New Delhi – India’s vibrant capital city, located within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. One of the most populous cities in the world, it is bursting with fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history. During our trip, we learned that the national bird of India is a peacock and the national animal is a Bengal tiger. Both animals are native to the country and have a significant presence across the country due to their cultural importance and beauty.
Delhi is a city ideal for corporate events. It has excellent flight connectivity, with around 52 flights from London per week and an average flight time of 8 hours and 5 minutes. The city also offers a vast network of public transport. 95% of the city is covered by an underground metro system, which is efficient, clean and reliable. Also, buses in Delhi are 100% electric, symbolising India’s shift to a more sustainable future. During our trip in April, we explored the region, its famous landmarks, and some of the best 5-star luxury hotels for corporate events.
Our DMC partner and their team at Akbar Holidays made sure that we were looked after for the entirety of our research trip, organising a wonderful itinerary and allowing us to visit the most incredible places. For more information about Akbar Holidays and the services they offer: DMC for events in India – STAR Your World
Historical Landmarks
Qutub Minar
A memorable visit was the Qutub Minar victory tower, a landmark recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must for those wanting to discover India’s history. Built between 1199 and 1220 AD, the structure marks the beginning of Islamic rule in the region and symbolises victory. In modern day, the Qutub Minar is illuminated for special occasions involving international relations. For example, in September 2023, the monument was lit up in the colours of the Mexican flag to commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day.
Jama Masjid
We also visited Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Built in 1656, the property tells a story of the Mughal period and the rich history of the Old Delhi region. The mosque is also regarded as a Monument of National Importance due to its historical significance, architectural excellence and cultural impact. Today, Jama Masjid can accommodate a total capacity of 85,000 people on its premises and is a significant site for both Muslims and tourists, particularly during religious festivals.
Hotel Visits
Le Meridien New Delhi
Le Meridien New Delhi is a stunning property located in the centre of New Delhi. Its iconic glass exterior has been recognised as one of the ‘100 Icons of Delhi’ by Delhi Tourism. One of the property’s many highlights is its 20th floor rooftop bar, boasting a breathtaking view of the city. There are over 20,000 sq. ft. of event space available at Le Meridien, including 6 meeting spaces, two ballrooms and a huge outdoor terrace, which can accommodate almost any event. The hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa for guests wishing to use these.
Leela Palace Delhi
Our next hotel visit was to the Leela Palace in New Delhi. Centrally located near the capital’s business district and historical landmarks, the hotel is ideal for corporate groups. It has a total of 254 suites and rooms and excellent facilities such as the rooftop pool, spa and various dining options. The grand ballroom is the highlight of the conference spaces at the Leela Palace, which can be separated into two halves and can accommodate up to 300 delegates. The terrace area features one-of-a-kind views of the city and can accommodate up to 450 delegates. There are also 4 meeting rooms and boardrooms for smaller events and meetings.
Taj Mahal Delhi
We also visited the Taj Mahal Delhi – a property by Taj Hotels. The hotel has a total of 213 rooms and luxury suites and a wide array of meeting rooms and event spaces. This includes intimate meeting rooms to a large, regal terrace garden with breathtaking views. The Taj Mahal Delhi has meeting spaces to accommodate up to 500 delegates and a range of events; an excellent hotel with fabulous events facilities.
At all hotels, we were looked after by the warm and hospitable staff, who kindly facilitated our brief visit and viewing of the properties. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the incredible team at Akbar Holidays, who created a fabulous itinerary for our trip to India.
Delhi was the final stop of our visit to India and the Golden Triangle. Make sure to check out our blogs for Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra.
by Hannah Taylor
