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  >For tours: INTACH, 71 Lodhi Estate

  Tel: 011 2464 1304

  Timings: Sat and Sun 8 am to 10 pm

  Entry: Rs 30

  Metro Museum

  The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has opened a Metro Museum along the lines of London’s Transport Museum. Located at the Patel Chowk Metro station on the yellow line which runs from Delhi University to the Central Secretariat, the museum has 24 large panels cataloguing the Metro’s history and how the Rail Corporation functions. A model of the Tunnel Boring Machine, soil samples collected from around the city and different coloured helmets used at construction sites and the prototype of the Metro train also are included in the exhibits. Two touch-screen computers play the DMRC corporate movie and an animated movie describes the way tunnel boring machines and launching girders are used in elevated construction work. A few souvenirs are on sale including a coffee book, A Journey to Remember, Metro ties and key chains. To round out the experience, mannequins wear the different uniforms worn by operations and construction staff; and there is a scale model of a Metro train, models of stations and ticket coupon booklets. It takes about 20 minutes to see everything. Souvenirs such as Metro ties, pens, keychains and books will be available for sale at the Metro Museum. Curator services at the Museum can be availed from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Monday when the Museum is closed. Visitors who are not travelling by the Metro will have to buy entry tickets at the fare counters.

  >Patel Chowk metro station

  Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 4 pm

  Entry: Visitors will need a journey token or smart card to enter.

  Web: www.delhimetrorail.com/commuters for a nice slideshow (click on the bottom right corner of the metro museum page)

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Dilli Haat, India Gate, Jantar Mantar

  Nearby places to eat: Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista, Café Coffee Day and the food stalls at Dilli Haat

  Mutiny Memorial

  Everyone has that sibling where comparisons are inevitable. The Mutiny Memorial is often compared to India Gate (see If You Have to be a Tourist, pp.100–101). Whereas India Gate has the distinction of being a memorial to honour soldiers who died in World War I, the Mutiny Memorial, built in 1863 by the British, commemorates the men who were fighting on the ‘wrong side’ (according to the plaque) in 1857, during the first War of Indian Independence. In 1972, on the 25th anniversary of India’s independence, a second plaque was added to the memorial which mentions that the enemy mentioned by the British were the Indian freedom fighters who had fought against colonial rule. There’s a great view of the city once you reach the top.

  >Rani Jhansi Road, near Hindu Rao Hospital on the Northern Ridge.

  Nearest Metro: Kashmere Gate

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  National Gallery of Modern Art

  With approximately 15,000 paintings, sculptures and works of arts by Indian as well as international artists, the National Gallery of Modern Art collection is a reservoir of modern art from the mid nineteenth century to the present. The gallery also arranges exhibitions for up-and-coming artists. You may never own an MF Hussain, Souza or Raza, but you can get up close to them here. There are also paintings by prominent living artists such as Anjoli Ela Menon. Don’t miss the sculpture garden. It is peaceful with lots of big trees. Pieces of sculpture are scattered amidst the regular sculpture. Take a breather in the shade. The museum sells prints, posters and monographs.

  >Jaipur House near India Gate

  Tel: 011 2338 4560/2338 2835

  Metro: Central Secretariat

  Timings: Daily 10 am to 5 pm; closed Monday and government holidays

  Entry: Indians Rs 10, foreigners Rs 150

  Web: www.ngmaindia.gov.in

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Dilli Haat, India Gate, Jantar Mantar

  Nearby places to eat: Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista, Café Coffee Day and the food stalls at Dilli Haat

  National Museum

  The National Museum has reluctantly found a place in this guide. While it houses relics from India’s glorious past dating back to 2,700 BC, it is frustratingly difficult to navigate. It houses over 200,000 works of art, ruins from the Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhist artifacts, manuscripts and jewellery. It would be best to get a guide or participate in one of the free tours. The third floor is worth a visit as it has a collection of more than 300 musical instruments dating from hundreds of years ago. Be sure to check out the National Museum Shop for souvenirs.

  >Corner of Janpath and Maulana Azad Road

  Tel: 011 2301 9272

  Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 5 pm

  Entry: Rs 10 Indians, Rs 300 foreigners

  Web: www.nationalmueumindia.gov.in

  Nearby sights: Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar

  Nearby places to eat: Imperial Hotel, The Park Hotel, Hotel Le Meridien, The Lalit, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, Bengali Market, Wenger, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista and Café Coffee Day

  National Museum of Natural History

  Dinosaurs reign supreme at the National Museum of Natural History. Divided into 4 galleries featuring the flora and fauna of India, the museum also has a large collection of fossils and stuffed animals and birds including films, discovery room, a bio-science computer room, an activity room and a mobile museum. Kids learn about evolution, life cycles, rain forests and some key environmental issues such as pollution, population crowding and man’s encroachment on wildlife. A giant squid preserved in a tank is also worth a look.

  >FICCI Building, Barakhamba Road, near Connaught Place

  Nearest Metro: Mandi House

  Tel: 011 2331 4849/4802/4932

  Timings: Tue to Sat 10 am to 5 pm

  Entry: Free

  Web: http://nmnh.nic.in/

  Nearby sights: Indira Gandhi Memorial, Gandhi Smriti Museum, National Gandhi Museum

  Nearby places to eat: Imperial Hotel, The Park Hotel, Hotel Le Meridien, The Lalit, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, Bengali Market, Wenger’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista and Café Coffee Day

  National Police Museum

  A great place for aspiring Agent Cody Bankses to learn facts about the police force is the National Police Museum. Items on display include confiscated goods, records of forgery, and fascinating articles, of national as well as international importance. Visitors also get an insight into forensic techniques used to solve crimes. (Also see Dudes, pp.43–4.)

  >Central Bureau of Investigation HQ, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road

  Timings: Mon to Friday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed weekends

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Entry: Free

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin’s Shrine

  Nearby eats: Eatopia at India Habitat Centre, restaurants at Khan Market, Basil and Thyme. If you’re thinking you want to do some shopping too, head over to Ansal Plaza or South Extension Part II.

  National Rail Museum

  The National Rail Museum is a great place for kids. It houses a huge collection of rail engines and locomotives. It offers an exclusive exhibition of very uncommon examples of engines and carriages, such as the Patiala Monorail Teamway which was in service from 1907–1927. The indoor museum traces the history of Indian Railways. Covering a total area of about 10 acres, the best part of the visit is the toy train that takes a trip around the train yard. If a particular train catches your eye, you are free to wander the ground and pretend you’re a conductor
. In the collection is the first train, a steam engine, which started its journey from Mumbai to Thane for the first time in 1853. There’s also a Viceregal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon (1886), etc. The museum also exhibits the famous Fairy Queen, the world’s oldest operational steam locomotive which was built in the 1855 and certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. There’s a central snack shop and outdoor toilet facilities. (Also see Co-Ed, p.53.)

  >Chanakyapuri, behind Bhutan Embassy

  Tel: 011 2688 1816; 011 2688 0939, ext 11

  Timings: Tue to Sun 9:30 am to 5 pm during winter; closed on national holidays

  Entry: Rs 10 for adults, Rs 3 for children; free entry for children on Tue

  Web: www.railmuseum.org

  Nearby sights: Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park

  Nearby places to eat: The Ashok Hotel, Basil and Thyme, Khan Market

  National Science Centre

  Make the National Science Centre the first stop on your museum tour. The dinosaur gallery and the other interactive displays such as a hologram of one’s head on a serving dish and disappearing hands and stretched bodies will lull them into thinking all the museums you want to visit on your Delhi tour will be like this.

  >Just before Gate No.1, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan

  Tel: 011 2337 1893/2337 1945

  Nearest Metro: Pragati Maidan

  Timings: Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm

  Entry: Rs 20

  Nearby sights: Pragati Maidan, Crafts Museum, Purana Qila, National Zoo, India Gate, Nizamuddin’s Shrine

  Nearby places to eat: Nathu’s and Baci (see Eats, pp.132–3) in Sunder Nagar market; Oberoi Hotel (check out the café in the basement); Flavors (see Eats, p.136) in Defence colony, All American Diner (see Eats, p.124) at the Indian Habitat Centre on Lodhi Road

  Nehru Memorial

  Originally the official home of the British commander-in-chief of the Indian army, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library was the residence of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who lived here for 16 years. The memorial collection features family photographs, personal letters and newspaper clippings of the political movement in India that led to its independence. Personal effects of Nehru, including clothing, awards and other mementos are on display throughout the house. There is a large rock on the front lawn that is inscribed with excerpts from his famous ‘Tryst with destiny’ speech. There are 3 perpetually burning flames for Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi at the back of the building.

  >Teen Murti Bhavan on Teen Murti Road (near Defence headquarters)

  Tel: 011 2301 6734

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 5 pm; closed on government holidays

  Entry: Free

  Nearby places to eat: Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, The Lalit Hotel, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, Bengali Market, Wenger’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista, Café Coffee Day and the food court at Dilli Haat. Venture out to South Extension Part II and enjoy some Mexican food at Sancho’s.

  Nehru Planetarium

  Who would have ever thought that stargazing could be so much fun? The Nehru Planetarium, housed in a wing of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, has interesting programmes for serious enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. The air-conditioned theatre has a dome-shaped screen made up of 26 curved segments and one million hand-drilled holes to improve acoustics. The sky theatre, which screens taped and live public shows on various aspects of astronomy, can seat 270. There is a well in the centre of the theatre that houses the Carl Zeiss Spaceflight Master projector on a hydraulic lift which comes up during the shows. The Planetarium also has an exhibit area which displays many interactive models and pictures. Visitors can also view the space module Soyuz T-10 which carried India’s first cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, to space along with his space suit and mission journal. Throughout the year, there are a number of workshops or observing activities. There is also an Astronomy Quiz and Art Competitions in February and August.

  >Teen Murti House on Teen Murti Road

  Tel: 011 2301 6734

  Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 5 pm

  Show timings: Hindi 1:30 pm, 4 pm; English 11:30 am, 3:00 pm

  Entry: Rs 15

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Web: www.nehruplanetarium.org

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Dilli Haat, India Gate, Jantar Mantar

  Nearby eats: Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Barista, Café Coffee Day and the food stalls at Dilli Haat

  Museums at the Red Fort

  There are 3 museums within the compound of the Red Fort. The Swatantrata Sangram Sangrahalay and Senani Smarak Museums cover the Indian freedom movement through newspaper clippings, books, exhibits and other memorabilia, including the origin of the Indian flag. The other museum inside the fort is the Indian Archaeological Museum, which has a collection of artifacts from the Mughal period. Also check out the Indian War Memorial which has a collection of weapons dating centuries.

  >Red Fort Chandni Chowk, opposite Dariba Kalan

  Tel: 011 2327 3703

  Nearest Metro: Chandi Chowk or Chawri Bazaar

  Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 5 pm

  Entry: Indians Rs 11, foreigners,Rs 100 (includes tickets for all 3 museums)

  Parking: Rs 10 for 4 hours

  Nearby sights: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Daryaganj, Gates of Old Delhi, St James Church, Car Parts Bazaar

  Nearby places to eat: Food stalls in Chandni Chowk, Paranthe Wali Gali, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Karim’s

  Other Must Visits

  Dances of India

  Internationally renowned artists perform 6 folk, tribal and classical dances of India. The show has been around for 29 years. Though it is mainly geared toward tourists, the show includes traditional dance forms such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam. The footwork, hand gestures and expressive eye movements make the show most memorable. (See Divas, p.32.)

  >Parsi Anjuman Hall, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, next to Maulana Azad Medical College

  Tel: 011 2323 1228 or Laljah at 9810231644

  Timings: Daily 6:45 pm Come 15 minutes early if you want to buy tickets at the door.

  Entry: Rs 200 per person

  Jain Bird Hospital

  Located just opposite the Red Fort, the Jain Bird Hospital is worth a visit. The hospital is located in the courtyard of the Digambara Jain Temple. The Jain principle goes against killing any living thing, and all of the ‘patients’ in the hospital are sick birds. The birds are cared for until they are well enough to be released, usually on a Saturday. Founded in 1956, the hospital has separate wards for various species of sparrows, pigeons, parrots and other domestic birds. The hospital admits about 60 birds a day. It also has a research laboratory and an intensive care unit to treat serious injuries. The patients are brought in by people who find them in parks, on the street or in their own homes. Part of the treatment at the hospital includes fixing the injury where possible, a bath and a nutritious diet. Those who visit the birds can learn about the species at the hospital and the birds in general that are found in the area.

  >Digambar Jain Temple, opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk

  Metro: Delhi Main

  Timings: Daily

  Entry: Free

  Nearby sights: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate, St James Church, Rajghat

  Nearby places to eat: Karim’s, Ghante Wala sweet shop, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chor Bizarre of Broadway Hotel, Moti Mahal

  Kite Flying Festival

  If you happen to be in Delhi in January, don’t miss the Kite Flying Festival. It is celebrated on the Makar Sankranti Day (14 January) and has been an ac
tivity much anticipated by families and kite enthusiasts yearly. The skies all over the city are filled with colourful kites in countless shapes and sizes. People gather on the lawns above Palika Bazaar and Connaught Place to participate in the festival. Go to the Lal Kuan (see Coed, pp.51–2) kite market to find a selection of thousands of kites. Two major events during the festival include the Fighter Kite Competition and display flying. Prizes can be won and trophies are awarded too.

  >Palika Bazaar and Connaught Place

  Timings: Every year on 14 January

  Purana Qila

  What better way to appreciate the history of Delhi than through music and lights? Various historical events in Delhi’s history are told against the backdrop of Purana Qila (see If You Have to be a Tourist pp.106–7). The show is offered in Hindi and English.

  >Old Delhi

  Tel: 011 2462 9365; 011 2460 3178

  Entry: Rs 25

  Timings: Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun; Sept to Oct: 7 pm to 8 pm (Hindi), 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (English); Nov to Jan: 6 pm to 7 pm (Hindi), 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (English); Feb to April: 7 pm to 8 pm (Hindi), 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (English); May to Aug: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Hindi), 9 pm to 10 pm.

  Walks

  The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage holds a variety of walks around Delhi for visitors to better appreciate the city.

  Chandni Chowk

  An amazingly overcrowded maze of narrow lanes, shops, houses and places of worship make up Chandni Chowk. The walk covers places of religious and historical importance. Of course you can take note of the shopping for after the nearly 2-hour walk. Unlike any other place in Delhi, Chandni Chowk is great because it truly does blend the old and the new. Kids can find toys, books, mehendi, bindi and bangles. Parents will find spices and teas and other household goods at great prices. But more than the shopping, it’s the history that draws foreigners and locals to this place in throngs every day. Call INTACH for details.