Delhi, India Part 1

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Delhi, India Part 1

In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going?

Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India

Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus

Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions

FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast:

Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.

For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google Weather or MyRadar.

Look for seasonal patterns that are already known. Goa, India has monsoons from June to September.

Wind and rain forecasts like windy.com will tell you the wind and wave conditions, especially to help with beach plans.

Check for Cyclone Warnings in places like coastal India.

Answer: Reliable Weather Apps and Websites: For accurate forecasts, use apps like AccuWeather, Weather.com, Windy, or local Indian weather services (like IMD). Many offer hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.

Localized Alerts: Sign up for location-based alerts on apps like Google Weather or MyRadar, which provide real-time weather updates for your location. This can be especially helpful for any sudden coastal storms or cyclones.

Seasonal Patterns: Since you’re going to Goa or nearby coastal regions, familiarize yourself with local weather patterns. For example, Goa experiences the monsoon season from June to September, with dry and sunny weather from October to March.

Wind and Rain Forecasts: Coastal areas are affected by both rain and wind speed. Windy.com offers detailed wind and wave conditions, which can help with beach plans.

Check for Cyclone Warnings: Especially in coastal India, monitor IMD's cyclone warnings as they provide updates on tropical storms that may affect Goa. Lastly, social media can help by using WhatsApp groups to get firsthand information from locals.

Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 1

My visit to Delhi, or New Delhi, India

Which is it?

New Delhi when referring to the specific district that serves as India’s capital. New Delhi is a planned city developed during British rule and officially designated as the capital in 1931.

Delhi refers to the larger metropolitan area, encompassing both New Delhi and other historical and residential parts like Old Delhi, which includes the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Delhi is the correct term when speaking broadly about the city and its culture, so we will use that one here.

After two weeks in India, visiting four southern cities, I flew north to Dehli from Goa, barely missing the seasonal monsoons. My flight had a Female co-pilot who Said hello to me with a big smile, which made me happy to see a woman pilot there.

The flight attendants checked my boarding tickets. Again, getting off the plane! That was a first. Who checks them getting off the plane?

Should I take a Bus, train, or taxi to Agra? Even after arriving, I could not decide. I was overwhelmed with the decisions, but I knew I had to get there.

A taxi costs at least $6000 rupees each way, maybe more. Although this sounded like a lot, it was only $72 USD.

Bus or train may be best.

However, the temperature is 💯 degrees, so think about heat stroke and how that will affect me.

Here are a few places that I would recommend in Dehli to visit over 3 days: Historic on Day 1 in Old Dehli; Day 2, consider Heritage and Spiritual; and Day 3, Museums, art and gardens

Day 1: Red Fort

• UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Mughal (Moogal) power.

• Cost: about $6.00 for foreigners

• Time: 2-3 hours.

• Travel: 30 mins from central Delhi by metro or taxi.

Jama Masjid

• India’s largest mosque, rich in Mughal architecture.

• Cost: Free, nominal fee for photography.

• Time: 1-2 hours.

• Travel: Walking distance from Red Fort.

Chandni Chowk

• Historic market with traditional Indian shops and street food.

• Cost: Free; budget around 500-800 INR for food and shopping.

• Time: 2 hours.

• Travel: Walking distance from Jama Masjid.

Day 2

Qutub Minar

• UNESCO World Heritage site, India’s tallest minaret.

• Cost: 600 INR for foreigners. or $7.00

• Time: 1.5 hours.

• Travel: 30-45 mins from central Delhi by taxi or metro.

Lotus Temple

• Iconic Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all religions.

• Cost: Free.

• Time: 1 hour.

• Travel: 20 mins from Qutub Minar by taxi or metro.

India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan

• War memorial and President’s House, as well as significant colonial architecture.

• Cost: Free.

• Time: 1-2 hours for a stroll.

• Travel: 20-30 mins from Lotus Temple by taxi.

Day 3

1. National Museum

   • India’s largest museum, showcasing ancient artifacts.

   • Cost: 650 INR for foreigners.

   • Time: 2 hours.

   • Travel: 20 mins from central Delhi by taxi.

2. Humayun’s Tomb

   • UNESCO site, inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

   • Cost: 600 INR for foreigners.

   • Time: 1.5 hours.

   • Travel: 15 mins from the National Museum.

3. Lodhi Gardens

   • Tranquil gardens with Mughal tombs.

   • Cost: Free.

   • Time: 1-2 hours.

   • Travel: 10 mins from Humayun’s Tomb.

Today’s Misstep: Stuck in India and missed the bus

The traffic on the way to the Agra bus stop was halted that Monday morning. It meant I had to leave the car and walk to the station. Only it was not a station; it was near an underpass in a busy part of town, and the bus was hidden behind a bunch of trucks and left without me early. The family that was hosting me in Agra was so kind. They chased down the bus for me, and I was able to board! That was hairy.

Leave much earlier than you think you need to when in India.

Yes, I made many mistakes, but you don’t have to!

Today’s Travel Advice- Ask a group of people for directions

Don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re not certain. Make eye contact with one who may be in a group, then ask for help. If they can’t help you, maybe someone in the group can. Don’t be shy if you are not sure.

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