CORDES
PHOTOS

I first traveled to India in 1979. I returned in 2004 and again in 2006. A visa is required prior to arriving in India. In the United States, 10 year visas are available for around $120 US. You have to leave the country every 6 months, but may reenter without applying for a new visa. American Airlines now offers a direct flight from Chicago to New Delhi - only about 14 hours!

When I returned in 2004 I was a little intimidated. What should I do when I get there? Where should I stay? How will I get from the airport to the hotel? This was a big dilemma for me because on my first trip the taxi driver drove me around for 2 hours telling me every hotel was full until I finally got out in the middle of nowhere after paying him an exorbidant fee. I am a faily seasoned traveler but for me India was not easy.

Someone recommended the Hotel Star Paradise in Paharganj. This worked out very well because they sent someone to the airport to meet us. The taxi from the airport to the Hotel costs $10 US. The rooms at the hotel are fairly comfortable and costs from $7 to $12 a night depending on whether you request air-conditioning. Room service is available 24 hours and day - the tea is very good.

The Star Paradise is located in a large market called Paharganj. There are alot of things to buy - purses, shawls, pillow covers and used books. Although cars are not allowed in the market, it is filled with pedestrians, cows, rickshaws and motercycles. It is very hectic walking around unless you have nerves of steel. It is filthy. It about 2 blocks from the main train station and withing walking distance of Counough Place where there are ATM machines and many shops and restaurants.

It about 2 blocks from the main train station. The booking office for tourists is upstairs on the left. Seniors get a 20% discount on trains. They have first class sleeping cars - 2 tier or 3 tier. If you go with the 3 tier the top bunk can be a little difficult to get on unless you are young.

Across the alley from the Star Paradise is the Everest Cafe - a backpackers hangout with incredibly cheap prices - sometimes 50 cents for a meal. The food is good - try the Tibetan noodle soup. The Everest is very dark and sometimes plays music from the 60s - including Jimmy Hendrix.

Mostly when I am in Delhi I am suffering from jet lag - so I really just hang out around the hotel and the Everest Cafe.

You can rent a taxi for about $25 for 3 or 4 hours sightseeing. If you only have a few days this is the way to go. It can get very hot in Delhi so I suggest early in the morning - but find out what time the attractions open. There are many historic attractions to visit in Delhi if you are into that type of thing.