Delhi is one of the hottest destinations of 2010

For the last five years, Delhi has been gearing up for its moment in the sun — the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in October 2010.
From ministers to bureaucrats to the man on the street, we have heard them all wax eloquent about the surge of tourists expected to hit the Capital.

On eve of the New Year, several international travel websites and airlines, including the Lonely Planet, listed Delhi as one of the top 10 destinations for the year.

Calling it one of the best times to visit the Capital, Lonely Planet describes the preparations for Commonwealth Games in upbeat terms: “The Games put this vibrant, chaotic Capital in the global spotlight, and the last few years have seen Delhi streamlined (as far as the unruly city can be) with a flurry of new infrastructure, including a new metro system and a flashy Games village.”

Delhi has lot of competition though.

The Lonely Planet’s list includes watching total eclipse from Easter Island; FIFA World Cup, which for the first time is coming to Africa; Santiago Pilgrimage in Spain, especially since it is the Holy Year; the World Expo in Beijing; the Peking to Paris Motor Race where most participants drive vintage cars and the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The other favourite among Indian destinations is the Pushkar camel fair in Rajasthan.

The British Airways, too, listed Delhi as one of hottest destinations. “The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be a huge attraction, with Delhi playing the first time host to the Games,” the report states. The World Travel Guide, another renowned publication, lists Delhi as one of the most sought after destinations.

Chief Minister Sheila Diskhit is elated with the listings. “Delhi is an attractive city, a unique mix of history and modern,” she said. “And we are working hard to make it much more comfortable and culturally cityive city.”

Courtesy - Indian Express