Homies of the Day: Bridget & Steve

My close friends, Bridget and Steve, recently returned to the United States after three years of living in New Delhi, India.  While they were there, they hosted many visitors and were frequently put in touch with friends of friends planning their own trips to Delhi.

While living in India, they decided to put together their own version of the New York Times 36 Hours in New Delhi and I asked if they would be willing to share it with us.  Happy traveling!

Friday
Hit up breakfast at Sagar in Defence Colony Market (South Delhi) for a traditional South Indian breakfast, great fresh juices, lassis and masala chai.  Make sure you go to the South Indian Sagar – as there’s a North Indian one a few doors down with the same name.  Also, don’t go for dinner, it’s better for breakfast/ brunch/ lunch and doesn’t serve alcohol.

Next, head to Humayun’s Tomb.  It is both beautiful, and surprisingly chill.

From there, make your way to Sundar Nagar Market.  It’s a small, horse-shoe shaped market that’s pretty tame.  There you can shop for old (and fake but cool looking) antiques and get tea & sweets at Bikanar.

Take a late afternoon walk in Lodhi Garden, then get a fresh lime soda and take a break at Lodhi Garden Restaurant, which is within the gardens on the Lodhi Road side.

Saturday
Start your day with a visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest minaret in the world.  Follow with lunch at Olive (Mediterranean food) and a visit to the boutique next door.

Next visit Gandhi Smirti – or Gandhi’s House – where Gandhi lived for the last 144 days of his life and where he was assassinated.  (Note: this is not the Gandhi museum, which can be skipped.)   When you leave, take a drive past India Gate and parliament, though there’s no need to get out of the car.

From there, make your way to high tea at the Imperial Hotel which starts at 3 p.m. and goes until around 6 p.m.  The Imperial Hotel is a Delhi landmark itself – check out its history.  The tea will run you 800 Rupees (about $16) and will be comprised of unlimited sandwiches, tea and cakes.  This is one of the most fabulous hotels in Delhi and will be a great break from the craziness.

Following tea, take a walk through Deer Park in Hauz Khaz.  Spend the rest of your evening in Hauz Khaz market.  First walk through the market to get to the park where there is a little lake and some cool ruins.

Next spend some time shopping in the market itself and then have dinner at Gunpowder, which is down some back alleys and very hard to find (ask people where to go and then look carefully for small, ridiculously hard to spot signs).  End your night with live music and drinks at Living Room Cafe (also called TLR).

Sunday

The best way to see Old Delhi might be via bike ride with Delhi By Cycle.  It leaves early, but it’s worth it.  Take their Shah Jahan tour, which is their classic Old Delhi tour.

After biking, summon up some energy and head to the Red Fort.  Though it is very touristy, hot and dirty, it is also very impressive.

From there, take the rest of the day easy and splurge with a Delhi social tradition: Sunday brunch.  Head to China Kitchen, which is in the Hyatt, has great Chinese food, all you can drink champagne and a beautiful decor.  Chinese food is really big in India and this is the best.

Bonus: If you have extra time, go to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh Temple in CP, near the Imperial Hotel and not far from India Gate and Gandhi’s house. If you go at the right time, you can help them prepare food for the hundreds that they feed every day for free.

Click through all images for photo source info.

One final note: we recommend that travelers start taking this pro-biotic, once a day starting three weeks before heading to India.  (It is also available on Amazon.com)