Gay Delhi Delhi City Guide

Delhi stuns and Delhi shatters. And then it puts you back together again. The city is an assault on the senses, but does that have to be a bad thing? If you’re feeling like it’s time to take a trip that takes you out of your comfort zone, India’s tumultuous and wondrous capital city might be just what the doctor ordered. For every fetid smell, there will be a beautiful one. For every blast of heat and cacophonous racket, there will be a moment of peace and wonder. Despite its headlong rush into the future, this ancient land remains family-centric and deeply conservative. As far as the gay scene goes, it can perhaps best be described as “budding.” Antiquated colonial-era anti-sodomy laws remain on the dusty books, but still, the community continues to grow, with annual gay pride parades, straight clubs that hold gay nights and a healthy underground scene mostly tapped into by social networks. Looking for the ultimate Delhi gay guide? Mr Hudson has got you covered.

The best hotels in Delhi

Let’s start this gay Delhi travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels in Delhi. The Leela Palace is simply put, perfect. Whereas other top-tier hotels overdo the whole “Raj era” thing to the point of kitsch, the Leela has mastered Indian grandeur with a light touch. The technology and service are impeccable, as is the location. (Insider tip: Book a Club floor and enjoy free cocktails, evening snacks and high teas. The extra cost pays for itself.) Have we mentioned it gets hot in Delhi? Most room options at The Lodhi come with private plunge pools, not to mention expansive balconies.

It’s still slim pickings when it comes to boutique hotels in Delhi. The Manor is a lovely four-star villa with landscaped gardens you’ll be thankful to return to after a day of sightseeing in hectic Delhi. Another economical choice is Haveli Hauz Khas. With just five bohemian styled rooms and homemade breakfast, this sweet little B&B is like staying at your auntie’s. An added bonus is its location in Delhi’s trendiest neighbourhood, buzzing with artists, coffee houses and music venues. If you’re a classic gent who prefers tradition over the shiny new thing, try the stately Maidens Hotel. The colonial façade is white, the lifts wood-panelled, and the garden inhabited by a pair of peacocks. This century-old property seethes Old World charm.