“I asked my soul: what is Delhi? She replied: The world is the body and Delhi its life" Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib.
To know Delhi, one has to travel through time machine and take a walk in the lanes of Old Delhi when the Mughals were at their zenith. Physically they might have left this land, but continue to live through the historical monuments and food enriched with culture and heritage. Classified as New and Old Delhi, the National Capital has overcrowded narrow lanes on one hand and skyscrapers on the other. Centre of Government's legislature and judiciary systems, it happens to be a spellbinding cornucopia of events and activities that can keep a visitor busy throughout the day. From monuments, food, cyber hubs to glitzy malls, Delhi-ites have not left any stone unturned to mesmerise a visitor beyond words.
Red Fort – The Pride of India
A witness to the National flag hoisting in free India since 15th August 1947, Red fort or Lal Quila is the symbol of power and independence of the country.
Qutub Minar
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Qutub Minar is the 2nd tallest minar in India and iconic to the city of Delhi. Built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193, the five storey minar has a 7 m iron pillar in the same complex.
Lotus Temple
Made out of white marble, the temple looks like a lit up lotus at night thus uniting people of all faith and religions. The beautiful gardens and ponds in this complex make it a great place for relaxation and picnic.
Humayun's Tomb
Inspired by Taj Mahal, Humayun's Tomb was built by Empress Haji Begum, for her husband and second Mughal emperor, Humayun. Commissioned in 1570, it is not only the final resting place of the Emperor but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
India Gate
The 42 m high Arc-de-Triomphe is a war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. The gateway can be easily identified by the Amar Jawan Jyoti or Eternal flame which burns day and night. The complex has a lake for boating and a lush garden for picnic.
Gandhi Smriti
Final resting place of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the samadhi commemorates his assasination on January 30, 1948 and his final words “Hey Ram”. Ministers, delegates and other people visit here to offer flowers of respect to him and it is a regular custom specially on 15th August and 26th January.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Residence of the highest citizen on India, the President, Rashtrapati Bhawan is the most important edifice in Delhi. The wonderful Mughal garden in its premises is opened for public every year in March and attracts visitors from all over the world.
ISKCON Temple
Popularly called the Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple, the red stone temple of Lord Krishna is renowned for its elaborate architecture. The Light and Sound Show, Gita Exhibition, Robot Show, Mahabharata Show and Ramayana Show are quite popular and attract throngs of visitors.
Jantar Mantar
One of Maharaja Jai Singh 2's observatories, the entire complex is full of masonry instruments constructed in 1725. The most important of these is the huge sundial famed as the Prince of Dials. Other instruments here follow the movement of heavenly bodies and can also forecast eclipses.
Akshardham
Dedicated to Shri Swaminarayan, the huge complex of Akshardham is a symbol of 10,000 years of Indian culture. With its breathtaking splendor, exquisiteness, and bliss, it brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
One of the most prominent Sikh Gurudwaras in the country, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is dedicated to the 8th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. People volunteer here to keep and clean the shoes of the visitor and also to cook langar to expiate their deepest sins.
Jama Masjid
A marvelous treasure of Purani Dilli, it is the largest mosque in India with a capacity for 25,000 followers. Built in 1650, a climb till the top of its southern tower offers a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi.
Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
One of the major temples in Delhi, it was built by the Industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938. Dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Narayan, this temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and it is being visited by people of all caste and creed.
Garden Of Five Senses
A peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Garden of Five Senses was was built over an area of 20 acre. It is full of landscaped plants and flowers, waterfalls, rocks, quirky sculptures and spiral walkways. The amphitheatre here often has live music concerts by Indian and international artists.
Lodi Gardens
A tranquil retreat from bustling city life, this vast garden is frequented by joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples. Built by the British in 1936, it houses the tombs of the rulers of 15th - 16th century.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Located near India Gate, the famous gallery has works of contemporary artists from India and International. It has a permanent section of famous Indian painters and artists alongwith a library art reference.
Foodie’s Heaven Delhi
Just like its monuments, Delhi has earned a reputation for its mouth watering cuisine which attracts people from all over the world. So take up a culinary journey and explore all the delicacies the city has to offer by choosing a food destination.
Lanes of Jama Masjid: Bazaar Matia Mahal for keema samosas, to grilled botis to kebabs and jalebi.
Nizamuddin: Taste Mughlai food in Karim’s, Gulfam Kashmiri Wazwan, and Ghalib Kabab Corner.
Connaught Place: Prabhu Chaat Bhandar Shahjahan Road , Kake Da Hotel, Parikrama, Jain Chawal Wale, Minar etc. For formal dining: Berco's, Zaffran, Ardor, Saravana Bhavan, Parikrama- The revolving restaurant, United Coffee House, Lord of the Drinks, Tamasha restaurant can be considered.
C R Park: Famous as mini-Kolkata, Chittaranjan Park is a bong food destination for people all over Delhi. Try out Raju Puchka Wala, Kolkata Hot Kathi Roll, Mad About Momos, Annapurna Sweet House.
Safdarjung Enclave & SDA Market: One of the high end localities of Delhi has Rajinder Da Dhaba, Spice Angan, Burger Singh, Theobroma, Keventers, and Scooter On The Wall.
New Friends Colony: Another posh locality, popularly known as NFC, famous restaurants here are Sab Ki Khatir, Tunday Kababi, Bon Bon Pastry Shop, Pebble Street, Al Bake, Angels In My Kitchen. Try out South Indian, Lebanese, Street Food, North Indian, Kerala Cuisine, Mughlai, Continental, Italian, and Tex Mex.
Karol Bagh: A melting pot of all cultures, best picks from here are Roshan Di Kulfi, Anjalika, Om Corner Chhole Bhature, Art Of Spices, Sindhi Corner, Sandoz, and Changezi.
The Lohri Festival (13th January)
Celebrated by worshipping fire; people gather around the bonfire and throw til, puffed rice & popcorns into the flames. Prayers are offered for abundance & prosperity.
Republic Day (26th January)
Republic Day in Delhi is a huge celebration, attended by people in thousands. The three hour event has parades from army, navy, and the armed forces. Followed by the NCC and freedom fighters, state wise tableaux and military bike shows.
Army Day (15th January)
Marked with military parades, procession, aerobatics, and salute to the martyrs, the day reflects the true spirit of the Indian military unit "fight to win".
Kite Flying Festival in Delhi (14th January)
It is a much awaited festival where children and adult kite flyers flash their vibrant kites surpassing others. Palika Bazaar in Delhi hosts international competitions.
International Mango Festival at Dilli Haat (June-July)
The luscious Mango festival that has more than 500 types of mangoes on display. People take part in Mango eating completion, buy products like mango pulp, Aam panna, juice, Aam papad, pickles, jelly, fresh mangoes, chutneys and pickles.
Independence Day (15th August)
The celebrations of this day are marked by the hoisting of national flag at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister. He then addresses the nation and some programs follow for the day.
Dussehra (October)
Signifying the victory of good over evil, Dusshera festival in Ramlila maidan has the Prime Minister setting fire to the effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. Other delegates include the President of India and also members of the Parliament.
Phool Walon ki Sair (October - November)
Celebrated only in Delhi, Phool Walon Ki Sair is an annual festival that marks the 'Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan' culture. Participated by both Hindus and Muslims, flowers are offered to the Shrine of Devi Jogmaya at Mehrauli bazaar and then to the Islamic shrines.
Qutub Festival (November or December)
Held in the premises of the historical Qutub Minar, Qutub Festival has various cultural functions and art forms, both Indian and International.
International Trade Fair (14 November)
The 13-day long fair is organized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial research (DSIR) and the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO. It is visited by various corporate houses, businessmen and entrepreneurs.
Shopping in Delhi
A visit to Delhi is incomplete without a day spent in shopping. Always on top of the itinerary for any tourist, Delhi has everything for everyone and not a single person will go back without getting something of his/her choice. Some of the most visited shopping areas in Delhi are:
Janpath and Tibetan Market: Handicrafts, hippy clothing, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian artifacts, leather work, and cheap jewellery.
Dilli Haat: Indian handcrafts and artifacts.
Paharganj: Clothes, shoes, jewellery, books, music, textiles, handicrafts, hookah pipes, incense.
Chandni Chowk: Fabrics, jewelry, spices, and electronic goods.
Sarojini Nagar: Designer clothes, Indian clothes, fashion accessories, shoes.
Khan Market: Books, music, branded and tailored clothes, Ayurvedic food and cosmetics, and home furnishings.
Lajpat Nagar (Central Market): Indian clothing, shoes, bags, accessories (including Indian bangles), and home furnishings.
Matka Market: All kinds of clay items.
Sundar Nagar: Tea, silver jewellery, art, textiles, carpets, and antiques.
Shankar Market: hand-loom textiles, ikat, block prints, and weaves from Odisha, Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
Summer (March - June)
Summers in Delhi are harsh, as the temperatures rise upto 42 degrees Celsius. So, one must carry a strong sunscreen if planning a visit during this time; though it is not recommended.
Monsoon (July - September)
A lot of humidity and heat, Delhi receives approx. 797.3 mm (31.5 inches)of rain and the average temperatures are around 29 °C (85 °F). One must carry an umbrella or raincoat for sudden rains.
Winter (December - March)
Best time to visit the National Capital, though during the months of December – January the cold is quite harsh and the temperature might drop down to 0 degree Celsius. January can be foggy also, but still tourism is on full boom.
By Air
Delhi has Indira Gandhi International airport, which is and is very well connected to cities across India and the world. There are regular DTC (Delhi Transport Service) buses which operate regularly from outside the airport towards the city and the ISBT bus stand and the New Delhi Railway Station. The Delhi Airport Metro Express runs from the New Delhi Railway Station to Dwarka, crossing the airport along the way.
By Rail
Being the headquarters of the Northern Railways, Delhi has 5 major railway stations in Delhi: The New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal and Sarai Rohilla. There is a pre-paid taxi booth outside the railway station for hiring a taxi to go further into the city and other neighbourhood states.
By Road
Delhi is well connected by a strong network of highways to cities like Jaipur (NH 8), Dehradun, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Alwar and many others. Major bus terminals serving the city include Interstate Bus Terminals (ISBT) at Anand Vihar, Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan.
