I'll be arriving pretty late into Delhi (10pm) -- I'm
traveling alone and am a bit nervous about getting to my
hotel as I've heard so many stories about wallahs not wanting
to take you where you want to go "sorry, road closed" "that
place is full" etc. etc.
anyone have any tips/advice on that?
Also wondering about a good place to stay; I'm thinking a bit
of a nicer room would be good just for the first night (mid
range) and then I can venture out and find a good hostel in
the daylight. Any recommendations appreciated!
Thanks... happy travels...
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no problem, theres a pre-paid taxi boot at delhi airport, and you can also pre-book a hotelroom at the airport. saves you a lot of hassles. happy trip.
If you are arriving by train, you will almost certainly
have to battle with the motorised rickshaw drivers to get
them to take you where you want to go. Every single person
I met had this experience.
An excuse which never seems to fail me in the case of "That
hotel is closed" or "Not a good hotel" or "Hotel Full" is:
"I have a friend who works at the hotel named Sanjay Patel
who is saving a room for me. (Flourish pre-prepared "letter
from Sanjay"). Please take me there now."
On your pre-prepared "letter from Sanjay" the name and
address of the Hotel you want should be written clearly.
The Indian love of documentation seems to overcome the
driver's desire to cheat any western passenger by any means
possible.
Worked for me!
In addition to the above:
an excellent hotel for the first few nights in Delhi: Hotel
Metropolis in Pahar Ganj located at 10 minutes walk from
NDelhi railway station, have a look at your LP map. Room
with aircooler will cost approx Rs 400, excellent Western
taste oriented kitchen (yes they have steak au poivre that
is pepper steak) roof top terras and nice staff. Was forced
to stay two months in Delhi jul+aug98 thanks to DHL cock
up, and had many a good meal and chilled kingfisher (one of
the two acceptable brands of Indian brewn beers) there.
If you fly into Delhi: There is also an airport buss at the
internat airport leaving every hour or so, to be found at
your left hand side when coming out of the arrival lounge,
fare from the airport to Connaught Place certainly less
than Rs 100/head (100%sure it is less but memory lettin me
down here). From C-Place to the hotel by Rickshaw will cost
you max Rs 30, maybe RS 20 more if you allow the driver to
discover that you are new in town/dressed fancily etc...
still not the end of the world.
Have fun and do not be afraid to raise your voice if
necessary, wathch your luggage though.
Johan
I like the Hotel Anoop in Pahar Ganj, personally- its open
24 hours so you don't have to worry about getting in late.
Those taxi bastards will try to give you some bullshit
story, but just hold your ground and be assertive.
Eventually they'll relent. Don't be too frightened of the
first night in Dehli thing- just be a pushy bitch and you'll
survive.
Hi Trekker Girl,
Good advise has already been given to you. Dont be nervous
and tell the taxi guys you have a booking. Nice places to
stay are Ashok Yatri Niwas near Cannaught Place - its
government owned and has a good location.
Delhi is actually a pretty city and you can easily spend a
few days here.
Where are you trekking to ?
You would be welcome to email me if you need any other
information. We could make friends on the net..
Good Luck :)
Rajesh
IF YOU ARE ARRIVING BY YOURSELF TO DELHI AT NIGHT TIME BE
PREPARED TO FIND THAT THE TAXI DRIVER IS NOT GOING TO DRIVE
YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.(MOST OF THEM GET COMMISSION TO
TAKE YOU SOMEWHERE ELSE. EG.: KASHMIRY TRAVEL AGENCY).
MAYBE YOU COULD CONSIDER PAYING EXTRA MONEY AND STAY THE
FIRST NIGHT IN A HOTEL THAT IS GOING TO PICK YOU UP FROM
THE AIRPORT.