Crew Tip: A Day in New Delhi with Felicitas

Cabin Crew Member Felicitas has a passion for India. Whenever possible, she wishes to be scheduled on flights to New Delhi. She loves to explore the city and its fascinating corners in her layovers. In this Crew Tip, Felicitas guides us through her stay in New Delhi and reveals her personal favorite places to discover and stay in.

Over 70 different languages are spoken, it is a place of historical significance. Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life here. For many it is a place of worship. New Delhi is one of the most prosperous cities in India. It is the vibrant capital and the political and administrative centre of the country with a population of over 25 million. It is a city of history and modernity and a must for anyone who wants to get to know India.

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As a tall European, I not only stand out in New Delhi, but am asked for selfies by complete strangers and get spontaneously invited for tea! If you put the initial strangeness aside, accept the crowds and don't let yourself be put off by loud honking, you are quickly gripped by the cities curiousity. At first glance, life in this city of millions seems confusing. At second glance, however, you quickly realise how different and yet orderly people live here.... But when I leave the airport after a 12-hour working day, I can hardly get enough of the view.

My day in New Delhi

#1 Breakfast at the rotating restaurant Parikrama
I like to start the day in India with a cosy Indian breakfast in one of my favourite restaurants "Parikrama". The restaurant, which looks rather unimpressive from the outside, is surprisingly luxurious on the inside and impresses with authentic cuisine. The rotating restaurant (yes, it really does rotate!) is almost 80 metres high and offers a great view over the city. And don't worry - the rotation is so slow that my breakfast will definitely stay with me.

The picture shows the entrance to the restaurant. A large sign at the entrance adorns the name of the restaurant
You can see several tables with large armchairs. The tables are right next to the window and from there you can see the slightly hazy city.
It's a close-up of the table. This is beautifully set and you can see the view of the city next to it
The restaurant is shown in the exterior view. You can see the tower and the round spire where the dining room is located.

#2 Shopping at Connaught Circus
After I have eaten my belly out, I am drawn to the centre of New Delhi, to Connaught Circus. There, various shopping opportunities, cafés and museums await me - all in an outdoor mall-like ambience.

And if you haven't shopped enough yet, I have another tip for you: the Dilli Haat market. Here I buy souvenirs for family and friends and get myself inspired. And - low prices are guaranteed at almost all the stalls.

Under green trees and shrubs you can see a paved path. To the left and right of it, cafes and their chairs and tables can be seen.
A snack bar can be seen. Eye-catching signs hang on the walls all around and illustrated menus are printed on the table settings.
You see a stand piled high with colourful cloths and textiles.
More stalls can be seen and the highlight, colourful umbrellas have been set up as a roof to protect against the rain.
This stall sells jewellery - that's what the sign on a small stall in the middle of the hustle and bustle says.
A rather typical indian picture, where there are so many people in a pedestrian street that you can't even see the ground.

#3 Linger in the Lodi Gardens
Close to Connaught Circus, I like to spend some time in the idyllic park 'Lodi Gardens' and enjoy the architecture.

It is a well-kept garden area that many Indians like to use for walks and picnics

#4 Sightseeing Tour to the Red Fort, India Gate, Humayuns Tomp and at Akshardam
Very close to the gardens are the landmarks Red Fort, India Gate, Humayuns Tomb and my favourite temple Akshardam. I can reach them on foot or comfortably by tuk tuk.

A large red building can be seen, Red Fort of New Delhi
The Red Fort of New Delhi
The india gate can be seen
India Gate was modelled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The Humayun's Tomb with its magnificent dome can be seen.
The Humayun's Tomb.
The Akshardam is a little blurry in the distance.
No cameras or electrical devices are allowed at Akshardam Temple. Therefore, I only have one shot from afar. But I can promise you - the temple is definitely worth a visit!
The picture is taken from the passenger's perspective. you can see the back of the tuk tuk driver's head and a small part of the street.
Here in India, this is my favourite means of transport - the tuk tuk.
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By the way, there are food options everywhere in New Delhi. I often stumble across great places with wonderful food by chance. I either pass them spontaneously or find out about them on TripAdvisor. For me, it's important to always try something new.

#5 For longer trips: Taj Mahal
Today I spent a lot of time sightseeing. But when I can take more time, I love to visit the Taj Mahal - simply breathtaking. A crew colleague of mine who is stationed in New Delhi organises trips to the wonder of India.

You can see the Taj Mahal shrouded in mist from a slightly lateral perspective.
With many people in the foreground, you can see the Taj Mahal in the background.

And what else is on my bucket list? Getting to know the national sport of cricket better and visiting the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. 

One thing's for sure, my next flight to New Delhi won't be long in coming.

Information

In our Crew Tips section, one of our cabin crew members will tell you about their favourite places at a SWISS destination. Find out first-hand how our crews spend their layovers. Where they like to eat, shop and experience the best of culture.

Text & Pictures: Felicitas Märker

 

Published on: 23.06.2023