Delhi happens to be one of the most iconic landmarks across India harboring cultural & heritage sites, political centers, eateries and snack bars, and shopping hubs, among others. The city has always catered to the apatite of Melbournians for culinary adventures, spiritual exposure and unique experiences related to events and festivals. Meanwhile, those who have their ancestral roots connected to this city are likely to encounter nostalgic streets, cultural reconnection, emotional fulfillment and a strong sense of belongingness. However, to make your Delhi visit memorable, here are a few tips which are a must-know for you to evade any unpleasant experience or unnecessary roadblocks between your trip.
1. Take care about your hygiene
- Avoid using tap water for drinking or washing your face, even in the restaurants. Instead, purchase seal packed bottled water, costing ₹18.
- Carry a hand sanitizer with you. Sanitize your hands frequently to avoid contamination.
- Wear a face mask, especially during the winters. Delhi’s smog and pollution can be brutal for your lungs. It is easily available in the pharmacies.
- Avoid street food. Although the food is tasteful and delicious, but it is usually prepared in un-hygienic conditions, posing a negative impact on the stomachs of Melbournians.
2. Use Delhi Metro for Commuting
- Delhi’s traffic can be overwhelming, especially during the hot summer. Delhi metro spans approximately 395.248 km and is a well-connected public transport. It is much cheaper compared to the taxis, auto-rickshaws and manual rickshaws. Use a metro card for greater convenience.
3. Medical Advice
- Get a flu shot before traveling to Delhi during winters to avoid Influenza.
- Carry a mosquito repellent as dengue fever is prevalent in Delhi.
- Pack your first aid kit with Imodium or similar medications to avoid Delhi belly. (Delhi belly is a disease which causes a slight illness in the stomach. It is caused by consuming food which is unfamiliar to your body)
4. Legal Awareness
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It is a legal offence to capture the pictures or video shots of military
facilities/headquarters, dams and airports. Here are a few areas where
photography/videography is prohibited:
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Military and Government Headquarters
- Delhi Cantonment Area
- Parliament House
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Military and Government Headquarters
- Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential residence)
- Air Force Station
- Embassy Areas
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Religious Sites
- Akshardham Temple
- Shri Sidh Shaktipeeth Shanidham
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Religious Sites
- Among other temples
- Harming animals, especially cows, is treated as a grave offence as it is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. You might see cows roaming on the roads and streets, so refrain from clicking pictures or taming any domestic animal.
- Watch-out for no smoking/drinking signs across the public places. There is up to 200 rupees fine for committing this offence.
- No music or loudspeakers between 10 PM to 6 AM. (Without special permissions)
5. Beware of the Scams
Scamming industry has witnessed a rampant growth in Delhi in the last few years. Below are some of the common scams faced by tourists and even locals in the city.
i. The “blocked road” scam
Your driver will take you to a fake policeman or security agent and inform you about an on-going college protest in the area. Then they will promise you to provide help from a government owned tourist agency which will create a sense of fear among you to sell bus/plane tickets.
ii. Inflated Rickshaw and Taxi Fares
It is a common scam not just across Delhi, but the entire country. Rickshaw pullers or auto drivers will try to charge 10 times the actual price if there is a language barrier. Hence, it is advised that you should take a ride through trusted transport mobile apps such as Uber, Ola or Rapido.
iii. Ear Cleaning or Shoe Polishing Scam
It is a common scam across Delhi and the game is of price inflation. They will provide services and demand an extremely high price, about 10x of the actual. Avoid eye contact or conversation with them. Learn to ignore them especially if they try to create urgency for it.
6. Street Food Vendors
Do not consume random street foods, regarded as ‘chaat’ located across congested un-hygienic areas. If you desire to eat chaat, then go for renowned street vendors. Consult local authorities or reliable, quality people in the city.
