Find Tranquility on a Retreat to New Delhi, India with Deepak Chopra

By Yahoo! & American Express Travel | Insider Escapes – Tue, Jul 24, 2012 4:20 PM EDT

Find tranquility with meditation in the Lodi Gardens, yoga in the foothills of the Himalayas at Rishikesh, and much more.

“The video shown above provided by Yahoo!. The following itinerary provided by American Express Travel.”

Where to Stay
Where you decide to spend the night in New Delhi depends on your itinerary, your budget, and the amenities most important to your vacation. There are lots of different hotels in New Delhi, ranging from the posh and expensive to the small and modest, and you will have to decide if you prefer to stay in a chain hotel or in an independent establishment.
South and Central New Delhi are considered the ideal locations for a pleasant vacation or business visit. Both areas are well-kept and relatively safe, with significant access to shops, tourist destinations, and historical landmarks. South New Delhi is a popular choice because the airport is located here. You'll have easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and public transportation. Central New Delhi is a downtown district with larger, more expensive hotels.
If you are looking for a quieter place to stay, and if you don't mind hiring a car service or finding other means of transportation, North New Delhi is also an option. This is where most of the suburban neighborhoods are located, as well as Delhi University. You'll find budget hotels, most of which belong to chains, and a more serene environment. This is ideal if the hustle and bustle of downtown activity turns you off.

What to See
New Delhi is a gorgeous city with plenty of historical landmarks, tourist destinations, and intriguing architecture. Delve into India's rich history with a visit to the walled city of Old Delhi. Lal Qila, widely known as the Red Fort, was originally built as the residence of the Mughal Emperors in the 17th century. Wander through the winding streets to take in the shopping in Old Delhi, which boasts entire streets devoted to the sale of a particular item, whether silver, fabric, or leather.
Explore the lush and manicured Lodi Gardens, Deepak Chopra's favorite spot to meditate. On your way to the 1930s Bengali Market, the oldest market in New Delhi which offers some of the city's best street food and desserts, wander past the monumental India Gate, which commemorates those who died in World War I and in Afghanistan in 1919.
Take in Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 16th century as a monument to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. Escape the hustle and bustle of vibrant Delhi for the foothills of the Himalayas: Rishikesh is one of India's most spiritual destinations, the birthplace of yoga.
Where to Eat

Enjoy a long, relaxing lunch at Chor Bizarre (Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road, 91 11 4366 3600), a name that translates roughly as thieves market. The restaurant serves delectable North Indian cuisine in a quirky setting with nostalgic décor, kitschy details, and vintage furnishings. Or, after a day exploring the ancient streets of Old Delhi, unwind over dinner at Moti Mahal (Bahadur Shah Zafar Rd 011 23273011), a landmark in the city's culinary history. Set up shortly after independence in 1947, it claims to have introduced such famous Indian cuisine as tandoori chicken and burra kebabs.

And you won't want to leave New Delhi without experiencing Bukhara (Diplomatic Enclave, Sadar Patel Marg, 91 11 26112233), a festive and luxurious North Indian restaurant at the ITC Maurya.