The best laid travel plans are often thwarted by flight delays, whimsical weather conditions and mundane traffic trouble. Whether you’re heading out of the national capital or landed in Delhi way before your friend was scheduled to meet you with a makeshift sign, there’s enough for you to do in and around Indira Gandhi International Airport while you wait.
Consider this your handy guide to killing time in transit when you’re looking for a quick meal or spot to shop at.
Aerocity is located between terminals T1 and T3 and, if you made it to the airport way before take off, skip the packaged airline food and grab a bite at one of the hotels. Here’s where we suggest you head when you find yourself in our {Aero}city.
The Pullman houses Cafe Pluck {for a flavourful meal that is prepared with fresh ingredients} and Honk {for dim sums, sushi and cocktails}. You can also dine at JW Marriott’s multi-cuisine restaurant, K3, for Chinese, Indian or Italian. They also have a special breakfast menu from 6.30am – 11am, if your early morning flight led to you missing the most important meal of the day.
Pride Plaza has an equestrian-inspired bar, Stallion, that we wouldn’t mind grabbing a drink at. For a quick nibble, head to Viva Deli at Viva hotel and pick up a pastry.
Distance From The Airport: 7 minutes approx. from Terminal 1D
Basant Lok Market, better known as Priya Market, holds a special place in the heart of dilliwaalas. Having been there for many of city’s firsts {India’s first McDonalds opened here}, PVR Priya is almost iconic in its movie-theatre stature, and novelty vodka gol gappas were being served at this market long before they were cool.
So what can you do while you chill at Priya Market? Head to Om Book Shop and pick up lots of books for hours of delightful in-flight reading. Alternatively, if you’re in dire need for a glass of vino, we highly recommend grabbing a table at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar. They also serve up interesting small plates and tapas that should keep you going for a bit. Hit up Sartoria for a slice of pizza.
Distance From The Airport: 9 minutes {approx.}
For shopping, the mall houses sartorial favourites such as Zara, H&M and Marks & Spencer. For a meal, head to Jamie’s Pizzeria for a comforting bowl of pasta and raspberry sorbet.
There’s an ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, massage chairs {tell us that doesn’t sound good, post a turbulent flight} and lots of gelato at this mall to keep you busy while you wait.
Distance From The Airport: 12 minutes approx.
Situated in Sector 9, R.K. Puram, Sangam Courtyard used to be a run-down, dilapidated movie hall. Today, it’s transformed into a swanky glass building with enough food and drinks to ensure you have to come back a few times. If you need a hideout {and a cuppa joe} before your flight, there’s a Starbucks on the ground floor, too. Alternatively, all-day-breakfast is great regardless of what time it is, so get a plate of waffles at Cafe Delhi Heights right opposite Starbucks.
If you have the time for a leisurely meal, head to The Fatty Bao; no questions asked. You’ll know why we recommend it once you sample their baos, sushi, ramen and pork belly. Plus, their cocktails are absolutely brilliant if you want to nap through your flight.
Distance From The Airport: 15 minutes approx.
DLF Cyber City is a commercial complex that Gurgaon’s 9 – 5 crowd knows too well. However, what you’re really interested in is the massive courtyard within Cyber City; Cyber Hub. There’s a stand-up comedy venue, The People & Co., that organises performances every evening. Drop by before your late night flight; we guarantee you’ll be a happy traveller!
Otherwise, check out the many pubs and restaurants in the Hub. Get a glass of sangria at The Wine Company or try the Mutton Berry Pulao and Lagan Nu Custard at Delhi’s favourite Parsi restaurant, Soda Bottle Openerwala.
Distance From The Airport: 16 minutes approx.
A little bit of San Francisco in Gurgaon, the Leisure Valley parking lot in Sector 29 is dotted with food trucks. Most of them park in the evening, and we suggest you make a quick stop here to check out G-Town’s amazing food culture. Have a plate of gol gappas at Le Chaat Factory or stop by for wasabi-marinated prawn sushi at Sushi House Mafia.
EggJactly serves up fantastic breakfast offerings {try their waffles}, and don’t leave without a popsicle from Frugurpop!
Distance From The Airport: 20 minutes approx.
This one makes sense if you’re traveling to the airport from Gurgaon, have had the heartbreaking realisation that you just haven’t shopped enough, and have about an hour to spare before you need to check in. Stop at One Horizon Center on Golf Course Road and you’ll see Nappa Dori straight away.
Pick up their Maharaja Passport Case or Travel Notebook to pen down your favourite memories and stories. Their designs are inherently Indian, and make for great gifts as well. Check out their products here.
Distance From The Airport: 25 minutes