Everything You Wanted To Know About Moving To Delhi

Located in the north of India (or as some might say the heart of India), New Delhi is the capital of the largest democracy in the world. Serving as the center of the Government of India, the city is home to a number of historic landmarks such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort and Qutab Minar. Delhi, along with the suburban areas, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon, is referred to as the National Capital Region or NCR. With a population in excess of 20 million (equal to the population of Australia), Delhi NCR is world’s second largest urban agglomeration.

If you’re an expat looking at relocating to Delhi, rest assured that you’ll see massive crowds everywhere. You’ll even have to plan your activities so that you can beat the crowds! To make the move easier for you DelhiPlanet Media in association with MoveGuides presents a primer that will give you an overview of life in Delhi and will help arrange the essentials for your first few days in town.

In this feature a quick snapshot that covers Accommodation, Transport and Nightlife in the city is showcased while the detailed guide can be read on MoveGuides.

Accommodation – As discussed on The MOVEMENT (see here), Delhi has a few select neighborhoods’ recommended for expats. The most popular areas are Defence Colony, Panchsheel Enclave, Jungpura and Vasant Vihar. These areas are in posh locations of the city and home to most of the famous hangouts and shopping complexes, making them hubs of activity for expats and upper-class Indians, alike. The suburbs of Gurgaon and Noida have also rapidly developed in the past few years. They are now home to many modern high rises with world-class facilities and amenities, such as clubhouses, gyms, pools and more, expats and upper-middle class Indians. Numerous multi-national companies also have headquarters in Gurgaon and Noida. If your company doesn’t take care of your accommodation, it might prove difficult to quickly find something to your liking in these locations. You will likely need to use an agent.

Transport – As discussed on The MOVEMENT (see here), Delhi has a number of public transport options, such as the Subway (known as Delhi Metro), Buses, Auto Rickshaws (tuk tuks) and Cycle Rickshaws. Unless travelling a very long distance, most people prefer to use their own cars or taxis since any kind of public transport is extremely crowded. If you plan to stay in Delhi for less than 3 months, you will be able to get around using public transport and taxis. For a longer stay it is advisable to buy your own car, although as an expat you will certainly find the driving experience challenging. (Lanes, traffic laws and general driving courtesy often seem absent to the outsider!)

Nightlife – Delhi has a vibrant nightlife scene. Options range from low-key lounge drinks and hookah, to dining in upscale Vasant Vihar and Khan Market, to late-night night disco at the F-Bar and Lounge at the Hotel Ashok or karaoke at Turquoise Cottage. Clubs are opened until 2 or 3 am in the city and as late as 6am in the suburbs of Gurgaon and Noida. The past few years have also brought an explosion of lounges and hookah bars, which are popular spots for pre-parties before heading to the clubs (most people don’t arrive at clubs until late). Entry to upscale nightclubs is only open to women and couples, and there is normally an entry charge of up to $50. Single men have a difficult time getting into these clubs. The best way to ensure easy entry is to either find a female partner or get your name on the guest list through personal connections.

To read the complete guide visit the original posts on Moveguides at the following links:

1. Moving to Delhi, Part 1: covers Accommodation, Transport, Getting a phone and Food options
2. Moving to Delhi, Part 2: covers Entertainment options, cricket, nightlife, places to see and weather

Moveguides is the premier network for high-flyers and professionals who need to relocate to different cities around the world. Their mobile apps, ezines and location based online community allows individuals to jetset to a new home in a completely hassle free way. Their guides are compiled by people who themselves have relocated to various cities around the world.

(Liked what you read, share your views by leaving a comment. Also, like us on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter at @delhiplanet)