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.
