Colonel's Retreat

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Hotel overview

Friendly service and a superb location make this one of our preferred guesthouses in Delhi. Situated in a surburban area yet near to the sights, the 16 individually designed rooms are arranged over four floors and open on to a shared lounge with a selection of newspapers and books to choose from. Double and twins are available and extra beds can be arranged if necessary.

Meals are served on the roof terrace which is a great place to relax and meet fellow guests the end of a busy day of sightseeing. Start the days with fresh artisan bread, homemade orange peel marmalade and gooseberry jam. Eggs and delicious Indian specialities such as paratha and dosa are freshly cooked to order. A tasty complimentary afternoon tea featuring Indian teas, coffee and their renowned homemade banana bread is a highlight.

 

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Quirky excursions

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Excursion

Old and New Delhi Tour

A full day guided tour of Delhi allows us to dip into two contrasting but equally compelling areas of Delhi: Old Delhi and New Delhi.  Designed by Sir Edward Luytens and Herbert Bake, New Delhi offers a very different and contrasting experience to the ancient backstreets of Old Delhi. It is here where we start our tour. Most of New Delhi dates back to around 1911 when the British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, although many monuments date back a lot further. It is here you’ll find tree lined avenues, formal parks, magnificent colonial buildings as well as some ancient highlights dotted around the area. This morning’s tour takes in Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Qutab Minar, and Humanyun's Tomb. If time permits you may wish to visit the small National Gandhi Museum that showcases the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes, which twist and turn between the tall historic buildings. This afternoon takes us to the famous Red Fort Complex surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride with your guide. If time permits we highly recommend visiting Gurudwara (Sikh temple), which has one of the biggest (and cleanest) charitable kitchen’s in Delhi. Here you can witness hundreds of people that come here to eat each day for free.

Excursion

Afternoon Tour of Alternative New Delhi

This afternoon your tour of New Delhi will start with a visit to Gandhi Smriti, the place where Gandhi was assassinated. Afterward, head to the famous Connaught Place built in 1931; instead of shopping here, you'll head behind the scenes to an incredible 13th Century stepwell which is perfectly preserved, and take a quick stroll around the corner to where all the Dhobi Walas are going about their daily business of laundry. Finish up at United Coffee House (since 1942) in Connaught Place which stands out with its art deco interiors, 23-ft-high ceiling, Harry Winston tapestry, and sprawling Viennese chandelier. No other restaurant in Delhi has exuded such a class. Later cruise to the President's House, the official residence of the Viceroy of India with its private garden designed by Lutyens. You'll then be driven in a Tuk Tuk down Rajpath (ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi) to the imposing India Gate which stands 42m high and commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British in the First World War. Enjoy the local life that unfolds in the early evening across the large green expanses around Indi Gate, and maybe catch a local cricket game.  

Excursion

Evening Walk through Chandi Chowk, Old Delhi

Like most cities, Delhi has a completely different charm at night and as the air cools throngs of people head out to the streets. Our three-four hour night walk, which includes your evening meal, allows you to delve into a fascinating and authentic part of Delhi life with a walk through Chandi Chowk at night. Chandi Chowk is an ancient wholesale market that is said to date back to when Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjahanabad (roughly the area of Old Delhi). The area is brimming with silver shops and spice stalls, along with tongue tingling street cuisine. It really comes alive at night and the best way to explore is on foot with an experienced guide. Chandni Chowk literally means the 'Moonlit Square' and it is believed that the name dates back to Mughal times when the moon once reflected in the pools and canals. During your walk your guide will explain in depth about the history of the area but will also highlight the remaining facades and buildings that have survived this rapidly changing area. This walk is designed for those looking for an authentic take on Delhi, so expect to find crowds of people down tiny winding streets. It’s not for the faint hearted.

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