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One Week in Delhi: The Perfect Itinerary

Shraddha Gosavi / TripSavvy

One week is an ideal amount of time to immerse yourself in the diversity of Delhi, India's capital city . There's plenty to see and do , and you certainly won't be idle!

Incongruous Old Delhi and New Delhi make up the two distinct parts of the city. Old Delhi was once the exalted 17th century walled city of Shahjahanabad, built and occupied by indomitable Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. These days it's unbelievably crowded and crumbling but undeniably has the most astonishing sights in the city. The British formed and constructed New Delhi when they transferred their capital there from Kolkata in 1911. This neat and well-planned area is dominated by wide, tree-lined roads and dignified government buildings.

Although out of the way, the upscale residential district of south Delhi is also worth visiting for its markets and trendy neighborhoods. It has some significant monuments and lovely bed and breakfasts too.

This itinerary for one week in Delhi focuses on one area of the city at a time, to minimize the amount of driving in a day. This is important, as the city becomes congested with heavy traffic in the mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and evenings from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Delhi has a great Metro train system . However, for comfort and convenience, you may wish to hire a car and driver to get around. Your driver will take care of you, and you'll be harassed much less as well.

Let's get started!

The itinerary for Monday has been designed keeping in mind that many monuments, museums and markets in Delhi are closed on this day — including the Red Fort , Akshardham Temple, Bahai Lotus Temple, and Gandhi Smriti. Never mind though, because there are plenty of interesting things to see and do around Connaught Place, New Delhi's vibrant commercial center.

8:30 a.m. : Start the day at Agrasen ki Baoli step well ( Hailey Road, off K G Marg. O pen daily, sunrise to sunset. Free entry. ) flanked by high-rise buildings near Connaught Place. It's thought to have been constructed by King Agrasen during the ancient Mahabharata period, and later rebuilt in the 14th century by the entrepreneurial Agrawal community. Now devoid of water, you can descend the 100-plus stairs into its depths. The step well has been featured in two Bollywood movies —  PK , and more recently Sultan .

9:15 a.m. : Stop by Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat ( behind Agrasen ki Baoli. Turn right as you exit and keep walking.) to see clothes being washed the traditional way, by beating them against concrete slabs. The dhobi ghat is apparently the largest one in Delhi, and one of the last few remaining. More than 60 families of dhobis (washermen) live and work there.

10 a.m. : Walk 15 minutes to the elegant Imperial Hotel ( Janpath, Connaught Place ) for morning tea or coffee at its splendid, glass-domed Atrium Tea Lounge . The Imperial is one of the top luxury hotels in Delhi, housed in a restored early 1930s Colonial-style building with impeccable old-world atmosphere. Do wander around before you leave.

11 a.m. : Fixed-price Central Cottage Emporium is situated opposite the Imperial Hotel on Janpath. It stocks handicrafts from all over India. Don't expect to find any bargains there, although it's a good idea to see how much items are selling for, so you can haggle at markets later. The very popular Tibetan market, on the other side of Janpath, is an excellent place to do so. It sells everything from clothes to paintings. Not interested in shopping? Jantar Mantar ( Sansad Marg, Connaught Place ) is just around the corner and consists of a group of intriguing astronomy instruments, believed to have been built in 1724.

12:30 p.m.:  Have lunch at Connaught Place. There are many options to choose from, depending on your palate. Parikrama ( 22 Antriksh Bhavan, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place ) is a revolving restaurant with city views, serving Indian and Chinese food. The menu at Zaffran ( Hotel Palace Heights, D-26/28, Inner Circle, Connaught Place ) features Punjabi and Mughlai specialties. Fascinating Junkyard Cafe ( 91 N Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place ) is adorned with re-purposed and up-cycled trash. Here are some more suggestions as to what to eat in Connaught Place .

1:30 p.m.: Spend some time exploring Connaught Place, where there's something for everyone including art galleries and historic shops. Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan ( 24 Regal Building, Connaught Place) promotes India's khadi (hand-woven cotton cloth) industry. It's possible to browse for hours at the Oxford Bookstore ( N-81 Connaught Place ).  Ram Chandra and Sons ( D-1, Odeon Building, Connaught Place ) is India's oldest toy store and opened there in 1935. Dhoomimal Gallery ( G-42, Outer Circle, Connaught Place. Closed Sundays ) dates back to 1936 and is India's oldest contemporary art gallery. It's part of a mega art complex that also includes a sculpture gallery, art museum, and art library. The newer Dhoomimal Art Center (A-8, Inner Circle, Connaught Place. Closed Sundays ) is also a must-visit for art lovers. Indian Arts Palace ( E-19, Radial Road 7, Connaught Place ) attracts collectors from all over the world.  Mahatta & Company ( M-59, Connaught Place ) is Delhi's first full-service photography store.

3:30 p.m. : Rest and recharge at Indian Coffee House ( 2nd Floor, Mohan Singh Place, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place ), established in 1957. The glory days when politicians, writers, and intellectuals all hung out there have long gone. However, a bit of imagination will bring them back to life.

4 p.m.: Prachin Hanuman Mandir, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724, is a short five minute walk away on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Although it's small and its architecture isn't outstanding, the temple is noteworthy for being one of the oldest ones dedicated to Lord Hanuman (the monkey god) in India.

5 p.m.: End your day of sightseeing by soaking up the serenity until sunset at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib ( corner of Baba Kharak Singh Marg and A shoka Road ). This glorious white Sikh temple complex with gold domes is centered around a huge sarovar (holy tank of water). The eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed there before his death in 1664.

7 p.m.: Foodies will relish dinner at Delhi's hottest new fine-dining restaurant, Masala Library ( 21A, near Le Meridian Hotel, Janpath. Phone: 11 69400005 ), which specializes in experimental molecular gastronomy. Book well in advance.

 Shraddha Gosavi / TripSavvy

Throw yourself into experiencing intoxicating Old Delhi today. It will most likely overwhelm your senses, so it's best to take a guided walking tour. You'll definitely get to see more than what you would by trying to navigate it yourself.

9 a.m.: Skip your hotel breakfast and join this half-day Old Delhi Bazaar Walk and Haveli Visit, offered by Masterji ki Haveli (cost: $50 per person) . As well meandering through alleyways and markets (including Asia's largest spice market), you'll be able to sample some street foods. The tour ends at one of the few remaining old havelis (a private mansion where a single family has lived for generations) for a delicious home-cooked lunch with the owners. It's enlightening and informative, and you'll get rare insight into everyday life in Old Delhi.

2 p.m.: Proceed to the imposing sandstone 17th century Red Fort ( open sunrise until sunset, daily except Mondays ) at the end of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. The fort was the residence of Mughal rulers for nearly 200 years, until 1857. Inside, there's a war museum, some shops, palace ruins, and a hidden step well. (Entry fee: 600 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Indians. Free for children under 15 years old).

3 p.m.: Cross the main road to India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid ( open 7 a.m. to noon and 1.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., daily ). Ascend the narrow staircase of one of its minaret towers for a captivating view over the city. (Free to enter. However, it costs 100 rupees to climb the tower and 300 rupees for a camera).

4 p.m.: Travel 10 minutes south to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi that's been built on the place where he was cremated ( open sunrise to sunset, daily ). It's situated among extensive landscaped gardens. There's also a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi ( open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily except Monday ) opposite Raj Ghat.

7 p.m.: Chor Bizarre ( Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi ) is a reputable restaurant for dinner in the area. It's been serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine for more than 25 years and has wistful old-world interiors. The name is a play on "Chor Bazaar", which means "thieves market".

Morning: Visit Sanjay Colony slum in the south of Delhi with Reality Tours and Travel (cost 1,000 rupees per person). This is not poverty tourism like you may expect. Rather, it's an opportunity to dispel preconceived notions, and learn how the community thrives despite obvious challenges. You'll see small scale industry, places of worship, and residential quarters. Plus, there's the option to have a vegetarian lunch with a local family in their home. Expect to sit on the floor and eat with your hand, Indian style ! Eighty percent of tour profits are invested in helping the community.

2 p.m.: Stop by the Baha'i Lotus Temple ( Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi ), to the east of Nehru Place. This white marble temple was constructed in 1986, in the shape of a lotus flower. It belongs to the Baha'i Faith, which believes in unity of all people and religions. (Entry fee: Free for all).

Afternoon and Evening : Spend the remainder of your time at Swaminarayan Akshardham ( NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi), on the other side of the Yamuna River. This sprawling Hindu temple complex, with its thematic gardens, is an architectural marvel. There's so much to see that, ideally, half a day or more should be devoted to covering it. Stay until sunset for the dazzling multimedia water show. Do be aware that umbrellas, luggage, toys, food, and electronic items aren't permitted inside. This includes cameras and cell phones. There is a cloakroom where you can leave them but the line may be long. If you're hungry, grab a bite to eat at the food court inside the temple complex. (Entry fee: Free for all. However, tickets are required for the exhibitions and multimedia water show. Dress conservatively).

7 a.m.: Join fit Delhi locals on an invigorating early morning walk in Lodhi Gardens ( Lodhi Road, New Delhi ). This sprawling 90 acre city park is home to a number of monuments, including tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. The gardens were built around them by the British in 1936. (Entry fee: Free for all).

8:30 a.m.: Tuck into a hearty breakfast at The All American Diner inside the India Habitat Center ( opposite Lodhi Gardens on Lodhi Road ). You'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the 1960s! Waffles, milkshakes, pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, pastries, eggs, bacon and sausages are all on the menu.

9:30 a.m.: Wander through the Lodhi Art District ( 669 to 673 Second Avenue, Block 6, between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market, Lodhi Colony ), India’s first public open-air art gallery. International and local artists have painted more than 20 wall murals, facilitated by St+art India . This non-profit organization aims to make art accessible to a wider audience in public spaces.

11 a.m.: Visit Gandhi Smitri ( 5 Tees January Marg, New Delhi. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays ), where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The room that he slept in has been kept exactly how he left it. There are also plenty of photos, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions on display. (Entry fee: Free for all).

12:30 p.m.: Have lunch at swanky Khan Market ( Rabindra Nagar, New Delh i), nearby. There are plenty of diverse options including Parsi cuisine and Mumbai street food at SodaBottleOpenerWala ( 73 Khan Market ), Big Chill ( 35 Khan Market ) for Continental cuisine, Mamagoto ( Upstairs, 53 Khan Market ) for Asian cuisine, Civil House ( 26 Khan Market) for pizza and burgers, and Parallel ( 12 Khan Market ) for modern Indian.

2 p.m.: Browse through the upmarket shops and boutiques in Khan Market. Popular items include books, clothing, home furnishings, cosmetics and Ayurvedic skin care products.

2:45 p.m.: Head to Humayun's Tomb ( Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East ), 10 minutes away. It was built in 1570 and houses the body of Mughal emperor Humayun. The first Mughal architecture of its kind in India, its design inspired the more prominent Taj Mahal and you'll definitely notice the resemblance. (Entry fee: 600 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Indians. Free for children under 15 years old).

About 5 minutes away, you'll find Anokhi's discount store ( Shop 13, Nizamuddin East Market, enter from Gate #9 . Closed Sundays ). Anokhi sells women's clothes made out of gorgeous block-printed cotton fabrics. The discount store stocks factory seconds and end-of-line pieces at 35-50% less than market price.

4 p.m.: Join The Hope Project for a walking tour of Nizamuddin Basti , an old Muslim Sufi village surrounding Nizammudin Dargh (the mausoleum of 14th century Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya). At 300 rupees per person, it's an inexpensive way to gain an understanding of this shrouded area. The tour will end at Nizammudin Dargh for the renowned Thursday evening qawwali performance of devotional songs, which gets underway at dusk. Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. The Hope Project provides assistance to underprivileged residents of the area.

Evening: After attending the qawwali performance at Nizammudin Dargh, dine on contemporary modern Indian cuisine at Indian Accent ( The Lodhi Hotel, Lodhi Road, New Delhi . Phone: 11 66175151 ) by acclaimed chef Manish Mehrotra. It's one of only two restaurants in India to be included in the World Foodie Top 100 .

Shraddha Gosavi / TripSavvy 

8 a.m.: Start the day at Qutab Minar ( Mehrauli, South Delhi. Open daily from sunrise to sunset ). This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1206 and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It's an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture, with a mysterious history. (Entry fee: 600 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Indians. Free for children under 15 years old).

9 a.m.: Next to Qutab Minar, lesser-known Mehrauli Archaeological Park is spread over 200 acres. It contains more than 100 historically significant monuments and each has a unique story to tell. Two highlights are the 16th century Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, with its alluring architecture, and the ancient step well Rajon Ki Baoli . (Entry fee: Free for all).

11 a.m.: If you like Indian handicrafts, drop into Dastkar Nature Bazaar ( Kisan Haat, Anuvrat Marg, Andheria Modh, Chattarpur, South Delhi. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily except Wednesday ). For 12 consecutive days every month, it has a different theme featuring artisans and craftsmen. There are also permanent handicraft and handloom stalls.

12:30 p.m.: Have lunch at Dilli Haat ( opposite INA Metro Station, South Delhi. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ), set up by the government to give the feel of a village market (called a haat ). It's a popular place to eat and shop for souvenirs from the artisans who come to sell their wares. The food court offers cuisine from the various states in India, including some delicious momos from northeast India . (Entry fee: 100 rupees for foreigners and 30 rupees for Indians. 20 rupees for children). If you want to buy clothes, nearby Sarojini Nagar market ( closed Mondays ) has export-surplus brand names at throwaway prices. These tips for bargaining will help you get the best deals.

3:30 p.m.: Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at Hauz Khas Village, about 20 minutes away, where hip meets medieval heritage. If you're starting to feel tired, make Kunzum Travel Cafe your first stop . Revive yourself with coffee and cookies, and only pay what you like.

4:30 p.m. : Explore some of the historical sites around Hauz Khas, which are just meters away from Kunzum Travel Cafe. Hauz Khas (meaning "royal tank") gets its name from the 13th century reservoir there, which now has a paved walking track around it. Of note are the remains of a fort, a 14th century madrasa (an institution for Islamic learning), mosque, and tomb of Firuz Shah (who ruled over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388). The setting is particularly picturesque at dusk.

6 p.m.: Return to Hauz Khas Village and stroll through its atmospheric narrow lanes, boutiques and art galleries.

8 p.m.: Choose from the many enticing options for dinner . For gourmet south Indian food try Naivedyam  or Coast Cafe. Not in the mood for Indian cuisine? Head to Elma's Bakery Bar & Kitchen for decent Continental food. Alternatively, Yeti The Himalayan Kitchen serves authentic Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine.

10 p.m. : Still have energy? Kick on at a bar! Hauz Khas Village is a hot party destination on weekends. Our picks are Lord of the Drinks ( inside the Deer Park, Hauz Khas ) for a garden setting. Hauz Khas Social  ( 9A and 12 Hauz Khas Village ) for a lively ambiance. Summer House Cafe, Bandstand, or Auro Kitchen & Bar ( all located in Aurobindo Place Market just outside Hauz Khas Village ) for live music and DJs.

10 a.m. (mid-November to mid-March): Attend the weekly military Changing of Guard Ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan , the home of India's President ( President's Estate, New Delhi . Enter through Gate #2, Rajpath, near the Prime Minister’s Office , and bring photo identification ). An equestrian display by the Presidents’ Body Guard is a highlight. Note that the ceremony starts at 8 a.m. from mid March to mid August, and 9 a.m. from mid August to mid November. (Entry fee: Free for all).

10:45 a.m.: Visit India's only underground museum, the new Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum ( Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily except Monday. Enter through Gate #30 on Mother Teresa Crescent Road ). Its event-based exhibits tell the story of the President's estate and how it functions. The many gifts that Indian presidents have received over the years are also showcased. For security reasons, advance bookings are necessary and are to be made online . (Entry fee: 50 rupees per person).

Noon: Admire the Cathedral Church of the Redemption ( Church Lane, near Rashtrapati Bhavan ). The design of this magnificent church was inspired by the 16th century Roman Catholic church of Il Redentore in Venice, Italy. Made out of red sandstone and Burmese teak, it opened in 1931.

12.30 p.m. : Drive by Parliament House ( Sansad Marg, near Rashtrapati Bhavan ), where national laws are made and revised. This commanding circular-shaped building was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, and completed in 1927. It's not possible to enter without special prior permission.

1 p.m.: Have lunch at a restaurant on Pandara Road, about 10 minutes away, where you'll get some of the best non-vegetarian food in the city. Gulati ( 6 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi ) has been in business since 1959, and is renowned for its north Indian and tandoori cuisine. Havemore ( 10-12 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi ) is a must-try if you're fond of butter chicken.

2 p.m.: Depending on your interests, there are a number of ways to spend the afternoon, all within 10 minutes drive from Pandara Road. The National Gallery of Modern Art ( Jaipur House, Sher Shah Road, Near Delhi High Court at the end of Rajpath, New Delhi . Open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., daily except Monday ) is one of the world's largest modern art museums, with a collection of over 14,000 works. (Entry fee: 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians).

The National Crafts Museum ( Pragati Maidan, Bhairon Road, New Delhi. Open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., daily except Monday. ) is a relaxing place to see artisans demonstrate embroidery, weaving, carving and pottery. In addition, there are galleries with more than 20,000 exhibits of handicrafts from all over India, and handicraft stalls selling reasonably priced products. The museum's Cafe Lota is an alternative place to eat lunch, or go there for afternoon tea. (Entry fee: free for all. Tickets for the galleries cost 150 rupees for foreigners and 10 rupees for Indians).

Prosperous Sundar Nagar is one of Delhi's top markets specializing in art and antiques. It also has some famous tea shops, including Mittal Teas ( 12 Sundar Nagar Market, New Delhi ). It's one of the oldest tea companies in Delhi and stocks some rare teas. Don't miss Regalia Tea House and Asia Tea House, in the same location, if you're a tea-lover.

Purana Qila ( Mathura Road, New Delhi. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. ), the Old Fort, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of Delhi's iconic Red Fort. However, it has a significant place in the city's history and much appeal. This well-maintained riverside fort dates back to the 16th century and was built by Mughal emperor Humanyun. Unfortunately, he fell down its library steps and met an untimely death. (Entry fee: 300 rupees for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indians).

5:30 p.m.: Spend sunset and early evening at India Gate ( Rajpath, New Delhi) . This important arch-shaped war memorial honors the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of New Delhi's construction in the 1920s and 1930s under British rule. Join Delhi locals in unwinding on the surrounding lawns, while the monument is artfully illuminated. Snacks are available from roving vendors.

7:30 p.m.: Purana Quila has the best sound and light show in Delhi, and one of the best in India. It uses cutting-edge projection and laser technology to narrate the history of Delhi , starting from the 11th century reign of Prithvi Raj Chauhan to the present day. ( Daily except Friday. From November to January, the English show runs from 7.30-8.30 p.m. It starts an hour later during other times of the year ). (Cost : 100 rupees for adults and 50 rupees for children aged three to 12).

8:30 p.m. : Traditional Indian cuisine is given a modern twist with unusual presentation and pairings at Varq ( Taj Mahal Hotel,1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi. Phone: 11 23026162 ), set up by prestigious chef Hemant Oberoi. The restaurant combines food with art. Its walls are adorned with the works of celebrated artist Anjolie Ela Menon, some of which date back to the 70s.

10 p.m.: If you want to party on into the night, there are plenty of options in and around Connaught Place. Kitty Su ( The Lalit Hotel, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place ) is one of the city's top clubs that hosts international DJs. Privee at the Shangri-La Eros Hotel at Connaught Place is widely regarded as the city's best nightclub. Tamasha ( 28 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place ) sprawls over five indoor and outdoor areas with a creative ambiance. Ministry of Beer is Delhi's first microbrewery spread over three floors, with a wide range of craft beers. Local at Connaught Place is a huge cavernous, buzzing bar with paintings of Delhi decorating its rustic wood and steel interiors.

The crowds at Delhi's monuments really swell on Sundays, as most people have the day off work. Hence, it's a good idea to avoid doing much sightseeing later in the day. Old Delhi and Sundar Nagar markets are also closed on Sundays. This makes it a quieter time to revisit Old Delhi. Depending on your interests, choose from the following activities.

Explore Old Delhi, particularly its off-beat attractions, some more.

6 a.m.: Feeling energetic? Rise and shine early for a morning bike tour of Old Delhi operated by Delhi by Bicycle (daily, 6.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. including a stop for breakfast either at Karim's or a heritage mansion). There are three tours available, each focusing on different aspects of Old Delhi. The cost is 1,865 rupees per person.

10 a.m.: Bibliophiles will be delighted by the Daryaganj Sunday Book Market in Old Delhi ( relocated to Mahila Haat ground, opposite Broadway Hotel ). Many thousands of new and secondhand books across all genres are piled up for sale on the pavement at super cheap prices. The market is on all day but get there early for the best books. Haggling is expected!

Noon: Head to Lakhori restaurant at Haveli Dharampura ( 2293 Bazar Gulian Road, Gali Guliyan, Dharampura ), a painstakingly restored 200 year old mansion in the heart of Old Delhi, for a lazy Sunday brunch that extends well into the afternoon. You'll be transported back to the Mughal era. A less expensive option, also in a 200 year old mansion, is the ambient Walled City Cafe & Lounge ( 898 Hauz Qazi Road, near Jama Masjid Gate 1 ). Alternatively, the legendary Moti Mahal ( 3704 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj), was established in 1947 after India's Independence from British rule. It was one of the first restaurants to bring Peshawari tandoori cuisine to Delhi.

2.30 p.m.: If you're a bird-lover, spend some time at the Charity Birds Hospital at Digambar Jain Temple ( off Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite the Red Fort ), where up to 60 birds a day are taken in and treated free of cost.

4 p.m.: Observe a free traditional Indian wrestling match, known as kushti , at Urdu Park ( Meena Bazaar, opposite the Red Fort, at the end of the park near the tomb of Maulana Azad ).

Spend the day visiting some of Delhi's most prominent museums.

10 a.m.: Be an early bird and beat the rush to the National Rail Museum ( Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, near Bhutan Embassy, New Delhi. Open from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., daily except Monday ). The museum is spread over 11 acres and traces the evolution of Indian Railways. It has the largest collection of railway exhibits in India, including many old steam locomotives. (Entry fee: 100 rupees for adults on weekends and 50 rupees on weekdays. Children pay 20 rupees on weekends and 10 rupees on weekdays).

12.30 p.m.: Have lunch at Bukhara ( ITC Maurya hotel, Diplomatic Enclave, Sadar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Phone: 11 26112233. ), about 10 minutes drive away. Possibly the most famous restaurant in India, sumptuous Northwest Frontier tandoori cuisine is served from its open-fronted kitchen. US presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have even dined there.

2 p.m. : To learn about the life of controversial late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her family, who are often likened to America's Kennedys, drive about 20 minutes to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum ( 1 Safdarjung Road, New Delhi . Open from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Monday ) It occupies part of the place where she lived and was assassinated in 1984. (Entry fee: Free for all).

4 p.m.: End the day at the stately National Museum ( Janpath, near Connaught Place. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily except Monday ), about 5 minutes drive away. The museum was established in 1949, and is one of the oldest and largest in India. Its collection mainly consists of ancient sculptures and artwork from the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan period), dating as far back as 2,500 BC, up to the 20th century. (Entry fee: 650 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians).

In the Evening

If you don't want to exclude Delhi's grungy backpacker district, Paharganj , from your trip then spend the evening checking it out. It's situated roughly between Old Delhi and Connaught Place, opposite New Delhi Railway Station. Once a major stop on the 1970s Hippie Trail, it's still an engrossing place for people watching (if you're not bothered by the congestion and cacophony). The Main Bazaar ( closed Mondays ) is lined with shops selling almost everything you can think of, from incense to export-surplus stock. There are also some inexpensive but decent restaurants where you can have dinner.

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Home » Asia » India » Delhi

INSIDER DELHI ITINERARY for 2024

Delhi is an incredible, crazy city bursting with flavors, color, and beautiful chaos! Spend busy days exploring historic mosques and ancient temples. Make your way through vibrant markets – some of the oldest and largest in the world. Your days will be full to the brim!

We’ve put together a Delhi itinerary that takes you to all the best that this city has to offer. Learn about India’s rich history and the many fascinating religions that make up Delhi culture. Taste deliciously unique cuisines, and embrace the local traditions!

With tips on how to stay safe and enjoy the city to the utmost, you simply can’t go wrong. These are the best places to visit in Delhi.

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Best Time To Visit Delhi

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It’s easy to decide when to visit Delhi ! The city is the kind of holiday destination you definitely want to visit in the shoulder seasons, spring and fall. Spring (February – March) is sunny and pleasant without getting too hot. Fall (September – December) is similarly lovely!

Like most places you’ll encounter while backpacking India , Delhi doesn’t even really have a winter. It has a monsoon season (July – mid-September) and in this period, the weather is wet, humid and hot. Unless you’re used to this kind of weather, we recommend you avoid traveling during this time, as it can get very uncomfortable!

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Still, most of the year is very hot and full of sunshine. Tourists travel to Delhi anytime between October and March, when all the heavy rains are gone, temperatures are milder, and the land is lush and beautiful.

Weekends in Delhi are little different to the rest of the week, and more attractions are closed on a Monday than over the weekend.

Deciding where to stay in Delhi can be tough as the city is so damned big. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, find accommodation in Lajpat Nagar. This colorful neighborhood is where you’ll find the sprawling, busy, brightly colored Central Market, one of Delhi’s greatest markets and one of the stops on our Delhi itinerary!

Situated in South Delhi, this is a great place to have as your home-base. It’s close to everything, and you’ll never be more than a few steps away from some great restaurants and bars, as well as family-run eateries and unique stores. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it’s always busy! But if you’re looking to meet people and have loads of fun, you’re sure to do that here.

For something a little more secluded (a tough feat on any day in Delhi), the best place to stay in Delhi, is Lodhi Colony. This neighborhood is a little more upscale, as well as quieter! This was the last residential area built during the British reign and has a unique and special atmosphere. There’s a lot to see and enjoy here but in a more peaceful environment.

Other great neighborhoods are Old Delhi, where you can connect with the city’s history and enjoy quirky shops, beautiful architecture, and Hauz Khas Village. This neighborhood is where you can experience Delhi’s medieval history!

So, as you can see, there are a great many fantastic options for your vacation in Delhi. Just be sure to stay central if you only have 3 days in Delhi!

Best Hostel in Delhi – Hostel Smyle Inn

Located in the heart of Delhi, Hostel Smyle Inn is walking distance from many of our stops! It’s a simple, charming family-run hostel with a history of great value. Free breakfast and high-speed internet add to the comfortable rooms. If you’re looking for a more affordable option and terrific value for money, this is your best bet!

Best Airbnb in Delhi: Comfy condo with outside space

A cosy space with lots of natural light and a timeless view will help you feel situated in no time. Besides your room, you have access to a bathroom (with shower), living room and kitchen. There is also a small garden, shared with the neighbours, that you can use!

Is this amazing Delhi Airbnb booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our Best Airbnbs in Delhi  guide!

Best Budget Hotel in Delhi – Hotel Sky

Hotel Sky is a great budget hotel with all the amenities and a terrific location. In addition to cozy rooms, you can enjoy the in-house restaurant, free parking, and a terrace! You can also take advantage of the room service and currency exchange. It’s a terrifically convenient accommodation choice, perfect for families and couples.

Best Luxury Hotel in Delhi –  The Imperial

Beautiful decor and luxurious facilities, The Imperial is one of Delhi’s top hotels. Relax in the pool or with the world-class spa facilities! The hotel has seven restaurants, yoga classes, a book shop, and babysitting services. It is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while remaining close to all the action.

The best way to get around the city is with the Delhi Metro. It’s quicker than every other mode of transport, and cheaper too. The trains come every 5-10 minutes, and the first coach is always reserved for women. So if you’re a woman traveling Delhi alone, you can chill comfortably here.

Be prepared for crammed coaches during rush hours, which differ according to the day! If you want to avoid the coach at these times, Delhi also has that handy world-wide app, Uber. If you don’t want it to get too pricey, you can even get an Uber Pool.

Of course, one of our favorite ways to get around any city is by walking. Stroll between the stops that are close together, and experience much more of the city than you would any other way! You’ll see so many interesting and exciting things as you explore by foot.

You can grab a city map at your accommodation, and plot out your Delhi itinerary stops before you set off. And if your feet get tired at any point of the day, hail a rickshaw, and experience another of Delhi’s cultural icons as you head for your next stop!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Old Delhi | Spice Market | Tomb of Safdarjung | Qutub Minar | Rashtrapati Bhavan | India Gate

Wondering what to do in Delhi? We’ve got all the best for you. The majority of day 1 in Delhi is spent in the most historic part of the city, Old Delhi! Explore the structures which have formed Delhi, and enjoy the vibrancy of markets and mosques.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Stroll through Old Delhi

• Why it’s awesome: It’s where you can enjoy the epitome of traditional Indian culture and liveliness!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: One of the many great eateries where you can enjoy some local favorites is Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala

Founded in 1639 as a walled city, Old Delhi is a treasure trove of historic attractions and beautiful little details. It’s always bustling and colorful, the streets winding through gorgeous architecture and urban areas!

One of India’s best-known traditional urban environments, you’ll learn more about India, both contemporary and historic, right here. A number of our stops are in the area, but we suggest you start day 1 in Delhi strolling through and having a look around! It’s chaotic and jam-packed, loads of fun, as long as you’re ready for a crowd.

Once named Shahjahanabad and the capital of the Mughal empire, it was filled with mansions, mosques, and gardens. It remains Delhi’s symbolic heart, and there’s always something going on.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Do some spice shopping at Khari Baoli

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the world’s biggest spice markets
• Food nearby: Grab something from the incredible street food stalls

After exploring the greater Old Delhi, head over to Asia’s best and biggest spice market! If you’re spending more than 2 days in Delhi, and you plan on doing your own cooking, you should definitely try a few spices! Many of these you will find nowhere else. You can also grab some dried fruit and unusual snacks to enjoy on the rest of your two days in Delhi.

It’s an immersive experience and a sensory overload, you’ll want to smell everything! You’ll want to taste everything too, but don’t try that. You can, however, take lots of photos, and barter with the tradespeople. Many of whom have run these stalls for generations.

This vast market has been operating since the 17th century, a historic part of Delhi culture. It may be just a market, but it’s an authentic Indian experience you won’t forget anytime soon!

Insider Tip: The market is closed on Sundays, and runs from 10 am to 8 pm. We’ve made it our second stop so that you’re here before the crowds and the heat of midday!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Visit the Tomb of Safdarjung

• Why it’s awesome: Peaceful, monumental and lovely, it’s the perfect stop after all that exciting busyness
• Cost: $2 USD
• Food nearby: If you don’t feel like street food, visit the nearby Sugar Blossoms for sweet treats and a boutique feel

Displaying the grandeur of the Mughal era, this iconic tomb was built in 1754 and houses Nawab Safdarjung. It was the last monumental tombs and garden from the Mughals, a sandstone and marble mausoleum!

One of the things we love about this tomb is how relatively small the crowds tend to be! It’s beautiful and historic, but it was only recently renovated, leaving it rather unknown to tourists. So you can stroll slowly through and admire the artistry without the crowds you’ll find at most Delhi attractions! This makes it the perfect stop after the bustling market.

The tomb itself is nestled in a square garden with a lovely garden, a library, and pavilions. Catch your breath here and relax on the grass before setting off to the next stop on your Delhi itinerary!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Explore Qutub Minar

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the most famous Delhi points of interest, and for good reason!
• Cost: $7 USD
• Food nearby: For something a little different, enjoy a late lunch at the Armenian restaurant, Lavaash By Saby!

Built in the 13th century, this curious tower dominates the nearby skyline. 73-meters high, the tower is made up of alternatingly angular and rounded flutings. It’s surrounded by two historic mosques, one of which is the oldest in Northern India!

It was built as a victory tower and is made up of red sandstone recycled from various temples. It’s one of the most popular Delhi points of interest, and an absolute must-see.

A lot has happened with this unique tower. Three floors were added years after its construction, and at one point, lightning struck and broke off the top floor!

There is not even certainty about who it’s dedicated to – a Sufi saint, the father-in-law of the man who commissioned it, or the muezzins who used it for the call to prayer. But whatever it’s dedicated to, it’s a beautiful and impressive monument to India’s rich and colorful history!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – See the presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the presidential palace, with so much to see and famously beautiful gardens
• Cost: $1 USD per circuit
• Food nearby: Grab some Indian comfort food at the nearby MP Club & Canteen South Avenue

For something a little more modern but just as ornate and beautiful, visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan! Built for the Viceroy of India, this massive mansion is an experience of Indian stateliness and wealth – something you may see little of in contemporary Delhi.

The mansion has a full 340 floors! It also has 190 acres of curated garden you could get lost in. you can join tours in 3 circuits of the mansion – one of the main building, one of the museum, and one of the extensive gardens. You can choose what you’re most interested in and enjoy a tour of that, or join them all!

The gardens, in addition to curated spaces, include forest, parks, wilderness, and water bodies! You’ll see peacocks sauntering about, and other small animals and birds.

The museum includes invaluable artifacts of Indian heritage, art and culture! The mansion, of course, includes ornate halls, a massive library, and drawing rooms. There’s just so much to see!

If you’re spending the weekend in Delhi, you can even watch the changing of the guards, a tradition that remains from British rule. Timings for this change, so ask at the desk when you arrive or check for your dates!

Insider Tip: The three circuits are closed on Mondays, and with the exception of the museum circuit, on Wednesday too. Be sure to plan your Delhi itinerary around this!

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Marvel at India Gate

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an impressive monument in a lovely area
• Food nearby: Enjoy some fantastic Indian and Mughal cuisine at Gulati Restaurant

The perfect place to end off your first day in Delhi is India Gate! This war memorial is lit up at night – which is likely when you’ll see it, considering how full your day is! It stands as a memorial for the British Indian Army soldiers who died in WWI and the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

There are over 13,000 names inscribed on the gate. There is also a flame continuously burning as a memorial to the unknown soldier, all the men who died in battle, whose names are not marked down. It’s a beautiful memorial to a difficult time in human history, and one everyone will appreciate and respect.

Reflecting the styles of the Arc de Triomphe and older Greek memorial gates, the India Gate has put a unique twist on the style and is something all its own. Watch the sunset behind it and the lights go on to illuminate the structure!

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Chhatarpur Temple | Akshardham Temple | Hauz Khas | Humayun’s Tomb | Lotus Temple | Red Fort | Chandni Chowk

On the second of your 2-day itinerary in Delhi, explore both modern and historic landmarks in the newer part of the city. End the day off with a visit to one of the world’s biggest market roads! Many of the stops can even be explored on a self-guided Delhi walking tour.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Visit Chhatarpur Temple

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an icon of Delhi, massive, calming and impressive
• Food nearby: Get a casual, cozy breakfast at Dilip Momos

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Katyayani, this magnificent temple is the perfect way to start day 2 in Delhi! It’s surrounded by trees and greenery, with a terrifically peaceful atmosphere – particularly, first thing in the morning!

There are many beautiful statues of the Hindu gods and goddesses in the temple. Walk through the temple grounds and enjoy the scenic calm.

The structure is very unusual, made almost entirely from marble. It is also one of the largest temples in the world! A full 60 acres with over 20 temples. You can spend hours here, but we recommend limiting yourself to 2-hours.

Be sure to explore the surrounding area a little! It’s an important biodiversity area, with lakes, exotic vegetation, and season waterfalls.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Walk through Akshardham Temple

• Why it’s awesome: This is the biggest and best temple complex in India
• Food nearby: You can find something yummy at the Akshardham Complex Food Court

Akshardham sits on the banks of the river, an extensive complex with much more than a temple. The name means ‘divine abode of god’, and that high title is certainly reflected in the temple’s perfection and massive expense.

Spend hours here, exploring the themed gardens, a boat ride that takes you through the cultural history of Delhi, and watching a water show.

The main attraction, of course, remains the temple. Incredibly decorated, the pink sandstone and marble are carved with dancers, deities, animals, and plants.

You’ll also find over 100 life-sized elephant statues on the temple grounds! It’s an experience totally unlike any other temple pilgrimage, unique and wondrous.

Visit the hall of values to see life-size robotic displays of the life of Swaminarayan (the temple’s main deity). Stroll along the lake and explore Bharat Upavan, a garden filled with bronze sculptures of deities and others.

Insider Tip: Like many of the stops on our Delhi itinerary, the dress code here requires covered legs till the knee, and arms to the elbow. But if you aren’t dressed appropriately, a free sarong is available, so you don’t have to miss it!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Enjoy the peace at Hauz Khas Complex

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an enchanting medieval village and mosque, completely different from the more contemporary stops
• Food nearby: Get some tea and cake at the quaint, kitsch Elma’s teashop and cafe

For a greater feel for historic India, visit the Hauz Khas Complex! This 13th-century village is the perfect place to see how people lived here during Medieval times. It’s relatively unknown, so you’re likely to spend your visit exploring with only a few others in a peaceful environment.

The complex includes a medieval seminary, a mosque, and a stone water tank. The lush wild garden compliments the historic structures, and makes you feel like you’re walking somewhere magical.

Insider Tip: The complex is closed to visitors every Monday, so if you’re here on this day, give this stop a skip. It’s better to visit over a weekend in Delhi.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Stop at Humayun’s Tomb

• Why it’s awesome: It’s gorgeous, the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal!
• Cost: $9 USD
• Food nearby: Get some tasty late-afternoon kebabs at Yaseen kabab Corner

Built in 1570, this tomb has a great deal of cultural significance in India! It was the first garden-tomb in the country, and had a huge influence on architecture and style throughout the centuries.

The tomb is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has undergone extensive restorations to ensure that we can still visit it and admire the historic splendor for generations!

This is such a great place to take photos, and at the time you’ll be visiting (late afternoon), it is relatively quiet. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the history and influence of Humayun’s Tomb. Or just explore the grounds on your own and admire the beauty!

If you later visit the Taj Mahal, a stop here is even more important. You’ll really be able to see how this mausoleum inspired the later one. It’s the beginning of the Mughal architectural style that culminated in that iconic place!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Pray at the Lotus Temple

• Why it’s awesome: A really unique design and joyful environment
• Food nearby: Enjoy a good meal and drinks at The Flying Saucer Cafe

This impressive and unique place is a wonder to visit! 27 marble flower petals make up the unusual structure, designed after the sacred lotus. It is a religious worshipping grounds for all faiths, so you can choose to pray there with people from all over the world and all religions!

If you do choose to go inside, you’ll get a quick brief on what to do – primarily, be quiet and respectful. You’ll also leave your shoes behind in a secure room. If you don’t, just take it in from the outside, and get a few shots!

Insider Tip: Like many of the stops, the Lotus Temple is closed on a Monday – when planning a trip to Delhi, we suggest you book your dates around this day. A weekend in Delhi is much better.

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Admire the Red Fort

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the top Delhi landmarks, massive and ornate
• Cost: $4 USD
• Food nearby: Enjoy a laid-back meal at Abdul Ghani Qureshi Kabab

Also called Lal Qal’ah, this Mughal fort complex is one of Delhi’s top attractions! It’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and should not be missed when touring Delhi!

Stroll through palaces and canals, baths, entertainment halls, ornate gardens and a beautifully decorated mosque – all in the Red Fort Complex! It’s a beautiful fusion of cultures and architectural traditions and is considered the peak of Mughal creativity.

It’s the perfect next stop, just a short walk away from the Tomb! You could spend the whole day here, exploring the different structures and gardens and admiring the little details. But since there’s so much to see in just 2 days in Delhi, we recommend a visit of 2-3 hours!

Day 2 / Stop 7 – Shop and eat at Chandni Chowk

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a massive, exciting market you could spend hours and hours exploring
• Food nearby: Get some traditional Indian ice cream at Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale

End off day 2 in Delhi on the perfect note. It’s one of our favorite stops on the 2-day itinerary in Delhi! Right opposite Red Fort you’ll find this long busy street, one of the oldest and greatest markets in the city.

Chandi Chowk is a full-day market, but we love it in the evening when the atmosphere shifts and the bustling daytime visitors give way to the nighttime crowd.

This massive outdoor market has some of the best and most well-priced fabrics and Indian clothing you’ll find in Delhi! In fact, it has everything. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.

It’s always crowded, so be prepared to nudge through some people when necessary. You’ll find huge bargains here, and some incredible food! Many of the stalls have been run by the same family in the same place for over 100 years. It’s an experience in tradition and changing culture.

Insider Tip: Keep cash on you! You’re not likely to find a card machine here, and you don’t want to miss out. Just make sure your bag is always closed and on the front of your body.

Hostel Smyle Inn

Located in the heart of Delhi, Hostel Smyle Inn is walking distance from many of our stops! It’s a simple, charming family-run hostel with a history of great value.

• Free Breakfast

Lodhi Gardens | Food Tasting Tour | Tuk-Tuk/Rickshaw Tour | National Museum | Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

There’s still a lot to see in Delhi! So if you’re spending more than 2 days here, that’s wonderful. Our 3-day itinerary in Delhi has got you covered, to see everything possible!

Lodhi Gardens

• The gardens stretch for 90 acres!
• Historical monuments and ruins dot the extensive park
• The monuments are from the 14th-17th centuries, and everything is well-maintained

Developed by the British as a landscaped setting for the various monuments within it, Lodi Garden is gorgeous! It was once named Lady Willington Park but was renamed Lodhi Garden, after one of India’s great dynasties, when India gained its independence.

The garden is a lovely place to stroll and enjoy a picnic! Flowers line the walkways, and a great many trees stretch up to compete with the tall monuments.

The monuments in the garden are open to visitors, so you can explore them and admire the historic architecture and detail. You can even join a tour, and learn about the various structures from a local guide.

Be sure to bring your camera, and try to go early or late in the day! At these times, hardly anyone will be here. You can enjoy the monuments in silence, and get some exquisite photos with no one in sight!

The garden feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. It is located squarely in one of New Delhi’s busiest areas, but once you step in that green expanse, it feels immediately as if you are in the countryside. A countryside dotted with precious monuments and tombs!

Old Delhi Street Food Tasting Tour

• Experience the city in a unique way, tasting local street foods and snacks
• Travel by rickshaw and explore Delhi’s winding streets
• Enjoy a trip to the spice market and try new things

The best food tour in Delhi is definitely a street food tour! Indians enjoy many of their meals from street food stalls – they’re a huge part of the culture here. As such, it’s a great way to experience and learn about local life!

You can either tour the street food stalls yourself and give everything that looks exciting a go. Or you can join a guided tour and try what’s considered the best of the Delhi street food scene! Either option is great, and very different.

It’s a fully immersive experience, and you’ll move through the bustling market tasting sugary jalebis and famously good Dahi Vada ! Learn about the neighborhood’s history and traditions, both food-related and otherwise. India has such a unique and unusual cuisine history!

Thankfully, there’s just as much for vegetarians to enjoy as meat-eaters. However, if you do choose to tour the market yourself, consider avoiding meat, as food poisoning can occur. If you  join a tour, rest assured they choose their stops carefully with hygiene in mind.

Jump on a rickshaw and explore the area, traveling through the narrow streets with your enthusiastic local guide and a small group!

Or, if you go it alone, we still recommend you jump on a rickshaw! Just ask the rider to take you around the old walled city while you do a bit of digesting.

Old Delhi: 3-Hour Tuk-Tuk/Rickshaw Tour

• Explore all the main highlights of Old Delhi
• Ride past bazaars and temples in a tuk-tuk or bicycle rickshaw
• You’ll even participate in a community kitchen where you can get back and learn more about contemporary India

This is such a great way to see the city! Explore the historic Old Delhi on a rickshaw/tuk-tuk . The rickshaw has been a part of Indian transport for centuries and is one of the absolute best ways to experience Delhi.

Sit back and relax while your tour guide and rider shows you the sights and tells you a bit about their history and importance! Stop and find something beautiful at the market, and enjoy how your guide navigates the busy crowd to bring you comfortably through.

You’ll want your camera on this tour!

Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s largest mosque and a stop not yet on your itinerary for Delhi! This beautiful structure was built in 1650, and has remained one of India’s most massive mosques all these centuries. You’ll have time to tour the mosque a little before setting off to your next stop.

Ride through the largest spice market in Asia (and an earlier stop on your Delhi trip itinerary), Khari Baoli. You’ll even get to volunteer, if you choose to, at the langar, community kitchen service.

It’s a great way to experience India. Not only will you experience more of the local culture and way of life. You’ll also learn about Delhi’s history, and about the tenets of the various religions in this city, like Sikhism and the Jain religion!

National Museum of New Delhi

• Brilliant displays of historic artifacts, artworks, statues and sculptures
• The museum covers Indian history from ancient times until now
• Carefully curated, with great facilities and helpful staff

We’ve saved this incredible stop till now because you’d be best served by spending a full day here! The museum is a wonderful experience, with so many exhibitions, and all well-maintained.

India’s history is so vastly different to the more commonly known western societies. The art, cultures, religions and belief systems that have thrived here are unique, complex and beautiful. Celebrate and learn about them here, where you can find a wealth of knowledge in all fields!

Experience the artifacts at the museum’s Tactile Experience display! Created specially for the blind, the gallery has tactile replicas of some of the museum’s most interesting artifacts. So for once, you can touch what’s on display!

The jewelry display is exquisite, and the arms and armor gallery has so many artifacts, the like of which you’ll find nowhere else! The Central Asian Antiquities has over 12 000 objects from the 3rd to the 12th century AD – gathered from the Silk Roads.

India has such a rich history, with so many empires and dynasties holding power and influencing the culture and way of life. The opportunity to actually see the things used in war, and in everyday life back then, is truly wonderful. Especially after seeing the many incredible structures on your 3-day itinerary in Delhi!

Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

• A beautifully peaceful place in the heart of Delhi
• Delhi’s most impressive and stunning Sikh religion temples
• Open 24/7, you can visit here at any time of day

Famous for its unique spirituality, hospitality, and gorgeous architecture, Sri Langa Sahib Gurudwara is a wonderful place to visit. Particularly for spiritual people. You can join the Sikhs in prayer at any time of day, or simply admire the beauty of it, and the friendliness you’re faced with.

The atmosphere here is incredibly warm and friendly. The people are always happy to help in any way. You can even enjoy some free halwa!

While Sikhism is a relatively unknown religion, it’s the fifth-largest religion in the world, with about 28 million followers! This means that this temple is often very busy, as it is a holy site of pilgrimage.

Sikhs believe in one God, but also in karma and reincarnation! It’s a fascinating religion, and one you can learn a lot about here. This stop isn’t for everyone, but anyone interested in spirituality and religion, as well as human kindness, will love it!

Of course, you can also simply admire the unique architecture, the marble facade, and the golden minarets! It’s a beautiful structure that emanates warmth and can always be relied on to bring a little peace.

Is Delhi Safe? Well, Delhi has a few safety issues to keep in mind so that you can be sure to enjoy your holiday to the fullest! Firstly, the very crowded areas are places where pickpockets thrive, like in every city. Delhi just has more crowded areas than many others.

So keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep your wallet in your front pocket rather than the back. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or anything too expensive-looking that can easily be grabbed!

Another issue is the congestion on the roads. This is one of the reasons we recommend using the metro, as traffic is a serious problem! More than that though, you need to be very careful when crossing the street.

Unfortunately, Delhi is not an especially safe place for women traveling alone – rape and sexual assault is pretty common. If you do choose to travel alone, avoid empty streets even during the day. At night, take extra care. Make sure your transport home is safe and reputable. Also be sure to watch your drinks.

If you arrive in Delhi and your taxi driver says the hotel you ask to go to is dangerous or closed, get out or ask to be taken to the place you said. Known as touts , these men are almost always trying to take you to a hotel where they earn commission on your stay.

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The day trips from Delhi take you to some of the most beautiful places in India! Leave the bustling city behind and explore the more rural side of India. And of course, you have to see the Taj Mahal!

Akshardham: Exhibition, Light and Water Show with Transfers

Visit Akshardham Temple outside of Delhi city and experience the splendor of Delhi’s Hindu decor and decadence! You’ll learn about Hindu gods and goddesses, and the unique spirituality that still dominates Indian culture.

Explore the gorgeous gardens and see 20,000 gods and goddesses carved into the majestic temple. You can then watch the night-time light and water show, with the temple as the backdrop! This show depicts Hindu values like morality, perseverance and family harmony in a unique and beautiful way.

Board a boat and pass through a display of all of India’s greatest contributions to the world! It is a truly unique and immersive day trip from Delhi.

Private Taj Mahal & Agra Tour from Delhi by Car

Of course, no visit to Delhi and India is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal! This ivory-white marble mausoleum was built in 1632 to house the favorite wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan , and is now one of the new seven wonders of the world!

Explore this iconic monument in the early morning, before the crowds get too big. Then move onto the Taj Mahal’s sister-monument, the immense Agra Fort!

It’s an incredible way to spend the day, enjoying these historic monuments and relaxing outside of the city. See a bit of rural India, and have lunch in Agra.

Delhi and Agra 2-Day Tour with Taj Mahal Sunrise

This tour is for those who only have a few days to spend in India! You’ll spend day 1 stopping at the best sites in Old and New Delhi before leaving for Agra.

Agra is a smaller city near Delhi, famous for, you guessed it, the Taj Mahal. There are some hostels in Agra if you want to extend a day trip.

The best part of this tour is that you can see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The white marble blushes pink, and the crowds are as small as they’ll ever be. You may even get a picture without anyone else in sight!

Spend the day much like in the last tour suggestion, exploring the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and relaxing in expansive gardens.

Jaipur Private Day-Trip by Car or Train

Visit the ‘pink city’ on one of the best day trips from Delhi! Jaipur is enchanting, and distinctly different from Delhi, making it the perfect place to see next. You can catch a train and watch the countryside pass by, or enjoy private transfer.

Once you’re in the city, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s top attractions! These include the Palace of Winds, designed for royal ladies to look out and not be seen. They also include the enchanting Water Palace, the Amer Palace, and the City Palace, which make up the center of Jaipur !

It’s a full day of touring, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel tired and happy.

Customized Private Day Tour of Delhi

If you’re traveling with anyone who only has one day in Delhi, then this is the perfect tour. You’ll set off on a full-day excursion, and pick all the stops in a personalized itinerary for Delhi.

Choose between museums and mosques, temples, markets and ancient complexes. You may not be able to fit our whole Delhi itinerary into a day, but you can certainly visit all your favorite stops!

Your local guide can either accompany you and tell you about your various stops, or simply transport you between places and allow you to enjoy your romantic day without stress or concern.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Delhi itinerary.

How many days are enough for Delhi?

3-5 days in Delhi are ideal if you want to see all of the top sights. Any extra days are a bonus – allowing you to take your time or head out on day trips.

What should you include on a 3 day Delhi itinerary?

Make sure to include these top attractions on your Delhi itinerary: – Old Delhi – Khari Baoli – Tomb of Safdarjung – Lotus Temple

Where should you stay in Delhi if you have a full itinerary?

Lajpat Nagar is the best place to base yourself if you’re only spending a short time in Delhi. Located in South Delhi, its central location means you’re only a short away from top attractions.

Is Delhi worth visiting?

Sure is! From vibrant markets to eccentric architecture and ancient temples, Delhi is a treat for all the senses.

Whether you’ve got just a weekend in Delhi, or weeks, you can use this Delhi itinerary to make sure you tick off all the best sights and attractions in the exciting capital city!

There is so much to enjoy about this city. The vibrant culture is phenomenal, and you’ll always hear laughter and singing – not to mention intense bargaining. The historic monuments are so unlike western attractions, unique and outrageously graceful.

You’ll learn much as you go along, and gain a new appreciation for India, its many struggles, and the people who persevere and make it beautiful.

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes! As well as a good camera – Delhi is a photographer’s dream. But really, with so much color, life, and free access to all the best monuments (can you believe?) it’s any backpackers dream!

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Suzanne Borders

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How to Spend Three Perfect Days in Delhi: An In-Depth Itinerary

A lot of people despise Delhi.

Let’s face it: this city doesn’t have the best of reputations.

Delhi is polluted, congested, dirty, smelly, loud, and scams are rampant. The air is toxic to breathe, there’s non-stop hassle to deal with, and the sheer number of people can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s maddening at times. 

Am I selling this city to you yet?

Because there’s just as much to love about it. In fact, Delhi is one of my favourite cities on the planet, and I fell for it from the moment I stepped foot on its busy streets.

You’ve got its fantastic food scene, the lush parks, the incredible architecture, the blend of cultures, the city’s long and fascinating history, and the fact that it’s unlike anywhere else on earth. And there’s so much beauty in amongst the challenges.

Plenty of first-time visitors to India’s capital hear about Delhi’s reputation and decide to duck in and out of the city as quickly as possible. 

I think they’re making a big mistake by doing so.

Even if it’s your first time in India and you’re feeling intimidated, don’t skip over Delhi . This city has so much to offer its visitors, and I’d suggest allocating at least three days to exploring.

Today’s post is going to be an itinerary for how to spend three days in Delhi, a list of the best places to see in Delhi, a photo essay, and a love letter to this frenetic yet wonderful city. 

Let’s get started.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Delhi?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Delhi.

Well, there are three main areas in the city.

You’ve got crumbling, chaotic Old Delhi, once the magnificent walled city of Shahjahanabad in the 17th century. This area is all about the culture shock, with so many sights and sounds and smells to absorb at once.

There’s New Delhi, which was created by the British when they decided to build a new capital in India — this part is all about the gleaming buildings, government structures, and a sense of a little more order.

And to the south, you’ll find South Delhi — an upmarket residential neighbourhood that’s calmer, quieter, and leafier than the rest of the city.

All three areas have so much to offer up to visitors.

It therefore makes sense to devote at least one day to each of these three distinct areas. I recommend spending your first day in town wandering through Old Delhi, your second day marvelling at New Delhi, and your third day unwinding in South Delhi. 

It’s going to make for the perfect introduction to the city. 

Day One: The Best Time to Explore Old Delhi!

When you picture the commotion and cacophony of Delhi, you’re most likely thinking of Old Delhi.

I recommend spending a full day in this area, allowing your senses to be attacked as you dodge rickshaws and motorbikes and thousands of people, avoiding cows and goats and dogs as you wander down narrow alleyways, smelling incense and street food and, um, things that are a little less pleasant. 

There’s nowhere on earth quite like Old Delhi.  

Start your day, though, by heading to the Red Fort when it opens. Without the crowds of tourists, it’ll bring about a peaceful start to a day that’s likely to be anything but.   

Built from sandstone in the 1600s and originally used as a residence for Mughal emperors, the inner structures have since been plundered and destroyed, yet it’s still worth visiting.

Despite being right in the heart of Delhi, it’s surprisingly calming to wander through this large area of green space, and it makes for a tranquil introduction to the city’s architecture. 

Jama Masjid is just a 15-minute walk away from the Red Fort, so it’s the next logical stop on a tour of Old Delhi. 

This mosque is one of the largest in Delhi, able to hold a whopping 25,000 people at a time, and is one of the most impressive structures in the city.

One highlight is climbing to the top of one of the minarets for a wonderful view over Old Delhi. It’s so worth doing, even though the staircase is cramped, dark, and daunting to walk up/down.

Watch out for scammers here! There’s plenty of people looking to take advantage of tourists in this area. You’ll have to pay to hire robes, no matter how covered up you are, pay for a camera permit, and somebody will undoubtedly take your shoes off you and ask for a tip for keeping them safe when you return. 

Venture next to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Gandhi that’s worth visiting, despite looking understated compared to everything you’ll have seen so far. Of course, its simplicity is the point. 

Raj Ghat is a 30-minute walk from Jama Masjid, but the walk itself isn’t particularly exciting, so feel free to grab a rickshaw or an Uber to get there.

The memorial comprises a small black marble platform with an eternal flame at one end, marking the exact spot where Gandhi’s body was cremated.

Around the memorial, there’s plenty of manicured green space that’s filled with people picnicking and relaxing, and it’s a calming area for meditating, paying your respects, and taking a break from the chaos. 

And believe me, you’re going to want to take that break because your next stop is going to be Chandni Chowk. 

You’ve never been anywhere like Chandni Chowk.

This unbelievable district and market is the heart of Old Delhi and it’s unlike anywhere you’ll have ever been before. The chaos! The traffic! The confusion! The smells! The sounds! 

I couldn’t get enough of it. 

Most of the time, you’ll have no idea where to even walk, as there’s zero opportunity to just stand and soak it all in. Instead, everybody will be swarming around you, moving, moving, moving, and sounding their horns to get you moving, too.

There was always something fascinating to see, as the video below illustrates.

As you walk the alleys of Old Delhi, you’ll be overcome by an odd, dizzying sensation, where you feel as though you don’t belong and you have no idea what’s happening. You’ll wonder if you’ve stepped foot on another planet.

If you’re anything like me, it’s going to make you feel so alive. 

Yes, this is somewhere that’s certain to leave you feeling overwhelmed, but it’s somewhere you have to see. It’s somewhere where you’ll want to have your camera to hand, knowing that there’s so much going on but that it’s impossible to capture it in a single frame. 

Still, you’ll have fun trying. 

One of best ways to learn more about Delhi’s food scene is to jump on a street food tour . I recommend the offering from UrbanAdventures .

Diving mouthfirst into a city’s food scene is the best way to get to know a place, and in India, I quickly found I was clueless.

As I’d wandered the streets of Old Delhi earlier that afternoon, I’d quickly realised I had no idea what any of the dishes were. I didn’t recognise a thing! 

That was intimidating.

With fears of Delhi Belly reverberating through my head, I’d been too nervous to go anywhere near the street food through worry that I’d get sick.

When you couple that with not even being able to identify the dishes that were for sale, I was mostly skirting past the stalls with a nervous expression on my face.

That was exactly why I recommend jumping on this tour.

Guided by a charismatic university student who has lived in Delhi her entire life, she’s the perfect person to introduce you to the Delhi food scene. This guide lives for food and she raves over getting to be a street food tour guide and how much she enjoyed eating 10 items a night.

On the tour, you’ll get to sample Indian-style shawarma,  golgappas  (my favourite!), and  bhelpuri . Next, comes the  pao bhajji  and  kulfi-falooda,  and you’ll rounded off our tour with  gulab jamun  (another favourite!) and  jalebi .

In short, this is a phenomenal activity for your first day in the city. You’ll get to explore the markets and stalls with a local, build up your confidence when it comes to eating on the streets, and — of course — sample some of the best food of your life. I’d honestly take this exact tour again because I want to re-eat all of the delicious snacks!

Day Two: It’s All About New Delhi

Hopefully, exploring Old Delhi left you feeling enthralled, but it’s heading to New Delhi that will have you falling for this city. My second day in town was my favourite — I loved everything I saw on this day. 

Up first: Agrasen ki Baoli.

If you’re planning for an extended trip of India, you’ll likely end up coming across stepwells every now and then. They’re exactly what they sound like — wells with steps leading all the way to the bottom, so that you can collect water no matter how far down it is. These days, most of them go unused, and they make for very Instagrammable scenes. Agrasen ki Baoli is right in the centre of Delhi and is supposedly one of the most haunted spots in the city. 

This is a place to grab a few seconds of respite — it’s a spot where locals come to chill out with their friends and chat, and it’s a good destination to spend twenty minutes taking photos and enjoying the ambience. 

Next, head on over to India Gate — it’s a 25-minute walk from the stepwell.

Prepare yourself in advance for a huge number of crowds and selfie-requests here, but it’s totally worth the crush to see such a majestic structure with your own eyes.

India Gate is a war memorial, dedicated to the 70,000 soldiers in the British Indian Army who died fighting in the First World War. It’s full of tourists, schoolkids, and families having picnics, as well as tons of street vendors, but it’s an impressive structure nonetheless. 

You’re going to want to grab an Uber to take you to the next stop, and you should spend the drive preparing yourself to be wowed.

Humayun’s Tomb will likely be one of your biggest highlights of New Delhi. I know it was for me. If you have time to see just one thing in this city, it should be this.

The red sandstone tomb was built in 1570 and was actually the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. It’s such a large complex that you could easily spend several hours there, depending on how keen you are to linger and soak up the atmosphere.

Within walking distance, you’ll find Safdarjung Tomb, a sandstone and marble mausoleum that was constructed in the 1700s. It has a similar vibe to the complex surrounding Humayun’s Tomb, but attracts far fewer people. It’s really worth visiting.

Lodhi Garden is a 10-minute walk away, and don’t you dare think about skipping it.

For a city park, it’s so impressive. I mean, just look at all of those structures! I’ve never seen a park have so many cool buildings dropped right in the middle of it.

By the time you reach the Lodhi Garden, the sun will be setting, which will make the experience all the more magical. You could easily spend a couple of hours walking around the old historic monuments, watching families play cricket, fly kites, and picnic on the grass. 

Now, when you think of great street art, Delhi probably isn’t one of the cities that first comes to mind, but there’s plenty of excellent examples if you know where to look.

I suggest rounding off your day in New Delhi with a stroll through nearby Lodhi Colony: an area of the city that’s been turned into a public art district. There are dozens of enormous colourful murals blanketing the buildings around here, and they’re so much fun to hunt down. 

This area isn’t often visited by tourists, as it’s not very well-known, but it’s more than worth visiting.

Day Three: Explore South Delhi

Round off your time in the city with a relaxing day in South Delhi. It’s undoubtedly been an action-packed trip to the city so far, so if you’re craving a more low-key day, South Delhi is the neighbourhood for you!

This area of Delhi is a chilled-out, green, and peaceful neighbourhood, with little hassle or noise to contend with. It’s a great spot to simply head out for a walk, wander around one of the parks, people-watch on the streets, and check out one of the local cafes. 

There’s also some pretty cool attractions to check out. 

Kick off your explorations of this neighbourhood with an amble around the Lotus Temple, a Sydney Opera House-esque Baháʼí Place of Worship that’s open to anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. There are just seven Bahai temples found in the world, and the white marble Lotus Temple is the only one in Asia. It’s a soothing spot, with nine turquoise pools and lush gardens to wander around. 

Next, take an Uber over to Qutub Minar. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this towering minaret reaches a height of 73 metres and is surrounded by so many interesting ruins and structures.

Don’t skip this attraction! It’s far away from everywhere else in the city, but so worth venturing over to see it.

In the afternoon, if you’re not yet exhausted, head to the PVR Directors Cut cinema to watch a Bollywood movie. This is a luxury cinema in South Delhi, with comfortable chairs that recline, blankets, pillows, air purifiers, and waiters to bring meals to your seat.    

Where to Stay in Delhi

Delhi is a sprawling city and there are so many options for where to stay.

I recommend opting for accommodation in South Delhi. As I’ve mentioned a couple of times already, it’s the calmer, cleaner area of the city, and you’ll be staying in a leafy suburb with less noise and a safer vibe. 

I stayed in  this incredible guesthouse , which absolutely made my stay in Delhi so much better. The welcoming owner did so much for us, from showing us around the local night market to driving us to tourist attractions, introducing us to his favourite breakfast spot, and even making a dozen phone calls when my SIM card wouldn’t activate. It’s one of the best guesthouses I’ve ever stayed in.

How to Get Around Delhi

It’s so easy and so inexpensive. 

You’ll likely arrive in the city just before sunrise, as that’s when most international flights seem to land, so you might be put off by tackling the public transport system. Don’t be! 

I took the metro from Delhi Airport to our guesthouse in South Delhi and it couldn’t have been easier. In the early morning, it’s clean, quiet, calm, and uncrowded. There’s even a women’s-only carriage on all of the trains for all of my solo women out there. 

For getting around the city, I recommend using a mix of Uber and rickshaws. Both are so easy to use and everywhere, so you’ll never have to wait long. I recommend always checking the price on Uber first, so that you have a maximum price for your journey with which to negotiate with the rickshaw drivers. It’s super-inexpensive! I paid just $7 for an hour-long Uber ride across Delhi. When it’s that affordable, there’s no reason not to use it. 

When’s the Best Time to Visit Delhi?

For the majority of my India posts, you’re going to notice that I recommend visiting in winter, but for Delhi, I think early-or-late-winter would be the best time to visit. 

At this time of year, you’re going to avoid the dense fog that rolls in every morning, there won’t be as much smog and pollution in the air, and the temperatures will still be manageable. I’d aim for October/November or February/March. Definitely avoid visiting immediately after Diwali, when the air pollution is always horrendous.

I’d also recommend double-checking when all of the attractions are open. The Lotus Temple is closed, for example, every Monday.

What About Delhi Belly, Tho?

Delhi Belly: my biggest fear. I was absolutely  convinced  I would get food poisoning in India, because doesn’t it happen to everyone?

And yet, it didn’t. Despite eating pretty much anywhere that was serving up delicious-looking food, neither I nor my boyfriend suffered from food poisoning. I believe three things helped keep us safe:

Going vegetarian!  Most of the locals in India are vegetarian — the country has the lowest amount of meat consumption in the world — so we switched over to a meat-free lifestyle, too. Note that I didn’t say plant-based, because you’re also going to want to avoid most fruits and vegetables while you’re in the country, too — especially if they’re uncooked or peeled. 

Hand sanitiser!  Much of what gets written off as food poisoning in India is general contamination from touching surfaces with bacteria on it, and then not washing your hands and touching your mouth. I used hand sanitiser on an hourly basis and took extra care not to touch my face. I also used the hand sanitiser to sterilise any utensils at restaurants, as they could have been washed with dirty tap water.

Pudin Hara!  I’m a total convert to  Pudin Hara  — peppermint oil capsules from India — and take them every time my stomach feels a little unsettled. You can buy them from any pharmacy when you get to India, but you can also pick them up  from Amazon . I took like, a hundred tablets with me, as I took a capsule with every single meal. I fully plan on keeping a large supply of these with me whenever I travel, as they were so life-changingly great at settling my stomach. An added bonus was the deliciously minty burps that overpowered the scent of curry that was emanating from my body. 

And that was Delhi!

I hope my passion for this city came across in this article because I was simply spellbound by Delhi. 

I arrived full of apprehension, expecting to hate it, but left naming it one of my favourite cities in the world. 

I highly recommend giving it a chance.

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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40 comments.

I loved this post so much! I always enjoy your write-ups of different cities around the world, especially when they’re places I’ve always wanted to visit. Did you feel safe in Delhi as a woman btw? Did you get any harassment or anything?

Hey, thanks so much, Justine! I was surprised to feel really safe actually. I even rode in the mixed gender carriage on the metro because I just didn’t experience any harassment at all. There was no groping, no touching, no staring, no unexpected peen reveals, haha. There was harassment from touts and scammers and tuktuk drivers, but nothing that was directed at me solely because I was a woman. Of course I made sure to cover up in order to not draw attention to myself, so that may have helped. But overall, I felt very safe! Would happily spend weeks alone in Delhi, just wandering around.

I confess I’m one of those people who skipped Delhi to go elsewhere, but you’re convincing me I should give it a shot next time. The photos of all of the architecture are so beautiful. Definitely worth a little bit of hassle in order to see it I think.

I absolutely agree. I very nearly skipped Delhi, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Hopefully you’ll get to see it if you return to India :-)

Well I’m sold! Looks absolutely incredible Lauren! I’ve always pictured Delhi as being busy and dirty and stressful, so I had no idea that it had so many beautiful buildings. I’d love to see them for myself one day x

Yes! I was exactly the same. It really is worth pushing through all the hassle to get to see so many of its gems. And, well, I found the hassle to be pretty fun to experience :-)

Lovely post! I haven’t been to India yet, but Delhi sounds like somewhere I’d like to visit, just for a few days as you recommend! It looks amazing.

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that! I hope you do get to visit at some point :-)

Great explanation of your time in Delhi. It reminded me of all the wonderful food we ate while we were there. I never thought I would want to go back, but perhaps your article has inspired me to think about it. Thanks!

Yesss! The food! Well, the food is excellent everywhere in India, but I especially loved it in Delhi.

Beautiful pics indeed. I’m from India and I agree that Delhi is really a mesmerizing place. You just can’t get enough of Delhi. Not only is it historically important but also it holds a lot of architectural wonders.

Yes, exactly! I knew all about the chaos and the pollution before I arrived, but had no idea how architecturally impressive the city would be!

Amazing post! I didn’t think anything or anyone could make me want to visit New Delhi, but here we are! This looks absolutely amazing.

Delhi doesn’t appeal at all, even though you made a convincing case for it. I’d love to see all the buildings but don’t think I could handle the noise and pollution. I think I’d be desperate to leave!

This looks like such a fun three days and the perfect introduction to Delhi. Do you have any more restaurant recommendations for the city to share?

You sell Delhi well Lauren – one of the few people in the world who has successfully managed to make me want to visit. Would you consider spending as much as a week in the city? Maybe even a month? Would it be a good spot for digital nomads? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Great article with detailed research. This is really a great cultural city full of beautiful monuments, You should also visit Akshardham one of the biggest temples in the world.

Really been enjoying your India articles, Lauren. Are you planning on returning to explore some more regions of the country soon?

Any suggestions for how to spend an extra day in Delhi? I’ll have four days and I’m not sure how to fill the extra one in my itinerary. Your post has been very useful, though – thank you!

Great post. unlike the others here you convinced me *not* to travel to Delhi! It looks like too much and I prefer my vacations to be relaxing

THIS is why you’re my favorite travel blogger! You took a destination I had no interest in visiting, wrote a great article, and convinced me to add Delhi to my bucket list. I’m almost eager to embrace the madness of Chandni Chowk!

What a compliment! Thank you so much, Kenny!

Thanks for the great write up Lauren! Delhi has actually never really been on my list of destinations to visit, but now being an expat in Jakarta, I’ve learnt that the hustle and bustle is part of the charm of Asia and one gets used to it. I can only imagine how amazing the food must’ve been. I think 3 days would be enough for me though before I head for refuge in tranquility. Thanks again for the great insights!

Great post. Delhi is a truly awesome city and has so much to see and do. I love visiting India’s capital and one of my favourite spots is Humayan’s Tomb. It’s a great place to visit first thing in the morning.

Amazing blog. I am in Delhi for the past 2-3 months. I am stuck here due to corona. Now, when some things are open. I am looking to travel somewhere else. Well, Nice blog. Thanks for sharing this article :)

I gotta say Delhi was not even on my radar before I read this post, and now I am seriously intrigued. Your experience in Delhi is quite different from what my expectation of the city was. Would you say this is a good place for a family trip with children (around age 10 to 12)?

This phrase that you wrote resonated with me so much: That dizzying feeling when you feel as though you don’t belong and you have no idea what’s happening and you wonder if you’ve stepped foot on another planet?

I do love that feeling and I can only imagine how amazing it would feel to step foot in New Delhi. I can’t wait until we can start travelling again as India is high on my list of places to visit. Thanks for such an in-depth post!

Amazing! Very informative and detailed. India is my dream trip. I feel like it’s calling me but I’m yet to answer it. Hopefully I’ll manage to go once the situation relaxes a bit more. Thank you for this guide as it gave me lots of tips and insights

Lauren, what a post! I am speechless, totally speechless. I am trying to pull words out of my brain and begging them to make it to my fingertips quickly enough so that I don’t forget what I want to type. Let me just say again, it’s a bloody amazing post. I almost feel like I was there too. It’s hard for a post to accomplish that, yet, yours did. Lauren, all your photos and descriptions are mesmerising to say the least, Every word shouts from the screen at me as if saying: ‘Come, come here!’ You seriously inspired me. I have never been to India but now feel like I need to go, badly need to go. I am sorry to kill to the enthusiasm now with a purely practical question, or actually two questions but I really would like to know: 1 What vaccination did you need/have done before travelling? and 2 Did you travel on your own? If so, how did that feel? I have been following you blog for quite some time. Being a travel blogger myself (though just a complete newbie) I absolutely admire and respect your ability to draw the reader into your story and this Delhi post particularly is an exceptionally amazing piece. I will probably go back to it again and again, just to soak up the atmosphere and possibly mentally prepare for that journey myself. Thanks a lot Lauren. Can’t wait for more. And quite honestly, I believe you could have broken it into more posts. I mean Shartaram is a 1000-page book, isn’t it? I certainly wouldn’t get bored if your posts were like this one.

Oh Lauren and one more thing, I am soooo sharing this post. Can’t wait for your next one. Love, Sonia

Fantastic post, Lauren, you have put a great summary of things to do in Delhi!

I have been to Delhi several times and want to go again! Nothing is more rewarding to me than going to the food street near Jama Masjid and try different kind of foods. The Kebab of Kareems or chicken fries of Haji Mohd. Hussain are just heavenly!

Thank you for the post! I’m inspired to visit India the next time around – it’s definitely on my bucket list. I just wished it were dog-friendly since I love traveling with my dog. :(

So happy to know that you loved Delhi. I have been living on and off, in and around Delhi for almost a decade and I just love this city. I am glad that you enjoyed the desserts and street foods as well.

Delhi is exceptional! Thank you for sharing these moments with us

Of course! It’s such a fantastic city :-)

This is awesome! I’m excited to try those street foods out there. That place has a lot of historic events, great views, scenery, and of course watching your video makes me comfortable now to go there since people are so nice. Thank you for sharing this awesome article.

Hi, I love your article. I am from Delhi, and to be honest after reading your post feeling too happy. You have provided a virtual tour of Delhi. Amazing. Keep wandering and keep rocking.

Hi Lauren! Thanks for sharing your experience! I have a quick question. The link for the street food tour doesn’t work. Do you have the contact details of the person to take the tour? I couldn’t find anything similar to it on the internet, and I really want to take it! I’m travelling next week and so excited to live this experience. Thank you for your help!

Hi Natalia! Yes, I noticed that UrbanAdvertures doesn’t seem to be running that tour anymore, which makes me so sad! I hope they’ll bring it back one day. I had a look on GetYourGuide, and there are some similar tours, for example, this tour looks like a good approximation of the one we took, and it has excellent reviews!

I have followed and read about my country from perspectives of a lot of bloggers belonging from different countries and parts. It is funny to find out that our normal Pudhin Hara tablet plays a major HERO role in each of their India Itinerary.

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Fotografie Daniel Osterkamp / Stocksy United

Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colorful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

Best Things to Do

Transportation, attractions, must-see attractions.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

There are extraordinary riches scattered around Mehrauli, with more than 440 monuments – from the 10th century to the British era – dotting a forest and…

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s tomb is sublimely well proportioned, seeming to float above its symmetrical gardens. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it…

Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah

Visiting the marble shrine of Muslim Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya is Delhi's most mystical, magical experience. The dargah is hidden away in a tangle of…

Qutb Minar Complex

If you only have time to visit one of Delhi's ancient ruins, make it this. The first monuments here were erected by the sultans of Mehrauli, and…

Purana Qila

Shh, whisper it quietly: this place is better than the Red Fort. Delhi's 'Old Fort' isn't as magnificent in size and grandeur, but it's far more pleasant…

Tughlaqabad

This magnificent 14th-century ruined fort, half reclaimed by jungle and gradually being encroached on by villages, was Delhi's third incarnation, built by…

Qutab Minar

The Qutab Minar that gives the complex its name is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1193 to…

Akshardham Temple

Delhi's largest temple, the Gujarati Hindu Swaminarayan Group’s Akshardham Temple was built in 2005, and is breathtakingly lavish. Artisans used ancient…

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Delhi Travel Tips: 21 Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Delhi

by Drifter Planet | Sep 19, 2015 | India , Most Popular Blog Posts

If you’re visiting India, most likely your flight will land in Delhi. It is a massive city and can confuse anyone that’s not familiar with it. It is divided into 6 main zones – North, South, East, West, Central and Old Delhi. It has an interesting history – it was destroyed and rebuilt many times, a fact that’s evident in many landmarks all over the city.

I won’t talk about Delhi’s history or popular points of interest in this post. I have a detailed   travel guide to Delhi where you can find all that information and information about 30 amazing places to visit in this city of Djinns. Instead, this post contains some super important travel tips for Delhi and should be read before you visit the city.

Please don’t believe everything that you read on the internet .  I have lived in Delhi for many years and some so called “facts” about the city just make me laugh. This is the first post for Delhi Travel Tips in  Backpacker’s Guide to Delhi. Here’s a list of 21 things that you need to keep in mind while visiting Delhi:

Delhi Travel Tips

01 | when to visit delhi.

Visit Delhi in the months of February, March, October or November. Delhi has unbearable summers and foggy winters so please avoid those seasons. Although Delhi rains are unpredictable, but it usually rains around the months of July and August. Delhi does look beautiful when it rains but the city’s already slow traffic comes to a standstill. It is only in the months of February, March, October or November is when you won’t be uncomfortably hot or cold when you go out to see the city’s heritage sites, like Qutub Minar .

Delhi is at it’s best in February, March, October & November (Delhi Travel Tips)

02 | Language in Delhi

You will not face any language barrier in most of the parts of Delhi. Hindi is the most commonly spoken language in Delhi but most of the locals speak really good English. Even if you meet someone who doesn’t speak English, they will surely understand basic words like no, yes, please, excuse me, sorry, bye and thank you. Learning a few Hindi words and phrases will definitely be an added advantage. Here are some of the most commonly used words:

Bhaiyya – it means big brother and it is commonly used in Delhi to address older men in a friendly way. One can also use the Hindi word  Bhai as “Bro”.

Didi – it means sister, usually older. It is often used in Delhi when addressing an older woman.

Kitne ka hai? – This means “how much is it for” and learning this will help you in case you decide something from a local shop.

App kaise hain? – It is one of the politest ways to ask “how are you?”.

Main theek hoon? – It is a gender neutral way to say “I”m doing well”.

Dhanyaavaad or Shukriya – Both of them mean “thank you”. You don’t really need to remember this because “thank you” or “thanks” is used more commonly in Delhi as compared to the Hindi words.

Thanda – this means cold. This word will surely be useful when you have to buy cold water or drinks.

Garam – it means hot.

03 | Delhi is Very Crowded

Get used to the crowds because Delhi is one of the most populated cities in India. The people of Delhi are called Delhi-ites. It is a melting pot of many different cultures due to a heavy inflow of migrants from all over the country. You can experience many different cultures from all over India in this city.

04 | Nightlife in Delhi

Delhi has a culture of an “early nightlife” because most bars don’t have the permit to remain open post 12:30 am. If you’re planning on buying your own alcohol to drink in your room, ask your Hotel or Hostel staff to guide you to the nearest “Wine and Beer shop”. These shops shut at 10:00 pm.

If you want to experience Delhi nightlife, you can visit the bars around Hauz Khas Village, Khan Market, Connaught Place, DLF Cyber Hub and GK 1 M Block.

05 | Festivals in Delhi

Holi (February or March) and Diwali (October or November) are the most popular Indian festivals and you will surely enjoy celebrating them in Delhi.

Holi is a festival of colors and can be a lot of fun in Delhi but please try to find a local family or a friend who can invite you to celebrate with them. I wrote a detailed article with tips for enjoying Holi in India , do check it out.

Diwali is a festival of lights, fireworks and Puja and it’s one of the biggest festivals of India. The festivities actually last for a month and it is surely fun to be in Delhi around this time. I have so much to say about Diwali that I think I will have to write a separate blog post about it. But in short, you can expect good food, sweets, Diwali Mela (Fair), Dusshera, Diwali parties with card games, fireworks, beautifully decorated houses and more.

Delhi Travel Tips: Diwali in Delhi

06 | Food in Delhi

Delhi has the BEST food. Period. You can find some of the best Mughalai curries, chaat (vegetarian street food), international restaurants and cuisines from all over India.

Make some local friends and get them to take you to their favorite places. Vegetarians and vegans will LOVE Delhi food. I strongly recommends these restaurant chains that are all over Delhi –  Kebab Gali  for Indian curries, Haldiram’s for typical Delhi vegetarian food, Karim’s for Old Delhi style curries, Sagar Ratna for Dosas, Asian Haus for home delivery of Asian food, Sushi Haus for home delivery of sushi, Dee’s Biriyani for Biryanis and Chawla chick inn for Indian curries.

Delhi Travel Tips: Delhi’s Famous Tandoori Chicken in Biryani Inc. Restaurant

07 | Drinking Water in Delhi

ONLY drink bottled water , unless you’re invited to a local resident’s home where they have their own RO (reverse osmosis) filter system. This also applies to ice because tap water ice cubes can make you sick.

08 | Delhi Belly

Have you heard of Delhi Belly? If you’re not from India, most likely you WILL develop a case of “Delhi Belly” in the first week of your visit to Delhi so please carry your diarrhea medicine. It usually lasts for just a day but can last for 2 or 3 in total. Don’t eat melons or papaya if you develop a “Delhi Belly” but curd rice or bananas will help.

09 | Toilets in Delhi

Yes, you need to carry toilet paper in Delhi.  Although most of the hotels have them but some don’t.  Urban India’s method of sanitation is a “water gun” kind of a jet sprinkler that cleans bums efficiently – better than using just  toilet paper. This is called a toilet jet. Try it – you will feel so clean and you won’t ever go back to using only toilet paper after number two.

Delhi Travel Tips: Typical Toilet with a Jet of Urban India

10 | Cultural Shock

Prepare to be shocked. Some aspects of Delhi, such as poverty, beggars, will seriously shock you. It still shocks me and makes me sad whenever I go back to Delhi, even though I have lived there for many years.

You will also see a lot of people throwing trash literally everywhere, so expect to see some dirty sidewalks and streets. I wish there was a way to clean up Delhi because it needs some serious work. Don’t let these things destroy your Delhi experience, so keep your mind open to accept the differences.

11 | Public Display of Affection

Public Display of Affection is not the best idea in many parts of Delhi. However as per my personal experience, holding hands is totally cool. It also depends upon where in Delhi are you because many areas of South Delhi are a little more liberal than the rest of Delhi, so be mindful of where you are.

12 | Negotiating and Prices

Bargain everywhere. The simplest way is to cut the quoted price in half and then negotiate your way to a middle figure. Bargaining works even in big designer showrooms – I did this while buying my wedding attire.

Delhi Travel Tips: Sarojini Market in Delhi – ALWAYS Negotiate for a better price here

13 | Scams in Delhi

Be careful of touts – they’re everywhere!  If you land in Delhi’s international airport, please directly head to the pre-paid taxi booth. If you arrive by train, please be prepared of many touts that will harass you to go to the hotel or hostel that they recommend. Many of them will try to send you to a dingy hostel in Paharganj – don’t!

Delhi has a lot of affordable hostels in better areas that are easily connected via Delhi metro. I get to witness this on many occasions when I travel with San. He’s from Germany and it’s hilarious how the touts always surround him!

14 | Useful Apps for Traveling in Delhi

There is an app called Zomato (and website) that is the SINGLE most useful resource to eating out and to know about the night life in Delhi. You can find information about almost every restaurant, read their menus, check reviews, get an idea about the prices and location coordinates. This is a very useful app because you can get a sense of where to eat and what to order for your budget.

Delhi Travel Tips: Zomato App for Eating out in Delhi by Drifter Planet

Delhi people seriously love their food and enjoy sharing reviews on Zomato and social media along with food photos. If you ever look for Delhi’s popular hashtags on Instagram – #DelhiGram, #SoDelhi, #DelhiDiaries – you will mostly see food.

Another very useful app to survive in Delhi is Ola Cabs and at times it is cheaper than even tuk tuks. I often used to travel by tuk tuks but I now regularly use Ola Cabs whenever I go back to Delhi. It’s because it can be stressful to sometimes find a tuk tuk and negotiate to a decent price.

15 | Delhi Metro is the Best Way to Get Around

The best way to get around is Delhi Metro which connects most parts of Delhi really well.  It has a separate dedicated coach for female passengers, which is usually the first coach. Click here for more information. Additionally, Delhi has a massive fleet of tuk-tuks which are more commonly known as auto rickshaws or just autos for short. Don’t forget to negotiate if you decide to ride one.  For traveling at night, I recommend you avail an app-based taxi service by Ola   Cabs which is I mentioned in the previous post and is tracked by GPS.

Delhi Travel Tips: Delhi Metro, Image from Wikipedia

16 | Get Used to the Stares

People in North India tend to stare a lot.   Please don’t be offended because most of them do this out of curiosity. Get used to it and don’t let this make you uncomfortable. 

A massive chunk of Delhi’s population comprises of migrant labourers, who enter Delhi from the neighboring states every single day to find employment. Many of them come from extremely remote villages with a completely different kind of life as compared to Delhi. For them, seeing extremely modernized Indian women is a massive culture shock. It is even a bigger shock when they see people from other countries. This is why they stare. They don’t mean to be rude at all but they’re curious!

17 | Personal Space

The concept of personal space is almost nonexistent, not just in Delhi but all over India. Whether you’re standing in a queue or traveling in the metro, get used to moving shoulder-to-shoulder.

Delhi Travel Tips: No “personal space”. Image by Reddit

18 | Delhi for Solo Women Travelers

This has been said before many times but I think it is my duty to tell you – dress sensibly and don’t walk around alone at night .  As a thumb rule, try to blend in with the locals and wear what you see them wearing.

It’s completely okay to wear a pair of shorts and walk around in places that are popular among the youth such as Hauz Khas Village, Khan Market, etc. However, wearing the same thing in conservative areas such as old Delhi or train stations will attract unnecessary attention and is almost as good as inviting trouble.

19 | Transport from Delhi Airport

Transport to and from Delhi Airport – Delhi airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) is around one hour away from the main city. If you are a woman traveler and   your flight lands in the middle of the night, it’s a good idea to stay in the airport till early morning (5 am) and then move on to your hostel or hotel. The airport is connected to the main city by Delhi Metro, and the station is right outside IGI Airport’s Gate 4. This metro line runs from 5 am to 11:30 pm.

Alternatively, for safe Delhi airport transfer, you can pre book your ride with Blacklane and have one of their professional drivers pick you up in a luxurious car.

20 | Bug Spray

Carry a bug spray or insect repellent. Although a lot of mosquito bites will only cause you irritation, but some may cause Dengue or Malaria. I have suffered from Dengue once and it was horrible.  If you end up catching any sickness like this – just write to me, I will do the best to help you.

Delhi Travel Tips: Apply Mosquito Repellent in Delhi to avoid diseases like Dengue, Malaria, etc.

21 | Delhi Weddings Are Awesome

Of course, you’ve heard that Indian weddings are big. But you must keep in mind that Delhi weddings are massive. Try to get yourself invited for one while you’re there. Indian weddings don’t really have a major restriction on the guest counts.

How to get yourself invited? Super simple. When you meet the locals, wait for them to mention that their “friend’s friend’s third cousin” is getting married. At that point make a dreamy face and say that you’ve always wanted to see an Indian wedding. That’s it. I bet they will try everything they can to make it possible for you. Psst – if you do end up going then don’t be cheap. Carry a wedding gift that’s useful.

I had a “small” wedding by Delhi standards and it had close to 300 people. Attending a Delhi wedding is a “must do” experience.

Delhi Travel Tips: Try to Attend a Typical Delhi Wedding

Emergency Numbers: 100 for police, 101 for the fire department and 102 for an ambulance.

Closing Thoughts

It is possible to love and hate Delhi at the same time. I recommend you carry your camera around – who knows, you may spot a lazy cow chilling on the road while the rest of the traffic comes to a standstill or a monkey enjoying a motorbike ride with his human friend. Delhi has a lot of interesting sights and it never fails to surprise me even after living here for many years. Stay tuned for more Delhi Travel Tips in the “Backpacker’s guide to Delhi” series for information about where to stay, what not to miss, what to eat and where to drink.

Recommended reading:

The Business Traveler’s Guide to Delhi

Offbeat Things to do in Delhi

Where to visit after Delhi:

Kasol and Parvati valley in the Himalayas

Dharamkot & Dharamshala – India’s little Tibet in Himachal and the residence of the current Dalai Lama

Old Manali – was a part of the original hippie train

Color themed places to visit in Rajasthan

Varanasi – the spiritual capital of India

Jaisalmer  in Rajasthan

Kheerganga  in the Himalayas

Or, you can get on a flight to Goa to enjoy beaches.

For more destinations, check out my India Travel page.

You may also like:

Why Holi is the Most Awesome Festival EVER

51 Reasons Why Life in India is too much fun!

11 Reasons Why I love Goa and Keep Going Back

Related Posts:

28 Comments

I LOVE THIS POST. I LOVED HOW YOU’VE WRITTEN IT TAKING IN ACCOUNT ALL THE POSSIBLE ASPECTS FROM FOOD, BARGAINING, BEGGARS, FESTIVALS TO SAFETY AND PDA.

AWESOME!! 😀

Hehe, thank you! It’s because I lived in Delhi for around 20 years 🙂 😉

Please tell us in which areawe should take hotel and tour delhi

Heading to Delhi this fall and your write up is the best I’ve come across. Thank you.

Thank you Ben. 🙂 Hope you enjoy your time there. Let me know if you need more info, I’ve lived in Delhi for many years.

I have been checking out some of your posts and it’s pretty nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your blog.

Hello…Thank you for the information. it gives me helpful information about Delhi. i will be there soon. i can manage my self based on your information. i will write what i will have seen in Delhi when i will have come back to home land.

Awesome Wende, hope you have fun in New Delhi. 🙂

Hello. I am planning to travel Delhi on October 8′ 2017 and will stay 3 day. Can u help me where can I go in these 3days. Which hotel will be best in budget amount? We are coming by air. We are Bangladeshi. Can u suggest me where can i get bengali foods?

Thank you for information. You provide a detailed information about Delhi. Delhi is the capital city of India. Generally travellers explore Delhi with Golden Triangle tour India which includes three most famous destinations of India i.e., Delhi, Jaipur & Agra.

Well written, you covered almost all the points, but don’t agree much on “Public Display of Affection” point, In comparison to most of the other places in India, I would considered Delhi to be more advanced and liberal. As i have visited several parts of India so i can say this. One also needs to take care from theft in Delhi, especially if you are exploring some less crowded place.

Hi Kundan, glad you think we have covered all the points. In the point about Public Display of Affection in Delhi, we are not comparing it to other parts of India but to other parts of the world. 🙂 We totally agree with you about watching out for thefts. It is sad but true.

Top class article about the capital of India Delhi. keep updating thanks

Good write up!!! I visited Delhi 4 times.It was beautiful. The best one was, my Experience in Delhi airport .I simply loved and memorable too

Yes! you are right Delhi is very crowded city. Delhi is India capital. I found much useful information on this blog. Thanks for sharing this so interesting post! I really want to be thankful for the way you have put it here.

Absolutely great article about Delhi, enjoyed reading it. Delhi is a lovely city, it has always inspired everyone to move ahead in life.

I am so glad I found your blog. A friend and I are travelling to India mainly because of a yoga instructor course in Dharamshala. We are planning on travelling 2 weeks prior. Initially we wanted to get in and out of Delhi right away but your articles has made me want to explore Delhi. Thanks again for that!!! I was wondering if you could give us your expert opinion about the 2 weeks travel route from Delhi to Dharamsala. We prefer to see less places but experience those we go to to the fullest with all the culture, food, nature and people. There is so many places to see but 2 weeks is just too short to see all of it. Could you please give us your recommendations? This is the route. Please let us know if you would add or change a location. Delhi, Agrar, Ranthabore, Haldwani, Rishikesh, Amritsar and Dharamshala.

Many thanks in advance. We appreciate it a lot!!!

Namaste, Angela

Hi Angela, wow I’m super happy that my website inspired you to spend a little time in Delhi too. Yes, two weeks are very short but I will help you make the best of your time. Which month are you visiting India in? My suggestions completely depend on the weather. If you’re visiting in summer, then spending time in Delhi / Agra and Rajasthan will be not so easy. 🙂

If possible, you should cut out one or two places off your list. You can skip Haldwani. From Delhi, you can easily reach Rishikesh on a bus but please book a decent bus – AC Volvo – anything below is going to be a journey from hell. Alternatively, you can also directly take an overnight bus (usually 6 pm to 6 am) from Delhi to Dharamshala (or the nearby backpacker destinations – McLeodganj or Dharamkot ). OR you can take an overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot (look for Dhauladhar Express) and from Pathankot you can take a local bus to Dharamshala / McLeodganj / Dharamkot. Sadly it is not so easy to travel from Rishikesh to Dharamshala. You may have to spend 12 hours in a bus or big money on a taxi.

About Agra and Ranthambore – Agra is in UP and Ranthambore is in Rajasthan state. Normally there is a golden triangle route which is Delhi – Agra – Jaipur (Rajasthan) for people who are visiting India for a very short time and this route is super touristy. My point is – Agra and Ranthambore are in different directions and if google maps say 5 hours, be prepared for even 6 -7 hours because of traffic. 🙂

I hope I have not confused you entirely. I’d highly recommend you remove one or two places from your itinerary so that you have time to enjoy a place without having to worry about your bus / train / taxi the next day. Trust me, when you reach the Himalayas (Rishikesh / Dharamkot, etc), you will not want to leave in just a day. 🙂 Please feel free to ask me more questions or just email me at [email protected]

I am travelling to Delhi on Tuesday, April 24th. I am adopting a little girl. I am so scared!!! Reading your blog has helped me understand Delhi more but I am still worried about so much happening. Can you please send me an email so we could chat. I would appreciate it very much!

Hi Sharla, all the best with the adoption process. So happy to know that our blog helped you a lot. Dropping you a quick email. 🙂 Cheers!

Hey…. just happy to read your blog… me and my friendz have planned to explore Delhi on Saturday June 23. Plz give me more information about rooms at a level budget …and give me more about shopping and wandering…

Thanks for the sharing informative blog. Delhi is a tourism capital of India. From this place, great emperors of the Mughal dynasty ruled this entire nation.

Mughals were murderers of this land, its culture and its people. Don’t try to fool people.

Hi..we re family of 4 will be travelling to delhi and rajasthan in feb. Now i am doing the research of what to expect. Your blog is the most un biased one. Gonna bookmarked yours.

I was searching for some best places in Delhi as I was planning to be there. I found you on google great stuff on you I found a lot of things related what a trip says.

Hello- I am so happy to read to get to know the info about traveling to Delhi- I have a plan to visit only for 5 days- as I have limited time to see the important places like India Gate- Red fort- also a short one day visit to Pink City / Rajas-tan- also not forgetting Taj Mahal- what is the best area out of 6 parts of Delhi you have mentioned to stay- and easy to visit the above . Can I stay in the same place / hotel and go to these places – pls advice thanks a lot

Thank you for the Good tips.

I am going in January for just one day. Hope I can manage the cold.

What would you suggest is the best place to visit in one day ?

Or is it best to keep indoors ?

Hey, Superb blog. Safdarjung Tomb is a great place to visit in Delhi.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on September 4, 2019 by Drifter Planet

My India Travel Itinerary: 1 Month Across India by Train!

Today I’m sharing my India travel itinerary with you all. One month in India may sound like a long time, but when you’re planning to travel in such a big country, one month can feel like a huge time constraint. Where should you go and what should you do?!

Sam and I ended up in India as part of our annual winter escape with his parents. So far we’ve done Southeast Asia and South America together, and this year they wanted to travel in India.

The two big items on their travel bucket list were the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Ganges in Varanasi; aside from that we were free to plan the whole itinerary.

Sam and I then started talking about Rajasthan, the trip started expanding, and next thing you knew, we were travelling the full width of the country by train from Jaisalmer to Kolkata!

I’ve already shared a few little snippets of our time in India in previous posts, but today I’m going to outline our 1-month India travel itinerary for anyone considering a similar trip.

1-Month India Travel Itinerary

// 4 days //

Our first stop was Delhi and what an introduction to India! It was chaotic, it was colourful, and it was a whirlwind.

We spent our first day touring the Red Fort , which was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors. It may be called a fort, but this place is more like a walled city and you could easily spend half a day here visiting the bazaar, hammam, gardens, courtyards and palaces.

On our second day we toured  Humayun’s Tomb which was commissioned by the Emperor’s wife after his death. It’s a majestic sight with beautiful surrounding grounds.

From there we took a pedal rickshaw to the Lodhi Gardens  which house beautiful tombs and they are a popular spot with families on weekends – we saw birthday parties, picnics, and plenty of cricket games taking place.

Just outside the gardens you also have  Lodi – The Garden Restaurant , which is a bit of a splurge but offers al fresco dining surrounded by nature.

Our third day in Delhi was reserved for visiting Jama Masjid in the morning. This is the largest mosque (by size) in all of India, so we couldn’t leave without a glimpse of the interior.

Keep in mind that the mosque is not open to visitors during prayer times, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly.

Many people will tell you to get in and out of Delhi as quickly as possible, but even after three full days there I felt I could have used more time to see the rest of the sights.

If you have a bit more time you can consider visiting: India Gate , Safdarjung’s Tomb , the Lotus Temple ,  Akshardham Temple ,  Jantar Mantar , plus lots of markets.

If you ask me, you need at least a week in Delhi to see it all! You can have a quick look of my Delhi highlights here.

Where I stayed:

Tara Palace Hotel

We booked this hotel because it was a modern property located in a quiet area, yet still within walking distance of the Red Fort. The rooms were spacious and clean, the staff was beyond helpful and friendly, and while there weren’t many restaurants on our street, the hotel served up great meals at their in-house restaurant.

Read reviews for Tara Palace Hotel.

// 3 days //

Jaisalmer was my favourite stop in Rajasthan. Yes, it was a long train ride to get there, but it was worth it in the end!

Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, is one of those places that seemingly rises out of the desert like a mirage.

The yellow sandstone buildings blend in with the colours of the sand, and the city has a bit of a magical feel to it.

The main attraction in town is the Jaisalmer Fort , but it’s such a massive place and there is so much to see and do that you could easily revisit again and again over the course of your stay.

Inside the fort, you can tour the  Raj Mahal ,   the palace where royal members resided, and the Jain Temples,  which are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship.

As for souvenir shopping , there is no shortage of shops and stalls selling tapestries, hand-painted postcards , leather goods, metalware, and all sorts of art and crafts.

Jaisalmer’s location also makes it a popular jump off point for camel treks in the Thar Desert .

We did an afternoon trek where we rode camels, climbed dunes to watch the sunset, had dinner, waited for the stars to appear (sadly, it was an overcast night!), and then returned back to the city.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you can camp out for the night or organize a longer tour.

Sam did a 4-day camel trek through the Thar Desert many years back and he’s got some good stories from that trip – including surviving a flash flood that involved climbing trees and then seeking refuge in a small village! – but an afternoon excursion was enough for me.

If you have a bit more time in Jaisalmer you can also consider visiting Bada Bagh , a garden complex about 6 kilometres outside the city, which houses royal cenotaphs (empty tombs).

You can find my full Jaisalmer itinerary here.

Tokyo Palace Hotel

This hotel was amazing and the rooms were full of character – exposed yellow sandstone, window day bed with silk pillows, traditional dark wood furniture, and colourful glass lanterns. They also had a great rooftop restaurant that had the best views of Jaisalmer Fort, plus a second rooftop where you could watch the sunrise. The staff were also very kind and helpful, and they offered a free pick-up and drop-off service at the train station.

Read reviews for Tokyo Palace Hotel.

Next up, we visited Jodhpur, the famed Blue City of Rajasthan . I was expecting it to be similar to Jaisalmer in size, but Jodhpur is a full-blown city that can be a little tricky to navigate.

The main attraction in Jodhpur is  Mehrangarh Fort , a place that looks like the setting of a fairy tale with elements of science fiction.

Mehrangarh Fort houses an impressive museum where you can see paintings, costumes, armour, and furnishings that would have been used by the rulers. 

Inside the fort, there’s also a nice cafe called  Café Mehran which serves up some of the best samosas I had in India.

We also visited the Sardar Market which encircles the Clock Tower. It was not my favourite area, but that does put you in close proximity to two really good restaurants that we coincidentally discovered.

The first is Indique , which is a rooftop restaurant that’s popular for sunset drinks; and the second is Jhankar , which is set in a lush courtyard and serves up a delicious Rajisthani thali – this was my favourite restaurant in town!

When we weren’t eating in Jodhpur (and it seems that we visited more restaurants than we did attractions!), we were wandering the blue maze that is this city.

Jewel Palace Haweli

We got the Deluxe Room with Castle View and like the name suggests, we had amazing views of the fort and the blue city. Yes, that picture you see right above was taken from our hotel! While I loved staying in a traditional haveli, we did find the staff quite forgetful – we had to repeatedly ask for things like bedsheets, towels and toilet paper. So although I would recommend staying at a haveli as it’s such a unique type of accommodation, I would also suggest finding a property with better ratings. You can browse havelis in Jodhpur here.

Read reviews for Jewel Palace Haveli.

We then travelled to Jaipur, which is nicknamed the Pink City.

The attractions in Jaipur were beautiful, but we also signed up for a day tour that turned into a bit of a nightmare.

I would not recommend the day tour operated by RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Commission); we raced from attraction to attraction with an unhappy guide who lost half the people in his group, scheduled several commission-based shopping stops, and had a very negative attitude, but that’s a story for another day.

If I were to redo my time in Jaipur, I would try to cover less attractions and visit these on my own, perhaps only hiring a driver to get me to some of the further sites.

Our longest stop of the day was at the  City Palace and I’m glad we had the time to visit this place thoroughly.

The City Palace is a complex housing several buildings within it and you could easily spend half a day wandering around.

You have  Mubarak Mahal , housing a textile museum; Chandra Mahal , the residence of the descendants of the former rulers of Jaipur;  Diwan-i-Khas , the Hall of Private Audience;  Diwan-i-Am , the Hall of Public Audience; and plenty more.

Just a short walk from the City Palace, you also have Jantar Mantar , which is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments that were built in the 18th century.

There are a total of 19 instruments that would have been used to study the planets and the stars, and it kind of made me wish they did night tours so we could actually see these instruments put in action.

Alas, the site closes at 4:30 in the afternoon!

On our tour we raced to three different forts – Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and the Amber Fort –  but to be honest, our visits were so brief that I can’t say I truly saw any of them.

If I had to redo it, I would have chosen one fort – probably the Amber Fort since it’s just outside Jaipur – and focused on enjoying that one to the max.

Another major landmark that we only got to see in passing through the bus window was Hawa Mahal , also known as the Palace of Winds.

This is a pink structure that kind of resembles a honeycomb, which was used by ladies of the royal household who wanted to observe processions and everyday life in the city, but remain unseen.

Jai Niwas Garden Hotel

We stayed at a little boutique hotel that had a bit of an old British feel. What sold me were the gardens complete with outdoor furniture so that you could enjoy a book or a cup of tea out on the lawn after a long day of sightseeing. The staff at this hotel were also very sweet, always helping us with directions and offering to find us transportation when needed.

Read reviews for Jai Niwas Garden Hotel.

Our first full day in Agra was a Friday, which meant the Taj Mahal was closed for visitors, so we decided to visit Agra Fort instead.

This was the residence of the Mughal emperors before they moved their capital over to Delhi and built the Red Fort, so it was kind of cool spotting some of the similarities between the two places.

The following day we made it to the Taj Mahal , which was even more beautiful in person than I expected.

It’s funny, sometimes when you’ve seen a place in photos or documentaries, it can be a bit of a let down in person, but that was not the case with the Taj. It radiated against the bright blue skies, and then once we got closer we were able to see all the arabesques and floral details done in precious stones.

We also made time to visit the Taj Protected Forest , which is located just outside the east gate. This is a nice scenic walk and because there are a few lookout points you also get views of the Taj Mahal off in the distance.

Lastly, before hopping on the overnight train , we visited the Baby Taj , whose real name is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah.

This tomb was built for Mizra Ghiyas Beg, who was the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal (the woman the Taj Mahal was built for). 

This was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely out of marble and it’s often compared to a jewellery box because it is covered in semi-precious stones.

From the Baby Taj, it’s only a short drive to Mehtab Bagh , or the Moonlight Garden.

The gardens sit directly behind the Taj and across the river, so it’s a popular spot to catch the sunset. 

You can read this post for a better look at the places we visited in Agra .

The Coral Court Homestay Hotel

Alright, so this was my favourite hotel of the whole trip! Not only was it a beautiful property lovingly decorated with trinkets from around the world , but it was also a short walk from East Gate, which made it very easy to get to the Taj Mahal on foot. I also loved that in the evenings we had the option of having dinner with the other hotel guests in a communal setting. They served home cooked vegetarian meals and we devoured every last bowl of pumpkin and eggplant curries. The hosts were lovely and I would highly recommend this place!

Read reviews of The Coral Court Homestay Hotel.

After taking the overnight train from Agra, we arrived in Varanasi, which was the second last destination of our month in India.

The main attraction in Varanasi is the Ganges River and everything that happens along the water’s edge, so we spent our first morning walking along the ghats (the steps leading down to the river).

There was so much going on that we almost didn’t know where to look, but what surprised me the most was seeing people doing laundry in the Ganges! What?!?!?!

Hotel towels and bedsheets were being washed in the dark waters and these were then being draped to dry in the sun on the ghats.

Laundry was happening not too far from where bodies were being cremated, and then people were bathing so close to the cremation site that the ashes were floating around their ankles…

I think that was the moment when I experienced culture shock in India .

Another popular activity in Varanasi is to go on a boat ride down the Ganges River . Sunrise and sunset draw people for soft, golden light – if you want the buildings to be illuminated, you’ll want to go at sunrise.

Hotels and tour operators across town can help you arrange this outing, or you can just walk down to the river and find a boatman on the spot.

We also attended the  Ganga Aarti ceremony which takes place on Dashashwamedh Ghat starting at 6:45 p.m.

This fire worship ceremony is performed by a group of priests soon after sundown, and crowds gather to watch them sing, burn incense, and light candles.

Places fill up fast so it’s good to arrive early if you want to snag a spot near the action. Some of the temples along the ghats offer priority seating for a small fee (about 50 rupees) where you can observe the ceremony from a high vantage point, or you can also pay to watch from a boat.

Where I stayed:  

Ganges Grand Hotel

I stayed at the Ganges Grand Hotel and while it was a great location and the rooms were clean and spacious, the hotel was located in a busy intersection, which meant the honking and traffic noise could be heard in the background from sunup to sundown. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to look elsewhere, but aside from that I have no real complaints. They also served up some delicious Indian dishes in their restaurant. You can browse hotels in Varanasi here.

Read reviews of Ganges Grand Hotel.

This brings us to our final stop in India: Kolkata.

Admittedly, I didn’t do a whole lot of sightseeing in Kolkata since I got quite ill just before leaving Varanasi, but I did manage to explore a bit of the area on my last day there.

Sam and I visited the  Sir Stuart Hogg Market (also known as New Market), photographed the iconic yellow cabs, and then finished the day at Blue & Beyond , which is a nice little rooftop resto-bar in the Lindsay Hotel.

I would have liked to visit Mother Theresa’s Home , see the Victoria Memorial Hall , and walk around the Maidan , but sometimes you just can’t win them all.

Where I stayed: 

I can’t recommend the hotel where I stayed since I ended up sharing the room with a mouse! The Astoria Hotel looked great in photos, but we were placed in the “Old Wing”, which looked nothing like what we saw online. We found cigarette butts in the bathroom, a dirty shower, mouldy walls, but what’s worse was the staff’s lack of interest in their guests. Despite my hotel’s shortcomings, I did enjoy the neighbourhood, so I would suggest staying just east of the Maidan in what’s known as Colootola – you can search for Kolkata hotels here. There are lots of hotels and restaurants in this area, plus it also puts you within walking distance of many of the attractions.

And that finally concludes my month-long India travel itinerary .

We visited a total of 7 destinations, giving ourselves 3-4 days in each place, and travelling entirely by train .

I will say that travel in India is exhausting in ways that other destinations aren’t – don’t go into it thinking it’ll be a walk in the park! – but we also saw some beautiful sights and architectural wonders that made it all worth it.

More posts from India with practical travel tips coming soon.

Nice one Audrey!

This is a really cool itinerary. And I like the way that you dedicated 3 to 4 days on your trip. ‘So much more relaxing!

Yes, I’ve been to India. 12 years ago now. Eek! And what an experience! I went there solo, travelled with a Swiss girl that I bumped into for 2 weeks, then continued on solo again. I was there for a month! I loved everything except for Delhi and the train journey. And the thing is, I spent about 4 days in Delhi – 2 days at the beginning of my trip, and 2 days at the end. It was the right thng to do but by then I was pretty exhausted and just wanted to go home!

Ha! Ha! I’m taking the family next year! p.s. I would also add Udaipur. It really was lovely.

http://thebritishberliner.com

This is definitely a great itinerary for a first trip to Northern India if you want to see all the main highlights in a month! I can highly recommend Bundi in Rajasthan if you want to get a bit off the beaten track – it has an awesome fort (with a real Indiana Jones feel!) that was practically empty when I was there!

Such an amazing trip Audrey, took me back to my memories!

India is such a crazy place, sometimes it gets overwhelming but as soon as you leave the country you kind of miss it. We visited more or less the same places, I fell in love with Varanasi; that place is out of this world! I still miss that spiritual feeling, would definitely turn back one day.

I had had a bit of problem with transportation (who doesn’t) and gotten pretty sick of spending money and time on my arrival, I created this one for travelers. Leaving it here for your future travels, it shows all the possible transportation options between airport and the city center so we don’t end up getting ripped by a taxi driver or spend time and money. here it is: http://airporttocenter.com/

Enjoy your travels!

Thanks so much, will definitely be referring to this when I trek to India next year, cheers

What a gorgeous blog, I was looking for India inspo and came across your posts. I remember visiting some of these places but my photos from 10+ years ago are not up to scratch and doesn’t capture the essence of India like yours does. Thanks for sharing, I’ve been dreaming of going back to India with the kids and this post makes me want to go now!

Love this post! It’s making me all kinds of excited for my trip coming up! Question for you – how did you deal with safety in India? especially when travelling by train? Also, what kind of luggage did you take?

Really a wonderful post. Thanks for posting such an informative & useful post with us. I would especially interested in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Those palaces in the desert are so beautiful!

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Kingdom of Travelers

3 Days in Delhi: The Perfect Delhi Itinerary

Delhi is not just a city in India, it’s an experience.

Navigating a new location for the first time can be challenging. Where to go, what to do, what not to do? To help you out, I have put together a 3-day itinerary for your trip to Delhi. 

I was born in Delhi, but I never imagined myself writing about it on my blog. I am thrilled to write this blog because I love the city. Delhi is a massive metropolis, With a population of over 20 million people.

The city is a blend of ancient forts, temples, markets, and modern metro, mega shopping malls, finance, and technology centres. It has over 5000 years of history and three world heritage sites that you can’t find anywhere else.  

Delhi, in my opinion, is not just a city in India, It’s a unique experience. For many people, Delhi is the starting point of their journey and their first introduction to India. If you have never visited South Asia, you may be surprised by the packed marketplaces, noisy roads and streets, and diverse cultures.

Delhi has a lot to offer; you could easily spend a week here, but if you only have three days to spend in this massive city, that is the minimum time.

So, take a look at my 3-day Delhi Itinerary, which will show you the best places to visit in Delhi.

Table of Contents

Delhi Itinerary Day 1 (Old Delhi)

Jama masjid.

The Jama Masjid is a grand mosque in the city of Delhi, India. It is one of the largest mosques in India and outside of Saudi Arabia.

The Jama Masjid was originally built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. The design of the mosque was influenced by Mughal architecture like the Taj Mahal. The prayer hall inside the mosque can easily accommodate 25,000 worshipers.

Three domes and four towers each with a star on top, giving it a beautiful look from all directions!

Don’t forget to go to the top of the Minar for a stunning view of the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi. 

Tips:- Women need to rent a robe to get inside the Masjid. in reality, this robe is for women who are not wearing modestly, If you dress modestly, you won’t need to rent a robe.

You need to remove your shoes outside of the masjid. There will be people at the entrance who will take care of your shoes in exchange for a tip. You can also store your shoes in your bag.

Your next stop should be Red Fort, which is about a 15-minute walk from Jama Masjid.

Timings:- 7 AM to 12 PM and 1.30 PM to 6.30 PM   

Nearest Metro Station:- Chawri Bazaar

Red Fort 

Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. And one of the best place to include in Your Delhi Itinerary. Your visit is incomplete without visiting the red fort.

It’s a massive red sandstone wall structure that served as the Mughals’ main residence for 200 years. The monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-known for its rich history.

You will enter through the Lahori gate, and inside the fort, you will see. Diwan-I-Aam,( Hall of public audience) Diwan-I-Khaas, (hall of private audience) ‘Hammam; Place for royal bath, Pearl mosque. And the Palace of Color was most admirable to me because of its fascinating architecture.

The Next destination is Raj Ghat, which is about 3 km from the red fort, a 35-minute walk or 7 to 10 minutes by Auto or taxi.

Timings:- 6 AM to 6 PM . Closed on Monday.

Nearest Metro Station:- Red fort 

Raj Ghat is a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. It is a commemoration of the spot where Gandhi was cremated on the 31st of January 1948. He was famous for his highly peaceful protests against the British rule in India.

There is a quiet green space around Raj Ghat, People come here for a picnic and take some rest. You can also stop here for a short break before continuing to your next destination.

The following stop is Chandni Chowk, which is about 3.5 km from Raj Ghat, a 35-minute walk, and 7 to 10 minutes by Auto or Taxi.

Timings- 5 AM to 7 PM.

Nearest Metro Station:-  Delhi Gate Metro Station

Chandni Chowk 

The Chandni Chowk market is an iconic part of Old Delhi. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan originally built it as part of the Red Fort complex in the 17th century. The market has a rich history and home to some of the city’s oldest buildings. 

Despite being one of Delhi’s busiest and largest wholesale markets, the market has retained its identity over the years.

This market is well-known for its delicious food. And some shops and restaurants are serving yummy food from generations. My visit to Chandini chowk used to be incomplete without eating some delicious food. 

Because this is where you will find the most delicious food in all of Delhi.

There are several little streets in Chandni Chowk, each of which is like a market known for something. I am sharing with you some of them which you should visit. 

Paranthe Wali Gali

Paranthe wali Gali is famous for the shops that sell popular sweets and Paranthe’ which means lentil wafers. This place is home to many varieties of these wafers.

Popular varieties include gobhi, Kaju, and methi paratha. Pt. Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit outlet serving Paranthe since 1875. 

Kinari Bazaar

Kinari Bazaar is one of the most popular shopping destinations for Indian brides. You will see beautiful Indian Bridal dresses and other accessories.

Chawri Bazaar

Chawri Bazaar is an iconic wholesale market specialized in brass, copper, and paper products such as wedding and greeting cards. 

Khari Babri Spice Market

Khari Baoli is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most popular markets for spices in India. This is the only Bazaar in Delhi that still has maintained its traditional architecture with many winding lanes of shops selling all sorts of spices, herbs, and food items.

Timing :- 10:00 to 7 PM. Markets closed on Sunday.

Nearest Metro station :- Chandni Chowk metro station

Delhi Itinerary Day 2 ( New Delhi)

The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, and built-in 1931. This is considered the largest war memorial in India. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built as a monument for 90,000 soldiers who died in World War I.

The design of India Gate is frequently compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The structure is surrounded by plenty of green space and is a popular picnic spot for Delhi residents.

India Gate is usually crowded with tourists and many street vendors. I also went there many times with family and friends for picnics.

The next stop is the National Museum, which is about 2 km from India Gate. and takes about 23 minutes to walk or 5 minutes by taxi.

Timing :- 24 hours

Nearest Metro station :- Central Secretariat 

National Museum

The National Museum was founded in 1949 and is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. The museum has a diverse collection of more than 200,000 objects and artworks. And some objects are over 5000 years old.

The Museum was built to provide a repository for all that is beautiful and awesome in human culture and creativity. If you simply enjoy visiting museums and are keen on history then check out the National Museum of Delhi, because this is one of India’s most impressive museums.

Your next stop is Safdarjung Tomb, which is about 3.5km from The National Museum and takes about 42 minutes to walk or 7 to 10 minutes by taxi or auto.

Timing :- 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays

Nearest Metro station :- Central Secretariat (the museum is around 4 km from the metro station)

Safdarjung Tomb

The Safdarjung Tomb is a sandstone and marble monument that was built in 1754. The monument is the last Mughal structure in Delhi. 

The Tomb’s gate with two floors and various inscriptions was very appealing to me, and the ceiling was a beautiful piece of artwork with carvings and decorations. Plus, from the gate, you can get an excellent view of the tomb.

The monument has a similar look to Humayun’s tomb complex, but gets fewer tourists. 

The following stop is Lodhi Garden, which is about 500 metres from Safdarjung Tomb and takes about 6 minutes to walk.

Timing :- 7 AM TO 6 PM. 

Nearest Metro station :- Jor Bagh metro station

Lodi Garden

This is another one of my favourite places in Delhi.

Lodi Garden or Lodhi Gardens is a city park, Spreads over 90 acres of land, As you stroll around the garden you will notice interesting monuments to the Mughal and Lodi dynasties. 

This Garden is a popular quiet and peaceful green space where Delhiites come in the mornings and evenings to walk, run, and exercise. And also a lot of young couples come to the Garden to spend time in a quiet area inside the tomb.

The next destination is Humayun’s tomb, which is about 3 km from Lodhi Garden and takes about 40 minutes to walk and 6 minutes by taxi or auto.

Timing :- 6 AM TO 8 PM. 

Nearest Metro Station :- Jor Bagh metro station

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s tomb was built as a memorial to the second Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1562. This was the first great Mughal structure in India, and historians regard it as one of the country’s most important heritage sites. Also, The monument was the first garden-tomb in India.

Therefore, take a walk around the beautiful garden. Because this is a peaceful garden to spend some relaxing time. Whenever I wanted to spend some calm time with my girlfriend I used to go to Humayun’s Tomb. So don’t forget to include it in your Delhi itinerary.

There is also a nice shop situated near the tomb, Anokhi’s discount store , which Sells women’s traditional clothing at reasonable prices. If you enjoy shopping and have the time, go check it out.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, around 7 km from Humayun’s Tomb and 10 to 15 minutes by cab or vehicle, is your next stop.

Timing :- 6 AM TO 6 PM. 

Nearest Metro Station :- JLN Stadium

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a Sikh temple, situated in Connaught Place. This  was constructed to commemorate the occasion of eight Sikh Guru Har Krishan’s visit. in 1664. Bangla Sahib complex includes the Main prayer hall, a holy Sarover or lake, a Hospital, and a langar Hall. 

Sikh priests sing sacred songs in the main prayer hall almost 24 hours a day. And I use to feel calm and relaxed inside the main prayer hall.

The Sarovar, or Lake, in the Gurudwara complex is considered holy. You will see colourful fish in the lake, as well as people bathing in holy water and walking around the lake. 

The Gurudwara Langar hall serves free food to thousands of people of all faiths and castes. There is a large and impressive kitchen. I recommend that you go to the kitchen because it’s incredible to see how they prepare food for thousands of people.

Note:- You need to cover your head and remove your shoes. Before entering the gurdwara complex, It is mandatory for everyone. There is a shoe storage area where you can leave your shoes without fear of losing them.

Connaught Place is the next stop, about 1km from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and takes 10 to 12 minutes to walk.

Timing :- 24 Hours

Nearest Metro Station :- Rajiv Chowk

  Connaught Place

Connaught Place is the most famous shopping district, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi for both international and domestic travellers

This place is unique in that it houses the most expensive showrooms and all major brands, as well as a flea market where you can find nice clothes, shoes, jewellery, and much more for a low price.

There is also a well-known underground market called Palika Bazar, which is similar to a flea market. But you must be skilled at bargaining for Palika Bazaar because their prices are 5 to 10 times higher, which means that if they can sell something for $10, they will charge you $100, so you must bargain a lot.

Connaught Place is also famous for cafes, clubs, pubs and restaurants. So, if you want to go to some nice restaurants, popular cafes, clubs, or pubs, you’ve come to the right place.

Nearest Metro station :- Rajiv Chowk

Delhi Itinerary Day 3 ( South Delhi )

Qutub minar.

The Qutub Minar is the most popular tourist destination in India and the most visited tourist attraction in Delhi. A Unesco world heritage site, Built-in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

The Minar is also known as the world’s tallest brick Minaret, standing at 73 meters in height.

This Monument is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and historical brilliance. The carvings on the minar and throughout the complex are mind-boggling. If you look closely, you will notice that each floor of the minar has a unique feature. 

There are also some Hindu and Jain carvings in the complex. The Qutub complex includes a mosque, an iron pillar, tombs, and plenty of green space.

The next stop is Lotus Temple, which is about 12 km from Qutub Minar and takes about 20 minutes by taxi or auto.

Timing :- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Nearest Metro Station :- Qutab Minar.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is one of the most sacred places for Bahá’í followers. Built in the shape of a lotus flower in 1986.There are only seven Baha’i temples in the world, and this one is the only one in Asia.

The entire temple is made of white marble, with 9 pools and plenty of green space. Plus, There is no scripture in the temple.

This architectural masterpiece has received numerous awards for its design and architecture over the years. The temple is the best place to meditate to calm one’s mind.

 Any person of any caste or religion is welcome to visit this temple. I recommend that you spend a few minutes inside the temple to reset your mind and body. 

The next stop is Hauz Khas Village, which is about 9.5 Km from Lotus Temple and takes about 20 minutes by taxi or auto.

Timing :- 9:30 AM to 5.30 PM. Closed on Monday

Nearest Metro Station :- Kalkaji Mandir Metro

Lunch at Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas Village is a historically rich and happening place in south Delhi. This place has been the talk of the town for ages. And got its name from a water tank built in the 13th century.

This historic party destination is also well-known for its numerous cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and art galleries. As well as, this is one of the most happening areas in town. While touring Hauz Khas village, you will see tombs, a water tank, an Islamic cemetery, and a park.

Hauz Khas Village has its own charm, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The following destination is Dilli Haat, which is about 3.5 km from Hauz Khas Village and takes about 10 minutes by taxi or auto.

Timing :- Till Midnight.

Nearest Metro Station :- Hauz Khas

Dilli Haat is a place where people from all over the country come to sell their goods and to buy goods.

It was originally set up as a market for craftsmen from rural India who brought their wares to sell at Dilli Haat in Delhi so that they could earn an income. However, with time, This Place became more than just a crafts market.

At Dilli Haat, you can find and buy clothes, jewellery, textiles, handicrafts and much more. You can also taste some of the most delicious cuisines of India. It is a vibrant place with lots of colours and happy people.

The speciality of Delhi Haat is that you can find handicrafts and cuisines from every state in India. Plus this is also the best place to buy souvenirs. However, keep in mind that to get a good deal, you must bargain.

Timing :- 10AM to 10pm.

Nearest Metro Station :- INA.

Map of Delhi Attractions

To make your travel and route planning easier, I’ve included all of the places mentioned in this 3-day Delhi itinerary on this map.

Is It Delhi or New Delhi?

Delhi is divided into 11 districts, one of which is known as New Delhi. When the British relocated their capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911, they gave it this name. Since then, New Delhi has been regarded as India’s capital.

So Delhi is the city in India. And New Delhi is India’s capital, which is located in Delhi. 

How Long Should You Spend in Delhi ?

Delhi has a complex cultural landscape and a lot to offer to tourists. If you have enough days in hand, spend a minimum of 3 days in Delhi. In order to make your trip memorable.

This will allow you to explore and enjoy what Delhi has to offer. as well as to indulge in the local flavours that are hard to find elsewhere. You should not rush through the different places as you can find themselves missing out on something amazing.

When is The Best Time To Visit Delhi?

The weather is cooler and drier from October to March. If you are visiting in September or April, then you will find that it is too hot and humid outside. The monsoon season lasts from June to September and the city can get quite muddy and dirty.

The relatively cool, dry season makes for excellent travel. It is largely free of the stagnant air, heat and dust that cover India for almost half the year.

How to Reach Delhi?

Air -Delhi has India’s largest and busiest airport. Which connects to major cities around the world. There are two main terminals. Terminal 3 is used for international as well as some domestic flights. And terminal 2 is for low-cost domestic flights. 

Train –  Trains arrive in Delhi from all over India. By train, you can easily reach Delhi. The City has 3 Main Railway stations: Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, And Nizamuddin railway station. If you are arriving in Delhi from another city or Departing to any other city. In most cases, you will start or end your journey at one of these railway stations.

Road – A network of roads and national highways connects Delhi to the rest of the country.

Where to Stay in Delhi

moustache hostel Delhi –

Tatvam asi Homestay

Bajaj Indian Home Stay

BloomRooms Hotel Janpath ( 3star)

The Imperial, New Delhi (5 stars) 

How to Get Around Delhi

The Delhi Metro is one of the best ways to get around the city because Metro is the quickest, cheapest, and safest mode of transportation. The big advantage of using a metro is that it will drop you almost right outside your destination, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or taking a wrong turn.

The first coach of the Delhi metro is reserved exclusively for women, If you are a solo female traveller, you can travel comfortably there.

To avoid standing in line, you can buy a Metrocard for Rs 200. However, if you dislike crowded transportation, you should avoid taking the metro.

If you only need to travel a short distance, a tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw) or an air-conditioned taxi is a good option. You can also book taxis through the Uber or Ola apps.

If you want a completely hassle-free way to get around Delhi, hire a taxi for the entire day, which is not expensive. The best part about hiring a taxi for the whole day is that you don’t have to wait for taxis or tuk-tuks all the time, and you can leave your belongings in the car. Your hotel is the best place to book a taxi for the entire day.

I personally enjoy walking around the city because going from one location to another can surprise you.

What to Wear in Delhi?

The climate in Delhi is quite extreme – Weather is hot and humid during the summers, but cold during the winters. So, it’s best to dress in light fabrics that are soft against the skin, like cotton or linen. Avoid anything too heavy or too tight-fitting as these will make you feel uncomfortable and irritable. 

Women should avoid wearing short clothes. Because they are not popular in India. People will stare at you if you walk down an Indian street wearing shorts.

In addition, you will not be permitted to enter a temple, masjid, or gurudwara. In some religious buildings, you must cover your head too. So you want to cover at least your legs and shoulders.

According to me, the best clothes to wear in India are Indian. You can easily buy salwar kameez or you can buy only a long Indian style top(kameez) and wear it on jeans. Indian clothes are more comfortable in Delhi weather. And you will feel safer.

Is Delhi Safe to Visit?

Yes, Delhi is safe. There is a crime in every city in the world, but you should be aware of the precautions that must be taken to avoid it.

If you’re in a crowded market or on a metro train or bus, take extra care with your belongings because thieves can steal your valuables. So you want to keep your bag in front of you all the time. Also, keep your wallet in your front pocket and avoid flashing large amounts of cash while shopping in public.

If anyone offers you a tour or a special deal in a hotel room or a stay in a palace or fort, simply ignore them. Because there are people in Delhi who try to defraud tourists.

I don’t recommend travelling at night, especially if you’re a solo female. So Try to return to your hotel before dark.

If you want to go to a restaurant or a club at night, make a wise choice, such as going to tourist-friendly areas. Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, and Khan Market are a few examples. And book a taxi from the hotel to the restaurant or bar you want to visit, as well as a taxi back to the hotel.

This was all about Delhi, Now you know how to spend 3 days in Delhi, as well as Best things to do in Delhi. So I hope this Delhi Itinerary will help you to easily plan your trip. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.

More India Travel itineraries.

• JAIPUR ITINERARY: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaipur in 2 Days.
• PUSHKAR ITINERARY: 8 Best Things to Do in Pushkar in 2 Days

Downloadable image of day by day Delhi Itinerary.

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Explore nearby places

• Gurugram (Gurgaon)
• Bahadurgarh
• Greater Noida
• Bulandshahr
• Ferozpur Jhirka
• Muzaffarnagar

All related maps of New Delhi

• Map of New Delhi
• Map of Sahibabad
• Map of Noida
• Map of Ghaziabad
• Map of Faridabad
• Map of Gurugram (Gurgaon)
• Map of Bahadurgarh
• Map of Greater Noida
• Map of Baghpat
• Map of Manesar
• Map of Sohna
• Map of Sonipat
• Map of Taoru
• Map of Jhajjar
• Map of Bhiwadi
• Map of Dharuhera
• Map of Bulandshahr
• Map of Meerut
• Map of Rohtak
• Map of Khurja
• Map of Rewari
• Map of Baksar
• Map of Tijara
• Map of Panipat
• Map of Hastinapur
• Map of Ferozpur Jhirka
• Map of Muzaffarnagar
• Map of Neemrana
• Map of Aligarh

New Delhi throughout the year

• New Delhi in January
• New Delhi in February
• New Delhi in March
• New Delhi in April
• New Delhi in May
• New Delhi in June
• New Delhi in July
• New Delhi in August
• New Delhi in September
• New Delhi in October
• New Delhi in November
• New Delhi in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New Delhi?

Get inspired for your trip to New Delhi with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New Delhi Itinerary
• 2-Day New Delhi Itinerary
• 3-Day New Delhi Itinerary
• 4-Day New Delhi Itinerary
• 5-Day New Delhi Itinerary

Q&A about New Delhi

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Popular categories, the ultimate 2 day new delhi itinerary.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 16. July 2024 · In: India , Travel

Are you wondering how to spend your 2 days in New Delhi? As the second largest city in India, forming the perfect 2-day itinerary for New Delhi can be daunting. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this list of 10+ of the most amazing things to do and see in the city in two days.

This is what I consider to be the ultimate 2 day New Delhi itinerary for first-timers. And exactly how I wish I had spent my first time there. Keep in mind that I have packed a lot into this itinerary, so if you know you can’t keep going from dusk until dawn, consider skipping one of the stops on both days.

Be sure to also check out my New Delhi survival guide for your first time in the city. I talk all about what to expect, how to get around, which area to stay in and where to eat + scams to be aware of!

🌟 Remember to always get insurance before you travel to India or anywhere else. SafetyWing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure. Read my complete SafetyWing review here.

Article overview

🌟 Best New Delhi tour

1. humayun’s tomb complex.

• 2. Tomb of Safdarjung

3. Lodhi Garden

4. mehrauli archaeological park, 5. flavors and food stories of new delhi, 6. shopping & markets.

• 7. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

8. Red Fort

9. agrasen ki baoli, 10. old delhi spice market (khari baoli), popular new delhi tours, safety tips for travelers, is new delhi worth visiting, are 2 days in new delhi enough, what is the best time to visit new delhi, is new delhi expensive, can i drink tap water in delhi, is delhi a walkable city, what is the best way to get around new delhi during a 2-day trip, looking for more india guides, remember to pin it for later 😉, new delhi 2-day itinerary.

If it’s your first time in New Delhi and you only have 2 days, I highly recommend you join a guided tour to get to know the city. I’m so happy we decided to book this popular private Old and New Delhi tour for our first day.

We got to explore places we wouldn’t have seen on our own and we learned so much from our knowledge guide, Junaid. He also gave us survival tips for the city and told us where we should explore on our own. So much value for such an affordable price!

You can check price & availability here >> PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR OR OLD AND NEW DELHI

Day 1 – South Delhi

Get ready for an incredible day of historic architectural gems, focused around the southern part of New Delhi.

Start your day at the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, a mesmerizing UNESCO world heritage site. As the first garden tomb in India and the first large-scale building to use red sandstone, it represents a leap in Mughal architecture.

Humayun’s tomb garden also includes smaller monuments like the beautiful tomb of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble. So take time to enjoy and go for a stroll through the paradise garden, designed according to Persian tradition.

We walked from our hotel in southeast New Delhi, around 7:00 am, and were the first ones there. Humayun’s Tomb was one of the highlights for me in India, it was so nice to just wander around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings almost all by ourselves. 

Entrance fee: Indian nationals Rs. 30 – Foreigners Rs. 500

Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

2.  Tomb of Safdarjung

The Safdarjung Tomb, made of marble and sandstone, is the last magnificent tomb garden of the Mughal era. The tomb was constructed in 1754 for Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, better known as Safdarjung. It is conveniently located close to both Lodhi Gardens and Humayun’s tomb.

Safdarjung Tomb is not on the itinerary of most people doing Delhi in less than 3 days, so it’s usually very peaceful and you won’t have to navigate around large crowds of people to get that perfect shot.

Entrance fee: Indian nationals Rs. 15 – Foreigners Rs. 200

Opening hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

🌟 My top pick >> Be sure to check out this highly-rated photography tour that includes both The Safdarjung Tomb and Lodi Gardens!

What do you least expect to find in a busy, overpopulated metropolis like Delhi? An oasis. But it does exist. Your next stop is Lodhi Gardens, one of the incredible, green spaces of Delhi, sprawling across 90 acres of land. Here, you get to discover the stunning North Indian Islamic architecture and history.

You can easily walk here from the Tomb of Safdarjung. I recommend picking up some street food and enjoying a nice picnic in beautiful gardens.

The impressive tombs, beautiful bridges and watchtowers were built in the 15th century by the Lodhi and the Sayyid dynasties before the Mughal Empire took over. The gardens are also a favorite amongst Delhi’s high society – so you might be able to spot a high-profile politician or celebrity.

We went to Lodhi Garden on a Saturday which meant it was very crowded with locals walking their dogs, working out and just spending the day in the park with their families. I can imagine a weekday would be a much better time to visit to fully be able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Entrance fee: FREE

Opening hours:  6:00 am – 7:30 pm daily (it might be open later)

If you have one last stop in you for the day, jump in a rickshaw and make your way down to Mehrauli Archaeological Park, an incredible area consisting of over 100 historically significant monuments spread over 200 acres in Mehrauli. Close by you’ll also find the Qutub Minar World Heritage Site and the Qutb complex.

If you’re a history buff like me, you’re going to love this place. It is the only area in Delhi known for 1,000 years of continuous occupation and includes the ruins of a fort built in 1060 AD(!!!).

To be honest, you could probably spend an entire day down here. So if you have more time in the city, consider saving this for the next day.

Opening hours:  5:00 am – 6:30 pm daily.

Instead of just another dinner in a restaurant, book this exciting Flavors and Food stories tour . Indulge in Delhi’s signature butter chicken curry or a shahi paneer, taste Chaat from Delhi’s most famous chaat stall and visit and volunteer at Gurudwara temple to experience the “art of gratitude” ++. I’m getting hungry from just typing this. Yum!

🌟 If you would rather skip one of the architectural heritage sites, I highly recommend that you participate in an educational and ethical walking tour through the Sanjay Colony slum area instead. Here you will discover a rich sense of community and entrepreneurship and gain new insights into the lives of locals. And the best part is that all proceeds are re-invested into the development of community projects such as education and healthcare for the residents.

Day 2 – central & north Delhi

Day two of this New Delhi itinerary continues with central and north Delhi.

Who needs standard supermarkets, air-conditioned shopping malls or fancy boutiques when you can have the Delhi markets? Start your day and dive right into the action by exploring the amazing, large-scale markets in Delhi, like Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Khari Baoli or Chor Bazaar. They are an absolute paradise for shoppers, buzzing with customers as early as 6 am.

You can buy pretty much everything you can imagine: Tons of fresh vegetables and fruit, wonderful home decorations and fabrics, handicrafts, vintage goods, tea, spices, jewelry, clothes and much more. Just make sure to bring patience, bargaining skills and endurance.

You will return with bags of wonderful goods, a belly full of delicious Indian food and a lot of new friends. Spending one day here will save you months of lessons in Indian culture and etiquette, language, history, delicacies, art and fashion.

Dilli Haat is a paid-entrance open-air market located in South Delhi, run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. They also operate two other locations but I do think the original one opposite INA Metro Station is the best.

What is so great about Dilli Haat is that it gives the feel of a traditional weekly village market (called a haat) but it is open every day. We opted to do most of our shopping here so we could escape the crowds for a little while.

Get there just as they open at 10.30 am for the best prices and a more comfortable temperature. I bought several straw bags here for only $7 apiece so I couldn’t be happier.

Entrance fee:  Indian nationals Rs. 30 for adults, Rs.10 for children and foreigners Rs. 100.

Opening hours: 10 (or 10:30) am to 10:00 pm daily

🌟 My top pick >> Private Custom Shopping Tour of Delhi’s Bustling Markets

7. Swaminarayan  Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Hindu Temple is another must-see in Delhi. It is a stunning spiritual-cultural site regarded by Swaminarayan Hindus as a temporal home of God on earth. ‘Akshardham’ means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan, a yogi and ascetic, who revived central Hindu practices.

His life and work are portrayed in the various exhibition halls. The Akshardham temple reveals thousands of years of fascinating Hindu spirituality, Indian culture and architecture.

This is one of the most intricately beautiful buildings in India and is definitely worth a visit. But remember that you’re not allowed to bring a camera, phones, umbrellas, toys, food or drinks inside the complex.

Entrance fee: Entry to the complex is free but there are different exhibitions and shows that require a ticket

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – First Entry: 9:30 am – Last Entry: 6:30 pm

The Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila, was constructed by one of the most famous Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan. He also commissioned  Taj Mahal,  Agra Fort and several other majestic buildings around northern India. Not surprisingly, the period of his reign is considered to be the golden era of Mughal architecture.

Built on the banks of Yamuna River, it took over 8 years to finish the construction of the magnificent fort. When Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi, the Red Fort took over as the main royal residence of the Mughal emperors. And it stayed that way for over 200 years.

Today the fort has become an icon of the city and is a must on any Delhi itinerary. With its towering red sandstone walls measuring 33 meters high and almost 2.5 kilometers long, you can’t really miss this place. Inside you’ll find a large complex of entertainment halls, palaces, indoor canals, a stunning white marble mosque and perfectly manicured gardens.

Entrance fee:  Indian nationals Rs. 35 – Foreigners Rs. 500. You can book your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. You also have the option to add a tour guide and hotel transfers.

Opening Hours:  7:00 am to 5:30 pm daily

🌟 Learn about the Mughals and their influence on the city’s culture and architecture on this early morning bicycle tour . Travel in a small group with experienced guides to absorb Delhi’s culture before ending the experience with a hearty local breakfast. The perfect way to start the day before you explore the Red Fort!

Just a short walk away from Connaught Place, down a peaceful residential street, you’ll find Agrasen ki Baoli, a centuries-old, subterranean stepwell hidden behind a seemingly uninteresting stone wall.

Stepwells, otherwise known as “baoli” or “bawli”, depending on the region, were built centuries ago in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year around. These days the wells are no longer used for storing water, instead, the aesthetically pleasing geometric features attract local and international visitors alike.

We visited Agrasen ki Baoli in the middle of the day and to our surprise, we were the only tourists there. The guard told us that “modeling” was not allowed but photos were, so we had to be a bit sneaky to get a couple of good shots here.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Finish your two days in Delhi with a still down Khari Baoli Road, home to Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. The market has been in operation since the 17th century and is today a vibrant and fun attraction for both locals and tourists.

Although I’m not usually a fan of guided tours I would suggest touring the market with a good guide so he can take you up to one of the rooftops for an incredible view of the bustling streets below. If you go by yourself there’s a good chance you’ll struggle to find the entrance as it is quite hard to spot.

Just like most parts of Delhi, the Old Spice Market is crazy and chaotic. So if you have the opportunity to visit early in the morning you’ll see a totally different side to the area and maybe even witness a beautiful sunrise.

Opening hours : 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday – Saturday. The roof is open 24/7 but be aware of the people sleeping up there.

🌟 Don’t miss out! Experience the streets and bazaars of Old Delhi and learn about traditional Indian life during this 3-Hour Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour . Visit the Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk market. Taste some of the famous local snacks and enjoy a short ride by rickshaw to the spice market.

New Delhi guided tours

As I mentioned above, I highly recommend you join a guided tour if you only have 2 days in New Delhi . For someone who doesn’t really love organized tours, I have to admit that it is often a good idea in a place like India. Especially for the first day, until you get used to the beautiful mayhem that is New Delhi.

I actually loved all the guided tours we attended during this trip. Especially the photography walking tour and the private Old and New Delhi tour . It really is the best way to get the lay of the land and hopefully snag a few tips from locals.

There’s no secret that New Delhi can be an overwhelming place to visit. It’s basically an assault on all your senses. But I don’t want that to keep you from visiting, because New Delhi is unlike any place other place in the world.

Just prepare yourself to be overwhelmed before you go, and keep your wits about you just like you would in any other big city. And you will be totally fine!

Here are some quick safety tips for New Delhi:

• Be aware of your surroundings:  New Delhi is a crowded and chaotic city, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or people who may be following you. I experienced a man following me for several hours, so I just sat down at a restaurant in a crowded place with my bag on my lap and stared at him. After a few minutes, he finally went away.
• Use reliable transportation:  When traveling around the city, it’s best to use reliable transportation such as taxis, rickshaws and the metro. Always ask the driver for the price before you get in, and bargain if you feel it’s too much. The metro in Delhi is also surprisingly efficient and easy to use. If you’re only in Delhi for a few days, I highly recommend you join a guided tour or hire a private driver to get the most out of your time.
• Avoid displaying valuables:  To avoid becoming a target for theft, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. I brought my camera everywhere but kept it in my bag or around my neck at all times.
• Dress appropriately:  New Delhi is a conservative city, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or anything that may be considered disrespectful to the local culture.
• Be cautious with food and drink:  Have you heard about Delhi belly? Well, you will probably experience it in New Delhi. Be cautious when trying new foods or drinks, as some may not agree with your stomach. To be safe, stick to bottled water (or even better, bring a filtered water bottle ) and avoid ice or food from street vendors. I ate everything I could get my hands on and definitely experienced Delhi belly but never got sick.
• Stay in well-lit areas:  When walking around at night, stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone if possible. Stick to busy streets with plenty of foot traffic.

You can read more about safety during your 2 days in the city in my first time in New Delhi guide .

FAQs: 2 days in New Delhi

Yes, New Delhi is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. It is the capital city of India and has plenty to offer for tourists. If you’re a history buff like me you’re going to love it!

You can cover most of the major attractions in New Delhi in two days, but you may not have enough time to fully experience the city. I would say that the ideal time in Delhi for tourists is 3 or 4 days. After that, you’re probably tired of all the craziness and ready to move on.

The best time to visit New Delhi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature during these months ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it the perfect time to explore the city. I visited New Delhi in August, it was HOT and humid, but totally doable.

New Delhi can be expensive, but it depends on your budget and the type of activities you plan to do. Accommodation, food, and transportation are generally affordable, but entrance fees to some of the major attractions can be expensive.

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Delhi. It is advisable to drink bottled water or use a water purifier to avoid any health issues.

Delhi is not a very walkable city due to its vast size and heavy traffic. However, some areas like Connaught Place and Old Delhi are pedestrian-friendly and great for exploring on foot.

The best way to get around New Delhi during a 2-day trip is by using the metro, rickshaws, or taxis. The metro is the most convenient and affordable way to travel around the city.

If you are limited on time I recommend booking a private tour of the city to get the most out of your time.

• First time in New Delhi: How to survive (and have a good time)
• Taj Mahal photography guide + insider tips for first-time visitors
• How to spend 2 days in Jaipur: Top 12 things to do
• Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) – The best view of Taj Mahal
• Nahargarh Fort: The best sunset point in Jaipur

I hope you found this 2-day New Delhi itinerary helpful!

About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

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1 Day in Delhi Itinerary: The City’s Highlights (2024)

Delhi, India’s crazy capital is the place where most travellers will start their journey in the country. This city is home to some of the most famous landmarks in India , and it’s definitely worth spending a day or two. This itinerary for 1 day in Delhi is perfect for first-timers who want to see the city’s highlights before heading to the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan or somewhere else.

This one-day Delhi itinerary will take you to some of the city’s most spectacular landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb, the famous Red Fort and the beautiful Lotus Temple. It will give you a taste of what Delhi is all about even if you’re short on time.

>> Related: Is Delhi Safe? A Solo Female Traveller’s Perspective

Travel Itinerary for One Day in Delhi

Note that this itinerary is quite packed. It’s perfectly doable and will allow you to see the best of Delhi in 1 day, but if you like to take things a little slower, I would recommend keeping your least favourite place for your next visit.

India is part of the famous Golden Triangle tourist route which also includes Agra (home to the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur . Check out my Golden Triangle itinerary if you’re visiting Delhi as a part of this route.

8:45 am: Jama Masjid

Let’s kick off this Delhi itinerary by heading to Jama Masjid. This mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656 and it’s one of India’s largest and most famous ones. It’s here that the Muslim population of Delhi gathers for the Friday communal prayer every week.

It’s good to know that you will have to dress conservatively to enter this mosque. Your shoulders and legs should be covered. I’d recommend bringing a scarf to cover up too because there have been reports of women being forced to pay for a robe. They tried to make me pay for one too, but they let me in when I showed them I brought a scarf with me.

Tip : Bring socks if you’re visiting the mosque on a hot day. You will have to take off your shoes and when I visited this mosque in July, I was running/jumping all around the place because my feet were burning on the ground.

>> Read next: India Packing List: What to Pack for Women

9:30 am: Red Fort

Next, head to Delhi’s famous Red Fort, which is a 15-minute walk from the Jama Masjid. If you don’t want to walk, it’s good to know that you can easily find a rickshaw that can take you there.

The Red Fort once served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors. It was built in the 17th century and it’s famous for its huge fortification walls made of red sandstone.

You will find beautiful gardens here, as well as the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Diwan-i-Amn (Hall of Audience), two impressive halls that will give you an idea of what the fort looked like in the olden days.

There is also a bazaar full of souvenirs inside the fort, as well as a museum containing paintings and artefacts dating from the Mughal era.

Note that the Red Fort only opens its doors at 9:30 a.m. , which is why it’s second on this list.

12:00 am: Lunch at Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is located behind the Jama Masjid, and it’s one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. This is a great place to look around and absorb the atmosphere. You will find plenty of shops selling saris, spices, silverware and more here. So, you may find some nice Indian souvenirs while you’re there.

This market is also a nice place to try some delicious Indian food. There are many places to eat at Chandni Chowk and you will love this place if you enjoy tasting new food!

1:00 pm: India Gate

After lunch, it’s time to take the metro or a rickshaw to India Gate, which is located 5,5 km (3.8 mi) from Chandni Chowk.

Formerly known as the All India War Memorial , this is another one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks. The India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during WWI. The gate was inaugurated in 1931 and its architecture is often compared to the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arch de Triomphe in Paris.

Under the archway, you will find another, smaller memorial called  Amar Jawan Jyoti  (Flame of the Immortal Soldier). This structure was built in the 1970s to commemorate the Bangladesh Liberation War.

You will also find a canopy about 150 m (490 ft) behind the gate. There used to be a statue of King Emperor George V in it, but it was removed in the 1960s when the government decided to remove all British statues from Delhi. Since 2022, however, a statue of Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose can be found in the canopy.

2:00 pm: Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is 6,6 km (4.1 mi) from the India Gate, and the easiest way to get there is by taking a rickshaw. The nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb is Jangpura Metro Station, but it’s still a 3 km (1.1 mi) walk from this tomb.

Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and it inspired the construction of the famous Taj Mahal . This enormous mausoleum was built in Persian style and, at the time, it was grander than any tomb that was ever built in the Islamic world.

Don’t forget to visit the other beautiful garden tombs while you’re there. These include the tombs of Nila Gumbad ,  Isa Khan , Bu Halima and Afsarwala . Another monument to see at the Humayun’s Tomb complex is the Arab Serai . This is where the people who built the tomb stayed.

Humayun’s Tomb is one of my favourite places in Delhi and one that cannot be missed during a visit to this city!

4:00 pm: Lotus Temple

This is another one of my favourite places in the city and one that cannot be missed on any Delhi itinerary!

The Lotus Temple can easily be reached either by rickshaw or by metro. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Kalkaji Metro Station.

This temple was built in 1986 and it’s also called the Bahá’í House of Worship . The Baha’i faith teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. There are 7 major Baha’i temples in the world . The other ones are located in the United States, Australia, Uganda, Germany, Panama and Samoa.

It’s interesting to note that this architectural marvel has won numerous architectural awards. It consists of 27 marble petals that are arranged in groups of three. Inside the Lotus Temple, you will find a large meditation room where visitors of all religions are welcome.

6:00 pm: Dinner at Connaught Place

Next, take the metro to Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s largest commercial, financial and business centres. This place is famous for its Georgian-style architecture with white buildings that house plenty of shops.

You will find many great restaurants at Connaught Place too, so this is the perfect place to stroll around and have dinner after a busy day exploring the city.

Things to See in Delhi if You Have More Time

There are many, many more things to do in Delhi if you have more time! From temples to gardens, here are some of the other best places to visit:

• Qutub Minar : The Qutub Minar is a minaret believed to be the first building that marked the arrival of Muslim rulers in India. It was built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom.
• Akshardham : This beautiful Hindu temple opened its doors in 2005 and it houses over a whopping 20,000 figurines from Indian mythology!
• National Gandhi Museum : Delhi’s Gandhi Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the late Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most famous freedom fighter. It houses many books, documents, photographs and other artefacts about his life.
• Lodhi Gardens: If you’re looking for lush greenery in the middle of the Indian capital, then Lodhi Gardens is the place for you. It’s the perfect place to head to if you’re looking to escape from the chaos of the city for a while.
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib : Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of Delhi’s most famous Sikh temples and it’s located close to Connaught Place.

Delhi 1-Day Itinerary: Map and Schedule

You will find a map and schedule for this itinerary below. You can click the location on the map to get a little bit more information about the place.

8:45 am: See the Jama Masjid 9:30 am:  Visit the Red Fort 12:00 am: Have lunch at Chandni Chowk 1:00 pm: Head to India Gate 2:00 pm: Admire Humayun’s Tomb 4:00 pm: See the Lotus Temple 6:00 pm: Dinner at Connaught Place

How to Get to Delhi

As Delhi is the capital of India, it’s very well-connected. It depends where you’re coming from but you can easily reach it by air , bus and train .

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 17 km (10.5 mi) from the centre of the city, and you can take a taxi, bus or metro from here.

Make sure to book your bus or train tickets in advance if you’re coming to Delhi from another place in India. The only website I could find where you can do this that accepts international credit cards is 12GoAsia .

How to Get Around Delhi

Delhi is a huge city and most tourist attractions are located pretty far away from each other. So, the best ways to get around are the following:

• Metro : Delhi has a great metro system (with AC) that connects most parts of the city. This is a cheap and efficient way of getting around as there tends to be lots of traffic in the streets. Click on the link to download the Delhi metro plan .
• Rickshaw : There are many rickshaws in Delhi but you have to be willing to negotiate hard if you want to get a fair price as a foreigner. Beware of rickshaw drivers trying to get you into shops or tourist agencies too, they will get a commission if you buy something.
• Ola : Instead of negotiating the price with a rickshaw driver, I love using Ola in India. It works like Uber and will allow you to book a car, rickshaw or bike that will come pick you up for a fair price.
• Taxi : The taxi is probably the most comfortable way to get around but it’s also the most expensive one.

Best time to visit Delhi

The best time to visit Delhi is  from October to March , during Winter. At this time of the year, the weather will be most pleasant. You will find an overview of the seasons below:

• Winter (October to March): Winter is the best time of the year to visit Delhi. While December and January can be pretty cool (5°C to 25°C / 41°F to 77°F), in February and March, the weather is great in Delhi (20°C to 25°C / 68°F to 77°F).
• Summer (April to June): Indian summers are scorching hot. Temperatures in Delhi will be between 25°C and 45°C (77°F to 113°F) with May being the hottest month. This is not a good time of the year to visit this city unless you don’t mind boiling-hot weather.
• Monsoon (July to September): Although the monsoon season is better than the summer, it will still be pretty hot and humid at this time of the year and there will be some rainfall too. You can expect temperatures between 30°C and 35°C (86°F and 95°F) during the monsoon.

I visited Delhi in April and July, and (although it was manageable) it was very, very hot and humid, so I was happy that the metro had AC. My last visit to Delhi was in February and the weather was perfect at this time of the year!

Delhi Itinerary F.A.Q.’s

How many days are enough for delhi.

Delhi is a very big city and you would need at least three to four full days to cover its most famous sights. If you’re short on time, however, it is possible to visit some of Delhi’s absolute highlights in just one day.

Is Delhi a safe city?

Just like any city, Delhi is safe as long as you use your common sense. There are, however, many scams, so it’s good to be aware of that. I visited Delhi by myself four times and I’ve never felt unsafe. Check out my posts about safety in Delhi and scams in Delhi to learn more about the topic.

Can Delhi belly be avoided?

There are some things you can do to avoid food poisoning in Delhi . You can avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled, for example. It’s also safer to not eat any meat or fish while you’re there. I did eat raw vegetables and all types of fruit in Delhi and I didn’t get sick, but I was travelling in Asia for a few months already when I got here.

Tips for visiting Delhi

• Be aware of scams: Please don’t let this stop you from interacting with the locals, but it’s important to know that Delhi has MANY scams… It already starts at the airport, unfortunately. Make sure to read about the most common scams in Delhi prior to your trip , it really is better to be prepared.
• Dress appropriately: Be mindful of the culture and dress modestly. India is conservative, and although it is okay for women to wear Western clothes, this is not the right place for hot pants and spaghetti tops. I’ve written a detailed post about what to wear as a woman in India , check it out to prepare yourself.
• Use the metro: I’m a big fan of the metro system in Delhi. It’s quick, safe and easy to use and it has AC!
• Buy a local sim: This will allow you to look things up at any time. You can buy one at the airport and it doesn’t cost much.

>> Read: How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need

🇮🇳  The travel resources I use for India By purchasing through the following links, you can support me at no additional cost. 💜 🏨   Booking  &  Hostelworld : To find the best hotels, hostels and guesthouses 🚃  12GoAsia  &  Bookaway : To book trains and buses in advance 🛺 Ola : The best ride-hailing app for India 🛫  Skyscanner : To find the cheapest flights 🏕  GetYourGuide  &  Viator : To book great tours and activities 💰 Heymondo : One of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies (get 5% off with this link !) 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa to visit India .

One Day in Delhi Itinerary: Final Thoughts

After hearing so many horror stories about Delhi, I was expecting to hate this city when I first went there… After all, isn’t this that city that’s so polluted, dirty, overpopulated and full of scams? Let’s face it – Delhi just doesn’t have the best reputation.

However… I did not hate it and I think Delhi is worth visiting !

I was surprised to see how many incredible landmarks this city boasts, even some of my new favourites (the Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb).

Although Delhi might not be a city everyone will love, and it’s true that there are many scams, I hope this itinerary encourages you to give it a chance and discover some of its most spectacular landmarks!

Read more about Delhi: ⚓️ Is Delhi Safe? A Solo Female Traveller’s Perspective ❗️ Tourist Scams in Delhi to Avoid 🌟 What is Delhi Famous for? 20 Interesting Facts ❓ Is Delhi Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Visit Delhi + 3 Not To

Must-reads before heading to India: 🥗 How to AVOID Getting Sick in India 👚 What to Wear in India: Tips + Outfit Ideas 💰 The Cost of Travel in India 🚫 17 Things NOT to Do in India

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Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has been travelling solo for years. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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This sounds good but visiting all of these sites in one day will be very exhausting 🙂 People also worry too much about Delhi Belly, but if someone has eaten streetfood in countries like Thailand or Vietnam, it will be pretty much the same ( I think, cuz I had streetfood almost everyday with no issues).

It will definitely be a busy day haha! It’s good if you only have one day and want to see as much as you can. :p

Ahh it’s the same for me! The worst food poisonings I’ve ever had were actually in Myanmar and Dharamshala (India), not in Delhi (and I went there 3 times).

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How Long to Spend in Delhi: Itineraries from 1 to 7 Days

Delhi, the capital of India, dominates India's north and is usually the first stop on an India trip. Here we offer you some suggestions about planning a Delhi itinerary and other travel tips.

What to Do in Delhi

How long to spend in delhi, where to stay in delhi, best times to visit delhi, how to get around delhi, delhi travel tips.

In Delhi, you can enjoy many ancient buildings and temples . They are good way to learn about Indian history and its religious culture. We recommend visiting the Red Fort, once the seat of the Mughal Empire, going to Humayun's Tomb, the inspiration of Taj Mahal, and listening to the chanting in old temples, like Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Delhi also offers many a good chance to taste authentic Indian curry and other Indian delicacies, to watch an amazing Indian dancing and singing show, to take part in an Indian cooking class, and to explore local markets.

You can also experience the festive atmosphere of Delhi and join in the celebrations during big festivals such as Holi in March and Diwali in November.

It usually takes 1–3 days to do the top activities in Delhi. If you have more than 3 days, we recommend you journey out of Delhi to places like Agra (where the Taj Mahal is) and Jaipur.

A Classic Delhi Itinerary: 1–3 Days

Generally, 2 days is a suitable stay length for Delhi : one day for arrival, one for classic city sightseeing, and a day tour to uncover the essence of Delhi culture.

3 days will let you travel in a more relaxed pace and explore Delhi's suburbs.

Day 1 : Arrival day. You could rest and adjust to jet lag or explore freely to settle in.

Day 2 : Explore Delhi's highlights. Visit the Red Fort and Jama Masjid Mosque. Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market. Go to Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb.

Day 3 : Explore Delhi based on your interests. If you like culture and temples, visit some special temples like Lotus Temple (a Bahá'í temple), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (a Sikh temple), and Laxminarayan Temple (a Hindu temple). If you're traveling with kids, you could go to fun parks (like Adventure Island) or somewhere educational, like the Museum of Toilets.

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A Delhi and Nearby Cities Itinerary: 4–7 Days

If you have more time, exploring the popular cities near Delhi is recommended, and it is most travelers' choice. Agra and Jaipur, close to Delhi, are the most popular destinations. Together they're known as the ' Indian golden triangle ' — the No. 1 itinerary for India travelers, especially for first timers.

It takes about 5 hours' driving from Delhi to Agra and Agra to Jaipur, and 6 hours from Deli to Jaipur. If you want to experience a luxury train travel , we can also arrange it for you. See our  7-Day Maharajas' Express Luxury Train Tour .

The biggest attraction in Agra is the Taj Mahal. Jaipur, the pink city, is India's most famous ancient city. Its grand palaces and forts like Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort are the highlights, and its heritage hotels are also of interest to many tourists.

Days 1–2 : Delhi exploration. Discover the most popular attractions. Visit all of the three UNESCO heritage sites: the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. Go to Jama Masjid mosque, and take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market.

Days 3–4 : Agra discovery. After 5 hours' driving from Delhi to Agra, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) and 'Moonlight Garden'. Explore the famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort the next day.

Days 5–6 : Jaipur experience. Following 5 hours' driving from Agra to Jaipur, go to City Palace, where the king of Jaipur now lives. Visit Hawa Mahal ('Palace of Winds') and Amber Fort. Take an Indian cooking class.

Day 7 : Return to Delhi from Jaipur for your departure

You can check out more on our 7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour if you are interested in this itinerary. Or you can contact us to tailor a trip based on your interests, group size, travel length, and other needs.

If you want to get more about India itinerary planning, you can check out here: How Long to Spend in India (for First Timers): from 5 Days to 1 Month and 2 Weeks in India: The Best 4 India Itineraries for You

Delhi is divided into old and new districts, known as New Delhi and Old Delhi.

New Delhi is more recommended as an area to stay . The environment in New Delhi is clean and tidy. There is lots of choice of hotels and restaurants. It is also closer to attractions.

Old Delhi, which shows more-traditional images of India, is not so recommended for accommodation. It features narrow and chaotic streets and markets. There are some economic hotels, but the choice of hotels is limited.

For business men or travelers who need to catch a flight, staying at the Aerocity hotel area is recommended. It is close to the airport, needing only 10–20 minutes' driving.

October to March has the best times to visit Delhi when the weather is dry and it is not so hot . April, May, and June are the hottest months of the year. The scorching heat could be a challenge. Rainy season is from July to September. But the hot and rainy seasons offer discounts and quieter attractions.

See more on Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Delhi .

Metro and taxi are the main ways to tour around Delhi. Most attractions can be reached by metro. Calling a taxi using taxi apps or booking online is also a common way to get around.

Auto rickshaw or tuk-tuk is an interesting way to get around Delhi. When you take a tuk-tuk, make sure the driver knows exactly where you're going and negotiate the price to something reasonable.

Delhi's buses are also a way of travel. But they have no English instructions and no arrival announcements, so they're not tourist-friendly.

Without the hassles of hailing a car or planning a route in advance, private transfers could be your best choice , especially when you need to travel to surrounding cities like Agra and Jaipur. A private and safe vehicle will get you there most comfortably and flexibly.

1. Visa : You will need to apply for a tourist e-visa unless you are from a select few neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

2. Safety : India is a relatively safe country for tourists, but you still need to be mindful of some things, like keeping important items such as your wallet and passport safe, watching out for thieves, and avoiding going out alone at night. >>> Is India Safe to Visit

3. Tipping : Tipping is expected. It doesn't matter how much you pay, even 10 rupees.

4. Customs and etiquette : Delhi, typical of India, has a lot of religious customs. Entering a temple usually requires removing shoes, covering the torso to the neck, knees and shoulders (and more ideally), and some temples require covering the head with a turban. Don't touch locals' heads or shake hands with your left hand.

5. Food : Mutton and chicken are the main meats served. 60% of Indians are vegetarians. Most restaurants do not serve alcohol.

Touring India with Us

All our tours can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create an ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

• 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour
• 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour

You can find yet more Thailand travel itineraries on our Most Popular India Tours page.

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DELHI TRAVEL GUIDE | How to Survive (& Love) India’s Crazy Capital

There’s no escaping the fact that Delhi can be a little overwhelming. That said, it’s also one of the most incredible cities in India! Our Delhi travel guide helps you get the best out of the city while avoiding some of the “nuisances” that may present yourselves. We’ve had our fair share of Delhi learnings ourselves – as a multi-time foreign visitor and Indian couple, we’ve experienced all sides of Delhi – read this Delhi blog for how to get ahead in this mighty capital. 

Delhi Travel Guide – Learning to Love New Delhi

Delhi is the first taste of India for so many travellers, and it was mine, too in October 2015.

Feeling unprepared for my trip, I turned to my guidebooks in a flurry of last minute reading, but they didn’t exactly set my heart at rest – filled, mostly, with instructions for avoiding Delhi’s infamous scams and tricksters (who it seemed from my reading would all be poised at the doors of Delhi airport to welcome me).

Directions from my tour company to absolutely not leave the airport terminal until I had been met by the ground rep did not exactly help.

Like many, I was nervous visiting New Delhi for the first time.

On my first trip to India I spent only two days in India’s capital, and did not have to plan my own things to do in Delhi. Along with the others in my group, I was guided through the winding lanes of Old Delhi to the fragrant and colourful spice market, towards the stunning Jameh Masjid mosque. My eyes gawking at the mass of dangling power cables and narrow streets as cycle rickshaws hurried past, threatening to keel over at any time in my jet-lagged brain.

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But I also noticed the cold and prying eyes of Old Delhi – the cold, incessant stares that did not seem like the friendly stares one finds in other places in India. Was I not welcome here?

From that first visit, as part of a tour, to many subsequent visits to Delhi (often solo), it has taken me some time to appreciate – and even learn to love – Delhi.

Much of that learning has been with the help of tips from friends – both local Delhiites and international friends who know the city. So here is why Delhi is a firm favourite on my India itinerary, and some top tips for things to do in Delhi that will hopefully give you – too – that feeling of appreciation for this crazy city of contrasts.

Why Should you Visit Delhi?

Despite its less than wonderful reputation as a travel destination, to miss out on visiting Delhi during a trip to India would be a bit of a sin. There are plenty of reasons to given India’s capital a chance, from its food, to its lush parks in the south of the city, to its mish-mash of cultures and languages that represent the varied tapestry that the sub-continent of India covers.

Delhi is a summary of all that India is – from its super modern metro to its crumbling havelis (historic stately homes), from its dusty spice markets to its gleaming and luxurious shopping malls.

But if there’s one reason that stands out most to us as a reason to visit, it’s Delhi’s history. Delhi is one of the longest-serving capitals in the world, and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. A walk through Delhi can take you past monuments from the late 1100s to the present day, in a city heavily influenced by the Mughals, the British and many others.

Is Delhi Safe?

The best answer to this question is that most visitors to Delhi are unlikely to encounter any serious problems in Delhi. You’re most likely to experience some staring and possibly getting short changed or approached by touts – that’s all.

The high profile rape cases from Delhi were isolated incidents, but Delhi is still not the easiest place in India for female travellers. Dressing conservatively is advised, and I do not recommend solo women to go out alone at night in Delhi (which may be on the more cautious side but this has served me well) – see more in our tips for women below.

It also makes a huge difference where you stay as to how you’re likely to feel about Delhi: Check out our where to stay in Delhi tips below!

READ MORE: A guide to Solo Female Travel in India – with tips from local women .

Air Pollution in Delhi

As I update this article in October 2019, Delhi is suffering yet another bout of toxic smog, as pleas to stop Diwali firecrackers fall on deaf ears, farmers in nearby regions burn their crops, and the government does little to work on the issue of environmental pollution.

Over the last few years, this has happened every year immediately after Diwali. The air in Delhi (and some other cities notably Agra and Varanasi) is a serious problem, although it causes a lot less harm to visitors than those who have to deal with it on a daily basis.

For that reason we don’t advise going to Delhi just after Diwali. Try to go earlier or later in winter if you can.

We also highly recommend packing an anti-pollution mask – you’ll need one that is effective at filtering out particulate (PM2.5) such as an N95 respirator .

Essential New Delhi Travel Tips – Know Before you Go

Delhi is the entry point to India for so many visitors, and yet despite its charms, it is not the easiest place to arrive in India. Touts and con-artists are used to tourists who’ve just arrived in the city – it’s not something to be nervous about, but more a reason to do your research and use common sense.

Here are some of our tried and tested Delhi travel tips for newcomers.

• If you’re staying in a mid-range or upscale hotel (which is a good idea), arrange an airport pickup directly with them for a smooth landing (more tips on airport transportation below).
• If you’re flying long-haul, build in some time to rest and take it easy – Delhi can be overwhelming, especially when you’re tired.
• Organise a tour for your first day in Delhi – Helps you to get your bearings and ease in to the pace of Delhi with the comfort of someone showing you around. (Book tours via reputable companies with good reviews, we don’t recommend using the guides loitering outside famous monuments in Delhi). See our recommendations below.
• Ignore offers of “free” tuk-tuk rides or shopping tours. Anything that is “free” will invariably lead to you being taken to a number of shops, where the driver will earn a commission for taking you there and on any of your purchases.
• Just after Diwali is not the ideal time to visit Delhi. Every year, the city gets covered in toxic smog. It’s better to visit later in the winter if you can.
• If you have a few minutes at the airport,  get an Airtel or Vodafone Simcard  for your mobile phone – as this will make travel and communication in India much easier! The booths are located inside the arrivals hall.
• Generally ignore people who come up to you at railway stations asking to see your ticket or at monuments – they are usually touts although their sales pitch may not come immediately.
• The key with Delhi is to be cautious but not paranoid – hold your head up high, walk like you know where you’re going, and you’ll likely find people leave you alone!

Arriving in Delhi

Many of us arrive in India’s capital under cover of darkness – that is to say that many inter-continental flights arrive in the small hours of the morning. Fortunately the immigration process seems to be much quicker than it used to be – if you have an E-visa, head straight to the far end for quicker processing. In the arrivals hall is where the fun begins.

Tips for Avoiding the Airport Scams

For travel from the airport, I do not recommend taking a regular pre-paid taxi (and definitely ignore anyone that approaches you offering a taxi or ride).

The “your hotel has burnt down / is closed / Delhi is closed due to smog” (yes, really) scam is still going as strong as ever, and revolves around taking unwitting travellers to a remote location in the middle of the night, claiming not being able to find your hotel, and instead taking you to one that pays commission. Or worse.

Safe Transport Options from Delhi Airport

One of the best options for a safe transfer from the airport is to have your hotel arrange a transfer . Make sure they’ll be inside the terminal with a sign with the hotel’s name, or with a “password” and check their identity carefully before leaving with your driver or ask them for your names to be sure they’re the real deal and not just a random person with a sign.

Sakha Cabs ,  powered by  Women on Wheels  offer transfers and taxi services for women travellers, by women drivers. The Azad Foundation behind the Women on Wheels initiative started it in Delhi in 2008 to bring economic empowerment to women by enabling them to become professional drivers. Do your bit to support them by arranging an airport transfer with them!

If that fails, I have used Meru cabs from New Delhi Airport while travelling alone in Delhi – there’s a separate desk for them when exiting arrivals. They’re a little more expensive than regular cabs but I have found them to be reliable and safe.

Culture Shock in New Delhi

New Delhi is a city of 20 million.

It’s sprawling, big, dusty, noisy, dirty, charming, beautiful and chaotic all at once. You might find yourself gazing at a beautiful building with scenes of shocking poverty right next to it.

You might encounter cows chomping on plastic waste right outside a gleaming 5* hotel.

As India’s capital city, Delhi is home to a tapestry of cultures and attracts migrants from around India and beyond. It’s a melting pot where you can find influences from around the world. But it can also be a bit overwhelming for the first time visitor. Our best advice is to take things slow, stay in a good part of town, join group tours and activities for added comfort when you feel like it, and if it all gets too much retire to a nice cafe to read a book for a bit.

The Best Way to Get Around Delhi.

Prepare to jump a few hundred years as you step from bustling Old Delhi into the New Delhi Metro – our recommended way to travel around Delhi during daytime.

At night, its better to travel around Taxi / Uber / Ola for mixed groups.

The super fast and efficient Delhi Metro is a great (and cheap) way to get around the city and there’s a ladies carriage at the front of each train (solo ladies – use it!).

For short hops (auto)rickshaws / “tuktuks” are useful – in Delhi Rickshaw Wallahs seem to have  universally forgotten what the meter is so you’ll have to negotiate . Expect to pay 50 Rupees for a short hop, and more for longer rides. I love to open up the Uber app to get an idea of the going rate for an Uber and then use that price to negotiate with the rickshaw guys. I do not recommend taking a rickshaw for solo ladies at night (see more below).

Uber itself has been involved in some scandals in Delhi, and personally I try to avoid Uber due to their (un)ethical policies – an Indian alternative is the OLA app , which is a good way to pre-book rickshaws and arrange taxis for the evening.

If a rickshaw driver offers you a free ride or offers to take you to a friend’s shop then the trip will certainly involve stop offs at stores that pay commission to the driver. Best avoided, unless you are up for some uncompetitively priced shopping..

Travel in Delhi as a (Solo) Female Traveller

Some extra precautions are required here, although it depends which area of Delhi you are in somewhat – with South Delhi being more relaxed and “safer”.

After dark, it’s generally advisable to avoid travelling alone if you can.

I recommend travelling with friends if you can, or getting a recommended driver from your hotel. f you do need to go out alone then avoid walking and rickshaws, and take an OLA or driver that you know. Make sure you have a working local SIM card so you can check google maps, etc. Phoning someone (even if the person you’re calling is imaginary) and making a show of reading out the licence plate in front of the driver is often helpful. Just make sure your phone doesn’t ring while you’re on the call 😉

If you don’t like the sound of travelling in Delhi as a woman, you can try Mumbai instead – which is much more female friendly!

What to Wear in Delhi

Ladies need to dress more conservatively in Delhi, even by Indian standards. That means covering your legs, shoulders and everything in between, and avoid tight clothes. Carry a loose cotton scarf to drape around your chest. You can buy an Indian “kurta” or tunic (I love Fab India stores) and pair it with jeans or leggings

Men usually wear loose, light pants or jeans and a t-shirt.

For men and women we recommend a pair of shoes that are covered, easy to walk in, and easy to slip on/off to go in and out of temples.

Delhi gets cold during the evenings during winter so carry a sweater / light jacket.

What to Pack for Delhi

Your time in Delhi will be easier with the right preparation! Here are some of our must – haves for going to Delhi:

Clothing for Women – sorry guys, you can pretty much wear what you want – see more on the what to wear in Delhi section below.

• Loose fitting, sleeved shirts or tunics – We love these ones for women.  Avoid solid white as the dust will spoil it easily – patterns disguise dirt better! Cotton or linen shirts/t-shirts are fine.
• 2-3 Light Scarves – useful for draping over your head / chest – go as colourful as you like! And don’t take too many as you’re sure to buy some there!
• Loose fitting linen/cotton pants for women
• Closed slip on/off shoes similar to VANS / TOMS (that you don’t mind getting dirty!) are ideal as you’ll likely want to protect your feet while travelling & walking around cities, and a pair of flip-flips for hanging out in, too. If you’re planning on trekking, bring good trekking shoes.

ⓘ TIP:   Travel Insurance is a must for India – we use and recommend World Nomads – Get your quote here !

• Ladies – Tampons are available in the big cities, but not beyond and are expensive. It’s better to avoid use of sanitary napkins due to inadequate waste disposal and the plastic waste they create. We recommend using non-polluting protection such as a menstrual cup , washable pads , or period underwear .
• Try to bring plastic-free, organic/chemical free soap and shampoo bars , as often waste goes straight into the water.

Electronics

• India’s power sockets are a fun mix – including 2 round pin european style, 3 round pin and 3 square pin. So a multi way travel adaptor (or 3) is a must!
• Make sure to bring a power bank for long bus and train journeys

Staying Healthy in India

• First off – not everyone gets sick in India, but some charcoal tablets can work wonders for an upset stomach.
• A first aid kit is highly recommended for India – bring disinfectant liquid, cream, plasters, broad spectrum antibiotics, mosquito repellant, sunscreen and meds for stomach upsets. In case you do need medical help, the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore have world-class medical facilities.
• Travel Insurance! A must for India – don’t leave home without it. We use & recommend World Nomads – get a quote here .
• Water filtration / purification equipment & water bottle as tap water is not safe to drink in India (but commonly available filtered (RO) water is fine – I have drunk it for many months) – Check out our Steripen and favourite water bottle for travel in India here.

READ MORE: Guide to Safe Drinking Water in India

Where to Stay in Delhi

Like my overall experience with Delhi, understanding where to stay in Delhi has been something of a learning curve.

If you’re in a hurry, these are some of our recommended accommodation options for Delhi:

• Bloomrooms @Janpath (Connaught Place). We love the colourful, clean and great value rooms here, right in the heart of Delhi! Check rates and book here .
• The Imperial, New Delhi (Connaught Place). If you want the best luxury in Delhi, stay here. A Delhi institution, this hotel may just spoil you forever – it’s one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve been in and the cocktails are amazing! Worth a splurge. Check rates and book here .
• Prakash Kutir B&B, (Hauz Khas, south Delhi) – see my full write up below. Situated in leafy south Delhi, this family run, clean and comfortable B&B is great for those staying a little longer in Delhi. We love this part of Delhi for its parks, markets and trendy eateries. Check rates and book here .

Which Area to Stay in Delhi

Unfortunately Delhi’s best known areas to stay aren’t always the best choice! Here’s our breakdown of where we do and don’t recommend staying in the city.

While I have not experienced staying in the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj first hand, frankly I would not recommend it unless you have a very short overnight before taking the train elsewhere (Paharganj is located just opposite New Delhi / NDLS Railway Station).

Paharganj is ground zero for Delhi’s tourist scams and hustle, and is home to possibly the grottiest of accommodation. Proceed with caution and check reviews carefully.

My first experience of staying in Delhi was in Karol Bagh , which is where many tour groups stay. While it undoubtedly has more going for it than Paharganj (It has a local market, is close to the huge Hanuman temple, as well as being close to the Metro) I also don’t really recommend Karol Bagh.

The hotels here are cheap but they attract a very mixed crowd, and during my stay I did not feel particularly relaxed (or very safe) in this part of town. I would not recommend walking around alone at night. There have also been issues with hotel fires in Karol Bagh. Stay elsewhere if you can.

Connaught Place “CP”

Connaught Place is in central Delhi, has lots of restaurants and shopping close-by and is a central place to explore from. It’s also home to some beautiful high end hotels such as The Imperial and the Shangri La . It’s also home to some dodgy places though, so check reviews carefully before booking!

CP is convenient for a night or two, but touts tend to hang around here so I don’t recommend CP for longer stays unless you’re in a high end hotel.

South Delhi

It was on my third trip to Delhi that I was pointed in the direction of South Delhi – perhaps the most beautiful and leafy green part of Delhi – and recommended Prakash Kutir B&B which has since become one of my favourite places to stay in Delhi.

Prakash Kutir is located just off Hauz Khas market which is perfect for getting to grips with Delhi local life, enjoying a good espresso, and is handily connected to the city by Metro – there’s currently a new line under construction to the airport too. I loved the experience of staying with an Indian family in their home, waking up to the musical calls of the local vegetable wallahs outside, and getting to know the family better over breakfast each morning. It’s also a very safe part of the city. The Gupta family offer a truly comfortable and charming home from home in Delhi. Check rates and availability for Prakash Kutir here.

My favourite budget/hostel accommodation in south Delhi is Madpackers Hostel in Panscheel Park, which is comfortable, clean, and comes with great chai included.

If you’re prepared to base yourself outside of Delhi itself but want to be nearby, then Casa Delhi in nearby Noida (and connected by metro) is an eco retreat and farm stay is a truly unique opportunity to experience life on an organic farm – with a focus on yoga, meditation and community living. This place is on my list for my next trip to the capital!

Things to do in Delhi

There are plenty of things to do in Delhi to make you want to extend your stay – from exploring the city’s tombs and Mughal architecture, to the bungalows of Lutyens, to exploring bazaars, to sipping world class cocktails in trendy bars.

My Delhi “Must Sees”

Old Delhi . You can’t visit Delhi without seeing it’s historic heart, winding lanes and the Jameh Masjid (Mosque). We recommend taking a guided walking tour of this area to take in Chandni Chowk, the Spice Market, Mosque and Red Fort. If it’s your first day or two in India, you might want to go easy on the street food in this area of Delhi – it can be delicious, but doesn’t always go down the best with un-acclimatised stomachs!

Search Old Delhi tours here on Get Your Guide !

Red Fort. In our opinion, well worth a visit although it is a mirror of the Fort at Agra, and the Delhi version receives fewer visitors. There are some great views over to the Fort from the Jameh Masjid. The Red Fort is included in many Old Delhi walking/tuk-tuk tours.

Humayan’s Tomb. Tomb to the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Humayun, this tomb is a beautiful UNESCO heritage sight, and one of the best examples of Persian influenced architecture in Delhi. Spend an hour or two here wandering the grounds and enjoying the structure – for fewer crowds & better photos come early in the morning.

India Gate & Rajpath. For Lutyens Delhi at its finest and a sense of history, visit the India Gate (not to be confused with the Gateway of India in Mumbai!) and gaze down the Rajpath towards the government of India. The India Gate is illuminated in the evenings between around 7pm and 9pm.

Qutub Minar . Dating from 1197, Qutub Minar is one of Delhi’s oldest monuments, with a beautiful red sandstone tower that is 73m high.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. Located on the East Bank of the Yamuna river, this is the largest Hindu temple in the world and can’t fail to leave an impression. Try to visit during the week if you can as it gets very crowded at weekends, especially Sundays.

If you have a little more time in Delhi, we suggest exploring the lovely Lodhi gardens – filled with tombs – and nearby Khan market for some shopping.

Responsible Tourism Activities in Delhi

Delhi is, after all, a perfect mirror image of India where contrasts are visible and the city’s poorest sleep on streets or under a tin roof, meters away from the city’s wealthiest villas and fanciest members clubs.

If you feel compelled to leave a footprint for good and help some of the less fortunate in Delhi, there are some great options for responsible tourism in Delhi that give back. These are some of my most memorable experiences from exploring the capital.

Go on a Street Walk of Delhi – with Delhi Street Kids.

My first taste of Paharganj was not by staying there, but by going on a walk lead by former street kids of the area that I found on responsible tourism website I-likelocal.com . It is this area – adjacent to the main railway station of Delhi that many kids – usually in search of a better life in the big city – that is the first image of Delhi that most street kids see. Many kids who have run away from abuse, hardship and appalling conditions find themselves sleeping rough, in the train station and soon get prayed upon by gangs.

NGO Salaam Baalak Trust has set up help centres around the station and in nearby paharganj. Adolescent street kids who have been through the recovery programme are trained as tourist guides, and you can support the work by booking a walk around Delhi  (it takes about two hours).

Find more information about I-like Local and the walk with street kids here .

Visit Sanjay Colony with Reality Travel & Tours.

Award-winning Reality Travel and Tours started their work in the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai  and expanded to Delhi in 2014 and began working in Sanjay Colony in South Eastern Delhi. This is one of the city’s largest garment manufacturing areas, and while visiting Reality Travel’s operations in the colony you can see many of the garments made by slum-dwellers for sale, as well as some of the processes for recycling waste fabric.

80% of revenue from Reality Tours & Travel activities goes directly to Reality Gives, which funds projects in Sanjay Colony such as their computer program which allows access for IT learning for residents. The tour in Sanjay Colony – like Dharavi – comes with a strict no photography policy out of respect for all residents. We saw some of the harsh reality of a slum just next door being demolished, where its residents had become homeless literally overnight. This kind of activity serves as a harsh reminder of the struggles that many of India’s city-dwellers face on a day to day basis. If you’d rather not go to a slum area, then you can still support Reality Tours in their work by going on one of their Old Delhi tours or tours to nearby areas including India’s golden triangle.

Find more information about Reality Tours & Travel activities here . 

Open Eyes run a number of Delhi day tours that support local communities, and are actively involved in training more women to become tour guides in India. More information on their website here .

Enjoy a Home-Cooked meal in an Indian Home.

Delhi is well known for its rich, spicy and oily food. Delicious to many, but not the easiest food to digest for a stomach that has just arrived in India. I recommend going easy on the street food in Old Delhi (few seem to escape unscathed from personal experience 😉 ) and instead head to a home for a sampling of culture through food.

One of the best ways to go deeper into Indian culture (and get a load of local travel tips!) is to visit an Indian home – and even better – to share home cooked food. Last summer I had the chance to do just that through platform Authenticook, who offer the chance to visit an Indian home to travellers, make new friends through your fellow diners – and perhaps most importantly, enjoy lots of delicious home cooked food. Visiting a home in Delhi was a great way to arrive in the city, re-aclimatise, and get my bearings. Two hours later I was too full to move!

For those with fears about “Delhi-belly” or getting sick during their travels, this is also a great way to get familiar with the local cuisine in a way that is safe and friendly on your stomach!

Find more information about Authenticook dining experience here.

Delhi has an array of organic eateries and ethical shopping options perfect for souvenirs. For a completely different dining experience, Tihar Jail has opened a restaurant – Tihar Food Court  – which is run by inmates and is part of the jail’s rehabilitation efforts, preparing prisoners for life in the outside world.

For shopping, Dastkar Bazaar / Market is the perfect place to shop for responsibly sourced handicrafts and eco friendly products. Anokhi is the place to go for hand block-printed fabrics, and Organic India is the perfect place to pick up healthy, environmentally friendly teas, herbs and foods.

Enjoying the Best of Delhi

Despite some of the tourist scams and hustle, Delhi is one of the best places for experiencing all that India has to offer. For best results, get up early to see Delhi’s sites in the magical morning light, complete with plenty of birds. Delhi gets uncomfortably hot outside of winter months (and surprisingly cold during winter!) so be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly.

Last but not least, relax and enjoy the scene.

Have you been to Delhi? What are your tips for getting the most of your visit, or do you have eco-friendly / responsible options to add? Let us know in the comments below! 

  Recommended for you on Soul Travel: 

A Complete Guide to Travel in India for First-Timers

Solo Female Travel in India – Essential Tips from Local Women

Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in India

Rajasthan Travel Guide

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Visiting Delhi Travel Guide for the First Timers

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Visiting Delhi for the first time? Here’s an absolute Delhi travel guide that answers all your questions about traveling to Delhi – how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and the best places to visit in Delhi. If you read only one post about Delhi, read this one!

Editor’s Note: For those traveling from developed countries, it’s important to approach your visit to Delhi with an open mind and some preparation . As a city in a developing nation, Delhi presents a unique blend of progress and challenges. During your stay, you might encounter aspects that are vastly different from what you’re accustomed to, such as bustling crowds, diverse cultural practices, varying levels of infrastructure, visible poverty, and distinct way of life. Try to embrace the differences with less complaining and more curiosity . It’s important to be adaptable and empathetic. Understanding these aspects as part of Delhi’s complex fabric will allow you to fully appreciate and enjoy the rich diversity and vibrant experiences that this dynamic Indian metropolis has to offer.

Delhi has felt like home for ages, so much so that I could almost say I know it as well as I know my own reflections. Yet, I hesitate to make that claim; this city is full of surprises, continually unveiling new facets. Despite being residents for so long, we somehow never got around to exploring its many wonders.

Truth is that we never really explore our own city like we explore other cities or countries when we travel, no matter how hued and striking it may be. The day hubby announced the news of his transfer, I suddenly came to the realization that we are tourists in our own city. The traveler in me wanted to delve into Delhi’s beat, essence, and ethos.

I decided that If we are about to bid adieu to this big-hearted city that welcomes everyone with open arms and warm hearts then let’s first take a walk down the lanes of history and culture . So, the last few months were spent exploring Delhi. We soaked in the modernity of this ancient town and relived its past. We savored the city, one weekend at a time.

Amidst this exploration, it dawned on me that I had never shared about Delhi, my own hometown, on my blog. So, here I am, ready to unravel my experiences and insights about this fascinating city, bringing to you the essence of Delhi as seen through the eyes of a local.

Delhi – A World Unto Itself

Delhi , the capital of India remains the starting point of any trip to north India and an essential addition to any itinerary for India . Most tourists who are short on time cover the Golden Triangle . It’s a tourist circuit in India that connects the famous cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur .

Delhi, a city, where history, culture, and tradition are juxtaposed with modernity; has a myriad of secrets squeezed into her soul. It’s one of the best places for culture lovers in the world .

Delhi has a deep and long history. It has been invaded and looted by outsiders. The city’s strategic location inspired invaders to make it their capital.

Everyone built and rebuilt the capital in their own way. It rose from the ashes like a phoenix, every single time.

Dil ki basti bhi shehar dilli hai; Jo bhi guzra usee ne loota.

(Delhi alone is a city of love; all those that have passed through have looted it.)

Delhi, the capital of Independent India, has a great history as the capital of several empires. Yes, the story of Delhi is a tale of seven cities that faded in the sands of time and gave rise to our own Dilli.

Here’s how the famous Urdu Poet, Mir Taqi Mir sums up the beauty of Delhi in his words,

Dilli ke na the kuchey nahin, auraaq-e-musawwqr the Jo shakl nazar aayi, tasveer nazar aayi

(These were not the alleyways of Delhi but pages from a painter’s album. Every figure that I saw, seemed a work of art.)

Traversing through the ancient city of Indraprastha to the seven cities during Muslim rule to the Lutyens Delhi; somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the city!

Delhi as a city will never cease to enchant you.

Yeh shehar nahin mehfil hai

(This isn’t a city, it’s a party.)

Ghalib wonderfully encapsulated the spirit of Delhi in his words,

Ik roz apni rooh se poocha, ke dilli kya hai To yun jawab me keh gayi, Ye duniya maano jism hai aur dilli uski jaan.

(I asked my soul: What is Delhi? She replied: The world is the body and Delhi its life!)

Caught up in my love for poetry, I almost forgot to give you the practical details about Delhi . But it’s easy to get poetic about this city, as it has been a muse for many legendary poets in India. So, while I share useful tips and insights about Delhi , let’s also remember its rich poetic heritage that continues to inspire.

Things to Know Before You Plan a Trip to Delhi

Delhi is a huge, gushing conurbation. It literally overwhelms first-time travelers. Drawing from my personal experiences as a local, I hope my suggestions will get you started on the right track.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

The cooler months of October to March certainly make the best time to visit Delhi. Delhi has really really hot and long summers!

If you’re planning an India itinerary that includes Delhi during this period, it’s worth noting the varied weather patterns across different regions. Delhi, along with much of North India including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, enjoys cool and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing. However, it can get quite cold in December and January, especially in the mornings and evenings.

In contrast, South India, encompassing states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, enjoys a tropical climate. The weather is warmer and more humid than in the north, but still comfortable for travel. This is a great time to explore the beaches, backwaters, and hill stations in the south.

If your itinerary extends to the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, expect cold winters with possible snowfall in higher altitudes. This period is perfect for winter sports in places like Manali and Auli, or for enjoying the serene snow-clad landscapes in Shimla or Nainital.

Overall, October to March offers a diverse range of places and experiences across India, from the cool, cultural richness of the north and the warm, scenic beauty of the south, to the winter wonderlands of the Himalayas.

How to Reach Delhi

Delhi is well-connected by air to all the major domestic and international cities. Indira Gandhi International Airport is huge and almost all the key airline carriers have their flights operating from IGI, New Delhi.

Delhi International Airport offers direct international flights to prominent cities across continents like Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

The airport has three terminals; Terminal 1 , Terminal 2 , and Terminal 3 . Terminal 1 and 2 are used for domestic operations. Terminal 1 is majorly used by low-cost carriers like SpiceJet, Indigo, and GoAir. Terminal 1-C is for domestic arrivals and Terminal 1-D is for domestic departures.

All International flights and premium domestic flights operate from Terminal 3 (T3).

Talking about inter-terminal connectivity , a free shuttle service is available between the terminals every 15 to 20 minutes. Also, two metro lines, the Magenta Line and the Orange Line, serve the airport, operating at 15-minute intervals. Delhi Airport houses three metro stations: Terminal 1 (Airport Metro Station), Aerocity Metro Station, and Terminal 3 (Metro Station).

Check the live flight information here.

Delhi is conveniently connected by bus, train, and roads to other cities and states in India.

The three major bus stands – Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar Bus Terminus , and Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus plus private bus stations at Mandi House , The Bikaner House cater to other small and big Indian cities.

Delhi has five major railway stations – The New Delhi Railway Station , Old Delhi Railway Station , Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station , Sarai Rohilla Railway Station , and Anand Vihar Railway Station . The New Delhi Railway Station, Paharganj is the largest of all. Click here to check the train schedules.

Rajdhani , Shatabdi , and Duronto trains provide swift and luxurious travel, linking Delhi with major Indian cities for an enhanced travel experience.

Delhi offers a strong network of roads and national highways to other cities in India. The drive from Delhi to Agra by NH2 and Jaipur by NH8 makes the Golden Triangle Tour fun and easy.

We recommend using Skyscanner for booking flights because it helps find the cheapest options across many airlines easily. For ground transport, 12Go is our choice as it lets you compare and book buses, trains, and other land travel options conveniently, all in one place. Both are user-friendly and great for planning trips efficiently.

Delhi Airport Transfers

Indira Gandhi International Airport is 22 km away from the city.

The Delhi Metro Airport Express is the best way to travel to Delhi city from the Delhi airport and vice versa. The Airport Express Line aka Orange Line takes just 25 minutes to and from the airport. The cost is INR 60 (0.72 cents) for a single journey.

The train runs from New Delhi Metro Station to Dwarka Sector 21. The nearest stations to the Delhi Airport are Delhi Aerocity and International Terminal 3 . Check the official website of DMRC for more details.

The Delhi Metro Magenta Line gives easy access to travelers who intend to reach Domestic Terminal 1. The train runs from Jakapuri West to Botanical Graden in Noida. Check the route schedule here .

DTC (Delhi Transport Service) buses operate from the airport to the city center, ISBT, and the New Delhi Railway Station at regular intervals.

Good to Know: DTC has the world’s largest eco-friendly buses.

You can also hire a Pre-paid taxi, Uber, or Ola. If you are a foreigner visiting India, I’d recommend avoiding a pre-paid taxi option as you are likely to get scammed (sad but true).

Plus a taxi will take around an hour (way more than a metro) to get you to the city center depending on the traffic.

If comfort and ease are your priorities, consider booking a private airport transfer from Delhi Airport for a hassle-free and direct ride to your destination.

Getting Around Delhi

The Metro is everywhere in Delhi!

It has made traveling in and around the city much easier without burning a hole in your pocket.

Download the Delhi Metro Map Here.

Tip: Invest in a Travel Card or Tourist Card if you plan to use Delhi Metro a lot to explore Delhi/NCR.

A travel card is a stored-value card with a minimum of INR 100 (USD 1.20) and a maximum of INR 1000 (USD 11.99) recharge value. The card can be recharged in multiples of 50 as and when required. The amount is refunded on the return of the card. Its validity is a year from the date of purchase or the date of recharge whichever is applicable.

A tourist card is helpful if you need unlimited travel for a short time period. It’s issued for a day (24 hours) and 3 days (72 hours) costs INR 100 (USD 1.20) and INR 250 (USD 3) respectively.

The DTC buses (green and red colored buses) are reasonably priced but don’t guarantee a comfortable journey.

Click Here to Check DTC Buses Routes and Timings.

Another comfortable way to get around the city is by hiring an auto-rickshaw or a cab like Uber or Ola .

Ask a local about the rough cost to your destination to avoid being scammed by an auto-rickshaw driver. Ideally, auto-wallah should turn on his fare meter before the drive but unfortunately, rules aren’t being followed. Beware of swindlers who try to earn a quick buck from tourists.

Pro-Tip: Switch to autorickshaw mode on Google Maps to get an idea about the estimated price of the trip and route.

Hiring a car with a driver comes out cheaper and certainly far more convenient than hailing cabs all day long.

Cycle-rickshaws are recommended for traversing Old Delhi and the suburbs. Old Delhi is best explored on foot.

E-rickshaws or auto-cycles are useful for small distances like if you want to reach your accommodation from the nearest metro station or bus station. INR 10 to 50 will get you anywhere.

Car rental services in Delhi may not be as effective or popular due to the city’s heavy traffic and complex navigation. Additionally, traveling by your own car is onerous because of the dearth of availability and quality of parking space in Delhi.

If you are a woman solo traveler , a women-exclusive cab service is the best bet for you. There are quite a few options in Delhi.

Sakha Cabs , in association with Azad Foundation , provides a livelihood to poor women in India by training them as professional drivers as part of their Women on Wheels (WOW) Program .

You Might Like: A Complete Guide to a Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh

How Many Days in Delhi

For an authentic experience of Delhi, consider allocating around 3 to 5 days for your visit.

3 days in Delhi allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights. You’ll have the opportunity to visit renowned historical landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, delve into the lively shopping scenes, savor the diverse local cuisine including the infamous yet irrestible Indian street food (don’t worry, we’ve got tips to avoid Delhi belly so you can fully enjoy it), and unwind in the serene parks scattered around the city.

With 4 or 5 days in Delhi, you’ll have enough time to discover offbeat, hidden gems in the city along with its famous landmarks, or maybe even take a day trip or a weekend trip to nearby attractions.

How to Explore Delhi

Delhi is way too big to handle all at once.

If you are new to Delhi, you might feel lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. It can seem chaotic and intimidating to the first-time visitor. Delhi is not easy to get to grasp or navigate.

Here’s an easy way to navigate Delhi!

We always divide cities into smaller neighborhoods or regions to make exploration easy. You can do it as well.

Divide Delhi into smaller units and subunits according to districts or geographical locations like Old Delhi , New Delhi , South Delhi , West Delhi , East Delhi , and so on.

Then list out the places of your interest according to the particular region like Red Fort in Old Delhi, Purana Quila (Old Fort) in New Delhi, Dilli Haat in South Delhi, and so on.

Each day or weekend, pick an area and explore it with ease. This lessens that overwhelming feeling and gives a sense of direction.

Delhi Guided Tours

If you still find it hard to get around the city, just relax and take a tour that fits you the best.

In fact, If it’s your first trip to Delhi, going with a tour operator who really knows the city can be a great idea. Make sure to do your research and choose someone who specializes in Delhi. Make sure to check the legitimacy of any proposal and stick to official channels for tours and information.

They can show you hidden spots and provide in-depth insights, making your trip both safe and comfortable. This is especially helpful for newcomers, as it takes the stress out of navigating this lively but complex city.

Or, if you prefer not to have a tour operator for your entire Delhi stay, you have the option of booking shorter guided tours. For instance, you could do a 3-hour tour of Old Delhi to delve into its historical lanes or a 3-hour tour of New Delhi to see its modern architecture.

These shorter tours are perfect for getting an in-depth understanding of specific areas without committing your whole day. You could also consider specialized tours like a culinary walk , a heritage walk , cultural tour , street art tour , or even a photography tour , which offer unique perspectives and experiences in the city. This way, you get the best of both worlds – guided insights and personal exploration time.

Alternatively, you can opt for a half-day tour that covers both Old and New Delhi , offering a comprehensive overview if you’re short on time but still want to experience the full flavor of the city. This option is perfect for those who want to get a taste of Delhi’s rich history and vibrant contemporary culture in a single day.

Listed below are a few options for guided tours to give you a glimpse into the past and present of Delhi.

• Delhi Heritage Walks
• Delhi By Cycle
• Food Tour In Delhi
• Delhi Food Walks
• Urban Adventures: Delhi
• Delhi By Foot
• Salaam Balak Trust City Walk
• Delhi Shopping Tour
• Delhi Magic
• Masterji Ki Haveli
• Delhi By Locals
• Delhi Karavan
• Delhi City Segway Tour
• HOHO City Bus Tour
• St+Art India Foundation
• Delhi Photo Tour
• Get Your Guide

Where to Stay in Delhi

I got a chance to stay in several hotels, hostels, and homestays during my past visits to Delhi. Now I have my own home in Delhi. Some of the recommendations have come from my friends, friends of friends, and fellow bloggers.

Whether you are a backpacker or a budget traveler, a solo traveler, a family traveler, or a luxury traveler – Delhi has ample options for each and every kind of traveler when it comes to accommodation.

There are certain areas popular among travelers for stay options; Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, South Delhi, Dwarka, Mahipalpur, and Aerocity . You can choose the area depending on your budget, transportation access, and yes, your style of travel.

Connaught Place is hands down one of the best places to stay in New Delhi. Its central location, wide-open streets lined with trees, posh experience, endless cafes and restaurants, and effortless public transportation access make it desirable among travelers.

Most of the time, Paharganj is suggested to backpackers or tourists traveling on a tight budget. I’d certainly not recommend the area if you are traveling as a family or with kids. It’s absolutely chaotic, dusty, and full of touts like vultures swarming over a corpse. Moreover, Delhi offers a good number of budget options in posh and open areas.

Karol Bagh is a decent option with quite a few comfortable budget hotels.

South Delhi is one of the most affluent areas in Delhi. Neighborhoods like Chanakyapuri, Saket, Greater Kailash, and Hauz Khas in South Delhi have come up with amazing hostels, hotels, homestays, BnBs, and guesthouses to cater to diverse kinds of travelers.

Aerocity, Mahipalpur, and Dwarka are the best areas to stay for travelers who want to stay near the airport. Aerocity has upscale hotels while Mahipalpur and Dwarka offer mid-range and budget hotels.

Here’s our pick of the best places to stay in Delhi !

Luxury Hotels: The Imperial , The Leela Palace , Haveli Dharampura , The Lodhi , and Taj Palace

Mid-Range Hotels: Maidens Hotel

Budget Hotels: Bloomrooms@Janpath and Wood Castle

Guest Houses: Indiyah Inn and Bed & Chai

Hostels: Jugaad and goStops

Bed & Breakfast: Maya’s Nest, Haveli Hauz Khas , Diya Bed and Breakfast , Tree of Life , and Arman the green BnB

Homestays: Thikana and Villa 33

Airport Hotels: Andaz Delhi and Roseate House

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Delhi at TripAdvisor

Airbnb is an excellent option if you are traveling in a group or on a budget. It provides you with a chance to cook on your own rather than eating out in expensive restaurants. Kids get more space to play and run around. You can choose from many cheap yet lovely options to stay on Airbnb.

Not your style? Fret not! There’s something for everyone in Dilwalon ki Dilli. Discover the places to stay in Delhi that match your style here.

What & Where to Eat in Delhi

Delhi isn’t just India’s national capital; it’s also its food capital. With its diverse and rich culinary landscape, a visit here demands indulging in the myriad flavors that tell the story of India’s cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Here are some must-visit places to eat in Delhi:

Old Delhi : Famous for its street food, Old Delhi is a haven for foodies. The best way to experience Old Delhi’s culinary scene is by hopping from one street vendor to another, each offering a unique taste of the city’s rich food culture . Try the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali for a variety of stuffed paranthas, and Old Famous Jalebi Wala for crispy, syrupy jalebis. Savor the unique flavors of almond chai at Kailash Chandra Jain Chai Wallah , and indulge in traditional treats like kulle ki chaat at Hira Lal Chaat Wala or the airy, sweet daulat ki chaat. For a heartier meal, head to Shyaam Sweets for their delectable aloo puri, and Karim’s for authentic Mughlai cuisine. Don’t forget to try Natraj’s renowned Dahi Bhalle and Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala’s Delhi-style kachoris, topped with tangy coriander chutney.

Khan Market : Known for its upscale restaurants and cafes, Khan Market is a great place to enjoy both Indian and international cuisines. Places like Town Hall and Cafe Lota are popular among locals and tourists.

Connaught Place : This area offers a mix of historical and modern eateries. From the classic south Indian dishes at Saravana Bhavan and Andhra Bhavan to the contemporary settings of Farzi Café , there’s something for everyone.

Pandara Road: This area is a hub for late-night eaters, offering a variety of North Indian dishes. It’s known for its upscale restaurants serving rich and creamy curries, breads, and kebabs. Some of the famous names include Gulati , Havemore , and Chor Bizzare .

Bengali Market: A go-to place for traditional Indian snacks and sweets. Don’t miss out on the chaat, samosas, and the famous Bengali sweets here.

Gole Market: This historic market area is known for its quaint eateries and local food stalls. It’s a great place to sample a variety of Indian street foods and quick bites.

Hauz Khas Village : For a more eclectic dining experience, head to Hauz Khas Village. It’s filled with quirky cafes & bars like Mia Bella , Coast Cafe , Kunzum Travel Cafe , and Lord of the Drinks , offering stunning views along with delicious food.

Karol Bagh : Home to many traditional Indian restaurants, Karol Bagh is ideal for those wanting to try authentic North Indian cuisine. Head to Suruchi or Roshan Di Kulfi for some local flavors.

South Delhi : Areas like Defence Colony , Greater Kailash , Nehru Place , Lodhi Colony , and Saket are dotted with a range of dining options, from fine dining like Indian Accent to casual eateries like Juggernaut to cafes, catering to diverse palates.

Dilli Haat : For a taste of regional Indian cuisines from different states, visit Dilli Haat. It’s a food and craft bazaar offering an array of choices in a vibrant, open-air setting.

Best Places to Visit in Delhi

Delhi is a city full of wonders, blending history, culture, and modernity. It’s home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as a variety of museums, beautiful parks, and bustling bazaars. The city’s diverse religious sites, including temples, gurudwaras, churches, and mosques, add to its rich diversity.

Among the numerous attractions in Delhi, here are the top picks that stand out:

A historic fort and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Red Fort always leaves me in awe, no matter how many times I visit. Built by Shah Jahan, this 17th-century fortress, with its striking red sandstone walls, is a piece of living history.

I remember walking through its vast premises, feeling the echoes of the past where Mughal emperors once lived. Inside, a mix of museums, lush gardens, and the impressive Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas offer a journey back in time.

It’s also a place of modern significance, where the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech unites the nation.

Jama Masjid

With its towering minarets and vast courtyards, you are sure to captivate by the grand size, architectural grandeur, and the serene ambiance that surround Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

You can ascend the narrow staircase to the top of minaret to reach the vantage point to enjoy the panoramic view, showcasing a stunning contrast between the old and new parts of the city.

To visit Jama Masjid, non-Muslims should be mindful of prayer times, as entry is restricted during these periods. Muslims offer prayers five times a day, so the mosque frequently closes to visitors.

Chandani Chowk

Chandni Chowk, the heart of Old Delhi, is a place where history and culture come alive. Each street here seems to whisper tales from the past, and the old mansions with their colorful doors add to the charm of this historic area.

Navigating through the bustling crowds can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s all part of the unique, vibrant experience that Chandni Chowk offers.

Tourists flock to Chandni Chowk for not only the delicious street food and the incredible aromas from Khari Baoli , Asia’s largest spice market, but also for historical encounters and architectural wonders, and ancient religious places like Gauri Shankar , Shri Digambar Lal Mandir , and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib . A hidden gem like Ghalib ki Haveli adds to the charm, offering a peek into the poetic past of Delhi.

A war memorial and iconic landmark, India Gate is a symbol of pride and honor and holds a special place in the hearts of Indians.

Standing tall and majestic, this war memorial evokes a deep sense of respect and patriotism. As an Indian, each time I walk along the lush lawns surrounding it, I feel a connection to the history of India.

The names of soldiers inscribed on its surface are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom.

Early morning here brings fitness enthusiastics ….In the evenings, when the monument is beautifully lit up, and families gather around, it transforms into a place of joy and togetherness.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is an impressive architectural marvel in Delhi.

With its grand design and sprawling gardens called Amrit Udyan (previously called Mughal Gardens), it stands as a symbol of India’s political heart and historical richness.

Kartavya Path

Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, in New Delhi, is a grand boulevard that forms the ceremonial heart of the city.

Stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gat e, this wide avenue is lined with lush green lawns and is the site of the Republic Day Parade , a prestigious and colorful event showcasing India’s cultural diversity and military strength.

Walking along Kartavya Path offers a splendid view of important government buildings such as Parliament House , North and South Block (house key government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office and ministries such as Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, and External Affairs), National Archives of India , and many more and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to experience the grandeur of the capital.

Raj Ghat is a simple yet powerful black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation.

Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it serves as a place of quiet reflection and respect, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay homage to Gandhi’s legacy of peace and non-violence.

Connaught Place

Well-known for its circular market, white colonial buildings, and wide range of shops and eateries, Connaught Place aka CP is synonymous with New Delhi. Delhites as well as tourists come here to soak in the lively vibe of the city.

Nearby, Janpath Market offers a variety of traditional Indian clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Located in the heart of Delhi, it’s an ancient stepwell steeped in history and mystery. With its 108 steps leading down to a once-water-filled reservoir, this historical structure a fine example of the architectural prowess of ancient India.

Surrounded by urban buildings, it stands as a quiet, somewhat eerie reminder of the past amidst the modern cityscape.

National Museum

The National Museum offers a deep dive into Indian history, culture, and art with an extensive collection of over 200,000 artifacts and artworks spanning over 5,000 years.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi , with its stunning architecture and picturesque gardens, is not only a piece of history but also an Instagram-worthy spot. Its beauty and grandeur make it a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its lovely gardens and detailed designs, is an important part of India’s past.

Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung’s Tomb , the last grand tomb garden of the Mughals, is a quiet, dignified 18th-century mausoleum built for a prominent prime minister, Safdarjung.

Surrounded by lush gardens, it features detailed designs and elegant domes. This peaceful spot, still less known to tourists, offers a serene and less crowded experience of Delhi’s rich history.Champa Gali, a hidden gem in the heart of Delhi, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a bohemian and artistic ambiance. This narrow lane, tucked away in Saket, is a hub of quirky, independently owned cafes and boutiques, each with its own unique charm.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple in Delhi, shaped like a lotus flower, is known for its unique design and peaceful atmosphere. This Bahai House of Worship is a special place where everyone is welcome, regardless of religion or any other distinction.

It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and pools, reflecting the unity and purity its design signifies.

Khan Market

Khan Market in Delhi is a lively spot known for its fancy shops, great bookstores, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

It’s a popular place for both shopping and dining, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences right in the city center.

Champa Gali

Champa Gali in Saket, a secret spot in Delhi, feels like stepping into a bohemian dream. This small lane is full of unique cafes and little shops, all with a creative twist.

Walking here, with colorful murals and twinkling fairy lights around, always gives me a sense of wonder. The cafes aren’t just for food and drinks; they’re places where art and culture come alive, often hosting events like poetry and music.

I love stopping by Blue Tokai for their amazing coffee, or Jugmug Thela for a relaxing tea break . And for a sweet treat, Morellos’ milkshakes are a must-try.

With its charming boutiques and craft stores, Champa Gali is a delightful escape from the city’s rush, especially in the evenings when it lights up and feels like a different world.

Qutub Minar

Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Delhi, Qutub Minar is known for its towering minaret, intricate carvings, and historical significance.

Built in the 12th century, it’s a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.

Hauz Khas Complex

A unique mix of ancient history and modern culture, the Hauz Khas Complex is known for the Hauz Khas Fort and a medieval water tank, dating back to the 13th century, set amidst the urban backdrop of Hauz Khas Village, a trendy area filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.

The complex offers a much-needed escape from the chaotic city life with its well-maintained gardens and views of a serene lake, making it a popular spot for both history buffs and those looking to enjoy contemporary Delhi’s vibrant social scene.

Akshardham Temple

A beautiful temple complex showcasing traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

A unique aspect of the temple is its intricately carved stone and marble structures, which were put together without the use of any steel or concrete.

Additionally, the temple’s captivating musical fountain show, which combines water, light, and sound, adds to its uniqueness, drawing visitors into a mesmerizing cultural experience.

Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is a beautiful urban space that doubles as a historical complex. Yes, this serene and lush oasis amidst the bustling city is home to well-preserved monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries.

You can plan to visit the gardens early in the morning when it’s brimming with fitness enthusiasts while explring the ancient structures.

Lodhi Art District

The Lodhi Art District in Delhi , India’s first open-air public art gallery, has been brought to life by the St+Art India Foundation . This initiative has transformed the walls of Lodhi Colony into a vibrant canvas, showcasing stunning murals and street art by artists from India and around the world.

Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort , built by the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in the 14th century, stands as a grand but now rugged reminder of Delhi’s storied past.

Exploring this massive fortress, with its towering walls and ancient ruins, you’ll get a real sense of the city’s historical depth and the tales of power and ambition from centuries ago.

Some Important Links to Help You Plan Your Visit to Delhi

• Incredible India
• Delhi Tourism
• Delhi Tourism Curated Tours
• The Delhi Walla
• Little Black Book Delhi
• TripAdvisor

Delhi Travel Tips

• Plan, but don’t over-plan.
• Over-plan, then go with the flow.
• Everything is bargain-able here. Hone your haggling skills before you set foot in Delhi.
• How safe is Delhi? Delhi is as safe as any other city in the world. Taking precautions is imperative everywhere. Be cautious and alert at all times. Try not to venture out late at night. If you are a woman, solo traveler, I’d recommend downloading any one of the best safety apps for women in Delhi.
• Delhi is known for its heavy traffic and bustling streets. Account for traffic delays when planning your day.
• Delhi’s metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It’s a good way to avoid traffic and explore different areas.
• Keep your belongings like a handbag, mobile phone, and important documents secured. It’s best to use a zipper scarf .
• A scarf is mandatory to carry in India as it helps to avoid heat and can be used to cover the head in religious places. So, Invest in one.
• Understanding and respecting local customs, such as removing shoes before entering temples, enhances your experience.
• With the city’s pollution and dust, it may be wise to carry masks and hand sanitizer.
• While digital payments are common, carry cash in Indian Rupees, especially in smaller denominations and know the conversion rate.
• Tap Water isn’t safe in Delhi or in India for that matter. Always use bottled water. I’d recommend carrying an eco-friendly water bottle . Refill it as and when required and keep yourself hydrated without damaging the environment. Water Purifier Bottle is also a good option.
• Learn some Hindi words and phrases.
• Tipping isn’t mandatory in India. It’s a common practice, though. I used to tip 10% of the bill to the service staff at restaurants, however, most of them already add a 10% service charge in addition to the tax to the bill these days.
• Download local apps for navigation, food delivery, and transportation as they can be extremely helpful.
• I personally never hire a rickshaw puller. If you do, please don’t bargain with them. In fact, pay them generously. No one would appreciate the tip as much as they do.
• Don’t forget to pick your copy of our trusted and insightful Lonely Planet Delhi Travel Guide to travel to Delhi with ease!

Words of Wisdom for the First Timers in Delhi

The culture, tradition, and religious diversity you would experience in Delhi is going to be completely different than anything you have experienced in your life.

Obviously, you are going to love some places and hate others and that’s okay! You do not have to love everywhere you visit! Isn’t it?

Anything and everything that happens during travel, good or bad, is a learning experience and it certainly teaches you about yourself and about life; so try to keep calm in situations that seem to go out of control and deal with them peacefully.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Go with the flow. Experience everything with an open heart and mind.

Delhi is no different in terms of touts, scams, and other hassles. It can be a headache for first-time visitors. But then, you can never be completely safe from petty thieves in any country, so keep your wits about yourself and take some essential precautions.

Be wary of things that sound too good to be true. Rather than getting stressed about losing some money or being scammed, take a deep breath, and enjoy the magic of the wildly colorful city you are in.

To get the best out of your travel, concentrate on a few places rather than trying to tick off as many as possible. Seeing one place slowly can be much more rewarding than seeing lots of places, but not having time to cherish any of them.

Make a rough draft of the places you want to visit based on your likes and dislikes so that you can choose the wise plan for your trip.

A smart traveler never sets out without travel insurance! Don’t forget to buy travel Insurance.  Heymondo  is our favorite when comes to comprehensive protection while traveling. Purchase a Heymondo policy with a 5% discount.

Words of Wisdom for Dilliwallahs

There are many worlds existing within Delhi. Do you think that you know your city completely? Well, see and experience Delhi beyond your knowledge…the real Delhi.

It feels like a timeless place where things have changed, yet they have remained the same. Truly, the city you live in has more than what you think. So, get the most out of your wanderlust and celebrate the city you live in!

For me, It’s time to leave behind the familiar for the unfamiliar, to take some of the peculiarities of the city we belonged to, and to prepare myself to immerse in the quirks of another.

Humne maana ki dakkan mein hai bahut qadre sukhan; Kaun jaaye Zauq par Dilli ki galiyan chhod kar

(We hear that poetry is greatly valued in Deccan these days but, Zauq, who could bear to leave behind the alleyways of Delhi).

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The best backpacking india route for first-timers.

The perfect backpacking India route for first-timers is here! This itinerary can take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks to complete. It takes in all the main sights in and around the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan.

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Backpacking India route

4-day delhi itinerary.

Start your backpacking India route in India’s bustling capital city; Delhi. Delhi can be broken up into 3 sections; Old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi. Here are the top attractions in each area.

• Red Fort (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
• Jama Masjid – Mosque (Free).
• Chandni Chowk – The main street in Old Delhi, and where Gadodia Market is located. You will also find the world’s biggest spice market in Chandi Chowk.

• Swaminarayan Sanstha – Temple complex (Free).
• Humayun’s Tomb – Taj Mahal inspiration building (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
• Ladi Gardens (Free).
• Gandhi Smriti – Where Gandhi was assassinated (Free).
• India Gate (Free).

South Delhi:

• Qutab Minar (500 Rupees).
• Lotus Temple (Free).
• Hauz Khas Village – Make sure to stop by Kunzum Travel Café for coffee and cookies.

Note: Getting around Delhi is easy with tuk-tuks and the metro system. However, tuk-tuks may try to overcharge you. Use this calculator to help you work out a fair fare.

For more information on FREE things to do in Delhi, check out our blog post here.

Where to stay in Delhi

Backpacker Panda Delhi – Backpacker Panda is situated along the Main Bazaar, at the end of the road from New Delhi Railway Station. It’s the perfect place for first-timers due to its proximity to Delhi’s attractions, nightlife and food stalls. We recommend this hostel for budget travellers that like to meet other travellers and socialise.

Bloomrooms Delhi  – Bloom Rooms is located a 5-minute walk away from New Delhi Railway station. We love this hotel for its cloud-comfy beds and bright, sunny yellow decor that gives off a happy and refreshing vibe. You also have the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. The breakfast is a nice mix of Indian and Western cuisines that will give you tons of energy to tackle this busy Delhi itinerary. This place is perfect for couples or people who just want their own space to escape the noisy city life.

For more prices and deals on properties in Delhi, CLICK HERE.

3-day Agra itinerary

After a busy few days in Delhi, take a train to India’s most popular attraction; the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is located in Agra which is just a 3-hour train ride away from Delhi. You can book trains yourself by heading to the Indian government website or checking out Bookaway for an easier alternative . Below we have listed the main attractions in Agra:

• Taj Mahal – Costs 1,000 Rupees ($14.09) or for a cheaper alternative, Mehtab Bagh which is a garden opposite the complex and costs just 200 Rupees ($2.82). Click here to find out everything you need to know before visiting the Taj Mahal.
• Taj nature walk (100 Rupees/ $1.41).
• Agra Fort (550 Rupees/ $7.75).
• Sheroes Hangout – a café run by acid attack victims

Where to stay in Agra

Backpacker Panda Friends Agra – We stayed at Backpacker Panda Friends. The guesthouse has many rooms to choose from; dorm, private, AC and fan. The guesthouse is conveniently located 1 km away from the Taj Mahal’s east gate. The guesthouse has a very social atmosphere and is run by Yusef and his friendly staff. This place is perfect for both solo travellers and couples.

For more prices and deals on properties in Agra, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jaipur itinerary (aka Pink City)

To reach Jaipur from Agra, you can take a train. The train takes a swift 3 – 4 hours and is the easiest way to travel between the two. Here are a few things you must see in Jaipur:

• Jal Mahal – A Palace on the Lake (Free).
• Royal Gaitor Tumbas (30 Rupees/ $0.42).
• Birla Mandir – A pretty white temple (Free).
• Hawa Mahal – A stunning architectural building (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
• Nahargarh Fort (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
• Amber Fort and Palace (500 Rupees/ $7.04).

Want to get off the beaten track in Jaipur? Check out these 4 off the beaten track things to do .

Where to stay in Jaipur

Villa 243 – Villa 243 is a small boutique hotel situated outside of the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. It’s the perfect couples retreat! The villa boasts an on-site masseuse, a rooftop pool and restaurant, taxi services, and sky television. The design and decor are modern and contemporary.

Backpacker Panda Stephels  –  If you are looking for a more central and lively location, check out Backpacker Panda. They have both dorm rooms and private rooms to choose from. The hostel is very clean and decorated with colourful art. The staff are also very welcoming and accommodating.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jaipur, CLICK HERE.

3-day Pushkar itinerary

Next up on your backpacking India route is the lakeside town of Pushkar. To get to Pushkar you will need to take a 2-hour train to Ajmer. From Ajmer take a public bus or taxi to Pushkar. The ride should only take 30-40 minutes. Here are a few things to do in Pushkar:

• Explore the market
• Relax by the lake
• Brahma temple
• Rent a bike and breathe nature
• Take a flower tour with Dia Homestay

Where to stay in Pushkar

Dia Homestay – For the perfect Pushkar experience, we recommend staying at Dia Homestay. It’s perfect if you want to stay away from the tourist traps of the lake and surrounding markets. Dia Homestay provides the perfect escapism from Pushkar’s beeping bikes and touting traders.

For more prices and deals on properties in Pushkar, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jodhpur itinerary (aka Blue City) 

After Pushkar, head to the Blue City; Jodhpur. To get to Jodhpur you will need to take a bus or taxi back to Ajmer. From Ajmer, you can take a direct train to Pushkar, which takes around 4 hours. Here are a few things to do in Jodhpur:

• Mehrangarh Fort (600 Rupees/ $8.45).
• Jaswant Thada Temple (50 Rupees/ $0.70).
• Sadar Market and clock tower.
• Explore the blue streets.
• Toorjika Stepwell (Free).

For more detailed information on how to spend your time in Jodhpur, click here .

Where to stay in Jodhpur

Almond Tree Homestay – The homestay is situated in a quiet gated neighbourhood and is run by Megah, Chetan and their friendly staff. It’s the perfect stay for couples and people looking for a quiet place to stay after a long day of exploring the hustle and bustle of Jodhpur. The rooms are decorated to a high standard and there is a rooftop jacuzzi pool to relax your body at the end of the day.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jodhpur, CLICK HERE.

4-day Udaipur itinerary

The final stop on this backpacking India route is Udaipur; also known as the White City. There are no direct trains from Jodhpur to Udaipur, therefore we recommend taking a bus. The bus takes between 4-7 hours depending on which bus you take. You can book tickets on the day you want to travel, just go to the main bus terminal. Before we get started on things to do in Udaipur, you may want to check out these super insane things to know first.

Below is a list of the must-see and do attractions in Udaipur:

• City Palace Museum (200 Rupees/ $2.82 or 30 Rupees / $0.42 for the palace grounds).
• Vintage car collection museum (250 Rupees/ $3.52).
• Sunset terrace for food and sunset.
• Views around Lake Pichola.
• Boat ride to Jag Mandir Palace – Where Katy Perry got married (300 Rupees/ $4.23 for boat trip).
• Karni Mata Temple – Take a rope-way up (80 Rupees / $1.13 round trip).
• Art class (150 Rupees/ $2.11 per hour).

Need some relaxation time in Udaipur? Check out these top 5 relaxing activities to do in Udaipur .

Where to stay in Udaipur

Black Pepper Homestay – Cheap, basic homestay that is in an excellent location to Udaipur’s attractions. Also has a restaurant serving delicious Indian and Western cuisine.

For more prices and deals on properties in Udaipur, CLICK HERE.

This is the end of the backpacking Rajasthan itinerary. From Udaipur, you can continue South to extend your India journey to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala or the busy streets of Mumbai. Or, for more inspiration check out these top 10 things to do in India with kids.

Costs of backpacking India

Currency: The currency in India is Rupee. The exchange rate is 70 Indian Rupee to 1 US Dollar.

Daily budget: Excluding accommodation, we budgeted between 1,000 Rupees – 1,500 Rupees ($14.09 – $21.15) per day. This cost is based on two people and covered the costs of activities and food and drink throughout the day.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation ranges significantly. Dorm beds can be found for as low as 200 Rupees ($2.82) per night. Double rooms start at around 400 Rupees ($5.64) per night but can rise significantly depending on location and luxuriousness.

Food and drink:  A curry-based dish is priced between 80-200 Rupees ($1.13 – $2.82). Plain rice costs between 50-110 Rupees ($0.70 – $1.55), and chapatis from 8-15 Rupees ($0.11 – $0.21). The prices will differ depending on the establishment. For international dishes, such as pizza and pasta, prices range from 100-200 Rupees ($1.41 – $2.82). On average a bottle of water costs 20 Rupees ($0.28). A can of beer costs around 200 Rupees ($2.82).

Transport: The cost of the train ranges depending on the class you choose. We opted for a sleeper class. This class is fan-only and is usually packed with locals. This is the cheapest carriage. We recommend you book your train tickets yourself using the Indian government website. You will save a lot of money on agent fees.

India is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia. For more cheap countries in Asia make sure to check out this post !

Backpacking India travel tips

Be open-minded – It’s important to come to India with an open mind. India seems to be a lot like Marmite; people either LOVE it or HATE it and want to leave after a week. Be open-minded and you have more chance of enjoying yourself!

Barter, barter – Make sure to put your bartering skills to good use. You will certainly need them; whether that be for tuk-tuks, taxis, souvenirs, or hotels. If you know the item is overpriced, walk away! The price is likely to be half quicker than you think.

Avoid Delhi belly – Getting sick is quite common in India. Whilst at times it may be unavoidable, there are measures you can take to cut the risk. Do NOT drink the water, make sure you wash your hands regularly, and if possible eat at places where you can see the food being cooked.

Booking trains – Many people seek the help of agencies to book their trains. Of course, this comes at an extra fee. However, you can reserve your seats online using the government website. Once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy to use.

Be careful of scams – Genius scams are thought up everywhere in the world, and India has no shortage of them. Be careful of scams that involve buying food and milk for babies and scams around transport hubs. Always purchase your transport tickets from the official transport desk, and always check the information with them. Don’t let anyone tell you that your bus or train has been cancelled. Check for yourself!

Hikes in India – This itinerary mainly covers temples, palaces and forts, but India has plenty of hikes to offer too. Check out this list of top 10 hiking spots.

Essential resources for travelling in India

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

We hope you enjoyed this backpacking India route for first-timers. The Golden Triangle is the perfect region of India for a mix of culture, history, and delicious food. So, book that flight and prepare yourself for the land of tuk-tuks, mouth-watering curries, and much more!

Where to next? Did you know that there are cheap direct flights from Delhi to Kyrgyzstan ? So go ahead and explore the exciting region of Central Asia .

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*We were hosted complimentary by some of the hotels and hostels mentioned in this article. All opinions are our own, based on our experience.*

10 thoughts on “ The Best Backpacking India Route for First-Timers ”

Thanks for visiting India. It’s my country and I just love it. It is a land of vivid culture, language, religion and many more interesting things. Keep writing more on India and keep sharing. Love to read your articles.

Thanks for your comment 🙂 We loved travelling in India and we hope to go back soon!

This is great information for someone who wants to visit India. Your post is detailed, and i’m glad you loved staying in India. My favourite isnJaipur

Thanks for your comment. We are glad it is useful 🙂

Very detailed itinerary for Golden Triangle tour in India. You have listed all valid points to take care during this trip. I loved the Delhi Belly tip.

Thanks 🙂 We feel so lucky to have gone 3 weeks and avoided the Delhi belly. It just so happened Jake got ill on our second night in Kyrgyzstan.

India is so huge, having lived my entire life here I am yet to visit some of the places mentioned in your post. But hopefully soon 🙂

You’re right, India is massive. Hope you get to visit soon 🙂

I love India- so colourful. Your post captured that beautifully- can’t wait to visit for myself.

Thanks for your comment. Hope you get to visit soon 🙂

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From Delhi: 2 Days Trip in India

Discover the captivating wonders of northern India on this two-day excursion from Delhi. Set out on a journey through time, exploring the iconic Taj Mahal and the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy the vibrant culture , indulging in a mesmerizing evening show and savoring local delicacies. With comfortable transportation, guided tours, and cozy accommodations, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience . Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this flexible and accessible itinerary caters to all. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems that make this region truly remarkable.

• This 2-day tour from Delhi to Agra offers an immersive experience exploring iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.
• The tour includes private transportation, guided visits, accommodation, and meals, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free travel package.
• Flexible itinerary and cancellation policy allow travelers to customize their trip and make changes as needed.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families, catering to diverse travel needs.
• With a starting price of ₹3,873 per person, the tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable introduction to northern India’s rich heritage.

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Trip Overview

This two-day adventure through the heart of India promises an unforgettable experience , taking travelers on a captivating journey from the historic grandeur of Delhi to the enchanting Mughal legacy of Agra.

At just ₹3,873 per person, this exceptional package offers exceptional value , with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment.

The meticulously crafted itinerary seamlessly blends visits to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri with immersive cultural experiences, making this the perfect introduction to the wonders of northern India.

Whether you’re seeking a quick getaway or a deeper dive into the country’s rich heritage, this two-day adventure promises to leave you spellbound.

Itinerary Highlights

Embarking on this captivating 2-day odyssey, travelers explore the rich cultural tapestry of northern India, beginning with an immersive visit to the majestic Fatehpur Sikri .

After the drive from Delhi, they’ll explore the awe-inspiring sandstone city, a testament to Mughal architectural prowess . Lunch at the Gulistan Tourist Complex offers a delectable taste of local cuisine before the journey continues to Agra.

In the evening, a cultural show at Kalakirti ‘Mohabbat-E-Taj’ enchants with its mesmerizing performance.

Day two dawns with a visit to the breathtaking Taj Mahal , followed by explorations of Agra Fort and the charming Kinari Bazaar.

The trip culminates with a visit to the serene Itmad-Ud-Daula , known as the ‘Baby Taj,’ before the return to Delhi.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free exploration of the region. Toll charges, parking fees, interstate taxes, and fuel costs are all covered, allowing travelers to focus on the captivating sights and experiences that await.

This comprehensive package allows visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, and Delhi, without having to worry about the logistical details. The seamless itinerary and knowledgeable guide ensure a truly memorable and enriching 2-day adventure in India.

Important Details

Travelers can kick off their adventure by meeting at the designated pickup location in Delhi , whether it’s their hotel, the airport, or the railway station.

Guests need only bring their passport or ID card , as the tour accommodates all other essentials. However, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited throughout the journey.

The flexibility of the itinerary is a highlight, as it can be reversed if the second day falls on a Friday when the iconic Taj Mahal is closed.

Wheelchair users can also join the tour, ensuring accessibility for all.

With a private air-conditioned vehicle , daily breakfast, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides, this 2-day excursion promises an immersive exploration of India’s captivating historical wonders.

Meeting Point and Requirements

Guests can meet the tour group at their preferred pickup location in Delhi – whether that’s their hotel, the airport, or the railway station.

All they need to bring is their passport or ID card, as the tour provides for all other essentials. However, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited throughout the journey.

This 2-day adventure offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing you to:

Marvel at the architectural wonder of Fatehpur Sikri and the majestic Taj Mahal.

Indulge in a delectable lunch at the Gulistan Tourist Complex.

Witness the captivating cultural show at Kalakirti ‘Mohabbat-E-Taj.’

Explore the vibrant Kinari Bazaar and the serene Itmad-Ud-Daula (Baby Taj Mahal).

Embark on this unforgettable journey and let the rich history and vibrant culture of India leave a lasting impression.

Accessibility and Suitability

This 2-day tour caters to a wide range of travelers, as it’s wheelchair accessible and can accommodate private groups.

However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women due to the active nature of the itinerary.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking to explore, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience .

Witness the grandeur of Fatehpur Sikri, marvel at the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal, and explore the vibrant local markets.

With the convenience of private transportation and knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the heart of India’s rich heritage effortlessly.

This tour is designed to be accessible, flexible, and tailored to your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey .

Pricing and Cancellation

At a wallet-friendly price starting from ₹3,873 per person, this 2-day tour in India offers excellent value for money.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy further sweetens the deal, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – a boon for those with unpredictable schedules. Guests can also conveniently reserve their spot without any upfront payment, making the experience more accessible.

The tour’s inclusions are equally impressive:

• Private AC vehicle for the entire journey
• All taxes and fuel charges covered
• Accommodation and daily breakfast
• Guided visits to iconic monuments

With its competitive pricing, flexible cancellation, and comprehensive offerings, this 2-day trip is an irresistible opportunity to explore the captivating wonders of India.

Contact and Booking

Booking this captivating 2-day tour couldn’t be easier. Simply contact the tour operator through their convenient online portal or reach out via email, and they’ll happily assist you in securing your spot.

With flexible payment options and a responsive team, the booking process is streamlined to ensure a seamless travel experience from the very start. Whether you prefer to reserve your place now and pay later or take advantage of the free cancellation policy , the operator makes it effortless to plan your adventure.

With just a few clicks, you’ll be one step closer to enjoying the historic wonders of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, and Delhi. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey – book your tour today!

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• All-Inclusive Delhi to Agra and Jaipur 3-Day Golden Triangle Tour
• New Delhi Slum Walking Tour
• 3 Days Golden Triangle Private Tour – From Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
• 3-Days Luxury Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From Delhi
• Private Taj Mahal Luxury Tour From Delhi by Car – All Inclusive
• Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi Same Day by Car, (All Inclusive)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the group size for this tour.

The group size for this tour is flexible – travelers can opt for a private group or join a shared group experience. The tour caters to both individual explorers and small parties seeking an immersive Indian adventure.

Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, this tour can accommodate solo travelers. The provider offers a private vehicle option, so you can embark on this immersive cultural journey through Fatehpur Sikri and Agra at your own pace without the need for a group.

Are Meals Other Than Breakfast Included?

The tour includes daily breakfast at the hotel, but other meals are not provided. Travelers can explore the local cuisine and dining options on their own, adding to the immersive experience of the journey.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Price?

Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Travelers should purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other potential risks during their adventure-filled exploration of India’s historic sites.

Can I Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?

Yes, the tour company offers flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can work with the team to adjust the schedule, add or remove activities, and tailor the experience to their preferences and interests for an unforgettable journey.

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This unforgettable two-day journey from Delhi to Agra promises an immersive exploration of northern India’s rich heritage.

Marvel at the Taj Mahal’s timeless beauty , uncover the mysteries of Fatehpur Sikri , and savor a captivating cultural evening.

With comfortable private transportation, guided tours, and flexible accommodations, this adventure caters to solo travelers, couples, and families seeking a quick yet enriching getaway.

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How Young India is Traveling – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

September 3rd, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

More than 65% of Indian population is aged below 35. With increasing spending power, these young travelers make for a large potential traveler base.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Indian Gen Z and Millennials prefer to travel in the off-peak season to avoid crowds and reduce costs, according to a report by online visa application platform Atlys.

Young travelers are attending international sports events, looking at cultural hotspots, and going on solo adventures as part of their travels. During the Olympic Games this year, the platform saw a 60% increase in visa applications from India for France. This was driven in large part by younger travelers, Atlys said.

“Understanding the preferences of younger travelers is crucial as they drive major trends in the travel industry,” said Mohak Nahta, CEO of Atlys. 

Gen Z and Millennials prefer destinations such as the UAE, Vietnam, and Egypt. On the other hand, solo travelers are preferring Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Oman. 

Interestingly, Gen Z and Millennials from Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are driving outbound travel from India, Atlys said. These states have shown a significant volume of visa applications.

The Young Indian Travelers: India is a growing source of outbound tourism, as it is developing “fast-growing pools of first-time tourists,” according to consulting firm McKinsey and Company . McKinsey has also projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030 – it currently ranks sixth.

Earlier this year, a report by online travel agency Skyscanner had said that over 81% of Indian Gen Zs start planning their first international trips as soon as they secure a job or receive their first paycheck. 

Budget is the most important consideration for the young travelers, as more than half of the youth prefer to use their own money, including income and personal savings, for these travels. About 20% of young Indian travelers are also using schemes such as buy-now-pay-later while booking their trips. 

South Africa Announces New Preferred Visa System

South Africa’s department of home affairs has announced a new preferred visa system aiming to attract Chinese and Indian travelers. The system will be implemented in January next year. 

Indian and Chinese nationals do not have visa-free access to South Africa. The new system, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, is expected to cut down some of the red tape around South Africa’s visa process for the nationals of the two countries. Under the scheme, approved tour operators from India and China will be able to register with the department and offer fast-tracked visas to their clients.

Meanwhile, South African Tourism has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to offer affordable air travel to the country as part of a new campaign. The campaign offers special low airfare on Ethiopian Airlines’ routes from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai to Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

Thomas Cook Witnessing Growing Festival Tourism

Travel services company Thomas Cook India and its group company SOTC are witnessing a growing trend of festival tourism. Thomas Cook said that there is a shift from the traditional home-based celebrations among Indians, as they are now increasingly traveling with family for fun celebrations during festivals. 

The company has launched festive tours for Durga Puja and Diwali to capitalize on the trend. 

It said that Indians are now opting for longer stays during festival vacations: the stays have increased from three days earlier to 6-15 days now. “The appetite to spend has increased by 10-15% YoY,” the company said. 

Apart from destinations like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, new destinations are also emerging in the list of preferred locations: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Georgia. 

Accor Signs Pullman in Varanasi

Accor has announced the signing of a Pullman hotel in Varanasi. The 180-room hotel is set to open in January 2029. In November last year, Accor had signed its second Pullman in India, set to come up in Amritsar in 2027. 

Accor currently operates 64 properties in India, and has a developmental pipeline of 30 hotels. 

In an earnings call earlier this year , Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin had said that it will benefit as the middle class expands, especially in India. “What’s most important … is the increase of the emerging middle-class population, which went up one billion in the last 10 years, half of those from India. Those are the preferred targets for Ibis, Mercure, and many of the hotels in our core,” he had said.

He further said, ““India alone… had 35 million international travelers for the last two to three years,” Bazin said. “There is no question in my mind that India will reach the 150 million mark that we’ve been enjoying with China and America.”

The Leela Partners With RedBeryl

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has entered into a strategic alliance with luxury lifestyle management company RedBeryl. The partnership will provide RedBeryl members access to the Leela Discovery membership. 

Shweta Jain, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of The Leela, said, “Desire for immersive travel experiences continues to rise, particularly among the young affluent. Over 60% of luxury travelers are seeking custom, stress-free experiences that align with their lifestyle.”

As part of the alliance, RedBeryl and The Leela will launch joint marketing campaigns and co-create exclusive events to highlight the features of the partnership. 

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: accor , festivals , gen z , india , millennials , pullman , skift india report , skyscanner , south africa , thomas cook , travel spending , travel trends , visa , visas

Photo credit: Gen Z and Millennials prefer destinations such as the UAE, Vietnam, and Egypt. Porapak Apichodilok / Pexels

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Vande Bharat Sleeper Express features promise better comfort, safety, and more

Railway minister ashwini vaishnaw shared a closer look at the features of the vande bharat sleeper express in an x thread, highlighting its focus on comfort, safety, and advanced design for long-distance travel..

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• Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is designed for overnight journeys with 16 coaches
• Fares expected to be on par with those of the Rajdhani Express.
• Advanced safety and comfort systems are key aspects of the new train

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to share detailed insights into the special features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Express through a series of posts, accompanied by images that provided an extended first look at this advanced addition to India’s rail network.

ðŸšÄ Train journey redefined with comfort, safety and innovation.âœè Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, features we must know!ðŸçµðŸ‘‡ðŸû pic.twitter.com/zXgusgLKLi — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 2, 2024

According to the minister, the train is tailored to cover distances ranging from 800 to 1,200 kilometres, providing a comfortable travel option with fares expected to be on par with those of the Rajdhani Express.

ADVANCED FEATURES FOR LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is specifically designed for overnight journeys, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. The train comprises 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one AC first-class, collectively offering 823 passenger berths.

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Delhi-Dehradun expressway status: Travel from Delhi to Dehradun in 2.5 hours soon - details here

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Top Facts

• Once finished, the travel time from Akshardham in Delhi to Dehradun will be reduced to just two and a half hours, compared to the current six hours. Similarly, commuters will be able to reach Haridwar from Delhi in two hours.
• The 264-km expressway and the Haridwar link, with a total cost of around Rs 14,285 crore, are fully funded by the government. The project boasts special features, including "Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor (12 km) and animal underpass," which aim to minimize man-animal conflict in the Rajaji National Park and Shiwalik Reserve forest areas.
• NHAI sources have indicated that the first leg of the expressway, stretching from Akshardham to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) interchange, is expected to be operational by November this year.
• This section passes through areas such as Geeta Colony, Shastri Park, and Sonia Vihar in Delhi, as well as Vijay Vihar, Kasim Vihar, and Mandola in Uttar Pradesh. The opening of this stretch is anticipated to provide relief to many commuters from daily traffic congestion.
• The Delhi-EPE access-controlled section, spanning 32 kilometers, includes an impressive 19 kilometers of elevated roadway. This elevated portion is designed to accommodate through traffic, while the six-lane service road below will cater to local traffic needs.
• The Delhi-Dehradun expressway will offer seven entry points for vehicles traveling from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, located at Akshardham, Geeta Colony, Shamshan Ghat (Kailash Nagar), Sonia Vihar, Vijay Vihar, and Mandola. Exits will be provided at Khajuri Chowk, Sonia Vihar, Vijay Vihar, and Mandola.
• On the other hand, traffic moving from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi will have entry points at Mandola, Vijay Vihar, and 5th Pusta, with exits available at Mandola, Loni, Vijay Vihar, Usmanpur, Shamshan Ghat (Kailash Nagar), Geeta Colony, and Akshardham. Commuters entering and exiting the expressway within Delhi will be exempt from paying tolls, according to an ET report.

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) Former president of Atlas Cycles Salil Kapoor allegedly died by suicide at his home in Lutyens’ Delhi on Tuesday.

In a purported suicide note recovered from the spot, he mentioned “financial burden” on him and harassment by four people, police said, adding said they were investigating the matter from all possible angles.

Kapoor was found in a pool of blood, with a bullet wound in his head, near the puja room of his house on the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Road at around 1 pm by his manager, they said, adding that he was immediately rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

His sister-in-law Natasha Kapoor also committed suicide in the same house in January 2020.

According to a police officer, Salil Kapoor, whose wife and children were not staying with him, is suspected to have shot himself with a licensed revolver.

In his purported suicide note, he also mentioned about four people who allegedly harassed him “mentally and physically”, the officer said.

The police, however, refused to divulge the names of the people citing the ongoing investigation.

The body of his sister-in-law Natasha Kapoor was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her room in January 2020 by her son. She had left a note in which she had urged the family members to take care of themselves but did not mention the cause behind her taking the extreme step.

Salil Kapoor’s wife and three children – two sons and a daughter – were staying separately from him, the police officer said. After getting separated, his wife was stated to be residing in Dubai, an officer said.

Kapoor’s manager and his family stayed with him at the three-storey building, the police officer said.

Forensic and crime teams have been called to examine the site, police said.

Kapoor was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police in 2015 in connection with two cases of cheating involving an amount of Rs 9 crore. He was booked in two separate cases at south Delhi’s Defence Colony police station in 2014 which were also probed by the EOW.

The officer said in one of the cases, the complainant had alleged that he was cheated by Kapoor on the pretext of purchasing capital gain bonds.

During investigations, the police had also announced a bounty of Rs 25,000 on him. PTI ALK RT RT RT

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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