5 things the Indian Aces’ foreign players can do while they are in India

India has given a warm welcome to some of the worlds top tennis stars as the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) has hit New Delhi. Its three days of fun and revelry for the players as well as a grand chance for them to soak in Indias rich culture, history, heritage and grandeur, and everyone is excited!The defending championsIndian Aces countthe 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal as one of theirbiggest international stars, who is coming back to India after a gap of five years. The Aces also have the WTA Finals championAgnieszka Radwanska, Croatia's Ivan Dodig andFrance's magician Fabrice Santoro among theirranks apart from the home heroesRohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza.(For tickets to the Indian Aces matches, clickhere).Here are five things that Nadal & Co. can do for a memorable Indian sojourn:

#1 Make a trip to the Taj Mahal

Any trip to India is incomplete without making a journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. This spectacular 17th century white marble mausoleum standing on the southern bank of the Yamuna river is situated roughly 200km from the Indian capital.

Aptly called ‘the jewel of Muslim art in India’, the Taj Mahal is the pinnacle of Mughal architecture in the Indian subcontinent. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, this sublime structure was a priceless token of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal and has been drawing visitors since time immemorial.

A trip to this World Heritage site helps immerse oneself into India’s storied Mughal history, making the visit unforgettable.

#2 Buy souvenirs from Dilli Haat

For connoisseurs of Indian art and handicraft, this is the place to be! Dilli Haat offers the perfect opportunity for foreigners to return from India with wonderful souvenirs that will remind them of the country’s culture and tradition.

And the IPTL coinciding with the ‘Master Creations’ – a 15-day long National Handicrafts Fair – is a blessing for players who are art lovers. The fair will showcase creations of artisans from all over the country with special focus on terracotta, jute products, stone art, bamboo art, mithila paintings and wooden crafts.

That should definitely make the Dilli Haat a must-visit place at this time of the year.

#3 Revel in the sights and aromas of the Spice Market

How about reveling in the sights and aroma of exotic herbs and traditional spices and dry fruits of India? Spice Market, the throbbing wholesale marketplace that came up in Khari Baoli in the 17th century, is the nerve centre of the Indian capital’s trade.

This bustling area of old Delhi runs adjacent to the Fatehpuri Masjid at the western corner of the famous Chandni Chowk area, and is regarded as ‘Asia’s largest wholesale spice market.’

Spices have always been one of the biggest attractions for people visiting India. Naturally, over the years, this place has become a hotspot for tourists, especially for those who are deeply interested in the heritage circuit of Old Delhi.

The prices at this market are extremely reasonable which is another advantage for making purchases from here.

#4 Visit the Qutb Minar and Red Fort

Two of the biggest historic landmarks in Delhi that invite a deluge of foreign visitors everyday are the Qutb Minar and the Red Fort.

The 73m tower of Qutb Minar was built as early as 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, who was the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Often referred to as India’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this monument is the tallest tower in India and is a favourite with tourists.

The sprawling red sandstone fortress called the ‘Red Fort’ is another Mughal architectural specimen to marvel at. This fortified city, built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, was the official residence of the Mughal emperors for almost two centuries – and it still has its charm today.

#5 Savour the delicious street food

Savouring the famous ‘tandoor’ dishes from the streets should be high on the agenda while being in North India. The clay oven-cooked specialties have an appeal that remains unmatched even today.

Even last year, tandoori food caught Roger Federer’s fancy when he came to New Delhi to represent the Indian Aces. The Swiss maestro excitedly tweeted photos of a giant crisp ‘naan’ and was reported to have feasted on a sumptuous spread of Sikandri raan, Murgh Malai Kabab, Seekh Kabab along with a host of other North Indian delicacies.

Besides the 17-time Major winner, Serbian superstar Ana Ivanovic along with the other Indian Aces members also indulged in the delectable tandoori dishes.