How do you get to Delhi? Is there a hub airport nearby, good road and rail connections?
Delhi has an airport that has blossomed a lot since I was a kid. My favourite airline to take is Emirates, because it offers the cheapest direct flight, takes only 21 hours and it has amazing food and service. Having travelled multiple times a year for the past five years, I travelled with less impressive options, including Lufthansa, which is much more expensive and less exciting food-wise.
Is the city well-served by public transport and taxi services? Are there any interesting ways of getting around?
Uber is well-established in Delhi and there is a local option available called Ola. For both, you can use your smartphone, and you can easily get a sim card for your phone in the airport. Just make sure you have rupees on hand if you were not able to pay using the app, because they don’t always have credit card machines. Make sure you have a reasonably good idea of how to get to your hotel and a contact phone number for the taxi driver to reach, in case your hotel is not easily trackable on google maps; but usually it works well.
Could you recommend any business hotels in Delhi?
My favorite is Bloomrooms, which offers business deals, and can be found throughout the major cities in India; there is always a lounge with wifi and outlets. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s also not cheap-looking. You get a bed, sometimes a bunk bed, and the rooms are very clean. They also have free chai, and the service is very friendly.
What accommodation options are there for those travelling on a shoestring?
Same as above. I’m always traveling on a shoestring, so my suggestions will always come via that lens!
Could you suggest any shared working venues for business visitors or coffee shops where they could catch up on paperwork?
Costa Coffee is always a good one and they are located in many locations throughout Delhi. But again, if you take my recommendation and go to Bloomrooms, you can drink your free chai and catch up on work there.
With which industries is Delhi associated?
I specifically worked in the non-profit industry on clean energy access in rural villages. There is a lot going on in Delhi and throughout India with respect to development work and social impact.
What interesting businesses and organisations are based in Delhi?
I really like the India Habitat Centre. There are several non-profits and other institutions located there, as well as cultural and political events where you can learn about the local context and issues that matter most. It’s a good way to stay relevant and hip.
Are there any major business events or conferences taking place in Delhi over the coming year?
The 13th Sustainability Summit will take place in September 2019 This is good for anyone working on climate change mitigation/adaptation, sustainable development and everything in between.
Could you recommend a venue for a lunch meeting in Delhi?
Khan Market is always fun. It’s a huge market, so definitely set a specific place. If you can handle spicy food, Khan Chacha is my favorite place for lunch. If you are having a more formal meeting, then I would suggest the Big Chill.
And where would you suggest holding a client dinner?
Haus Kaus village is full of great rooftop bars and restaurants. I would recommend this area for dinner and/or drinks. There is something for everyone here. It’s a good place to explore before or after dinner.
Are there any challenging aspects or downsides to Delhi for business travellers that should be taken into account?
Just be respectful and humble. In my experience, the people in Delhi are completely familiar with having visitors but at times they have bad experiences with visitors being entitled and not respectful to the land.
Do your research beforehand and talk to people who live in Delhi about what areas to stay away from, especially if this is your first time. If you are smart about it and plan in advance, you will have a great time. If you just go wandering, you may find yourself in an overcrowded area but that could happen in any city. Yes, there are tourist traps just like in any major city.
I would advise you to have the same street smarts as you would if you were in New York or London: don’t look lost, don’t keep your valuables visible and dress modestly. You will already stand out so you don’t want to make yourself stand out more. I have still not figured out how to tip appropriately in Delhi, so make sure to ask a local about that!
Tell us a bit about Delhi’s unmissable attractions.
You need to go to India Gate and just take a long walk especially on a nice day. Do it either early morning or early evening to catch the sunset. Grab an ice cream from one of the trucks, ideally Kulfi, and enjoy the stroll. Lodhi Garden is also amazing.
Can you give some insider information about some hidden treasures outside the tourist haunts?
Go to Monkey Bar in Vasant Kunj: great food and fun atmosphere. Also if you like art, you can go to Dilli Haat which has a lot of craftsmanship and artistic items to purchase and great food.
Are there any unmissable activities business travellers should incorporate into their visit?
Go to Humayun’s tomb and the Lotus Temple.
Are there any local dishes visitors should try?
Pani puri, if your stomach can handle it. You can get it on the street or at Haldirams.
Why do you love Delhi?
I love riding in auto rickshaws. I love the pani puri. I love the metro. And all of the parks.
Why would you recommend Delhi as a place to do business?
There are amazing people who are dedicated to the work they do, and extremely creative when problem solving.
Tara Ramanathan, is an MBA from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
