I’m seeking both logistical and restaurant advice for a layover in DEL. We’re scheduled to arrive at the domestic airport from IXZ at 17:10 and our flight to HEL does not leave the international airport until 02:35. After 10 days on fish and rice in the Andamans we’ll be seeking lamb or other meat, and we’ll be lugging too much luggage.

1. I imagine a hotel restaurant would obviate most of the luggage issues, as the bell captain could look after it. But we would rather have a superior restaurant experience with inconvenience, than an easy experience that isn’t as memorable.

2. Also imagine that hiring a car with driver from Avis means the luggage can stay in the car with the driver. Please let me know if I’m wrong about this.

This will be on a Sunday evening in case that makes a difference.

I’ve done the DEL transfer several times, but not with dive gear or the time (potentially) for a nice meal. I’m grateful for any advice.

I would suggest the Indian restaurant at the Maurya (ex Sheraton, now Luxury Collection). It is supposed to be very good and the luggage won't be an issue.

If you are renting a car and figure you can leave the luggage inside, I might also suggest heading to the Defense Colony area to Sagar or one of the other places there. It won't be fancy but will be good.

Locked luggage in the car with a good, attentive driver should be fine -- same with using the hotel bellhops to store it.

It sounds like you will have 5-7 hours to spend around town during the layover. A meal could eat up 2-3 hours of that easily, and with driving around and a visit for tea or coffee somewhere else eating up the rest of the time.

What I've suggested to some who have much the same schedule as yours is to rent a car, take the driver to Lodi Gardens and go for a cool evening walk -- it's quite safe -- then head for a coffee or tea around Khan Market or at the Imperial Hotel, Claridges or the Taj Mahal hotel (as time permits), then get to the reserved dinner from 9-10 p.m. at the hotel depending on what time you need to get to DEL airport to deal with the relevant hassles of the airport. [You will want to be at the airport between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. depending on how familiar you are with DEL airport and whether or not you are checking in and/or flying in business class.]

Because of the diving equipment, perhaps you will want to check in a bit earlier.

For Bukhara -- meat selections are done well there -- or the other restaurants at the Maurya, best to have reservations made in advance (even if a hotel guest there).

This sounds like a plan. Many thanks!

I agree with GU, go to Bukhara and eat a lot of wonderful meat. Leave the Sheraton (about 30-40 minutes to the airport, tops) before midnight, remember to have a print out of your itinerary and take your checked bags to the security check when you first enter and you'll be just fine.