Tel: 011 2923 1500
Timings: 11 am to 7:30 pm; closed Tue
Cottons
Fabindia’s more expensive and dressier cousin.
>N-11, GK I, N Block Market
Tel: 011 4163 5108
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm, closed Tue
Khadi Gram Udyog Bhavan
Pick up soaps and masalas along with the kurtas. Prices aren’t bad.
>24 Regal Building, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2341 1651
Timings: Daily 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Manan
Designer wear at reasonable prices. The store will take orders and make something you see on the rack in your size. Also find jewellery, shoes, purses, shawls, blankets and cushion covers.
>8 Khan Market
Tel: 011 4175 7701
Timings: Daily 11 am to 8 pm
Web: www.manandesign.com for other locations
Nun
The store will bring out the little girl in Mom. Lots of frilly things and spaghetti straps. Definitely a youthful vibe. But remember, just because they sell it in your size, it doesn’t mean you should buy it.
>M-53 GK I, M Block Market
Timings: 11:30 am to 8 pm; closed Tue
Cost: From Rs 350 for accessories
Sabhyata
Great designs for a third of the price of Cottons, Anokhi and Fabindia. But you’ll have to venture to Lajpat Nagar II.
>E-12 Lajpat Nagar II, Central Market
Tel: 011 4172 2138
Timings: From 11 am
Santushti Shopping Complex
With clothing shops outranking silver shops, though barely, Mom can easily spend the morning here. Thirty boutiques ring the lovely gardens. Among the boutiques are Claire’s, Ogaan, Tulsi, Ensemble and Rana Gill. There’s also a Good Earth and Anokhi.
>Race Cross Road
Timings: Mon to Sat 10 am to 6 pm
ZingRin
The tiny store offers much in the way of accessories, belts, bangles and necklaces and the clothes have a very hip city feel. Prices start from around Rs 500.
>78 Middle Lane, Rear Entry, Khan Market
Tel: 011 4356 5455
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 8 pm
For dad
Off the rack
The Raymond Shop (Factory outlet)
Quality ready to wear clothes offered at affordable prices in various textures and styles. The brand has been around since 1925. Every businessman in Delhi has probably owned a suit from The Raymond Shop sometime in his life. Made-to-order suit designs are also available.
>M-7 Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2341 6755
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 8 pm
Web: www.raymondindia.com for more store locations
Fabindia (see For the Family, p.177)
Shirts, trousers, pyjamas and chappals all for a good price.
Web: www.fabindia.com for store locations.
Bespoke suits
When off the rack just won’t do, Dad can go for a bespoke suit, tailored just for him. It will fit to a tee and the suit will be made to order, ensuring the best possible fit. The buyer has total control over the fabric, style and tailoring. It is definitely more expensive, but there is a higher quality of customized construction.
Delhi Cloth House
>66-B Khan Market
Tel: 011 2461 8937
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 7:30 pm
Cost: From Rs 6,000
Grover Cloth House
>47-A Khan Market
Tel: 011 2462 5622
Timings: Mon to Sat 10:30 am to 7 pm
Cost: From Rs 6,500
Krishna Cloth House
>65-A Khan Market
Tel: 011 2464 9126
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 7:30 pm
Cost: From Rs 6,200
New Prominent Tailors
>25-K Block, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2341 8007
Timings: Mon to sat 11 am to 7:30 pm
Cost: From Rs 7,500
Pal Zileri
>American Plaza, Ground Flr, International Trade Tower, Hotel Inter-continental Eros, Nehru Place
Tel: 011 4651 8474
Timings: Daily 10 am to 8:30 pm
Cost: From Rs 2 lakh
Paul Smith
>212 DLF Emporio Mall, Nelson Mandela Road
Tel: 011 4604 0734
Timings: Daily 10 am to 10 pm
Cost: From Rs 42,000
The Raymond Shop
>Web: www.raymondindia.com for the numerous outlets around the city
Savileroy
>2/9 Jangpura A
Tel: 98 1142 6261
Timings: Daily, not fixed
Cost: From Rs 8,000
Vaish at Rivoli
>Next to PVR Rivoli Cinema, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 4150 2525
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Timings: Mon to sat 10 am to 8 pm
Cost: From Rs 15,000
Web: www.vaish.com
Vedi Tailors
>60 M Block, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2341 6901
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Timings: Mon to Sat 11:30 am to 8 pm
Cost: From Rs 2,500
For the house
Central Cottage Industries Emporium
The government-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium is one-stop shopping for your home. If you’re not inclined to brave the heat and bargain at the Janpath stalls which are directly across the street, then this is the place. Spread over 6 floors, the air-conditioned building has items representing states across India. Popularly known as the Cottage, it was established in 1948 with the aim of preserving and showcasing traditional Indian craftsmanship. It has one of the largest ranges of accessories, linens and furniture available anywhere in India with over 20,000 handicrafts, 2,000 carpet designs and 2,000 furniture designs. There is also a clothing section which has an impressive collection of sarees, shawls and other fashion accessories with separate sections for menswear and kids. One can also shop for woodcarvings, paintings, brassware and textiles. Over the last 50 years, the Emporium has attracted several well known personalities like Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Farah of Iran, Jacqueline Kennedy and a host of dignitaries from across the world. It takes at least 2 to 3 hours to feel as if the place has been given justice. An elevator takes you to the level with cushion covers and bed spreads, a canteen is conveniently located in the middle of the floors which serve both veg and non-veg food and toilets are available throughout. It’s really a fixed price so don’t even think about haggling. Shipment of bulky furniture or rugs is available too.
>Jawahar Vyapar Bhavan, Janpath (opposite McDonald’s)
Tel: 011 2332 0439; 011 2332 2936
Located about 2 minutes from Connaught Place, the best way to get there would be to take a Metro to the Rajiv Chowk station or by car as there is ample parking inside the gate.
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk station
Timings: Mon to Sat 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Web: www.cottageemporiumindia.com
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is an upgraded version of the traditional weekly market, housing a variety of handicrafts, shawls, clothing, toys, trinkets, food and frequent cultural activities. Hawkers come from all over India, showcasing the richness of their states through their handicrafts. Dilli Haat is a highly successful project launched by Delhi Tourism. Great gifts can be found at the ever-changing stalls, which are allotted on a rotational basis, usually for 10 days, ensuring a different variety of handicrafts for visitors at each visit. So if you like something, buy it. Whatever is quoted, offer a third of the price and start bargaining from there. You can and should bargain, but also be mindful that you are buying directly from some of the craftspeople who have made the items themselves so you may want to do a little bargaining here and save the heavy lifting for Janpath. The food plaza has some of the best cuisines that represent the 25 states of India. Toilets are
located near the food plaza. The Master Crafts Fair is held in early December for 2 weeks. Award-winning artists and craftspeople sell their work during this time.
>Sri Aurobindo Marg, Opposite INA Market
Tel: 011 2611 9055, 2467 8817
Timings: Daily 10:30 am to 10 pm
Entry: Rs 15 adults, Rs 5 children
State emporia
The state emporia are located around the corner from Cottage Industries. Like the Cottage Emporium, the state emporia showcase products native to states from around the nation including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Kashmir. Run by the state government, the shops sell quality handicrafts, art and jewellery at great fixed prices so there’s no need to bargain. Eighteen stores in all, the state emporia showcase some of the best handicrafts and handlooms India has to offer and you won’t have to buy a plane, bus or train ticket to get there. Two are worth a special mention:
Bharati Delhi Emporium
One of the most prestigious of the emporia, it has a range of handicrafts, furniture, leather goods and clothing. There is also an extensive range of jewellery and loose precious and semi-precious stones. The building is air-conditioned, nicely laid out and the goods are a bit more expensive than at the Cottage Emporium.
>A-3/4 Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Tel: 011 2336 3287; 011 2334 0343
Timings: Mon to Sat 10 am to 6:30 pm
Web: http://emporium.dsidc.org
Crafts Museum Shop
This is the place to go if you want handicrafts that are found everywhere else but are of a higher quality. The selection is wonderful and you get to browse and buy without the craftsmen from the Crafts Museum putting pressure on you to do so.
>Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, opposite the Purana Qila
Tel: 011 2337 1269
Nearest Metro: Pragati Maidan
Timings: Daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sporting Equipment
To fully enjoy adventure sports and the like, having the right gear is in order. Several stores carry the equipment at great prices and the sales staff is super helpful so you won’t be stuck with what you don’t need. If you’re on a budget, don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Buy proper shoes and helmets as applicable.
Adventure 18
Specializes in climbing, trekking and cycling equipment.
>18 Satya Niketan, opposite Venkateswara College
Tel: 011 2687 8888
Timings: Daily 11 am to 7 pm
Firefox Bike Station
Specialty bikes and cycling gear can be found here.
>A-12 Lajpat Nagar II
Tel: 011 4172 8067
Timings: Tue to Sun 11 am to 8:30 pm
Web: www.firefoxbikes.com
>J-13/56 Rajouri Garden Cambridge School Road
Tel: 011 4556 2852
Timings: 11 am to 8:30 pm; closed Wed
Grand Slam
All sporting equipment including cricket bats, racquets, blades and balls. The store also carries sportswear.
>M-74 Greater Kailash Part II
Tel: 011 2922 2902
Timings: Daily 10:30 am to 7:00 pm
Kalra Cycle Store
Bikes for the whole family and bike pumps, too. However, the store does not carry helmets.
>67-A Khan Market
Tel: 011 2461 8527
Timings: Mon to Sat 10:30 am to 7 pm
Zanskar Outdoor Equipment
Everything trekkers and camping enthusiasts will need.
>21 DSIDC, Scheme-3, Okhla Industrial Area II
Tel: 98116 76556
SLEEPS
No. 1: For value and comfort and lots of pampering thrown
in, choose the Oberoi.
Hop in to hip hotels that offer real value for money—from luxurious to affordable to no-frill finds. Discover the right family hotel with ease and comfort. After a long plane ride, a long day of sightseeing or a long luxurious spa treatment or swim, a comfortable bed for a lazy afternoon nap or a sound night’s sleep beckons. Delhi is notorious for having a shortage of hotel rooms and over-charging for the ones that do exist. However, there’s a hotel to fit every budget and the service provided can make for picture perfect memories. 5-star deluxe hotels often run specials so check the Web sites and call the hotel. Sometimes walk-in rates can be a boon.
Five-star Hotels
Aman New Delhi
Aman opened one of its signature properties in the heart of Delhi in 2009. Rated as the world’s leading international hotel group in the 2007/2008 Zagat survey of the World’s Top Hotels, Resorts and Spas, The Aman is the first city property for the luxurious hotel group. The spa features private treatment rooms, there’s an award-winning hair and beauty salon and a 50-metre swimming pool, with a separate children’s pool that meshes with the adult pool. If you prefer to lounge in private, the rooms have their own plunge pools, with terraces and breathtaking views. The restaurants offer international cuisines and there’s also a tapas bar. The resort has a fleet of silver Ambassador cars to ferry guests around the city.
>Lodhi Road
Tel: 011 4363 3333
Rates: From US $550 low season; US $750 high season
Web: http://amanresorts.com/amannewdelhi/home.aspx
The Ashok
With more than 550 rooms, the Ashok is another luxury hotel where service is unsurpassed. It has old style charm and the rooms are spacious. The restaurants serve good Indian food but not necessarily what children would like. However, the recreation offered at the hotel surpasses the activities offered by similar hotels in the area. Guests can enjoy table tennis, badminton, horse riding, golf, tennis and there’s even a gliding club. Of course, there’s a huge swimming pool and the hotel offers babysitting.
>50-B, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri
Tel: 011 2611 0101; 011 2687 6060
Rates: From US $318
Web: www.theashok.com
The Claridges Hotel
Families will be comfortable in the double guest rooms at the Claridges. Facilities include babysitting, a big outdoor swimming pool and the restaurants. Pickwicks restaurant (see Eats, p.130–31) is a favourite, even for guests who aren’t staying in the hotel, as it offers a range of international cuisines and calorie-filled desserts. In the winters, brunch can be had on the beautifully manicured and lush front lawns.
>12 Aurangzeb Road
Tel: 011 4133 5133
Rates: From US $133 low season; US $174 high season
Web: www.claridges.com
The Clarion Collection—The Qutab
With 96 guest rooms, the hotel has a boutique-y feel. The deluxe rooms are family sized and have pool views and a view of Qutab Minar. No, a photo of the minaret from the balcony of the room does not count as a visit. Breakfast is complimentary.
>Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Hauz Khas, Katwaria Sarai
Tel: 011 4120 0000; 011 2652 1010
Rates: From US $296 low season; US $360 high season
Web: www.clarionnewdelhi.com
Crowne Plaza Surya
Choose one of the 82 club rooms for the family as they provide more space. Overall the hotel has 240 super-modern guestrooms (separate from the club rooms) that come with 42-inch plasma TVs. All rooms and public areas have wireless connections. The pool is deep but on the small-ish side. Crowne Plaza caters to tourists and it shows with little touches as a separate rental car desk, tour desk, airline desk and a travel agent desk. The prices aren’t great but it is convenient. The hotel also offers babysitting and the staff speak several languages. The 5 multicuisine restaurants will definitely satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
>New Friends Colony
Tel: 011 2683 5070
Rates: From US $148 low season; US $269 high season
Web: www.crowneplazadelhi.com
The Grand New Delhi
There are 390 rooms including 25 suites. Breakfast is complimentary and there’s broadband internet access i
n the rooms. Guest rooms are big enough for families or suites with dining tables are a great option when you do not want to go out for dinner after a long day of sightseeing. Recreation is big at the Grand with an adult and children’s pool, turf tennis courts and a jogging track. Parents can also get massages and other beauty treatments at the spa or participate in a yoga session. There are many restaurants to choose from, a family Sunday brunch and a gourmet shop selling pastries and breads that are in a league of their own.
>Nelson Mandela Marg, Phase 2, Vasant Kunj
Tel: 011 2677 1234; 011 4165 1234
Rates: From US $161 low season; US $241 high season
Web: www.thegrandnewdelhi.com
Hyatt Regency
Hyatt hotels the world over know how to entertain families with amenities that go above and beyond expectations. A club room comes with complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A family of 4 with 2 kids cannot get around the maximum of 3 per room when booking online, but you can if you telephone. There’s a lovely bakery, swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. Sunday lunches at the various restaurants are decadent, but so are the prices, with a range of Rs 1,650 to Rs 3,800 depending on the restaurant and alcohol vs without alcohol.
>Ring Road, Bhikaji Cama Place
Tel: 011 2679 1234; 011 2679 1122
Rates: From US $200 low season; US $400 high season
Web: www.delhi.regency.hyatt.com
The Imperial
The Imperial hotel is an oldstyle grand hotel with dining options near the beautiful lawns which are great for the kids to unwind after a long day of sight-seeing. Built in 1931 and refurbished in the 1990s, the magnificent white hotel in the centre of Delhi is a remnant of India’s imperial past. Opulent rooms, expansive lawns and a choice of multi-cuisine restaurants and a Chanel boutique in the lobby may make you want to extend your stay; that is, if you haven’t maxed out the credit card.