🚨 Fake Tourist Information Centres Outside New Delhi Railway Station – How to Avoid Them?
🧳 Topic Guide:
Overview:
Outside the New Delhi Railway Station—especially near Paharganj Gate—you may encounter several shops claiming to be “Government Tourist Information Centres.” These are not official and often target first-time visitors with high-pressure sales tactics or misleading information.
⚠️ Common Red Flags to Identify a Fake Centre:
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Claiming to be "Government Authorized" without displaying valid credentials (like ITDC logo or Ministry of Tourism signage).
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Offering only expensive, last-minute "tour packages" and discouraging DIY travel.
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Insisting your hotel or train ticket is canceled or unsafe to push their own services.
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Agents speaking perfect English and rushing you into decisions.
✅ How to Avoid Getting Scammed:
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Use official government websites or contact India Tourism Offices (e.g., on Janpath or Connaught Place).
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Book tours or hotels online in advance from verified platforms (MakeMyTrip, India Taxi Online, Incredible India).
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Never hand over your passport, train tickets, or original ID to strangers.
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Politely walk away if someone gets aggressive or too persuasive.
📍 Trusted Locations:
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Government of India Tourist Office: 88, Janpath, New Delhi
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Delhi Tourism Office (DTDC): Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place
✍️ Have You Been Fooled?
Share your experience to help future travelers avoid falling for these traps!