43rd MEETING OFASIAPACIFICADVANCEDNETWORK(APAN)

12th ~17th FEBRUARY2017INDIAHABITATCENTRE,NEWDELHI,INDIA

v About Indiav Capital City – New Delhiv Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport v Delhi Metro

v Venue – India Habitat Centre (IHC)

v Hotel – Rooms and Facilities

v Weekend Getaways – Golden Triangle v New Delhi v Agra, Uttar Pradesh v Jaipur, Rajasthan

SummaryofContents

Delhi…notjustacitybutabook

• Delhi is just not a city but it is a book- a book whichnarrates the history of India

• Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds - OldDelhi and New Delhi

• Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulersand many empires for about a millennium. Many atimes the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilthere. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played adual role, first as destroyers and then as creators

• Delhi has been the political hub of India

• Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historicalbackground. It was ruled by some of the mostpowerful emperors in Indian history

IGIAirport,Delhi,IndiaandAirportMetroExpress

• Huge capacity in handling more than 40 millionpassengers, per annum

• World’s sixth largest airport with a record of 78aerobridges

• Passenger volume is expected to increase to 100million per annum

Connected to the National Capital viaDelhi Airport Metro Express (www.delhimetrorail.com)

DelhiMetro- www.delhimetrorail.com

The Delhi Metro has been instrumental in ushering in a newera in the sphere of mass urban transportation in India. Theswanky and modern Metro system introduced comfortable,air conditioned and eco-friendly services for the first time inIndia and completely revolutionized the mass transportationscenario not only in the National Capital Region but the

entire country.

Having constructed a massive network of 213 Km with 160stations in record time, the DMRC today stands out as ashining example of how a mammoth technically complexinfrastructure project can be completed before time andwithin budgeted cost by a Government agency.

Venue– IndianHabitatCentre,NewDelhi

India Habitat Centre (IHC) was conceived to provide a physical environment, which would serve as a catalyst for asynergetic relationship between individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat related areas and would thereforemaximize their total effectiveness. To facilitate this interaction, the Centre provides a superb range of facilities.

A city within a city, it is an intellectual shopping centre that provides cheap green curry, great theatre, cutting edge art, ….,and wonderful outdoor spaces that are comfortable even in summer.

GALLERY – MEETING/ CONFERENCE HALLS

Joseph Stein Auditorium The Theatere – Amaltas, Kadamba, Rudraksha Mahogany

Gulmohar Chinar and Willow Silver Oak

Contd.

Jacaranda Casuarina Magnolia

Maple Documentation Centre

Contd.– GuestRoomsandLite ZoneinIHC

Standard Premium Suite

Fitness Centre Swimming Pool Gym

Hotel(s)

Taj Mahal HotelThis opulent hotel is a 9-minute walk from the Khan Market metro stationand 10 km from the Lotus Temple.

The luxurious, elegant rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fiand minibars. Suites add living rooms and dining rooms, as well as loungeand gym access.

A breakfast buffet is available for a fee. There are 7 restaurants, includingChinese, Japanese, Indian and international eateries, plus a bar, a rooftoprestaurant and a lounge. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and aspa. Astrology services are available (fee).

A 2-minute walk from a metro station, this stately hotel, with alandscaped courtyard and a marble lobby, is 1.8 km from thecommemorative India Gate and 7 km from the 17th-century Red Fort.

Modern, colonial-inspired rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs,as well as minibars, tea and coffeemaking equipment, and balconies.Upgraded rooms have bathtubs and/or separate living rooms, whileairy suites add separate bedrooms and dining rooms. Room service isavailable.

Ambassador Hotel

Le Meridien Hotel

A 9-minute walk from a metro station, this upmarket hotel is also 1.7 km fromthe lively Janpath street and 2 km from vibrant Connaught Circle. Featuringwooden flooring, the contemporary rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks and city views. Upgraded rooms and suites add access to aprivate lounge with champagne breakfast, while suites feature separate livingareas.

There are 3 restaurants, including a rooftop eatery, as well as a cafe and aGothic-style bar. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, aspa and a shopping mall, as well as a business centre, meeting rooms andevent space. Parking is free.

Contd.

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi AerocityDistance from Venue - 15.2 kms

OtherHotels

Taj Palace, New DelhiDistance from Venue - 2.7 kms

The Leela Palace New DelhiDistance from Venue - 2.7 kms

Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel, New DelhiDistance from Venue - 4.1 kms

Contd.-OtherHotels

Claridges Hotel, New DelhiDistance from Venue - 2.2 kms

The Lalit Hotel, New DelhiDistance from Venue - 5.5 kms

WeekendGetaways– GoldenTriangle

The Golden Triangle covers the three most gorgeous citiesof the country. Its is so called because of the triangularshape formed by the locations of New Delhi, Agra andRajasthan on a map.

This triangle has been dubbed "golden" for the extraordinarywealth of cultural and historical splendor on offer in each ofthe three cities.

• Delhi to Agra : 232 kms, 3 hrs drive

• Delhi to Jaipur : 275 kms, 4 hrs drive

• Agra to Jaipur : 242 kms, 3 hrs drive

TouristPlacesinDelhi

• Temple dedicated to God Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty andspirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture

• Epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtakinggrandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss The Akshardham experience isan enlightening journey through India’s Glorious art, values andcontributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.Built in Five year and Heralded by the Guinness World Record asthe World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple

• India Gate is 42 m high, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" likearchway in the middle of a crossroad

• Name of Commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldierswho lost their lives fighting for the British Army havebeen carved on the walls

• Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame burns day and nightunder the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laiddown their lives

Akshardham Temple

India Gate

CONTD.

Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynastyin 1206. It is afluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses fromthe Qur'an.It consists of 380 steps. There are little openings along itslength to admit air and light.It is the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India,heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecturethat came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style

Qutab Minar

Lotus Temple

• Temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower .Completedin 1986 it is set among the lush green landscapedgardens.

• The structure is made up of pure white marble Thearchitect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbolcommon to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.

• Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water,which light up, in natural light. It looks spectacular at duskwhen it is flood lit.

Contd.

• Jantar Mantar (Yantra - instruments, mantra - formulae)was constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur.

• Jai Singh had found the existing astronomical instrumentstoo small to take correct measurements and so he builtthese larger and more accurate instruments.

• The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for theiringenuity.

Jantar Mantar

Red Fort

• The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (LalQila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as areminder of the magnificent power and pomp of theMughal emperors. Walls were built in 1638, weredesigned to keep out invaders, now they mainly keep outthe noise and confusion of the city.

• The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional andsymbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation andattracts a major crowd on each Independence Day.An evening sound and light show re-creates events inIndia's history connected with the fort.

TOURISTPLACESINAGRA

Agra, the former capital of Hindustan (Mugal Era), is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of UttarPradesh, IndiaAgra with its laid-back style of living, treasured architecture, jewelry and handicrafts, is one of the remarkable cities in theworld.

• Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world

• It is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslimrulers of India

• It is built entirely of white marble

• Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that housesthe grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. Thegrave of Shah Jahan was added to it later

Taj Mahal

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughalarchitectural splendor at its height.It was built between 1569 and 1585 .Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination ofHindu and Muslim architecture.

Contd.

Fatehpur Sikri

Agra Fort

• Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located inAgra, India.

• The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and RedFort of Agra.

• The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.

• Agra Fort built by Akbar in Red Sandstone, Agra Fortworked both as a military strategic point as well as theroyal residence.

TouristPlacesinJaipur

Hawa Mahal• Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 5storied stunning semi-octagonal Monument having 152windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a finepiece of Rajput architecture.

• Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and toenjoy the processions and other activities on the streetbelow.

• Now it houses a well laid out museum, The display“Jaipur past and present”

Central Museum

• Oldest museum of the state and functions asthe State museum of Rajasthan

• This graceful building was founded in 1876 byPrince Albert (also known as Albert Hall).

• It has a rare collection of archaeological andhandicraft pieces.

It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marblepavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is asight to behold.It contains various halls i.e. Sheesh Mahal (chamber ofMirrors), Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience,Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience.

Contd.

Amber Fort

• The Birla Temple, originally known as LakshmiNarayan Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu andGoddess Lakshmi, this temple is built in purewhite marble

• Inside this magnificent shrine, beautifullysculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and GoddessLakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods andGoddesses, can be seen. Delicate carvings ofHindu symbols, and ancient quotes from theGeeta and the Upanishads ornament the wallsof this fascinating temple

Birla Temple

CONTD.

Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture since 1989. Started as part ofambiance for a restaurant, over the years it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol ofethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country

Spread over 10 acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look

Live dance and music performances all through the evenings is one of the major attractions atChokhi Dhani Village.

Chowkidhani

INDIANFOOD

The traditional food of India has been widely appreciated for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. Indian cuisine is known for its large assortment of dishes. The cooking style varies from region to region and is largely divided into South Indian & North Indian cuisine. We offer different variety of food.

Punjabi Food:The cuisine of Punjab has an enormous variety of mouth-watering vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes. The spice content ranges from minimal to pleasant to high.

Rajasthani Food: The cuisine of Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian. Rajasthanisuse ghee for cooking most of the dishes. Rajasthani food is well known for itsspicy curries and delicious sweets.

CONTD.

Bengali Food: Bengali cuisine is appreciated for its fabulous use of panchphoron, a termused to refer to the five essential spices, namely mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed,aniseed, and black cumin seed.

Gujarati Food: The traditional Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian and has a highnutritional value. The typical Gujarati thali consists of varied kinds of lip smacking dishes.Gujarati cuisine has so much to offer and each dish has an absolutely different cookingstyle.

Mughlai Cuisine: Mughlai cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines, whose origin can be traced back to the times of Mughal Empire. Mughlai cuisine consists of the dishes that were prepared in the kitchens of the royal Mughal Emperors. Indian cuisine is predominantly influenced by the cooking style practiced during the Mughal era.

Shopping – Delhi

Shopping is always on top of the itinerary chart for any tourist visiting Delhi. There are whole shebang of items of tourist choice, such as jewelry, carpets, handicrafts, precious stones, silks and silver ware - all synonymous with India. Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk are the principle shopping areas.

Dilli Haat : This huge Delhi market has been deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called a haat. Small thatched roof cottages with a village atmosphere give it great ambiance. The market offers an exciting blend of handicrafts from all over India, food, and cultural and music performances.

KHARI BAOLI: Want to have a full sensory experience of color, texture, smell and taste of Delhi? Want to know Delhi’s history, culture and cuisine through its spices? Welcome to the biggest wholesale spice market in the world, on a street of Delhi called Khari Baoli.

Contd.

Janpath and Tibetan Market: This very popular and lively Delhi market, which was recently given a makeover, has something for everyone. You'll find goods from everywhere in India and Tibet here, and it's a great place to shop for things to take back home.

Chandni Chowk: The lanes of Chandni Chowk are divided into bazaars with different areas of specialization. For fabrics, head to KatraNeel. In the Bhagirath Palace area, you'll find a huge range of electronics. Dariba Kalan is Old Delhi's ancient silver market full of silver jewelry. Kinari bazaar sells everything you need for a wedding, including saris.

Contd.

Cottage Industry Handicraft Emporium Baba Kharak Singh Marg which is at stone throw distance from Connaught Place. One can also get tourist information about the respective states in these emporiums.

Contd.

Climate

SeasonsMonth

Av. Temp (Min-Max)

Climate Clothing

WinterDecember to January

5o to 25o Very CoolWoolen & Body Warmers

SpringFeburary to March

20o to 25o Sunny and pleasant.

Light woolens

Summer April to June 25o to 45o Hot Light Cottons

MonsoonJuly to Mid-September

30o to 35o Wet, hot and humid

Light Cottons

AutumnSeptember end to November

20o to 30o PleasantCottons&Light Woolens

IndianCulture

Contd.

SeeyouallinNewDelhi…….