - 13.00.
Pharmacy
You will find pharmacies in most shopping centres.
In the central Connaught Place area, try Apollo Pharmacy, G-8 Connaught Place tel: +91 11 4151 6149 or visit www.apollopharmacy.com.
Further south in New Delhi try Max Medcentre, N-110, Panchsheel Park tel: +91 11 2649 9870 or visit www.maxindia.com.
For urgent medical information call All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Tourist Helpline tel: +91 11 2336 5358.
In an emergency, dial the emergency number 102.
Dentist
For dental treatment near Paharganj in the central west of the city try Vohra Dental Clinic, 9A/24, WEA, Karol Bagh tel: +91 11 4250 2228.
In the south of the city try Dr Kathuria’s Dental Clinic, E-143, East of Kailash tel: +91 11 2628 0284.
In an emergency, dial the emergency number 102.
Telephone
Country code: +91, Area code: 011
Electricity
230-240 volts, 50 Hz AC
