India Travel Recommendations
Delhi (दिल्ली) Recommendations
While in Delhi, we recommend spending time in Purani Dilli, or Old Delhi. Along Chandni Chowk, you'll find the historic Jama Masjid mosque that epitomizes "Dilli 6", the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for paranthas, and the Khari Baoli spice market at the far west. In the north of the city, visit Majnu Ka Tilla, home to the city's Tibetan community and a popular hangout spot for undergrads from nearby DU North Campus. In South Delhi, visit Hauz Khas Village or the back roads of Mehrauli for Delhi's hippest restaurants. For a more typical experience, we love the knockoffs at Sarojini Nagar market (and the above-pictured snacks at Kulcha King), the frenetic energy of Lajpat Nagar Market, and evening snacks at M Block Market in Greater Kailash (GK) 1. If it's a more spiritual experience you're craving, the qawwali nights at Nizamuddin Dargah are not to be skipped. Be wary in the back-roads of Paharganj, the colorful Tenderloin of the city.
Jim Corbett National Park
We plan to arrange opportunities for seeing more of Corbett, where our venue Aahana is located, and in particular the tigers that the park is famous for - likely on the morning of the 5th. More to come on this front soon!
Varanasi, or Benares (बनारस)
One of the oldest cities in the world, बनारस is one of the most unique side-trips one might make from Delhi. From the spiritually-powerful Hanuman Mandir to seeing the sunrise along the eerie cremation ghats of the Ganga, it is certainly a thing to behold. Many visitors come in particular for the evening-time aarti ceremony along the Ganga, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Jaipur (जयपुर)
The pink city of Rajasthan is for good reason a popular tourist destination, and an easy overnight trip from Delhi. Between the multitude of forts and palaces in the city and Rajasthan's exquisite cuisine - do not miss daal baati churma or gatte ki sabji - you are unlikely to be disappointed by a side trip here.
Bombay (मुंबई)
If Delhi is India's great interior-facing city - the Chicago of भारत - then Mumbai, affectionately reclaimed as Bombay, is its great window to the world, its New York as it were. Bombay has fewer of the historic sites of Delhi, but has perhaps more palpable energy. You visit Bombay to eat vada pav while waiting for one of the famous local trains, to wander around the lanes of Kala Ghoda in "SoBo," or to visit the endless bars and cafes of Bandra, which must be pronounced "Baaan-dra" with not a small amount of affectation.
Mussoorie (मसूरी) and Nainital (नैनीताल)
Our venue is located inside Jim Corbett National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas. If you're looking to get further into the mountains, we would recommend visiting one of the popular hill stations nearby. Mussoorie is located a few hours to the west in the Garhwal region of Uttrakhand state, where Mukta's family hails from, and is known for charming colonial architecture, stunning views, and some of the best omelettes in the world at the Lovely Omelette Center. Nainital is a bit closer to Corbett, and is best known for its picturesque lake and a long tradition of ghost stories.
Haridwar (हरिद्वार) and Rishikesh (ऋषिकेश)
Aahana is a ~3 hour drive from the small religious cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Similar to Benares, Haridwar is well-known for its evening aarti ceremony along the Ganga, as well as a collection of impressive temples built along the hillside over looking the city. Ananda in the Himalayas overlooking the cities is a high-end wellness retreat popular among international travelers.