Fun and entertainment North India

Timetable

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the organization responsible for the operation and maintenance of national monuments, organizes Sound & Light shows at certain monuments. These include Delhi's Red Fort, Agra Fort and the Khajuraho temples. The shows take place in the early evening (around 7:30 p.m.), and there is always a session in English.

Budget & Tips

Tickets for the Sound and Light Show at monuments under the aegis of ASI cost around Rs 200.

Nightclubs are rare in the north of the country , and can only be found in Delhi and certain very touristy cities such as Manali. Entrance fees are high, around Rs. 5,000 for a single person (with very little chance of getting in if you're not a regular customer...) and much less for a couple.

To be booked

No shows require advance booking. For Sound & Light shows, however, the number of seats is limited, so it's best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts.

Night transport

Cabs are the safest and most convenient way to get around. Even with the night surcharge, the rates are still very reasonable. You can also use an application such as Uber or Ola, the rate is set according to the length of your trip.

What's very local

If you're planning a night out, you'll need to dress appropriately at the door. Clubs are few and far between, and are considered select places for the golden youth.

A Dry Day is a day on which the sale of alcohol (liquor, beer) is prohibited in an entire state, or even in the whole country, although consumption is authorized in the private sphere. These days are usually national or local holidays, religious festivals or election days. The following are national Dry Days: January 26 (Republic's Day), January 30 (Martyr's Day), August 15 (Independence Day).

Smokers

In theory, smoking is banned in public places in India. In practice, however, the ban varies widely between cities and rural areas. In Delhi, the ban on smoking both indoors and outdoors (except in the home) is enforced, with police officers handing out fines at every turn. Some bars and nightclubs have smoking rooms equipped with smoke extractors.

Tourist traps

If you're going to a show, always buy your ticket from the box office at the entrance to the venue, not from a scalper.