Encalm Lounge, Domestic Departures, T3, Delhi Airport Review

Free food, comfortable seating, great ambience, without having to pay anything, what more is needed at the start of your trip?

During a recent work trip, I had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the Encalm Lounge situated in Delhi International Airport. This lounge is conveniently located in Terminal 3 at the Domestic Departures area. To find it, simply take the escalator to the Mezzanine Level and turn left through the food court. The lounge offers a variety of features to enhance your experience, including the convenience of accepting credit cards and digital payments. Guests can enjoy a buffet selection while staying connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.

Address

Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departures, Terminal 3, IGI Airport, New Delhi 110037

Email – d49.del@encalm.com

Official Contact – +91 9319595864

First Impressions: Arriving at the Lounge Reception

It wasn’t surprising to find a queue of people waiting to enter the lounge. Most individuals carry multiple cards and swipe them until one grants them access, trying their luck. In the past, many credit cards offered lounge access. However, this number has decreased, and several cards now have spending criteria for lounge access. For instance, ICICI Bank requires most credit cardholders to spend ₹75,000 every quarter to be eligible for lounge access.

While many feel helpless in tracking their airport lounge access, it should be known that people can easily confirm which lounge their card has access to with apps and portals like Card Insider’s Lounges.

Sitting Arrangements

There are plenty of seating options available for everyone. Comfortable loungers can be found on the left-hand side as you enter the lounge, perfect for solo travelers. If you take a right and go through the food area, you’ll discover tables for dining. Each table easily accommodates four people, and the corner tables even include comfortable sofas.

Dining Experience: Was the Food Worth It?

The food and refreshments offered by the Encalm Lounge at Domestic Departures T3, Delhi Airport, are quite good compared to some of the other airport lounges in India. There are plenty of buffet options available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Fitness enthusiasts can also take a plate as there are a lot of healthy options available, including salads.

For those looking for a wholesome Indian meal, there are plenty of options, ranging from soups and rice to various Indian curries along with chapatis. One of the best aspects of the food was that it was fresh and warm. While this may not seem like a big deal, those who have had bad experiences at places like Encalm Lounge at T2 understand how crucial food quality is, not just the price.

For those with a sweet tooth, dessert options included both Indian and Western choices. For instance, it featured muffins, brownies, strawberry shortcake, and, for Indian desserts, it included Phirni.

Bottom Line

Free airport lounge access is one of the most popular and luxurious benefits offered by Indian credit cards.

From lifetime-free options to premium cards, there are various offerings that provide this benefit, ensuring that everyone can take advantage of it. This popularity is the reason for the crowds at airport lounges these days. If you’re hoping for a peaceful experience, it’s best to avoid airport lounges during peak hours.

I recently found myself in a queue of about 15 or more people before I could access the Encalm Lounge, as various customers presented all kinds of debit and credit cards for entry, most of which had to be turned away. In fact, I witnessed an individual trying to use his PAN card for complimentary lounge access at the Encalm Lounge in Delhi Airport!

While the long queues might be uncomfortable for some, the benefits provided at no cost are certainly worth the wait. Delicious hot food and comfortable seating, along with the opportunity to engage in conversation, enhance the experience.

The helpful staff at the lounge was a bonus. I highly recommend visiting this lounge on your next trip through Delhi Airport. It’s also worth noting that there is a second Encalm Lounge located right next to the first one. So, if the initial lounge is full, don’t be disheartened; the next one is quite spacious and can accommodate more than double the number of guests.