Delhi Travel Guide

Travel to Delhi - Colourful and Vibrant City of Contrasts

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Many empires have built their capital on the remains of those that came before them and thus far at least 8 different cities have been discovered here on the banks of the Yamuna. Today the city is split in two, Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi is the Mughal city, a place of bazaars and mosques and the stunning Red Fort. New Delhi is Raj-era, radiating out from Lutyens’ Connaught Place, a circle of colonnaded shops are several streets that make up the business and commercial hub of the city.

Exploring both cities takes time and the city has much to offer, so ensure you allow enough time, for it would be an injustice to simply rush through this vibrant capital.

Attractions in Delhi

Old Delhi is a place to get lost in. Most visitors rightly make for the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the old town’s most famous landmarks, but take a walk down famous Chandni Chowkh to be transported back in time. This bazaar was the life blood of the old city and remains so. Nearby lies Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, a peaceful place to visit on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Lutyens’ design for New Delhi comprised of wide boulevards and roads radiating out from Connaught Place. Here you can shop for souvenirs in arcaded stores then walk the short distance to Maharaja Singh’s astronomical observatory, the Jantar Mantar. A short walk further on is Rajpath with the India Gate monument, below which families picnic and look up towards Parliament.

The wonderful Humayun’s Tomb provided the blueprint for the design of the Taj Mahal, whilst the Bahai Temple is instantly recognisable, its lotus shaped construction particularly beautiful. Indeed the city has several temples to visit, one famous one being the Laxmi Narayan or Birla Temple, built by an Indian businessman and which provides an excellent introduction to north-Indian temple style.

Lovers of museums should visit the National Museum where the nation’s ancient finds are displayed to good effect. Further south is the Qutb Minar with its iron pillar that fails to rust. Other important attractions include the Purana Qila, Safdarjang’s Tomb and the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, all of which will keep the visitor occupied for some days.

Activities in Delhi

A city sightseeing tour is a must and provides the best overview for those with only a day or so in the capital. A local guide is a great investment for those that would like a walking tour of Old Delhi, whilst a car and driver is another alternative to allow for more extended sightseeing in comfort.

Relaxing

The city has numerous restaurants and cafes. There are several good bars too, but prices are high as alcohol is heavily taxed. Delhi is a shoppers’ paradise with many places for some retail therapy. Amongst the best places are the government and state Emporiums: fixed prices, a little higher than elsewhere but with quality you can rely on. If haggling is your thing head to the Tibetan Market on Janpath, Dilli Haat (on Aurobindo Marg), Chandni Chowk or the upmarket Hauz Khas area.

Getting Around

The centre of New Delhi is best explored on foot, but once you want to see things further afield transport is essential. A car and driver-guide is a sensible option and pays for itself both in terms of insight into what you are seeing and comfort. Travellers that relish getting to grips with a country at grass-root level can opt to take auto-rickshaws from site to site. This provides an inexpensive if nerve-shredding introduction to the capital.

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