Himanshu Agarwal
What to Avoid When in Delhi
Like most travelers, there is a sure sense of eagerness to explore their newfound territory, and they will sometimes attempt to veer away from the everyday tourist attractions. However, if not cautious, the traveler may find themselves in a troubling situation and quite possibly with a fair dent in their pocketbook as well. Despite its breathtaking views, incredible history, and delicious food, there are places and things you must avoid when in Delhi. I have put together a list of the top 5 places not to visit while traveling through Delhi, India, as a guideline to help the traveler get the most out of their trip.
1. Street Food Vendors
It is often easier to grab something quickly and easily and carry it on your way rather than trying to decide on a restaurant. Although street vendors may seem appealing, they may not always be the best choice. The food quality may be significantly lower than that of a restaurant and, more importantly, not cooked as well as the traveler may be used to. Their goal is to target the busy, disoriented, hungry traveler as they set up their stall in the high-traffic areas of the city while ignoring the health regulations that may or may not be enforced. It is always a good idea to make sure that travelers know what they are eating. If not, their vacation may just end on a porcelain note.
2. Taxi Stands
Photo by Marc Tarlock, CC BY-SA 2.0
As there are many different forms of transportation in Delhi, taxis may seem like the most efficient way to get from point A to point B. Traveling through an unfamiliar city can sometimes be stressful, so the traveler will often choose what feels most familiar. However, the traveler must remain wary when hailing a taxi. In some areas where money is tight, it has been reported that travelers have experienced unnecessarily long trips where they were forced to pay more than they should have. Some have also reported local bystanders “giving them a hand” with their luggage and then demanding payment despite having no affiliation with the taxi company nor being asked to help. It is better to take a paid taxi from a registered auto-stand office or book your own car through Uber.
3. Local Tourist Offices
Photo by Rolling Okie, CC BY 2.0
Surely a tourist office would be able to provide all the information you could ever need, right? Well, not always, especially when you’re in Delhi. As tourists arrive, many people like to take advantage of their vulnerability. Offering hotel bookings, tours, and travel arrangements, with tons of great deals and unbelievable hospitality. The unsuspecting traveler will certainly be getting a deal, but not necessarily, the one they are hoping for. It is always best to make and finalize your arrangements before arriving in an unfamiliar city. Unless they don’t mind showing up at the airport with no reservation booked.
4. The Underpass At The Connaught Place
From Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tourists, often eager to try new things, may find themselves entrapped in the many intriguing services the locals offer. Along with street vendors, local tour guides, and rickshaws, shoe shining is a popular way to make a buck while working the streets of Delhi. There have been reports of shoe-shining boys intentionally soiling one’s shoes with nothing more than what one would normally flush down a toilet to force them into using their services.
5. Jewelry Stores through Broker
Photo by Timothy Krause, CC BY 2.0
Every traveler wants to return home with memorabilia from their trip, and in a city like Delhi, it is all too easy. Despite the many small shops and bazaars, travelers may find themselves attracted to the more than reasonable price of a nice fine piece of jewelry. Sure, said piece may look 100% 14-karat gold, and those gems may appear completely genuine. But are they really? The traveler must make sure that they get what they pay for. If not, they could be walking away with only 14-karat fool’s gold and a big disappointment.
Delhi has many wonderful places to see and explore; it offers many opportunities to step away from mainstream tourism and allows travelers to take on more of the city on their own terms. If the traveler remains cautious and follows these 5 tips, their trip should go off without a hitch.
Any other things to avoid When in Delhi? Can you share?
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Also read:
- Delhi Travel Guide: DIY Itinerary, Places To Stay, Things To Do, And More
- Top 15 Best Things To Do In Delhi
