When the sun goes down in Delhi, it is time to go out and enjoy everything that this exciting destination has on offer. Whether your preference is for relaxing in a quiet wine-bar, or letting your hair down and dancing the night away in a nightclub. Nightlife means fun and entertainment at night: dance clubs, bars, parties, festivals, shows, restaurants, live music bands and all that. The idea is to go out and have good old-fashioned fun.

As well known, Delhi has a long way to go to compete with Mumbai as the capital of Indian nightlife. In Delhi, it is notoriously difficult to obtain an alcohol licence and many of the swishest watering holes and nightclubs are in the five-star international hotels - with prices to match. Apart from hotels, the watering holes of Delhi are concentrated around Connaught Place, with various outposts in the more prosperous southern suburbs. Wine in Delhi is very expensive and frequently of indifferent quality - those who wish to drink would be well advised to stick to beer, spirits or cocktails.

Although clubs and bars are multiplying in Delhi, you still have to look hard for them. Whenever you feel enjoying like dancing, the best option probably is to go one of the big hotels that probably has a private club and bar. It is quite likely that you end up watching a Hindi film or traditional dance performance, finished off with a beer or lassi and an early night of sleep.

For current events and entertainment, pick up a copy of the weekly Delhi Diary or the monthly First City. Djinns located in the Hyatt Regency, Ring Road, is still a very popular disco-cum-nightclub with gut-busting music and a dance floor that looks like a meat grinder, but the fickle 'in' crowd have gravitated in the direction of lounge bars with trance music. For music and dance performances there's almost always something on at the India International Centre (40 Max Mueller Marg, ) or the India Habitat Centre (Lodhi Road, ) where you can get to enjoy India's finest maestro performances for free. Senso Ristorante & Bar (33 Basant Lok Community Centre, Vasant Vihar; tel. 011/2615-5533 or -5534) has a style-conscious, ultra-chic bar-lounge with a vinyl bar counter, modern white chairs, green antique-style sofas, and mirrored tables. One interesting evening shows in Delhi is the sound and light show which is held at Red Fort. Choice, funky music is always playing, and there are some worthwhile parties on Saturday nights

Pubs & Bars

Rick's
Taj Mahal Hotel, I Mansingh Road New Delhi
Subtle and sophisticated, Rick's is Delhi's latest nighttime sizzle, with warm lighting and a neon-green bar. Adding to the vibe is a jazzy female vocalist and baby grand piano. Rick's has a good selection of spirits (101 Martinis, 43 Single malts and Vodkas more in number than fingers and toes), not to mention some fine Cubans for the aficionados. Yes, cigars. If gastronomy is more your raison d'etre their delicious Southeast Asian menu has a few new additions to look forward to (soups, wokkerie, the chef's ramen). Add to this great ambience and retro music on weekends, and nothing says unwind better. Do reserve in advance, a lot of people think the same too

'Indians low on sexual pleasure'
An international survey on sexual well-being claims that only 46% Indians experience an orgasm almost every time they have sex. In comparison, couples from other Asian nations like China, Hong Kong and Japan are worse off, being least likely to reach an orgasm everytime during sex. 

While less than a quarter, or 24%, of those surveyed from China and Hong Kong achieved an orgasm during every session of intercourse, they were closely followed by the Japanese (27%). Singapore too ranked poorly with those polled saying they only reached orgasm 36% of the time. 

However, while 55% of Indian males almost always climax during sex, women get a worse deal with only 26% almost always achieving orgasm. 

According to the survey, Italians, Spaniards and Mexicans enjoyed the most number of orgasms. They were tied for top place, achieving orgasms 66% of the time. The French came 48% of the time — the global average — the survey said. 

According to the survey which polled 26,000 people in 26 countries, the humble orgasm was also found key to feeling good about oneself. Quite simply, the more orgasms you have the better you feel in general, the survey said. 

The Durex Sexual Well-being Survey found that, globally, 58% of those who usually achieve orgasm were content with the emotional aspects of their sex life compared with 29% of those who rarely climax. Eight in 10 (77%) who frequently orgasm feel close to their partner during sex — a figure that falls to 54% for those who have difficulty hitting the spot. 

Indians are also feeling the benefits of orgasm, with 84% feeling at ease with themselves sexually and 72% of them experiencing sound psychological health. 

This compares well with other countries: 50% of British and 74% of French people who usually orgasm enjoy good psychological health while a whopping 9 in 10 (88%) Spaniards feel at ease with themselves sexually. The survey also found that a massage can be effective in reaching an orgasm.