Rich history, rich culture, chaotic yet colourful, blend of ancient and modern architecture, you cannot define this place in just a few words, sentences, pages or even books. Delhi, this city is too dynamic to be defined. Exciting since “Dwapar Yug”, where Pandavs used to live and used to be known as “Indraprastha” that time. The soil of the city smells of sacrifice and love and ruled by many strong emperors from Rajputs, mughals to Britishers. In 1947, it was officially declared as the National Capital of Independent India but before that it has been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations.
Due to its rich history, now Delhi is the exhibition center of the history of India. Today with the modern advancement Delhi is among the top tourist destinations in the world. While Travelling in Delhi you will see unity in diversity where people from different religions, different faiths, different nations and states coexist together with peace.
Every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to see the perfect blend of Old Delhi and New Delhi. It is not only a touted destination but also the most preferred city in terms of investments, industrialization, Information technology, HealthCare, Real Estate, etc. Below is the complete guide for making a trip into the heart of Delhi. Here we will provide you everything you need to plan your perfect itinerary from forts, monuments, shopping complexes, eateries to many other things. Let us get started.
There are so many famous and evergreen architectural monuments present in Delhi built by Mughals, Britishers, Rajputs Emperors as well as the existence of modern architectural monuments. Below is a list of some must visit monuments or places of Delhi:
Red Fort: This place is a UNESCO world heritage site, with a circumference of 2.3 km built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 with the iconic red sandstone. As it was the residence of mughal emperor himself, it was not just a building but a whole mini city inside consisting Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Hammam and Shah Burj. There are also 4 different museums showcasing the history of India. With the new resturatnt opened inside the Red Fort premises, it attracts lots of visitors to witness the beauty of Red Fort in front of Chandni Chowk. You can plan a Rickshaw tour here and enjoy your favourite Street Food in Delhi.
Qutub Minar: This is not just a tower, it is a victory pillar built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, a symbol of his ambition built in the year 1311 and another UNESCO marvel, It stands 73 meters tall with 379 steps made up of red sandstone(three stories from base) and rubbles and marbles(top two stories)
Jama Masjid: One of India’s largest mosques which took 6 years to build and completed in 1656, the spacious front can hold 25 thousands worshippers all together. It is advised to wear full covered clothes inside the premises, if you are wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, etc you will not be allowed to enter.
Humayun's Tomb: This is a masterpiece of Mughal design that predates the Taj Mahal also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made in a indo-islamic architectural style. In the memory of Humanyun’s memory, his eldest wife Bega Begum built it in the 1560s. The tomb is surrounded by a beautiful lush Mughal Garden which is divided into four parts by the pathways.
India Gate: Built in 1912, India gate is a war memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs of World War (1914-21). There is another memorial as well called the Amar Jawan Jyoti, with reversed L1A1 rifle, capped by a war helmet surrounded by four urns igniting the permanent light. More than 13,000 Indian martyrs are inscribed on the monuments and the gravestone is dedicated to the known or unknown Indian martyrs, who lost their lives while defending the nation.
Raj Ghat: The memorial is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. A simple black marble platform embodies Gandhi's principles of non-violence and truth and surrounded by the varieties of flowers and bushes.
Lotus Temple: Designed by Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba, shaped like a blooming lotus flower, is a House of Worship of Baháʼí community. But it is visited by people of all faiths, where they gather together for prayer and meditation. In the year 2001, a report declared Lotus Temple as one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Akshardham Temple: Derived from two words 'Akshar' which means eternal and 'Dham' which means abode, which together means abode of the divine or the eternal. Akshardham Temple architecture is beyond words and is a tribute to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple consists of 234 pillars, 9 domes, and twenty thousand statues of acharyas, sadhus, and devotees.
Apart from the above mentioned there are various other heritage site, museums, temples, and gardens in Delhi. We are just mentioning out names of these places of Delhi as not possible to explain about each place in single blog. But will come up soon with details of allthese in our next Delhi Blog.
| Heritage site | Museums | Temples | Gardens |
|---|---|---|---|
| JANTAR MANTAR | APJ ABDUL KALAM MEMORIAL | ISKCON TEMPLE | LODHI GARDEN |
| LODI TOMB | INDIAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM | CHHATARPUR TEMPLE | MUGHAL GARDEN |
| PARLIAMENT HOUSE | ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM | LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE | BUDDHA JAYANTI PARK |
| PURANA QILA | CRAFT MUSEUM | JHANDEWALAN TEMPLE | CENTRAL PARK |
| SAFDARJUNG TOMB | ELECTION MUSEUM | JHANDEWALAN HANUMAN TEMPLE | DEER PARK |
| MUTINY MEMORIAL | NATIONAL GANDHI MUSEUM | SAI BABA MANDIR | GARDEN OF FIVE SENSES |
| MAQBARA PAIK | GANDHI SMRITI MUSEUM | MALAI MANDIR | HUMAYUN'S TOMB PARK |
| TURKMAN GATE | GHALIB MUSEUM AND LIBRARY | RAMAKRISHNA MISSION | INDIA GATE LAWNS |
| QUDSIA BAGH | INDIRA GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM | SHRI KALKAJI MANDIR | JAPANESE PARK |
| RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN | INDIA WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM | CHITTARANJAN PARK KALI MANDIR | JAHANPANAH CITY FORES |
| GANDHAK KI BAOLI | METRO MUSEUM | HANUMAN TEMPLE CONNAUGHT PLACE | KALINDI KUNJ |
| TUGHLAQABAD FORT | NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM | KILKARI BABA BHAIRAV NATH TEMPLE | KALKAJI DISTRICT PARK |
| RAJON KI BAOLI | MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX MUSEUM | SHRI JAGANNATH MANDIR | MILLENNIUM PARK |
| AGRASEN KI BAOLI | TIBET HOUSE MUSEUM | NEHRU PARK | |
| GHALIB KI HAVEL | PURANA QUILA MUSEUM | ROSHANARA BAGH | |
| TOMB OF MOHD QULI KHAN | NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM | ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN | |
| BIJRI KHAN'S TOMB | NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART | ASOLA BHATTI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY | |
| HAZRAT NIZAMUDDIN KI BAOLI | NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | BHARAT DARSHAN NATIONAL PARK | |
| PURANA QILA BAOLI | SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY MUSEUM | ||
| NEHRU MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM |
Delhi's food has something for every budget. Here are some must-try spots:
Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is famous for its street side foods. Popular dishes like paratha, jalebi, and chaat have been served even before the independence of India. Widely famous Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk provides a wide variety of stuffed parathas (around ₹300 for two).
Karim's: Karim's mouth melting kebabs and Mughlai curries are dating back to the Mughal era. (around ₹800 for two)
Majnu Ka Tilla: The places where you will find authentic Tibetan food prepared by the Tibetan chefs like Momos, Thukpa, Sha Phaley, Laphing, Lowa Khatsa (around ₹1000 for two)
Dilli Haat: Here you can taste different Indian cuisines in one place like- Litti Chokha, Dhokla, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Hyderabadi Biryani, Appam with Stew, (around ₹500 for two)
Hauz Khas: For more high end dining experience, head to Hauz Khas, which is lined with high-end restaurants and clubs offering global cuisines. (around ₹1500 for two)
Connaught Place: It is a circular market offers a variety of restaurants and cafes for all budget people
Indian Coffee House: grab filter coffee, bun maska and samosas (around ₹300 for two)
Central Plaza: Variety of Indian and international cuisines in budget (around ₹200-500 for two).
Wengers: First bakery in Delhi to provide Swiss chocolates and margarine cakes established in the year 1924. (around 800 for two).
Chandni Chowk: Place where you have to show your bargaining skills. Here you'll find everything from spices and clothing (approx. ₹500-1000) to jewelry and souvenirs (approx. ₹100-500).
Karol Bagh Market: A one-stop shop for clothes (approx. ₹300-1000), footwear (approx. ₹500-2000), electronics (varied prices), and more.
Khan Market: If you want to go for Luxury shopping try Khan Market, it is a home to designer brands, upscale boutiques, and art galleries.
Dilli Haat: Here you can find unique handcrafted items and souvenirs representing India's diverse culture. (approx. ₹100-1000)
Connaught Place: This is a single stop shopping place for branded and first copy products (Palika Bazar) of clothes, electronics, books and souvenirs. You don’t need to go anywhere other than Connaught Place for your shopping if you are in Delhi.
Sarojini Market: Famous for the cheap clothes, you can go there if you want to buy clothes and decorative items in bulk and cheap. (approx. ₹200-1000)
DLF Emporio: A place for luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, etc. It offers a luxury shopping experience. So expect to spend a significant amount here.
Select CITYWALK: A modern mall with international and Indian brands from mid-range to high-end, along with entertainment options like a bowling alley and multiplex cinema.
Ambience Mall: It is the fifth largest shopping mall in India and a home of popular clothing stores, electronics shops, and a multiplex cinema.
Pacific Mall: A family-friendly mall with a variety of shops, food courts, and recreational activities like a gaming zone, all that on a budget.
DLF Promenade: Situated in Vasant Kunj, this open-air mall offers a mix of mid-range stores, cafes, and restaurants with a beautiful outdoor ambiance.
The Imperial: With award-winning restaurants with diverse cuisines and luxurious accommodations the nightly rates start around ₹20,000. It is a true palace hotel.
Taj Mahal Delhi: Michelin-starred restaurants featuring Indian and international cuisine and Rooftop pool with stunning city views the per night rates starting around ₹30,000.
The Leela Palace New Delhi: Modern design with traditional Indian architecture, a stunning spa, and a rooftop pool. All this at a pricing starting from ₹25,000.
Le Méridien New Delhi: Calm courtyards and minimalist architecture with Yoga and meditation facilities at ₹15,000/ night.
The Oberoi New Delhi: Lush gardens and elegant rooms with personalized butler service, their luxurious accommodations start from ₹20,000.
Rurban Village Resort (Gurgaon): In this resort you can enjoy various activities like zip lining (approx. ₹500 per person), paintball (approx. ₹300 per person), and nature trails.
Themis Mudhouse (Noida): This is an eco-friendly resort that provides opportunities for mud workshops (approx. ₹700 per person), pottery making (approx. ₹800 per person), and nature walks.
Surjivan Resort (Faridabad): It is situated near Faridabad, this place is perfect for adventure activities like rappelling (approx. ₹1000 per person), rock climbing (approx. ₹1200 per person), and obstacle courses.
Botanix Nature Resort Gurgaon: It is popular for activities like bird watching, cycling (bike rentals available at the resort), and stargazing, perfect for relaxation and reconnection with nature near Gurgaon. Gurgaon is hub of farm houses and adventure resorts. To make an office outing near Gurgaon, book Tempo Traveller in Gurgaon.
Aalia Resort (Corbett National Park): Aaliyah Resort offers a more adventurous escape with jungle safaris (package deals including activity and stay start around ₹8000 per person), and nature trails (included in most packages).
As you all know, Delhi gets heated in May and June months which needs a cool place to plan a summer vacation. Delhi shares its boundaries with 5 states and hence make it a worthy place tp plan short weekend trip or even long vacation in Hill stations. Planning a trip with family, friends or office group, book Tempo Traveller in Delhi to make your outstation trip adventurous, comfortable and enjoyable.
Neemrana Fort: This 15th century old fort, is now a fancy hotel. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Aravalli Hills with just 3-hour drive from Delhi
Agra: Explore the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World along with Agra fort and many other places is also a 3-hour drive from Delhi
Rishikesh: If you are seeking some spirituality, travel to Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World”. Do yoga, meditate, or go white water rafting.
Jim Corbett National Park: Enjoy the jungle safari in Jim Corbett National Park to see tigers, elephants, and many other wild creatures and show your skills in Wildlife Photography.
Keoladeo National Park: This place is protected by UNESCO and is famous for all the different varieties of birds.
Nainital: If you want an escape from summer, Nainital, a beautiful town with lakes and mountains with a 6 hour drive from Delhi is the best place.
Mussoorie: Often called the "Queen of Hills," Mussoorie has amazing views of the Himalayas, old British buildings, and hiking trails.
Sariska National Park: Another place to see tigers and other wild animals, it is a perfect place for you if you love nature.
Mathura & Vrindavan: This place is special in the heart of Hindus, it is full of spirituality and devotion. So, if you want to experience some divine energy, visit Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, which are linked to the life of Lord Krishna.
Chandigarh: This modern city is well-planned and has interesting sights like the Rock Garden, Sukhna lake and various other museums, and gardens.
Places to visit near Delhi are not limited to above given list, you can explore our Delhi to Outstation Tempo Traveller Service to make your plan easily and smoothly.
By Air: Most of the major cities worldwide as well as domestic cities are connected through the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport), it is a major international hub for people travelling to Delhi from all parts of the world.
By Rail: Several major railway stations connect Delhi to other Indian cities. You can enjoy the luxurious Rajdhani Express or Vande Bharat ride, that offers a comfortable ride with meals included or take Shatabdi Express to travel to and fro from nearby other cities of Delhi.
By Road: Delhi is connected widely via the National Highways (NH) network, you can easily reach by car or bus from other Indian cities and travel within the city. This is a good option to consider but it can be time-consuming depending on the distance and traffic. Know more about distance, route and time taken to travel from Delhi to popular places near it.
