New Delhi Tourism and Travel Guide

Delhi tourism can be enjoyed throughout the year. People do not have to worry about it being the right season to be able to make the most of the experiences offered by Delhi tourism. However, it should be noted that the weather in Delhi fluctuates to the extremes. Summers can be sweltering, so people consider it best to not plan a trip to the capital then. Temperatures rise up to 45 degrees Celsius and the humidity is high. It is therefore recommended to travel between October and March when the weather is pleasant. It should be noted that late December and January can get frigid, with the temperature dropping to single digits. If you are not a fan of the cold weather, you might want to skip these months. Also, keep the air quality in mind when you are planning for Delhi tourism if you have health issues. The air quality index is moderate from February to September, ranging between 100 to 200, but due to some socio-political reasons, it takes a hit by the end of October and sometimes crosses 500, becoming hazardous. By the time the new year arrives, the air quality begins to improve.

We are sure that you will not have a boring day when you’re in the capital! A few travellers do not plan ahead and treat Delhi as a pitstop to head to the hills in the north or towards the deserts of Rajasthan. But Delhi tourism has so many exciting things in store that you should dedicate a few days to this place alone. This Delhi travel guide features some famous tourist places in Delhi. These Delhi tourist attractions have been voted as the most interesting and amusing places by travellers with different preferences.

The Red Fort

The former home of Mughal rulers, this fortification in the heart of the city is one of the most important monuments under Delhi tourism. The Red Fort was constructed by the Mughal emperor known for his penchant for architecture, Shah Jahan, when he moved the seat of his kingdom from Agra to Delhi. Hence, you will notice that this sandstone fort is a replica of the Agra Fort. Its architectural brilliance clubbed with its role in the political scenario of the 19th-century kingdom of Shahjahanabad has earned it a spot on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are a host of museums in the Red Fort now, each with valuable historical relics. Braving the ravages of time, it continues to hold significance as it is where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag on Independence Day every year. 

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is where the influential Mughal emperor Humayun is buried, along with his other family members. It is a grand monument which was the first garden-tomb in India. The tomb is designed and constructed in typical Mughal fashion. Being one of the first few architectural marvels in the Indian subcontinent, it served as an inspiration to many more edifices, most notably the Taj Mahal. Besides housing the remains of the royal Mughals, the monument also provided refuge to the Muslim population emigrating to Pakistan during the Partition. The throngs of travellers lining up to visit Humayun’s Tomb as the first stop as they begin their Delhi tourism journey vouch for the excellence of this monument. 

The Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple ranks high on the list of unique architectural marvels in the world. Very few tourists who choose to explore Delhi tourism skip this monument that is built like a giant white petal lotus. Once you enter, you will find yourself in a soothing verdant environment – lush gardens with blooming flowers and pools of water. The Lotus Temple has earned Delhi tourism prominent accolades and regularly features in numerous publications. The reason that it remains one of the best places to visit offered by Delhi tourism even decades after its inception goes beyond its aesthetic appeal. The temple is devoted to the Baháʼí Faith which propagates the belief of the unity of all religions. It openly rejects discriminatory ideologies of racism and nationalism, emphasising the oneness of humanity. The Lotus Temple is one of the only seven places of worship for this faith in the world. Inside the temple, the noise of the crowd dies down as it is essentially a site for meditation and silent prayer.

Akshardham Temple

Acknowledged by the Guinness World Records for being the largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the world, the Akshardham Temple is another one of the most visited tourist places in Delhi. This place is often among the favourites of religious people and aficionados of splendid architecture. The construction of the entire complex is intricate and ostentatious. Delhi tourism is well known for having the largest stepwell in the country within the premises of this temple where a marvellous water show is organised every evening. From the moment you set foot into the temple, you embark on a spiritual journey. You can experience the various Hindu religious traditions and rituals in the eight mandapams. Delhi tourism also features permanent exhibitions. Keep in mind not to carry many things as the security does not allow visitors to carry mobile phones or cameras.

India Gate

This structure has become a symbol for India itself, showing up on every other postcard. Travellers and locals crowd outside India Gate every evening, contributing to Delhi tourism. Dedicated to the martyrs of the first First World War who were part of the British Indian Army, this is one of the biggest war memorials in the country. You will also see Amar Jawan Jyoti under India Gate, a memorial that immortalizes the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. India Gate is not only an indispensable figure for Delhi tourism but also an emblem of national pride. The annual parade held on the Republic Day of India is hosted right outside India Gate. The gardens surrounding the monument have become a popular picnic spot too. You will find a number of stalls lined up selling street food and toys. India Gate is a magnificent sight to behold and your Delhi tourism experience will remain incomplete if you do not pay a visit to this monument. 

The National Museum

Delhi tourism presents this museum to travellers interested in Indian history. Its collection consists of precious items from several centuries. The National Museum has variegated galleries that narrate the story of different time periods and civilizations, such as the Indus Valley Civilization, the Gupta period and the Maurya period. It also displays some artefacts from Buddha’s life. There is a section that exhibits over 15,000 paintings of distinct styles, hailing from different corners of the country across time periods. This is an impressive repository put together by Delhi tourism, ideal for stepping into the past for an afternoon.

Qutub Minar

The tallest brick minaret in the world, Qutub Minar is one of the esteemed monuments in Delhi tourism. Built by the prime mover of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, and his successors, the tower has been attracting people to Delhi tourism for decades. Upon exploring the complex, you will also find the legendary Iron Pillar and the Alai Darwaza. It has become a leisurely spot for picnics among locals too. Delhi tourism commemorates the glory of the monument’s history with an annual three-day festival in November. 

Connaught Place

This is a large colonial complex that to this day functions as a commercial centre in the capital. Prominent brands have set up shop here, along with the most à la mode restaurants, cafes and bars. Connaught Place is among the celebrated places to visit even for locals owing to its extravagant vibe that somehow still does not feel over-the-top. When you arrive, you will inevitably end up gazing stupendously at the gigantic Indian flag inside the Central Park that was the biggest in the country till 2018. Connaught Place is also close to other eminent tourist places in Delhi such as India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Jantar Manta. Besides stopping at shops with huge brand names, you can head over to the affordable markets in the vicinity too, such as Janpath and Palika Bazaar. 

National Gallery Of Modern Art

Aesthetes visiting the capital are going to be in for a pleasant time at the National Gallery Of Modern Art. The gallery has two other branches based in Mumbai and Bangalore but this is the largest one. Exhibits here date back to the 1800s with more than 14,000 artworks. The collection comprises of creators known to be some of the most brilliant artists in the Indian history. Notable names include Raja Ravi Verma, Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose and Gaganendranath Tagore among others. You will also find other international artists’ work on display. The gallery combines the aesthetic brilliance of the past with contemporary art by exhibiting newer artists too.

No matter how many hours you want to spend in the heart of the city, you will not run out of things to do. You can indulge in the cultural activities or kick things up by partaking in the new experiences cropping up in the cosmopolitan every day.  A few of the most popular things to do in the city are listed below in this Delhi travel guide. 

Shop at the local markets

Delhi tourism is known for its abundance of markets. In fact, it is a big reason why people head to the capital. From a variety of clothes, shoes, wedding outfits, home decor items, accessories, books, bags to souvenirs, you will find everything you could ever want on the streets of Delhi. Nowhere else in the country will you find markets as comprehensive and large as the ones in Delhi. Shopping here does require you to look through the collections keenly, but most of the things are of good quality. The best part is that these items are sold at competitive prices. You can buy stuff for dirt cheap if you can bargain well. Some of the best places you should head to if you were hoping to indulge in some retail therapy are Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Rajouri Market, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar and Chandni Chowk. 

Go on a food tour in Old Delhi

When you arrive in Old Delhi, it will seem as though you have stepped into the past. The contrast between this part of the city with the rest is stark. Dingy, crowded streets with a web of wires above may not sound appealing, but Old Delhi is where travellers come for an authentic, untainted experience of Delhi tourism. While there are many places to see and things to do here, a food tour should be your top priority. You will not find such delicious meals in the fanciest of restaurants. To name a few, Lotan Chole Wala, Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Moti Mahal, Natraj Dahi Bhalla and Karim’s have been serving delectable food for decades.

Wine and dine 

If you are dying to have a night out in Delhi, you’re in luck! Have your pick from the hundreds of magnetic and energetic pubs, clubs and restaurants. A lot of these places, albeit seemingly posh, are affordable and perfect to have a fun-filled night with friends and family. The selling point of these places is the ambience that caters to different kinds of visitors. You can find the best of Delhi tourism’s nightlife in Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village and DLF Cyberhub. Satyaniketan and North Campus have some notably chic cafes too. 

Delve into Delhi’s history

Delhi tourism is known for its rich history. There are so many illustrious tourist places in Delhi that you will need a few days to tick them off your bucket list. Going to these monuments will help you have a deeper understanding of the city and the country itself due to Delhi’s pivotal role in Indian politics throughout the ages. Some of these sites have already been mentioned in this Delhi travel guide. Aside from them, you can plan a visit to Purana Qila, Jantar Mantar, Raj Ghat, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Agrasen ki Baoli, Safdarjung Tomb and Hauz Khas Fort. 

Explore Delhi’s street art

India’s first public art district is situated in Delhi! Near Lodhi Garden, a colony has undergone a complete transformation as 25 artists from across the country and the world got together to beautify it with large-scale murals. This district, yet again, presents a new side of Delhi. This area is ideal to spend a relaxing day in with your camera. The murals are spread out so you do have to be on foot but their inconspicuous location guarantees a day devoid of crowds, unlike other places popularised by Delhi tourism. 

Visit Kingdom of Dreams

This is India’s first live entertainment, theatre and leisure centre, situated in Gurugram. A majestic and opulent destination, Kingdom of Dreams offers one of the top experiences in the National Capital Region. It infuses the regal memory of the country with the modern and contemporary, painting a unique picture of the Indian setting. Shows are organised here every day regularly except on Mondays. The awe-striking performance by talented artists, accompanied by some attractive pop and frills, ensure that the couple hours you spend here are of pure delight.   

Have a spiritual journey

A prime segment of the travellers Delhi tourism caters to are people of faith. There are a number of temples scattered all around the city which draw flocks of devotees throughout the year. The most popular of the lot that you will find mentioned in all Delhi travel guides are Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple. Other than them, ISKCON Temple, Kalka Mandir, Chhatarpur Temple, Birla Mandir, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir and Shri Sheetla Mata Mandir are some of the most visited places of worship in Delhi. 

Hang out at the malls

While the magic is undeniable on the streets of Delhi, the charm of the high-rise malls that have taken over the Delhi skyline is unquestionable as well. The capital is home to some of the top malls in the country. If the countless outdoor experiences of Delhi tourism have left you feeling exhausted, head to a mall for a leisurely time. Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade, DLF Place, DLF Emporio, Pacific Mall and MGF Mall are a few of the popular malls in the National Capital Region. Some of the malls in Delhi go an extra mile beyond being a centre for food, movies and shopping. For example, you can go ice skating in Ambience Mall Gurgaon! Similarly, the DLF Mall of India in Noida has an indoor skiing arena.

Considering how Delhi tourism never has an off-season, numerous hotels exist in the city and new accommodation spaces continue to spring up around the city every other day. Finding a place to stay is not the tough part – the important thing is to figure out which part of the city is best for you to stay in. Paharganj probably has the most number of hotels in Delhi. While it does have many budget hotels, the area can be extremely noisy and busy. If this is your first rendezvous with Delhi tourism, staying here can be a bit overwhelming. Other budget alternatives are present in Karol Bagh, which is also popular among travellers choosing Delhi tourism. Other areas in demand are Connaught Place and Hauz Khas. While there are many more options available in the city that can fit in this Delhi travel guide, you could consider the following places for your accommodation.

Budget hotels under Delhi tourism

• Hotel Golden Oasis
• Hotel Amax Inn
• Hotel Sunshine Delhi
• Hotel Broadway
• Justa Hotels

Mid-range hotels under Delhi tourism

• Golden Tulip Suites
• Jyoti Mahal
• Bed and Chai Guest House
• Hotel Grand Imperial
• Radisson Blu Plaza

Luxury hotels under Delhi tourism

• The Oberoi
• The Roseate
• The Leela Palace
• The Taj Mahal Hotel
• The Lalit

You will find several hostels for backpackers too which are ideal for a low-budget trip of Delhi tourism. Some examples are Madpackers Hostel, Jugaad Hostel, Zostel and GoStops.

A discussion on Delhi tourism is incomplete without mentioning its lip-smacking food. Delhi tourism is defined by its blurred identity. A conglomeration of people has settled here over time from all over the country. This melting pot of different cultures and people is most evident in its diversity when you have the food. You can try different cuisines and dishes from across India on a single street. However, even with the viability of this variety of food, there are some items that always stand out, making Delhi tourism a delight for foodies. Some popular dishes are chole bhature, butter chicken, stuffed parathas and dal makhani. This barely scratches the surface of the culinary adventure that Delhi tourism has to offer. What you must try to make your experience of Delhi tourism worthwhile is the street food. Some of our favourites are chaats, kebabs, momos, golgappas, rolls and tikkis. In short, you will never run out of things to eat on the streets of Delhi. The desserts you find here are unmatched as well. Jalebi, kulfis, milk cake and the famous hot chocolate fudge at Nirula’s are a few of the delicacies Delhi tourism has in store for you.

Part of Delhi tourism’s charm is that you can devour delicious platters in the dingiest of streets or amp it up and head to the most glamorous restaurants. The following areas have garnered a reputation for being the best in food under Delhi tourism.

• Paranthe Wali Gali
• Khan Market
• Nizamuddin
• Connaught Place
• Dilli Haat
• DLF Cyber Hub

These areas comprise of a number of eateries and restaurants that will serve you unforgettable mouth-watering food.  

Delhi tourism makes it extremely easy for people to commute within the city. The Delhi Metro’s services are state-of-the-art, surprisingly clean, disciplined and orderly. It efficiently connects the farthest corners of the National Capital Region, while new lines are presently underway as well. If that is not reason enough to take the metro, it is also the most economical way to travel within the city. Travellers on a short trip can obtain the one-day or three-day metro pass. Delhi tourism has seen massive growth due to the simplicity of the Delhi Metro. Auto-rickshaws are a low-cost alternative, provided you haggle with confidence. You will also see hoards of taxis at train stations, airports and bus stops. Mobile apps to book cabs such as Uber and Ola also work here and make accessing each part of Delhi tourism easy and comfortable. Other than that, state buses ply within the city and can be an appropriate choice for budget travellers.

Whether you are a budget traveller or want a luxury holiday, Delhi tourism will meet your needs. Delhi tourism has an abundance of low-priced food, accommodation and travel options under its belt as well as some of the fanciest places in the world. Whatever your budget is, Delhi tourism will be enjoyable for you. Someone on a budget can expect to spend up to Rs.1,500 to Rs. 2,500 per day. Your stay could cost you somewhere between Rs.300 to Rs.800. Meals can be managed under Rs.200. Entry fee for some sightseeing places can cost you up to Rs.300 if you are an Indian citizen and travelling via the Delhi Metro will not cost you more than Rs.100. If you can manage to increase your budget, a mid-range Delhi tourism trip will cost you Rs.2,500 to Rs.10,000 per day. There is no end to how much a luxury trip can cost – it depends on how much you are willing to spend. Making payments in the city is uncomplicated too. You can find ATMs anywhere with no difficulty and most places facilitate transactions by debit and credit cards. Lots of places will also accept online payments via apps like PayTM and Google Pay. Delhi tourism, hence, does not put any burden on travellers financially.

Written by Shruti Mishra, an in-house Tripoto writer. She feels most at home on the road and finding intriguing stories in the mundane is her forte.