“I return to Delhi as I return my mistress Baghmati when I have had my fill of whoring in foreign lands. Delhi and Baghmati have a lot in common. Having been long misused by rough people they have learned to conceal their seductive charms under a mask of repulsive ugliness. It is only to their true lovers, among whom I count myself, that they reveal their true selves.” These are the lines from the first paragraph of the book ‘Delhi’ by Kushwant Singh. One of the true Delhi lovers and inspiration for many, the way he describes Delhi and makes others feel the same is beyond magical.
Table of Contents
Delhi is one of the oldest cities in India with numerous forts, monuments, museums, gardens, markets, temples, cafes, nightlife, and three UNESCO World Heritage sites. This city has always been a crucial part of the Indian subcontinent and is believed to be an ancient city as so many empires had Delhi as their capital. The offers by Delhi are endless and one can see what they are looking for in Delhi. From peaceful corners to bustling markets, one can find almost everything.
Old Delhi is something which so many people consider when arriving here which makes sense as the narrow lanes and the vibrant markets take you to a different culture and world. You can explore Old Delhi for food, fashion, and faith. You can easily find tour operators doing n number of tours in the neighborhood and if you want to have safe guidance, we will always suggest going for a tour. You can join our Walking Tours, Rickshaw Tour, Delhi By Cycle for the Shahjahan Tour, or maybe Delhi Street Food Walk for a foodie tour.
Whereas, New Delhi showcases the 20th-century city that was declared the capital of India in 1912. You will find modern buildings here and most importantly the Rashtrapati Bhavan(President House) and India Gate which are the main attractions of this area. New Delhi is considered one of the best-designed cities in the world. You can plan for a bike tour or a walking tour of this part.
Apart from these conventional places, we have South and Central Delhi which shows you the different sides of the city which has its own stories and charm to it. The Lodhi Gardens, Humayun Tomb, Hauz Khaz, Qutub Minar, and Lotus Temple are prominent parts of this area. Home to some of the poshest neighborhoods, they can easily make you feel the real contrast in the city.
It is always hard to explore Delhi in one or two days, to be honest, we are not doing justice to it, but most of the travel agents usually never plan for more than that. But here is our comprehensive list of things to do in Delhi and based on your interest you can plan what you want to explore in the city and plan your days accordingly. Let us know if you want us to add more to our list of Things to do in Delhi, or need any info which is not available in the blog:
Monuments in Delhi
We have more than 1000 monuments and ruins in the city of Delhi no one can claim to explore them all, but we can for sure explore the top 10 and maybe a bit more. So, here are the three UNESCO Heritage monuments for you to choose from, you can do them in a day or you can add other places along with one or two of them. You can easily buy tickets online and links with other details are given below:
Humayun’s Tomb
Being a Mughal style architecture, this structure is a tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun which has a garden around it. This tomb became the inspiration for many buildings including the Taj Mahal. This was also the first garden-style tomb to be constructed in the world.
Qutub Minar
An 800-year-old tower. It’s made of red sandstone and marble. The tower has carvings and verses from the Quran on it. It was built to celebrate victory and show the power of the rulers.
Red Fort | Closed on Mondays
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who constructed the Taj Mahal and Old Delhi. The fort is famous for its massive walls and impressive architecture, including beautiful marble palaces and intricate carvings. This fort is near the famous street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk.
Ticket prices: INR 600 per person
Booking Link: ASI Payu Money
Apart from these three prominent monuments, one can also explore, Sufdarjung Tomb, Old Fort & Museum, Tuglakabaad Fort Ruins, Hauz Khas Fort Ruins, Firoz Shah Kotla Fort, Jantar Matar, and more. All the above-mentioned monuments are ticketed and you can buy the tickets from the link given above. You can also explore tons of free monuments like Agrasen Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archeological Park, Tombs in Lodi Gardens, etc.
Gardens In Delhi
Visiting gardens in Delhi can be a great idea as you can relax in the greenery away from the hustle and bustle of the city and traffic. Exploring gardens in Delhi provides a refreshing break and a chance to appreciate the city’s natural beauty and historical charm. In Delhi, the gardens are not just mere gardens but a place filled with history. There are various gardens in Delhi some of which are as follows-
Lodhi Gardens
Near Safdarjung Tomb, it is known for its historical significance and greenery. It houses ancient tombs and structures from the 15th century, making it a picturesque blend of history and nature. This is our personal favorite, as it is a true blend of history and nature. It is free to visit, and open until 0800 PM, the nearby Khan Market also gives you some nice options to eat and drink after a soulful walk.
Sundar Nursery
Sundar Nursery is located near Humayun’s Tomb, this particular area is renowned for its diverse collection of plants, including rare species and heritage trees. Originally a 16th-century garden complex, it underwent restoration and transformation into a modern-day park and heritage site. You can combine this with Humayun’s tomb, Khan Market, and Lodi Gardens.
Deer Park
Located in South Delhi, it spans across a vast area and is home to various species of deer, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Lots of jogging tracks, trees, lake in the centre and can make you feel like a forest in the middle of the city. Hundreds of deer, monkeys, swans, and birds can keep you busy in the park. 700-year-old ruins of Hauz Khas add a charm to the sight. You can combine your visit to the garden with the cafes of Hauz Khas, the sunset from the rooftop of Socials is magical, while sipping your favorite cocktail.
Nehru Park is also great for joggers right in the center of the Embassy area. Garden of Five Senses, Sanjay Van, Jahanpath City Forest, and Kamla Nehru Park are some of our favorite parks in Delhi, each one of them has their unique story and style.
Shopping In Delhi
Shopping in Delhi is a vibrant and unique experience as you can explore a wide range of traditional clothes, souvenirs, spices, or anything you need. The shopping destinations are areas that take you to the world of Indian culture and tradition where you can find and take home memorable possessions. There are cultural and modern shopping areas according to your preferences.
Dilli Haat
Delhi Haat is a vibrant cultural bazaar in Delhi that showcases the diversity of India’s handicrafts, arts, and cuisines. Each stall at Delhi Haat is designed to resemble a traditional marketplace from a specific Indian state, offering authentic handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and wood carvings. There is a small entrance charge of INR 100 and prices are usually fixed at all the shops inside the market. You will get authentic things at a decent price and need not worry about bargaining.
Sarojini Market
Sarojini Nagar Market is a bustling shopping paradise in South Delhi, known for its trendy fashion at bargain prices. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, footwear, and household items. You can find the latest fashion trends here, from Western wear to traditional Indian attire.
Janpath Market
Janpath Market, situated in central Delhi near Connaught Place, is a popular shopping destination known for its eclectic mix of handicrafts, garments, accessories, and artifacts. You’ll find stalls selling colorful textiles, embroidered fabrics, traditional footwear like juttis, and intricately designed jewelry. It’s a great place to shop for unique souvenirs and gifts that reflect India’s rich cultural heritage. But remember you need to bargain here and stay a bit more aware of scammers.
Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar Market, Majnu Ka Tila (Tibetan Colony), and much more! These markets are highlights of the city as well.