You Have Hours at Delhi Airport. Now What?
A Delhi airport layover occupies a unique category of travel experience: it is simultaneously an inconvenience and an invitation. You have been handed a block of time inside one of the world’s most historically rich cities, and the only question worth asking is whether you spend it in a terminal chair or in front of a 3,000-year-old monument.
This guide is built around that exact decision. Whether your Delhi airport layover lasts four hours or fourteen, whether you are connecting from the United States, Europe, or another Indian city — you will leave this page knowing precisely what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe doing it. Every section is designed to match a specific search intent: airport comfort, city exploration, or the beginning of a luxury India journey.
| Quick Airport OrientationIndira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (IATA: DEL) — one of Asia’s top five busiest hubs.All international flights use Terminal 3 (T3). Domestic flights primarily use T1 and T2.T3 is approximately 16 km from Connaught Place, central Delhi.Private transfer from T3 to city centre: 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.Delhi Airport Metro Express: T3 to New Delhi Railway Station in approximately 20 minutes. |
The Delhi Airport Layover Decision Engine — Stay Inside or Explore?
The first thing every traveller needs during a Delhi airport layover is a clear, honest answer to one question: should I leave the terminal? The answer depends on three variables — your total layover duration, your visa status, and your risk tolerance for tight connections. This table gives you an instant framework.
| Layover Duration | Visa Required to Exit? | Best Move | What You Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 4 hours | No — stay airside | Stay inside T3 | Lounge, sleeping pod, food court, duty-free, spa |
| 4–6 hours | Yes if leaving T3 | Lounge + Aerocity walk | Plaza Premium, hotel restaurants, Aerocity retail |
| 6–10 hours | Yes | Delhi Full Day Tour Package | India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Old Delhi |
| Overnight / 12+ hours | Yes | Private Delhi + Aerocity hotel | Full sightseeing day + bed + guaranteed airport return |
| Extended multi-day entry | Yes | Luxury Golden Triangle Tour | Delhi + Agra (Taj Mahal) + Jaipur over 5–7 days |
Important note for international travellers: exiting the sterile airside zone of T3 requires a valid Indian tourist or business visa, or a Transit Visa on Arrival for eligible nationalities. Always verify current requirements with your nearest Indian Embassy before travel.
If your Delhi airport layover exceeds 6 hours and you hold a valid visa, this transit window can become far more than waiting time. A professionally managed Delhi Full Day Tour Package can turn it into a private exploration of India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Old Delhi—carefully structured to ensure your timely return to T3. For travelers beginning a longer journey through India, Delhi can also become the first chapter of a luxury Golden Triangle Tour, linking the capital with Agra’s Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s royal palaces in one unforgettable itinerary.
Can You Leave Delhi Airport During a Layover?
Yes — with conditions. Whether you can legally and practically exit T3 during a Delhi airport layover depends on your passport, visa status, and whether you have enough time to return safely before your gate closes.
Who Can Exit T3 and Who Cannot
- Indian passport holders: No visa required. You may exit T3 at any time without restriction.
- Foreign nationals with a valid Indian tourist or business visa: You may exit T3 and enter Delhi freely.
- Foreign nationals on e-TV Transit Visa (72-hour): Eligible to exit for up to 72 hours subject to nationality eligibility — check the official Indian visa portal.
- Foreign nationals with no Indian visa: You must remain inside the international transit zone of T3. India does not operate a standard Transit Without Visa (TWOV) facility for most nationalities.
| ℹ The Safe Time Rule for Leaving T3Minimum 3 hours back at the airport before your gate closes — not your departure time, your gate close time.Transfer time each way: 30 to 50 minutes by car or 20 minutes by Metro.6-hour layover: realistically 2 to 3 hours in the city.8 to 10-hour layover: a structured private tour gives 4 to 5 hours of sightseeing.Always carry your boarding pass, onward flight details, and visa documents throughout. |
Delhi Airport Layover Comfort — Lounges, Sleeping Pods & T3 Facilities
For travellers staying inside the terminal, your layover does not have to mean hours on a plastic chair. Terminal 3 is one of the best-equipped airports in Asia, and here is a full breakdown of every comfort option available to you.
Delhi Airport Lounge Comparison — 2026
| Lounge / Option | Best For | Approx. Cost 2026 | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Seating + Food Court | Budget travellers, short transits | Free | 24-hr dining, clean facilities, Wi-Fi |
| Plaza Premium Lounge T3 | Mid-range comfort seekers | USD 30-45 / INR 2,500+ | Showers, hot buffet, quiet seating |
| Delhi T3 Airline Lounge | Business / First class pax | Included in ticket or card | Premium dining, spa on select carriers |
| New Delhi Airport International Lounge | Priority Pass / premium card holders | Card benefit or pay-per-visit | Business centre, quiet zones |
| Aerocity Hotel Day Room | Overnight layover passengers | INR 4,000 to 12,000+ | Full hotel room, pool, real bed |
Plaza Premium Delhi Airport — Honest Assessment
Among all paid lounge options at T3, Plaza Premium is the most frequently booked and most consistently praised by international visitors. Located post-security inside T3’s international departure zone, it offers a hot and cold buffet, beverages including alcohol, shower cubicles, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and a noticeably quieter environment than the main terminal. Walk-in access is available subject to capacity. Priority Pass, DragonPass, American Express Platinum, Citi Prestige, and select HDFC and ICICI premium cards all include it as a membership benefit.
Sleeping Pod at Delhi Airport — What You Need to Know
The sleeping pods inside T3 are among the most practical solutions for an overnight transit through the Indian capital. Positioned post-security in the international departure zone, these private capsule pods are bookable by the hour and include a sleep surface, privacy screen, USB charging points, and a reading light. Capacity fills up quickly during the October to March peak travel window — advance booking is strongly recommended. Pricing typically starts from INR 500 to 800 per hour.
Other T3 Facilities Worth Using
- Airport Spa: Professional spa post-security. The 30-minute express neck and shoulder massage is the most popular option among long-haul transit passengers.
- Delhi Airport Food Court: Multiple zones across T3, open 24 hours. International chains and regional Indian cuisine including dosas, thalis, biryanis, and fresh chai.
- New Delhi Airport Shops and Duty-Free: A premium retail stretch post-security — international luxury goods, Indian gemstones, certified handicrafts, premium spices and teas, pashminas, and electronics.
- Cultural Gallery: A permanent and rotating display of Indian sculpture, art, and heritage objects installed throughout T3. One of the best airport art collections in Asia.
Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 Map — Zones, Exits and Navigation
One of the most searched questions before any Delhi airport layover is simply: where is everything? T3 spans over 500,000 square metres — larger than many city districts. This zone-by-zone breakdown tells you exactly where to go.
| Zone | Level | Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Arrivals Hall | Ground Floor (Level 2) | Immigration counters, baggage claim, customs exit, prepaid taxi booths, SIM card counters, currency exchange |
| Departures — Check-in | Level 3 | All airline check-in desks, DIAL staff, security screening entry |
| International Departures — Airside | Level 4 | Duty-free, all lounges, sleeping pods, spa, food court, cultural gallery, gate areas |
| Aerocity Connector | Ground level exit | Direct covered walkway and shuttle to Aerocity hotel and retail district |
| Delhi Airport Metro Station | Terminal basement | Metro Express to New Delhi station — approximately 20 minutes |
Fastest Route Out of T3
If you are exiting T3 to explore the city, the most efficient route is through Arrivals Gate 5 to the prepaid taxi forecourt, then to the Metro station for the fastest city connection. The Delhi Airport Metro Express runs every 10 to 15 minutes from approximately 5 AM to 11:30 PM. Ola and Uber both operate from the designated app-cab zone outside arrivals — typically faster and cheaper than prepaid taxis for most destinations.
If you have a pre-booked sightseeing tour, your driver will be waiting at the driver meeting point directly outside the arrivals hall exit. Confirm the specific gate number with your tour provider before landing.
What Delhi Airport Looks Like — Visual Orientation for First-Time Arrivals
Knowing what to expect before you land significantly reduces the anxiety that first-time visitors often feel on arrival. This visual orientation guide describes each major area of T3 so you arrive prepared.
| Area | What You Will See | Practical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| T3 Exterior — Indira Gandhi International Airport | Sweeping glass-and-steel curved facade, dramatically lit at night. One of the most photographed airport exteriors in Asia. | Look for Terminal 3 signage on approach. T3 and T1 are not connected by foot — confirm your terminal before arrival. |
| Arrivals Hall | Large open hall — immigration counters left, baggage belts centre, customs exit right. High ceilings, clear English signage throughout. | Keep passport, disembarkation card, and visa documentation accessible before joining the immigration queue. |
| International Departures Concourse (Airside) | A long gallery-style corridor lined with retail, branded outlets, and natural light through skylights. Clean, air-conditioned, visually impressive. | Lounge entrances are clearly signposted post-security. Plaza Premium is the most visible paid option. |
| Delhi Airport Food Court | Multiple seating zones with branded stalls — Starbucks, McDonald’s, regional Indian cuisine. Modern, clean, well-lit. | Starbucks and local chai counters both present. Airport-standard pricing — budget accordingly. |
| Sleeping Pod Zone | Rows of white capsule pods in a lower-lit dedicated corridor. Functional and surprisingly private. | Bring earplugs — general terminal ambient noise carries through. Pods have individual climate control. |
| Aerocity (outside T3) | A modern hotel and retail district — international signage, wide pavements, security presence. | Directly connected to T3 by covered walkway. Feels safe and managed — good for families or first-time India visitors. |
For actual Indira Gandhi International Airport photos, the airport’s official website and Google Maps image library carry up-to-date imagery of all zones — useful for sharing with family tracking your journey or for pre-trip orientation research.
Best Things to Do in Delhi Airport During a Long Layover
A well-spent Delhi airport layover does not happen by accident. Here is the definitive breakdown of the best uses of your time, matched to your layover length.
Inside the Terminal — For Any Layover Length
Lounge Access: Use Plaza Premium or your airline’s lounge for the first block of hours. Even a 90-minute lounge visit resets your body after a long-haul flight. Shower, eat properly, and sit somewhere quiet.
New Delhi Airport Shops and Duty-Free: The retail zone post-security is genuinely worth a slow walk — Indian gemstones, premium spices, certified handicrafts, branded luxury goods, and electronics all in one stretch.
Cultural Gallery: T3’s permanent installation of Indian sculpture and heritage art is better than many paid museums. A quiet, unhurried hour here is one of the most underrated experiences at any major international airport.
Airport Spa: Professional therapists, clean facilities. The Indian head massage and the express deep-tissue back treatment are the most popular choices among transiting passengers.
Delhi Airport Food Court: If you want your first real taste of India before even leaving the terminal, order a butter chicken, a South Indian masala dosa, or a proper cardamom chai. The food quality here is several notches above most international airport food courts.
Outside the Terminal — For 6+ Hour Layovers with a Valid Visa
Once you clear customs and step outside T3, your time in Delhi shifts from an airport experience into a genuine India experience. The 16-kilometre road into the city opens up one of the most historically significant capitals on earth.
Aerocity (No heavy traffic concern, 5 min from T3): International hotel brands, restaurants, and a retail complex in a secure, managed environment. Ideal for families or anyone who wants India-adjacent without full city immersion.
Delhi City Sightseeing (6 to 10 hours): India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, and Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. With a private vehicle and a knowledgeable guide, four to five landmarks are achievable in a well-paced day.
When NOT to Leave Delhi Airport — Risk Management
Most layover guides focus on what to do outside. This section addresses something equally important: knowing when staying inside T3 during your Delhi airport layover is the smarter and safer choice.
| Do NOT exit T3 if any of the following applyYour total Delhi airport layover is under 5 hours — insufficient buffer for city travel and safe return.Your connecting flight departs from a different terminal (T1 or T2) — allow significant inter-terminal transfer time.It is the winter fog season (November to February) — Delhi fog causes severe flight delays and road congestion that can make return journeys unpredictable.Your Indian visa is unconfirmed, pending, or you have any doubt about your eligibility to re-enter T3.You are travelling with children under 8 or elderly passengers who may find the customs and immigration re-entry process taxing.Your next flight boards within 4 hours of your current estimated landing time. |
Worst-Case Planning Table
| Situation | Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Inbound flight delayed 1 to 2 hours | High | Contact tour provider immediately. Reputable operators have a delay cancellation policy. |
| Severe Delhi traffic (fog, protest, event) | High | Ask driver for a real-time estimate. If the 3-hour airport buffer cannot be guaranteed, return immediately. |
| Long immigration queue on re-entry | Medium | Join the queue immediately on return. Standard processing is 20 to 45 minutes but can reach 90 minutes during peak arrivals. |
| Tour guide does not appear at meeting point | Low | Call the operator emergency number directly. This is why booking with a licensed, established operator matters. |
| Visa questioned at immigration exit | Low | Carry printed visa, onward ticket, and accommodation booking. Show your departure flight clearly and calmly. |
The single most important rule for any transit through T3 that involves exiting the terminal: maintain a minimum 3-hour buffer between your planned airport return and your gate closing time — not your departure time, your gate closing time.
Delhi Full Day Tour Package vs Staying in T3 — The Honest Comparison
One of the most frequently searched questions from travellers planning a Delhi airport layover is whether a Delhi Full Day Tour Package or a Private Delhi Layover Tour by Car and Guide genuinely justifies the logistics, or whether staying inside T3 with a lounge and sleeping pod is the more practical choice. Here is the direct, no-spin answer.
| Factor | Stay Inside T3 | Delhi Full Day Tour Package |
|---|---|---|
| What you experience | Airport lounge, food court, retail, rest, spa | India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Old Delhi |
| Energy required | Very low | Moderate — comfortable walking shoes recommended |
| Approximate cost | INR 0 to 4,500 (lounge + meals) | INR 5,000 to 15,000 depending on group size and inclusions |
| Risk to onward flight | Zero | Low with a reputable operator and a 3-hour return buffer built in |
| What you remember in 10 years | Nothing significant | Four UNESCO World Heritage sites and the sensory intensity of Old Delhi |
| Best suited for | Under 5-hour layovers, elderly passengers, unwell travellers | 6 to 10-hour layovers with valid Indian visa and reasonable mobility |
| Commercial outcome | None | Gateway to Luxury Golden Triangle or longer India journey |
The real calculus of a Delhi airport layover is this: if you have 8 hours and a valid Indian visa, staying inside T3 is not a conservative choice — it is an expensive one. You are trading a free opportunity to stand in front of some of the most extraordinary architecture in human history for the comfort of a lounge chair. A well-structured private Delhi full day tour package, built around guaranteed airport return, eliminates every logistical concern and replaces it with one of the most vivid days available anywhere in the world.
What a Premium Delhi Full Day Tour Package Includes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle — Toyota Innova Crysta or equivalent — for the full duration
- English-speaking cultural guide with expertise in Delhi’s Mughal, colonial, and modern history
- All monument entry tickets pre-arranged and included
- Morning: India Gate and the ceremonial boulevard of Rajpath — best before the midday heat
- Late morning: Humayun’s Tomb — the Mughal architectural masterpiece that directly inspired the design of the Taj Mahal
- Midday: Qutub Minar Complex — UNESCO World Heritage, 73 metres of 12th-century red sandstone
- Afternoon: Old Delhi — Red Fort exterior, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and the sensory intensity of India’s most atmospheric bazaar streets
- Guaranteed airport drop-off with your required check-in and security buffer already factored into the schedule
| Why US and European Travellers Choose Private Delhi Tours During LayoversLong-haul time zone difference often means you are naturally wide awake at 5 AM Delhi time.A private vehicle and guide removes every navigation and safety concern for first-time India visitors.You see four UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single day — no second trip to Delhi required.Total cost is a fraction of an equivalent private city tour in London, Paris, or New York.Guaranteed airport return means zero risk to your onward journey. |
Extended Delhi Airport Layover? Consider the Luxury Golden Triangle Tour
If your Delhi airport layover is the beginning of a longer India stay — or if it has turned into one — the luxury Golden Triangle tour is the natural next step. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur form the most concentrated circuit of world-class monuments in South Asia, all within a half-day’s drive of each other.
| City | Headline Attraction | Travel Time from Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Chandni Chowk | Your starting point |
| Agra | Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri | 3 hours by car / 2 hours by express train |
| Jaipur | Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Rajasthani bazaars | 5 hours from Delhi / 3.5 hours from Agra |
The luxury version of this circuit means private chauffeured transfers in a premium vehicle, expert cultural guides at each destination, and accommodation in heritage hotels or five-star properties. For first-time visitors from the US, UK, and Europe — particularly couples, families, and premium travellers — this is the India journey that earns its distance. The Golden Triangle typically takes 5 to 7 days.
Practical Delhi Airport Layover Tips for 2026
Before your Delhi airport layover begins, these are the practical details that will save you time, money, and avoidable confusion at T3.
| Need | Best Option in 2026 | Cost or Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Free DIAL Wi-Fi throughout T3 — connect and verify via SMS | Free — adequate for streaming and video calls |
| Cash / Currency | ATMs post-immigration; exchange counters in arrivals and departures | Airport rates are standard; go to city for larger exchanges |
| Indian SIM Card | Airtel and Jio counters in arrivals hall — passport and photo required | Plans from INR 299. Activation: up to 24 hrs for foreign passports |
| Metro to City Centre | Delhi Airport Metro Express from T3 basement station | Approx. INR 60. Runs 5 AM to 11:30 PM, every 10-15 min |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Prepaid taxi inside arrivals; Ola and Uber from app-cab zone outside | INR 400 to 700 to central Delhi depending on destination |
| Overnight Hotel | Aerocity — JW Marriott, Andaz, Pullman, Novotel, Ibis all within 5 min of T3 | Premium to budget; direct terminal shuttle available |
Hotels and Resorts Near Delhi Airport
For travellers with an overnight connection, Aerocity — the purpose-built hospitality district directly adjacent to T3 — is the most convenient and comfortable option available. The Andaz Delhi (Hyatt) and JW Marriott Aerocity are both consistently rated among the best airport-adjacent hotels in Asia. Both offer shuttle service to the terminal, full spa facilities, multiple dining venues, and pool access — a significant upgrade over the sleeping pod option for transits of 8 hours or more.
What Kind of Delhi Airport Layover Traveller Are You?
The right strategy for a Delhi airport layover is not the same for everyone. Use this segment guide to find the path that suits your travel profile.
| Traveller Type | Main Priority | Recommended Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Solo business traveller | Wi-Fi, shower, quiet workspace | Plaza Premium Lounge for up to 6 hrs; Delhi full day tour if 8+ hrs |
| Family with children | Space, varied food, safe sightseeing | Food court + cultural gallery inside; private guided city tour outside |
| Couple / Honeymoon | Beauty, privacy, memorable moments | Private Delhi tour or direct Golden Triangle departure |
| First-time India visitor | Confidence, context, safety | Private tour with English-speaking expert — transforms anxiety into awe |
| Budget traveller | Cost control, adequate rest | Free seating + food court inside; Delhi Metro self-tour outside |
| Luxury / premium traveller | Exclusivity, no logistics | Private vehicle + guide + Aerocity heritage hotel; direct Golden Triangle |
Delhi Airport Layover FAQs
These are the most frequently searched questions about layovers at Delhi airport, answered clearly and directly.
Can I leave Delhi airport during a layover?
Yes, if you hold a valid Indian visa or qualify for a Transit Visa on Arrival. Indian passport holders may exit freely. Foreign nationals without a valid Indian visa must remain in the international transit zone of T3. Confirm your specific visa eligibility before planning to exit.
Is there a sleeping pod in Delhi airport?
Yes. Sleeping pods are available post-security in the international departure zone of T3. Bookable by the hour, each pod includes a sleep surface, privacy screen, USB charging, and a reading light. Prices start from approximately INR 500 per hour. Advance booking is recommended during peak travel season.
How much does Plaza Premium Lounge cost at Delhi airport?
Walk-in access to Plaza Premium Lounge at T3 costs approximately USD 30 to 45 (INR 2,500 to 3,800) in 2026. Access is also included with Priority Pass, DragonPass, and select premium credit cards. Confirm pricing at the lounge counter on arrival as rates can vary seasonally.
Is 8 hours enough for a Delhi airport layover sightseeing trip?
An 8-hour Delhi airport layover is sufficient for a well-structured private tour covering three to four major attractions. India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb are achievable in four to five hours with a private vehicle. Allow 45 minutes each way for transfer and a minimum 3 hours for airport return, re-entry, security, and boarding. Book only with an operator who guarantees airport return as part of the itinerary.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal during a Delhi airport layover?
A same-day Taj Mahal visit during a Delhi airport layover requires a minimum of 14 to 16 hours total layover time and leaves almost no margin for delays. Agra is approximately 200 km from Delhi — a 3-hour drive each way under normal conditions. It is technically possible but logistically demanding. For most travellers, the smarter option is a dedicated overnight or multi-day extension through the Luxury Golden Triangle tour, which is designed specifically for this journey.
What is the best lounge at Delhi airport for a layover?
For walk-in paid access, Plaza Premium is the most consistently recommended option. For airline status holders, the Air India Golden Lounge and carrier-specific business class lounges offer a higher level of service. For premium credit card holders, the New Delhi Airport International Lounge is a solid alternative. Your best choice depends on your access method and how long you need to use the facility.
How do I get from Delhi airport into the city during a layover?
From T3, the Delhi Airport Metro Express is the fastest and most reliable option — New Delhi Railway Station in approximately 20 minutes for about INR 60. Ola and Uber operate from the app-cab zone outside arrivals and cost INR 400 to 600 to Connaught Place. Prepaid taxis are available inside the arrivals hall at fixed rates. If you have booked a Delhi airport layover tour, your operator will provide a private vehicle with direct terminal pickup.
What visa do I need to exit Delhi airport during a layover?
Most foreign nationals need a standard Indian tourist e-Visa or a paper visa issued by an Indian Embassy. Transit e-Visa (72-hour) is available for select nationalities. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are eligible for e-Visa on Arrival for short stays. Check the official Indian government visa portal for current nationality-specific eligibility before your trip.
Final Word — Make Your Delhi Airport Layover Count
Terminal 3 is a genuinely world-class facility. Its lounges are comfortable, its sleeping pods are practical, its food is legitimate, and its cultural gallery is better than most paid institutions. If your Delhi airport layover is short, your visa situation is uncertain, or you are unwell, staying inside T3 is always the right decision.
But if you have 8 hours, a valid Indian visa, and even a fraction of curiosity about the country you are transiting through — the choice to stay in a lounge chair is one you may always quietly regret. India Gate at dawn, the geometric precision of Humayun’s Tomb, the impossible energy of Chandni Chowk — these are not tourist checkboxes. They are the kind of hours that change how you think about travel.
And if your arrival in Delhi feels like the beginning of something bigger, it may be exactly that. The Luxury Golden Triangle Tour transforms a simple stopover into the first step of one of India’s most iconic journeys—connecting Delhi, Agra’s timeless Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s royal palaces in a beautifully curated experience defined by comfort, private guidance, and the freedom to discover India’s cultural grandeur with confidence.
| ℹ Your Delhi Airport Layover — Final Decision RuleUnder 4 hours: Stay inside T3. Use the lounge, eat well, rest in a sleeping pod.4 to 6 hours: Plaza Premium Lounge + Aerocity walk. No city traffic pressure.6 to 10 hours + valid visa: Delhi Full Day Tour Package. Non-negotiable opportunity.12+ hours: Aerocity overnight hotel + extended private Delhi sightseeing.Multi-day India entry: Begin the Luxury Golden Triangle Tour from Day One. |
The roads from this airport lead to some of the most extraordinary places on earth. Your Delhi airport layover is not a waiting room. It is your entry point to India. What you do with it is entirely up to you.
