Delhi

Introduction 

Delhi, the capital of India, is a compelling blend of ancient history and modern chaos. With monuments that date back thousands of years, bustling street markets, cutting-edge restaurants, and the constant thrum of activity, Delhi offers an intense but rewarding experience for travelers. It’s a city of contrasts – Old Delhi’s narrow alleys and Mughal relics sit alongside New Delhi’s wide boulevards and colonial architecture.

This detailed guide is built for foreign tourists, helping you navigate Delhi with ease while diving deep into its cultural, historical, and culinary riches.

Understanding Delhi

Delhi is divided into Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is home to historic sites like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. New Delhi, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens, serves as the seat of India’s government, with tree-lined avenues and impressive buildings.

The city has been the capital of several empires and has layers of history built into its very foundation.

Getting to Delhi

By Air

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL): One of India’s busiest airports, with direct flights from all over the world. 

By Train

• New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): Centrally located, major hub for northern India 
• Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) and Old Delhi (DLI): Serve long-distance and local trains 

By Road

• Well connected by national highways to all parts of North India. Buses, cabs, and car rentals are available for nearby cities like Agra and Jaipur. 

Navigating Around Delhi

• Delhi Metro: Clean, efficient, and affordable. A must for tourists.
  
• Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws: Great for short distances. Always negotiate or ask for a metered fare.
  
• App-based taxis (Ola, Uber): Convenient and widely used.
  
• Hop-on-Hop-off buses: Run by Delhi Tourism; ideal for sightseeing. 

Must-Visit Attractions

        Red Fort (Lal Qila)

• Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  
• Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
  
• Highlights: 17th-century Mughal fortress with museums and light shows 

  Qutub Minar

• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
  
• Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
  
• Highlights: 73-meter tall minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

  India Gate & Rajpath

• Entry Fee: Free
  
• Best visited in the evening when the monument is lit up 

  Humayun’s Tomb

• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
  
• Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
  
• Highlights: Garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal 

1. Lotus Temple

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  
• Entry Fee: Free
  
• Highlights: Bahá’í House of Worship is known for its unique flower-like shape 

1. Akshardham Temple

• Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  
• Entry Fee: Free, but charges apply for exhibitions and the water show
  
• Highlights: Massive temple complex with gardens, exhibitions, and a musical fountain 

Offbeat Attractions

• Agrasen ki Baoli: An ancient stepwell hidden near Connaught Place
• Hauz Khas Village: Hip neighborhood with ruins, art galleries, and cafes
• Tughlaqabad Fort: A massive ruined fort from the 14th century
• Chandni Chowk Food Walk: Dive into Delhi’s street food capital

Best Places to Eat

• Karim’s (Old Delhi): An Iconic Mughlai restaurant near Jama Masjid
• Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk): For stuffed Indian flatbreads
• Indian Accent (Lodhi Road): Fine dining with a modern twist on Indian cuisine
• SodaBottleOpenerWala (Khan Market): Irani-style Bombay cafe
• Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place): South Indian vegetarian food

Street food to try: Chole Bhature, Aloo Tikki, Dahi Bhalla, Golgappe, Jalebi

Nightlife and Cultural Experiences

• Kingdom of Dreams (Gurugram): Bollywood-style live shows and Indian cuisine
• Nehru Planetarium or India Habitat Centre: For lectures, films, and cultural events
• Rooftop Bars: Try Q’Ba (Connaught Place), Perch (Vasant Vihar), or Dramz (near Qutub)
  

Theatres & Performing Arts

• National School of Drama (Mandi House): Catch top-tier Hindi theatre performances
• Kamani Auditorium: Hosts Indian classical concerts, plays, and cultural events
• Siri Fort Auditorium: Government-run venue with regular film festivals and theatrical shows
  
• LTG Auditorium: Near Copernicus Marg, known for smaller experimental plays
  

Check online platforms or local listings (BookMyShow, Insider.in) for show schedules and bookings.

Shopping in Delhi

• Janpath & Connaught Place: Souvenirs, clothing, books
• Dilli Haat: Crafts from across India, entry ₹50
• Sarojini Nagar & Lajpat Nagar: Bargain fashion
• Khan Market: High-end brands and cafes
  

Festivals & Events

• Republic Day Parade (January 26): Spectacular military and cultural parade
• Diwali: The city lights up with lamps, fireworks, and markets
• Holi: Color-splashing festival celebrated with zeal
• International Mango Festival (July): At Dilli Haat, showcasing mango varieties

Government Safety Measures for Foreign Tourists

1. Tourist Police: Available at major landmarks and hotels
   
2. Emergency Helpline: 112 (national emergency number), 1363 (tourist helpline)
   
3. Pink Patrols: Female police units near tourist-heavy areas
   
4. CCTV & Security Checks: Standard at malls, metro, monuments
   
5. Prepaid Taxi Booths: Available at the airport and train stations
   
6. Tourist Assistance Centers: Located at Connaught Place and IGI Airport 

What to Wear in Delhi

• For Men & Women:
  
  • Lightweight cotton clothing in summer (April – June)
    
  • Layers in winter (December – January can be chilly)
    
  • Covered shoulders and knees when visiting religious places 
• For Women:
  
  • Long skirts, dresses, or loose trousers
    
  • Carry a scarf for temple visits 

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Ideal weather for sightseeing
  
• April to June: Hot but manageable for early morning tours
  
• July to September: Rainy but green; fewer tourists 

Conclusion

Delhi is not just India’s capital – it’s a crash course in the country’s diversity. With every step, you shift between centuries, cultures, and flavors. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, shopper, art lover, or explorer, Delhi has something unforgettable in store.

Planning your trip to India? Make Delhi your starting point. Let Experencia India craft your perfect city adventure today.