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Things to do in Delhi

Birdwatching

Situated in the neighbouring state of Haryana, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (tel: +91 11 012 043 55016; www.sultanpurbirdsanctuary.com) is about 47km (29 miles) from Delhi. Home to around 250 species, the small lake and marshland is best visited between November and March when more than 100 types of migratory birds visit. Packages are available including entry to the sanctuary, lunch and refreshments.

Chill your boots in Lodi Gardens

As one of the world's most frenetic urban environments, Delhi can feel a little overwhelming at times. Take a few hours out and relax in the bucolic surroundings of Lodi Gardens (www.gardenvisit.com/garden/lodi_garden-lodhi_gardens), with its eateries, ornate mosques, mausoleums and swathes of grass just calling to willing backs.

Get shown the city by the people who know it best

Salaam Baalak Trust (tel: +91 11 235 84164; www.salaambaalaktrust.com) is an NGO working with Delhi's vast population of street children. One of the many worthwhile services they offer is a walking tour of the city led by guides who were formerly street children. This is local knowledge at its most extreme.

Learn to dance like a true Indian

If you've ever aspired to move like a true Bollywood prince or princess, an Indian dance workshop at Dehli Dance Academy (tel: +91 11 41 012 909; www.delhidanceacademy.in) is a great option. For beginners (which comparatively you definitely are) there's a two-hour class where you'll learn four dance forms. Enjoy.

Visit the puppet colony

Underneath the Shadier Depot bridge is the Kathputli Colony, home to some 800 folk musicians, mime artists, acrobats, sanders and puppeteers. Every morning from 0930 there is an Art of Hope tour (+91 11 64 687 173; www.artofhopetour.com) that will show you round and promises performances from the best the colony has to offer.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Optus Sarovar Premiere

In the heart of the Gurgaon commercial district to the southwest of New Delhi, this is a business hotel with a difference, in that it has a genuinely Indian character to its modern and comfortable facilities. It's not a bad place for relaxation either, with its rooftop swimming pool, lobby lounge bar and up-to-the-minute gym facilities. The hotel has 80 rooms, all equipped with the latest TVs and other technology, and also offers a choice of meeting/conference rooms. Central Delhi is connected to Gurgaon by metro link.

Hotel Marble Arch

A new property conveniently located at Karol Bagh – 10 minutes by metro from Connaught Place, and little further from the New Delhi railway station, this is a comfortable and friendly place to base yourself for a short stay in Delhi. The accommodation floors surround an open-air courtyard restaurant area. Wi-Fi access is available, and the hotel will arrange collection and drop-off at both the airport and main railway stations if arranged in advance.

The Lodhi

Formerly the Aman New Delhi Hotel, The Lodhi is an contemporary, upmarket resort featuring exquisite Indian decor such as hand-made rugs and jaali screens. It offers 40 rooms, with balconies offering city, courtyard or garden views, deep bathtubs, a spa, tennis courts, 50m-long (140ft) pool, restaurants and even a library and a cigar lounge.

The Imperial New Delhi

Built in 1931, this contemporary colonial hotel was a favourite haunt of Nehru, Mountbatten and other luminaries. It continues to welcome many dignitaries and affluent Delhiites who drop by for Sunday brunch (one of the best in Delhi). There are 233 beautifully appointed rooms and 43 suites. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, beauty centre, shopping precinct and a selection of superlative restaurants and bars.

The Oberoi New Delhi

An elegant and modern hotel, The Oberoi occupies a peaceful position overlooking New Delhi's principal golf course and the historic Humayun's Tomb. Ideal for business travellers and well-heeled tourists, it offers a state-of-the-art business centre, spa, swimming pool and gym. Fine dining options are plentiful and include the excellent Italian restaurant Travertino and the popular Threesixty, which is also the setting for The Oberoi's indulgent breakfasts.

The Claridges New Delhi

Positioned among the leafy boulevards of New Delhi, The Claridges is one of the capital's most elegant and atmospheric places to stay. There's a touch of art deco to this low-rise building, which dates from the mid-1900s. Its 137 rooms and suites are a blend of classic and modern styles, all spacious and well presented. There is also a decent health club, swimming pool, beauty parlour and a choice of several restaurants.