Delhi: A Cultural and Historical Tapestry

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाएं?
  [Theek hoon. Aap sunaayen?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseमैं मेन्यू देखना चाहूँगा, कृपया
  [Main menu dekhna chahunga, kripya]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseमैं चाहूंगा कि मैं भुगतान करूँ, कृपया
  [Main chahunga ki main bhugtan karun, kripya]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा...
  [Main khareedna chahunga...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी क्या समय है?
  [Abhi kya samay hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजकर पंद्रह मिनट हैं
  [Das bajkar pandrah minute hain]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Delhi traces its origins back to the epic tales of Mahabharata, where it was known as Indraprastha. Established around 1450 BCE by the Pandavas, this ancient city is believed to have been a thriving center of civilization with advanced urban planning and architecture.

Established in 1206, the Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan, initiated the construction of the Qutb Minar, which remains a significant historical monument. The Sultanate period saw the rise of Indo-Islamic architecture and the establishment of Delhi as a major political and cultural hub.

The Mughal Empire, beginning with Babur in 1526, transformed Delhi into a grand imperial city. Shah Jahan, one of the prominent Mughal emperors, founded Shahjahanabad in 1639, which is today known as Old Delhi. The Red Fort and Jama Masjid are remarkable architectural achievements from this period, reflecting the zenith of Mughal architecture.

The British East India Company seized control of Delhi after the defeat of the Marathas in 1803. The city became the capital of British India in 1911, and Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were commissioned to design New Delhi. This period saw the blend of British and Indian architectural styles, culminating in landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.

Delhi played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement, with key events such as the Quit India Movement and the visit of Mahatma Gandhi. After India gained independence in 1947, Delhi became the capital of the newly formed Republic of India. The city witnessed significant demographic changes due to the Partition, with a massive influx of refugees from Pakistan.

Modern Delhi is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich historical past with contemporary urban development. The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, with landmarks like the Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, and the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place reflecting its diverse and vibrant character.

Delhi is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), one of the busiest airports in India. It connects Delhi to major international and domestic destinations. The airport is approximately 16 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the city via pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs like Uber and Ola, or the Delhi Airport Metro Express line which connects to the New Delhi Metro Station.

Delhi has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes the Delhi Metro, buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs. The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to travel across the city, covering all major areas. Buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and private operators are also widely used. Auto-rickshaws are a convenient option for short distances, but ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. App-based cabs like Uber and Ola are also readily available.

The official currency in Delhi is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, major hotels, and authorized exchange centers.

Delhi is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas and poorly lit streets at night. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas like Paharganj and certain parts of Old Delhi have higher incidences of petty crimes targeting tourists, so stay vigilant in these areas. Always use registered taxis and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 102 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like AIIMS, Fortis, and Apollo have emergency services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. The tourist helpline number is 1363, which can assist with a range of issues, including language translation and emergency assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on the Delhi Metro. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (palms pressed together) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is from a hygienic source. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Delhi like a local, visit bustling markets like Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat. Enjoy a morning walk at Lodhi Gardens and visit historical sites like Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. Attend a classical music or dance performance at the India Habitat Centre. For unique culinary experiences, explore the street food in areas like Karol Bagh and Paranthe Wali Gali. Engage with locals, as Delhiites are generally friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions.