Delhi was my last stop when I visited India , and as expected, my budget for this backpacking leg was expectedly depleting. I came from Agra, and food , accommodation and fare were a bit pricey there, not to mention the entrances. Given that, I tried to find cheap options for my 3 nights stay in Delhi. Here are some highlights. Was the savings worth the hassle ? Lets find out. =)
Agra to Delhi is around 5 hours train ride , given the short distance, i opt to get the cheapest train seat class ( The sleeper’s class ) for 250 INR ( 4 usd ). It was difficult to personally get tickets at the station, but fortunately, A couchsurfing friend of mine booked my tickets online, which was a huge help ! The ticket booth in Agra was full packed, because it was Friday. and it would be close to impossible for me to get tickets on my own.
Waiting Area at Agra Train Station
The Cheap Train Ride
The train to Delhi arrived 4 hours late, And whats even more hassle is that I actually hopped on the wrong train! Though still heading its way to Delhi , but the train will stop at a southern station. I was a bit scared because the train officer might just shove me off the train at the middle of nowhere . But soon I found out that the officers do not check tickets at the sleeper’s class. Hooray for me!
It was a relief to find Fran and Greg at the sleeper’s class , they were also unsure if they hopped on the right train. haha !
How I spent my 5 hours sleeper’s class train ride from Agra to Delhi. Hello Feet !
sleeper’s Class Train
walking on some overpass in India train station can be fatal . haha!
A picture of the cheap sleeper’s class train ride,. worth 255 INR ( 4 usd )
For Hassle free bookings, ask the hotel receptionist to book your tickets. Better seats at 600 + INR (10 + usd) will be offered to you, nonetheless. And it comes with food water and snacks.
Metro Train
Getting around Delhi is actually easy and inexpensive, thanks to the efficient metro Train embracing all corners of the city.
Delhi Metro Train Map
Just to give you a picture odf Delhi Metro Railway at peak hours
Where I stayed :
Hotel Yes Boss’ Cheap Non air Bedroom for only 250 INR . around 4-5 usd , the cheapest Ive found along Main Bazaar, PajarGanj . Room is not good, but location is ok, just a few minutes walk to RK Ashram Station
The comfort room you get for the cheap room. The bowl was dirty.
bedside outlet at a hotel in India. Bringing of Plug adaptor is necessary !
Verdict : Not Recommended . Prepare budget for a better room.
Here are the Iconic spots in delhi that I’ve Visited , without spending much on entrances.
The Ashkadram Hindu Temple. Built during 1990’s , and is probably one of the most intricately made temples I’ve been to. Highly recommended to Visit . This place also has a great vegetarian food court !
Location : 10 minutes walk from Ashkadram Station.
Ideal Time to Visit : Afternoon . allot 3 – 4 hours for the shows. 9:30 am – 7:30 pm , Tuesday to Sunday . (monday closed )
Entrance : Getting in is free of charge , since it is a place for worship! But the show ( Religious Hindu Movie) and other activities require a minimum fee of around 130 INR ( 2.5 USD ).
Ashkadram Temple . entrance is Free. but picture taking is not allowed at the temple grounds.
Lotus Temple : Place for Balai Worship .
Location : around 10 minutes walk from Kalkaji Mandir Train Station. The temple can immediately be seen from the train.
Time to visit : 9:30 am – 5:30 pm , Tuesday to Sunday . (monday closed )
Entrance : Free !
BaLai Temple ( more known as the Lotus Temple) in Delhi. Contrary to the usual notion, This is not a hindu or Buddhist Temple . This is a Church of Balai , a congregation where all other religions are welcome and encouraged to worship under on roof, promoting unity and acceptance between people of different backgrounds.
Iskcon Hindu Temple : One of the most Iconic Hindu Temple in Delhi . Here you will meet a lot of westerners do volunteering works in India.
Location : at the back of Lotus Temple . Across the Tree Park
Time to visit : open all days of the week. 4:30 am to 9 pm
Entrance : Free !
Figures of Hindu Gods at Iskcon Temple
Iskcon Hindu Temple in Delhi, around 10 minutes walk from Lotus Temple .
No entrance Fee !
Qutub Minar – The Victory Tower of Delhi .
Location : 20 minutes walk from Qutub Minar Metro Station
Entrance : 250 INR ( around 4 usd ) for foreigners
Open all days of the week. 9 – 5 pm
Highest standing minaret in India ,at New Delhi
Details of the Minaret
Other interesting features at the minaret’s fort
Qutub Minar of Delhi
As for the other historical spots like Jama Masjid and the Red Fort near Chandni Chowk, I just passed by them , since blog say the Red fort is very similar to Agra Fort, which I visited Already . And the entrances are expensive !
Here are some snap shots I got While roaming around the streets of Delhi.
Chandi Chowk Market Place
at a Market in Delhi. I really wondered what stripping the chicken off its skin was for. Deep fried Chicken skin is the best, man !
The deep fried Nude Chicken In Chandni Chowk. Interesting ! but i still prefer the skinned piece with all those Bad MSG hahaha
Masala Egg Omelette Sandwich . A cheap street food , prepared while you wait. Which was is good because you get to see how its done. (think fairly clean street food)
A food stall at Chandi Chowk, Delhi
Food stalls along Chandi Chowk Delhi
fried Samosas and wraps along Main Bazaar. a piece costs around 10 INR .
When In Delhi , food allowance of 400 INR/ day (around 7-8 usd) is actually enough if you are on a tight budget, as there are cheap sandwiches and vegetarian set meals (Thali) which is only around 60 – 80 INR ( 1 USD ) . But seriously, you wouldn’t want to deprive yourself all the time, right? Set Aside a better allowance for food and enjoy authentic Indian Cuisine. Being the capital, Delhi is heaven for Indian food trippers , where you can find all cuisines from north to south of India.. Check out my Restaurant Recommendations at this post …
https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/06/07/food-trip-in-delhi-and-how-much-it-costs/
Some snapshots of the Streets in Delhi
A view of Main Bazaar , the backpacker’s area in Delhi , where I lived for a few nights. It is Chaotic in a very interesting way.
Free Food at Pajarganj !! =) well , its for the locals only. Its like a weekly alms giving of wealthy hindu Families. You see this everywhere in India, mostly near temples
Typical Delhi Rickshaw / Tuktuk
A clinic Along Pajar Ganj
New Delhi International Airport – Quite a Luxury !
a centerpiece at New Delhi Intl Airport
New Delhi Intl Airport has a Bar/Billiards/Buffet at the departure area
A native souvenir shop/Spa at Delhi Intl Airport . This features the warm foot soak
Delhi Intl Airport Departure Lounge
Architectural Details at New Delhi International Airport . Just Stunning !
Biyahe ni Josemanuel 