arriving in delhi at midnight

jarosity · Jun 25th, 2003, 07:47

ok thats the shit i was looking for, thanks anonymous.

in no way am i paranoid, i travelled with a paranoid girl in cambodia and yeah, that really annoyed the hell out of me and needless to say she became an ex-girlfriend rather quickly. i just like to be informed of what may happen and how to handle it. everyplace i've been, you have to handle the situation in a slightly different way.

i do understand that the only way to do india is in a balls-out-the-zipper style, and i intend that to be the case, so thats great. getting ripped off is not a problem, half the time i have loads of cultural guilt about the economic disparities of my country and many of the places i am and so if i do get scrwed over, well somebody needs the money more than i....i didn't choose to be part of the lucky sperm club, but thats what happened. what i am worried about is ending up miles from where i should be with no way to get where i want.

that happened once on thailand, we were told that we were at our bus=stop at 3 am and were dropped off on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. that was a little unsettling for about 10 minutes but things worked out alright even though i felt like shit waking up the guesthouse lady, who was in the top 10 of human beings that are great and who took care of us like a mother would and drank with us.

no worries...information is good.

one last thing, escalators can never break, they can only become stairs. (thanks mitch hedberg)

Alan D · Jun 25th, 2003, 17:44

jarosity

I have very little to add to the excellent post by anonymous on how to get from the airport to Paharganj except to say that on the last couple of occasions we have shared the taxi with another backpacker.

If you decide not to book a hotel taxi chances are you will meet someone at the airport who is also going your way. Enjoy your stay in India.

-m2- · Jun 26th, 2003, 03:12

the only thing I would add here is a suggestion that *before* you take the final step out the airport door and into the scrum, take a moment to get yourself together.

- get the money you just changed stashed properly -- the major part in your money belt or neck-bag, what you will need immediately in a convenient pocket.

- get your gear together -- possibly you will need to reorganize stuff a bit if you had some things in hand luggage or wish to change a shirt or stow a jacket etc -- have your hands as free as possible before going outside.

- use the washroom.

- make a few notes on a piece of paper and put in a convenient pocket -- things like the name and address of the hotel you booked or plan to use, the name of the company you arranged to pick you up, or the route to the railway booking office or the taxi stand. Clutching a LP guide with your finger jammed in the Delhi page is an instant giveaway that you are a greenhorn.

Know exactly what you plan to do when you step outside and do it; try to exude an air of confidence -- it's a bit like being an actor stepping on stage. If you have a partner, let the more experienced of you handle the business while the other keeps an eye on the process and the gear.

And away you go .. as well detailed in the foregoing posts. Personally, I haven't landed in Delhi for a number of years, but the same general principles apply in Mumbai or Kolkatta. Have a great trip!

Watson · Jul 1st, 2003, 21:13

Hey anonymous, great post! The more information you have the better things usually work out. Dealing with midnight arrival can be an easy affair for many depending on how much experience they have. I just remember how all that pre-travel research just flew out the window when I arrived for the first time. It was very difficult for me to get over the initial shock of India before the research and logical side of my brain started to kick in again. Subsequent arrivals have been absolutely no problem since, but for fresh-blooded individuals it can be quite a nerve-racking experience.

Sweetie · Jul 2nd, 2003, 03:44

Kolobar and Anonymous give excellent and accurate advice. We are very experienced travellers but the first time we hit the Delhi airport at night was a tiresome nightmare. Not the airport itself but getting from the airport to our hotel where we had reservations but had neglected to arrange for a pick-up. This is our 'travel agency' story: We got the taxi ticket, then the receipt and set out with our driver (no assistant) to the Marina Hotel, a tourist class hotel on Connaught Circle. All went well until we got to the Marina and, lo and behold, it was closed. The neon sign was unlit, there was no action, dead as a doornail. Aha, imagine this, our driver actually knew a travel agency that was open to help travellers in this common situation. We said no, just take us to any major hotel. Oh no, do not waste your money, sir, come with us, we will take you to a perfect place. We, of course, knew we were being scammed but we were exhausted (flew directly from Toronto and had already spent a couple of hours in this cab) so we handed over the $65 for the $10 hotel room. What was the scam here? The Marina Hotel was closed, right? Guess again. Next morning, we hopped in a regular cab, asked for the Marina Hotel and were driven right there... this time to the front door not the service exit! There was a doorman and four people working at reception, just as they had been the whole night!

Last year we took a whole different approach which I'm surprised no one has mentioned. Right in the airport, there is a "Retiring Room", essentially a few tiny rooms available for the night with a security guard to accept cash and keep out strangers. It was 650 rupees (May, 2001) for a double with shower, ugly but not dirty. The view was magnificent (tongue planted firmly in cheek) -- an interior parking courtyard painted in a century's worth of grime -- but all we or you will care about at that time of night is lying out flat in a quiet room. Next morning, head out by cab to Paharganj to leisurely select a hotel of your choice from a wide assortment. There is one caveat to this plan. You cannot make reservations at this "hotel" and you will have to search it out. Every airport employee person you ask will tell you it doesn't exist or it's closed for the night or whatever but it DOES exist and it is a very practical suggestion. Also, it will be a lot more fun for your first glimpse of India to be in the daylight instead of in a murky Delhi night.

wonderwomanusa · Jul 2nd, 2003, 09:29

Sorry you didn't get to the Marina Hotel; I've always wanted to stay there and want to know what it's like.

Sweetie · Jul 2nd, 2003, 12:14

We did stay at the Marina for the next 3 nights. Ordinary clean rooms but a very hospitable atmosphere overall. Also has a breakfast room and an excellent restaurant with live sitar/tabla music. Had the best navratan curry ever. I still remember how it tasted. The Marina is a good bet for travellers with a little more to spend, who might prefer the Connaught Square area to Paharganj. Also a good choice for business travellers paying their own way.

dreamsyndicate · Jul 3rd, 2003, 01:53

Susanecomm,
can you give any directions/tips on where the airport-rest-rooms are ?
I didn't have a clue untill i read it here .

Sweetie · Jul 3rd, 2003, 15:37

We slept there and still don't have a clue.

My impression is that it was towards the front of the terminal and upstairs. Unless someone else here can help us out, you will have to ask and ask and ask again. I think it's mainly used by Indian nationals since we appeared to be the only foreigners there. Also, I seem to remember they even gave us a wake-up knock on the door.

Sweetie · Jul 3rd, 2003, 15:53

Dreamsyndicate, I just googled the retiring room at the airport and there may be a hitch here. The blurb says that a room is available on a 1st come, 1st served basis only to people holding a ticket out of the country within 24 hours of deplaning. We were not leaving the country when we slept there but we were taking an early a.m. flight to Manali (had to bus to the other terminal before the scheduled flight). Maybe we unwittingly bulldozed our way in, put our money on the table and... well, this is India we're talking about and we are foreigners and maybe they felt sorry for us and cash is cash and a room was available. It is, indeed, a mystery.

cyberjack · Jul 4th, 2003, 00:21

My recollection was that we were able to stay there because we did in fact have a ticket out the next morning to Manali.

I also recall that the retiring room was to the right when you walked out of the terminal front door - maybe upstairs but I'm not sure.

I'm certain it was at the international airport as our morning flight left from the domestic airport and we got up early to grab a shuttle bus over.

dreamsyndicate · Jul 4th, 2003, 03:41

i've just google-searched the internet, to find a map of delhi-airport . No results .
Somebody got a map including the rest-rooms ?

Just knowing there are rest-rooms, will get me annoying every airport-personell the next time i'll land in delhi, not only just for fun, but i can't sleep anyway after a long-time flight, and just be sitting at a rooftop in krishna's or anoops drinking beers.

kolobar · Jul 4th, 2003, 07:09

There are some lousy rest rooms next to the parking place. I took a look but I would rather go for a ride with a corrupt taxi driver than stay there overnight.

-m2- · Jul 4th, 2003, 07:43

here's the Delhi page from the 'sleeping in airports' website if anyone is interested:

http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/dehli.htm

Sweetie · Jul 4th, 2003, 21:47

Kolobar, I didn't say the place was the Oberoi but it was a clean, safe place to spend the night without hassle. Granted the reception area and halls have that lovely Indian greasy grimey patina but once inside the room, you'll find nice clean sheets and pillowcases and a toilet you're not afraid to sit down on.

Thanks to m2 for "sleeping in airports" -- very funny stuff but I prefer a bed.

Jul 2nd, 2003, 03:44	#20
Sweetie Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 18	arriving in delhi at midnight Kolobar and Anonymous give excellent and accurate advice. We are very experienced travellers but the first time we hit the Delhi airport at night was a tiresome nightmare. Not the airport itself but getting from the airport to our hotel where we had reservations but had neglected to arrange for a pick-up. This is our 'travel agency' story: We got the taxi ticket, then the receipt and set out with our driver (no assistant) to the Marina Hotel, a tourist class hotel on Connaught Circle. All went well until we got to the Marina and, lo and behold, it was closed. The neon sign was unlit, there was no action, dead as a doornail. Aha, imagine this, our driver actually knew a travel agency that was open to help travellers in this common situation. We said no, just take us to any major hotel. Oh no, do not waste your money, sir, come with us, we will take you to a perfect place. We, of course, knew we were being scammed but we were exhausted (flew directly from Toronto and had already spent a couple of hours in this cab) so we handed over the $65 for the $10 hotel room. What was the scam here? The Marina Hotel was closed, right? Guess again. Next morning, we hopped in a regular cab, asked for the Marina Hotel and were driven right there... this time to the front door not the service exit! There was a doorman and four people working at reception, just as they had been the whole night! Last year we took a whole different approach which I'm surprised no one has mentioned. Right in the airport, there is a "Retiring Room", essentially a few tiny rooms available for the night with a security guard to accept cash and keep out strangers. It was 650 rupees (May, 2001) for a double with shower, ugly but not dirty. The view was magnificent (tongue planted firmly in cheek) -- an interior parking courtyard painted in a century's worth of grime -- but all we or you will care about at that time of night is lying out flat in a quiet room. Next morning, head out by cab to Paharganj to leisurely select a hotel of your choice from a wide assortment. There is one caveat to this plan. You cannot make reservations at this "hotel" and you will have to search it out. Every airport employee person you ask will tell you it doesn't exist or it's closed for the night or whatever but it DOES exist and it is a very practical suggestion. Also, it will be a lot more fun for your first glimpse of India to be in the daylight instead of in a murky Delhi night.

Jul 2nd, 2003, 09:29	#21
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dhaka Posts: 3,571	Sorry you didn't get to the Marina Hotel; I've always wanted to stay there and want to know what it's like. __________________ The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

Jul 3rd, 2003, 01:53	#23
dreamsyndicate 100 % head-wobble Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Belgium Posts: 139	Susanecomm, can you give any directions/tips on where the airport-rest-rooms are ? I didn't have a clue untill i read it here . __________________ Gallery FabChannel BigUpRadio

Jul 4th, 2003, 00:21	#26
cyberjack Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Wherever I am... Posts: 1	My recollection was that we were able to stay there because we did in fact have a ticket out the next morning to Manali. I also recall that the retiring room was to the right when you walked out of the terminal front door - maybe upstairs but I'm not sure. I'm certain it was at the international airport as our morning flight left from the domestic airport and we got up early to grab a shuttle bus over. __________________ cj

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Jun 25th, 2003, 07:47	#16
jarosity Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: american in korea Posts: 11	ok thats the shit i was looking for, thanks anonymous. in no way am i paranoid, i travelled with a paranoid girl in cambodia and yeah, that really annoyed the hell out of me and needless to say she became an ex-girlfriend rather quickly. i just like to be informed of what may happen and how to handle it. everyplace i've been, you have to handle the situation in a slightly different way. i do understand that the only way to do india is in a balls-out-the-zipper style, and i intend that to be the case, so thats great. getting ripped off is not a problem, half the time i have loads of cultural guilt about the economic disparities of my country and many of the places i am and so if i do get scrwed over, well somebody needs the money more than i....i didn't choose to be part of the lucky sperm club, but thats what happened. what i am worried about is ending up miles from where i should be with no way to get where i want. that happened once on thailand, we were told that we were at our bus=stop at 3 am and were dropped off on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. that was a little unsettling for about 10 minutes but things worked out alright even though i felt like shit waking up the guesthouse lady, who was in the top 10 of human beings that are great and who took care of us like a mother would and drank with us. no worries...information is good. one last thing, escalators can never break, they can only become stairs. (thanks mitch hedberg)

Jun 25th, 2003, 17:44	#17
Alan D Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Southampton UK Posts: 1,866	jarosity I have very little to add to the excellent post by anonymous on how to get from the airport to Paharganj except to say that on the last couple of occasions we have shared the taxi with another backpacker. If you decide not to book a hotel taxi chances are you will meet someone at the airport who is also going your way. Enjoy your stay in India.

Jun 26th, 2003, 03:12	#18
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,577	the only thing I would add here is a suggestion that before you take the final step out the airport door and into the scrum, take a moment to get yourself together. - get the money you just changed stashed properly -- the major part in your money belt or neck-bag, what you will need immediately in a convenient pocket. - get your gear together -- possibly you will need to reorganize stuff a bit if you had some things in hand luggage or wish to change a shirt or stow a jacket etc -- have your hands as free as possible before going outside. - use the washroom. - make a few notes on a piece of paper and put in a convenient pocket -- things like the name and address of the hotel you booked or plan to use, the name of the company you arranged to pick you up, or the route to the railway booking office or the taxi stand. Clutching a LP guide with your finger jammed in the Delhi page is an instant giveaway that you are a greenhorn. Know exactly what you plan to do when you step outside and do it; try to exude an air of confidence -- it's a bit like being an actor stepping on stage. If you have a partner, let the more experienced of you handle the business while the other keeps an eye on the process and the gear. And away you go .. as well detailed in the foregoing posts. Personally, I haven't landed in Delhi for a number of years, but the same general principles apply in Mumbai or Kolkatta. Have a great trip!

Jul 1st, 2003, 21:13	#19
Watson You look, No Problem! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 241	Hey anonymous, great post! The more information you have the better things usually work out. Dealing with midnight arrival can be an easy affair for many depending on how much experience they have. I just remember how all that pre-travel research just flew out the window when I arrived for the first time. It was very difficult for me to get over the initial shock of India before the research and logical side of my brain started to kick in again. Subsequent arrivals have been absolutely no problem since, but for fresh-blooded individuals it can be quite a nerve-racking experience.

Jul 2nd, 2003, 12:14	#22
Sweetie Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 18	We did stay at the Marina for the next 3 nights. Ordinary clean rooms but a very hospitable atmosphere overall. Also has a breakfast room and an excellent restaurant with live sitar/tabla music. Had the best navratan curry ever. I still remember how it tasted. The Marina is a good bet for travellers with a little more to spend, who might prefer the Connaught Square area to Paharganj. Also a good choice for business travellers paying their own way.

Jul 3rd, 2003, 15:37	#24
Sweetie Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 18	We slept there and still don't have a clue. My impression is that it was towards the front of the terminal and upstairs. Unless someone else here can help us out, you will have to ask and ask and ask again. I think it's mainly used by Indian nationals since we appeared to be the only foreigners there. Also, I seem to remember they even gave us a wake-up knock on the door.

Jul 3rd, 2003, 15:53	#25
Sweetie Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 18	Dreamsyndicate, I just googled the retiring room at the airport and there may be a hitch here. The blurb says that a room is available on a 1st come, 1st served basis only to people holding a ticket out of the country within 24 hours of deplaning. We were not leaving the country when we slept there but we were taking an early a.m. flight to Manali (had to bus to the other terminal before the scheduled flight). Maybe we unwittingly bulldozed our way in, put our money on the table and... well, this is India we're talking about and we are foreigners and maybe they felt sorry for us and cash is cash and a room was available. It is, indeed, a mystery.

Jul 4th, 2003, 03:41	#27
dreamsyndicate 100 % head-wobble Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Belgium Posts: 139	i've just google-searched the internet, to find a map of delhi-airport . No results . Somebody got a map including the rest-rooms ? Just knowing there are rest-rooms, will get me annoying every airport-personell the next time i'll land in delhi, not only just for fun, but i can't sleep anyway after a long-time flight, and just be sitting at a rooftop in krishna's or anoops drinking beers.

Jul 4th, 2003, 07:09	#28
kolobar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: beside a lake Posts: 155	There are some lousy rest rooms next to the parking place. I took a look but I would rather go for a ride with a corrupt taxi driver than stay there overnight.

Jul 4th, 2003, 07:43	#29
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,577	here's the Delhi page from the 'sleeping in airports' website if anyone is interested: http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/dehli.htm

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Jul 4th, 2003, 21:47	#30
Sweetie Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 18	Kolobar, I didn't say the place was the Oberoi but it was a clean, safe place to spend the night without hassle. Granted the reception area and halls have that lovely Indian greasy grimey patina but once inside the room, you'll find nice clean sheets and pillowcases and a toilet you're not afraid to sit down on. Thanks to m2 for "sleeping in airports" -- very funny stuff but I prefer a bed.