Today we talk to Suman Doogar about her hometown New Delhi in India! Suman is a full-time teacher who travels and blogs in her spare time. She writes about travel but her main focus is on India. You will find more from Suman at www.nomadicshoes.com
What you can expect from this article…
- 1 Where are you living?
- 2 Tell us about yourself?
- 3 What is your favourite thing about New Delhi?
- 4 What is your favourite thing to do in New Delhi with a day off?
- 5 What in your opinion is the one thing you can’t miss when you visit New Delhi?
- 6 Any top tips where to go/ what to do on a rainy day?
- 7 Where is your go-to restaurant?
- 8 And where do you suggest going for a drink in the evening?
- 9 Is there one thing not many people know about New Delhi?
- 10 Anything else you think we should know?
Where are you living?
New Delhi, India
Tell us about yourself?
I teach Psychology to high school students and have lived in New Delhi for the past 25 years. I enjoy travelling, reading and gazing at the mountains. Lately I have started enjoying cooking and it gives me immense pleasure to feed people.
What is your favourite thing about New Delhi?
As a city, Delhi is an amalgamation of art, literature, architecture and culture. From local cuisine to fashion streets, temples to stepwells, forests to man-made wonders, everything is here. The city is alive with a high energy and chaos.
What is your favourite thing to do in New Delhi with a day off?
I enjoy going to Chandni Chowk, that’s the heart of Delhi. Wander around the old city, see the dilapidated houses, eat delicious local food and shop from Sadar Bazar [Wholesale market] and be a part of the crowd.
What in your opinion is the one thing you can’t miss when you visit New Delhi?
Qutub Minar is the most impressive work of architecture in Delhi. It is 73-m high five storey minarets made up of red sandstones and marble.
Any top tips where to go/ what to do on a rainy day?
On a rainy day, I would suggest you go to Hauz Khas Complex which houses a mosque, an Islamic seminary, a tomb, a park, a water tank and many mainstream eating joints. Another place which is my favourite is Rose Café near Saket Metro Station, watch the rain and sip your Iced Herbal tea with grilled fish while listening to your favourite music.
Where is your go-to restaurant?
My go-to restaurant is Café Tesu at Essex Farms and Ivy & Bean Café in Shahpur Jat. Both these places have amazing staff and the atmosphere is cosy. They serve good coffee, salads and desserts are out of world. Even those on a diet will find a lot of options to choose from. Try the Red Velvet Café with walnuts at Ivy &Bean Café.
And where do you suggest going for a drink in the evening?
The Piano Man Jazz Club, Raasta Café, Sakley`s The Mountain Café and Social are some of the most happening places in Delhi for a night out. For cheap beer, head to My bar, Club India or Sam`s café at Paharganj.
Is there one thing not many people know about New Delhi?
Modern day New Delhi is made up of seven old cities, each dynasty that ruled the city tried to show their legitimacy and power by constructing new capitals.
Anything else you think we should know?
When in Delhi, keep the following things in mind:
- Learn to say `NO` to shopkeepers
- Avoid late night outings if you are travelling alone
- Be friendly but maintain a distance
- Double check the prices before buying anything
You will find more from Suman at www.nomadicshoes.com
Have you been to New Delhi before? How did you find it? What was your favourite thing to do? Or perhaps you are planning a trip there soon?
