Delhi
Photo: shalender kumar / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
October to March (pleasant 10-28°C; avoid Apr-Jun extreme heat 42-47°C)
Language
Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Population
~32 million (NCR metro area)
Climate
Extreme continental; scorching summers (47°C), foggy winters (2°C), monsoon Jul-Sep
Safety Rating
Moderate — use metro at night, avoid isolated areas, keep belongings secure in crowds
Famous For
Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk street food, Mughal and British colonial heritage
UNESCO Sites
3 sites — Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar complex
Top Highlights
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
UNESCO-listed 17th-century Mughal fortress spanning 254 acres in Old Delhi. Entry: INR 600 foreigners, INR 35 Indians. Open Tue-Sun sunrise-sunset. Evening sound-and-light show (INR 80, 1 hour) recounts Mughal history. Allow 2-3 hours for the complex.
Qutub Minar
73-meter UNESCO-listed victory tower from 1193, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Surrounded by ruins of India's first mosque. Entry: INR 600 foreigners, INR 35 Indians. Sunrise-sunset daily. Allow 1.5 hours. Take Yellow Line metro to Qutub Minar station.
Humayun's Tomb
The garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal, built in 1570. Stunning symmetry and Persian-Mughal architecture. Entry: INR 600 foreigners, INR 35 Indians. Sunrise-sunset. Best in late afternoon golden light. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Near Nizamuddin station.
Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi's 17th-century market labyrinth — Asia's oldest and busiest. Must-eat: paranthe at Paranthe Wali Gali (INR 100-200), jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala (INR 60/plate), and nihari at Karim's (INR 250). Best experienced morning or evening. Allow 3-4 hours for food and shopping.
India Gate
42-meter war memorial on Rajpath (Kartavya Path), illuminated beautifully at night. Free entry, open 24/7. The surrounding lawns are Delhi's favorite picnic spot. Best visited evening when families gather. The new Kartavya Path with fountains and gardens is impressive. Allow 1 hour.
Lotus Temple
Baha'i House of Worship shaped like a 27-petal lotus flower — one of the most visited buildings in the world. Free entry. Open Tue-Sun 9 AM-5:30 PM (summer till 7 PM). Silent meditation inside. Allow 1 hour including queue. Nearest metro: Kalkaji Mandir.
Nizamuddin Dargah
14th-century Sufi shrine where qawwali (devotional music) sessions happen every Thursday evening after Maghrib prayers. Free entry. Remove shoes, cover head. The surrounding lanes have outstanding kebabs and biryani. A deeply spiritual and musical experience. Allow 2 hours on Thursday.
Hauz Khas Village
13th-century ruins and lake surrounded by trendy cafes, boutiques, and galleries — where medieval Delhi meets hipster culture. Free entry to ruins. Best for sunset from the deer park. Social (cafe) and Yeti (Nepalese) are popular eateries. Allow 2-3 hours including dinner.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Delhi Itinerary
Arrival & New Delhi Orientation
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Take the Airport Express metro (20 min, INR 60) or pre-paid taxi to your hotel in the Connaught Place or Paharganj area.
Airport Express metro to New Delhi station(20 minutes)
Fastest option. Runs 5 AM-11 PM. INR 60. Or pre-paid taxi INR 400-600
Check-in and lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place(1.5 hours)
Reliable South Indian chain — dosas, uttapam, filter coffee. AC and hygienic (INR 200-400)
Connaught Place evening walk(1.5 hours)
Lutyens' circular Georgian colonnades. Window-shop at the inner circle. Agrasen ki Baoli (ancient stepwell) is hidden behind CP — free entry
India Gate at night(1 hour)
42-meter war memorial illuminated on Kartavya Path. Fountains and gardens. Free, open 24/7. Families gather here after sunset
Old Delhi: Red Fort & Chandni Chowk
Full day in Mughal Delhi — the massive Red Fort, the sensory overload of Chandni Chowk bazaar, and the best street food in India.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)(2.5 hours)
UNESCO 17th-century Mughal fortress. Entry INR 600 foreigners, INR 35 Indians. Open Tue-Sun sunrise-sunset. Allow time for the museum galleries inside
Chandni Chowk food walk(3 hours)
Paranthe at Paranthe Wali Gali (INR 100-200), jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala (INR 60/plate), nihari at Karim's near Jama Masjid (INR 250). Budget INR 500 for the full trail
Jama Masjid(1 hour)
India's largest mosque (1656). Free entry. Camera fee INR 300. Climb the southern minaret for Old Delhi panorama (INR 150). Dress modestly
Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk(30 minutes)
Experience the chaos from a cycle rickshaw — INR 50-100. Negotiate before boarding. Best way to see the narrow lanes
Humayun's Tomb, Nizamuddin & Sufi Evening
The garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal, the atmospheric Nizamuddin district, and Thursday evening qawwali at the Sufi shrine.
Humayun's Tomb(2 hours)
UNESCO garden tomb (1570). Entry INR 600 foreigners, INR 35 Indians. Best in late afternoon golden light. Near Nizamuddin station
Isa Khan's Tomb and Sundar Nursery(1 hour)
Beautiful octagonal tomb adjacent to Humayun's, and the newly restored Mughal-era nursery garden. Free with Humayun's ticket
Lunch at Karim's, Nizamuddin(1 hour)
Branch of the legendary Mughlai restaurant. Mutton korma and roomali roti (INR 300-500)
Nizamuddin Dargah & qawwali (Thursday evenings)(2 hours)
14th-century Sufi shrine with devotional music after Maghrib prayers. Free. Remove shoes, cover head. Deeply spiritual experience. Surrounding lanes have outstanding kebabs
Qutub Minar & South Delhi
The world's tallest brick minaret, Hauz Khas Village where medieval meets hipster, and the peaceful Lotus Temple.
Qutub Minar complex(1.5 hours)
UNESCO 73-meter victory tower (1193). India's first mosque ruins. Entry INR 600 foreigners. Yellow Line metro to Qutub Minar station
Mehrauli Archaeological Park(1 hour)
Adjacent to Qutub but overlooked — Balban's tomb, Jamali Kamali mosque, and Rajon ki Baoli (stepwell). Free. Atmospheric ruins in a forest setting
Lunch at Dilli Haat(1.5 hours)
Open-air food and craft market near INA metro. Entry INR 30. Regional cuisines from every Indian state (INR 100-300 per dish)
Lotus Temple(1 hour)
Baha'i House of Worship shaped like a 27-petal lotus. Free. Open Tue-Sun 9 AM-5:30 PM. Silent meditation inside
Hauz Khas Village sunset(2 hours)
13th-century ruins and lake surrounded by cafes and galleries. Free entry to ruins. Social Cafe and Yeti (Nepalese) are popular
Rest & Khan Market
Sleep in and explore Delhi's poshest market village — bookshops, designer stores, and excellent cafes.
Khan Market browsing(2 hours)
Delhi's high-end market — Bahrisons Books (since 1953), Good Earth ceramics, Fab India textiles. Metro: Khan Market
Lunch at Big Chill, Khan Market(1.5 hours)
Delhi institution for pasta and desserts. The Mississippi Mud Pie is legendary (INR 500-800 for two)
Lodhi Art District(1 hour)
India's first open-air street art district — 50+ murals across Lodhi Colony by international artists. Free walking tour. 15-minute walk from Khan Market
Dinner at Bukhara, ITC Maurya(2 hours)
India's most famous restaurant — the dal bukhara has been served since 1977. Presidential-level dining (INR 4,000-6,000 for two). Reserve days ahead
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib & New Delhi Heritage
Sikh hospitality, Lutyens' grand boulevards, and the National Museum — Delhi's post-independence face.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib(1.5 hours)
Delhi's largest Sikh temple. Free entry. Head coverings provided. Visit the langar (community kitchen) serving 10,000 free meals daily — volunteer to serve or eat. A humbling experience
Rashtrapati Bhavan and Rajpath drive(1 hour)
Presidential palace and the grand ceremonial avenue. Rashtrapati Bhavan tours available (book at rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in, INR 50)
National Museum(2 hours)
India's largest museum — Harappan civilization, Buddhist Gandhara art, Mughal miniatures. Entry INR 650 foreigners. Near India Gate
Lunch at Andhra Bhawan Canteen(45 minutes)
Government canteen serving unlimited Andhra thali for INR 150. Open to public. Feni Hill area. Legendary among Delhi foodies
Evening at Janpath Market(1.5 hours)
Budget shopping for kurtas, Rajasthani jewelry, and pashmina shawls. Bargain hard — start at 30% of asking
Departure Day
Final morning with last-minute shopping and transfer to the airport.
Breakfast at Sagar, Defence Colony(1 hour)
Outstanding South Indian breakfast — rava masala dosa and filter coffee (INR 150-250)
Last shopping at Dilli Haat or Janpath(1 hour)
Handicrafts, textiles, and spices from across India
Airport Express metro to DEL(20 minutes)
From New Delhi station. INR 60. Runs every 15 minutes
14-Day Delhi Itinerary
Arrival & New Delhi Orientation
Arrive at DEL airport. Airport Express metro (20 min) or taxi to Connaught Place area.
Airport Express metro to New Delhi(20 minutes)
INR 60. Or pre-paid taxi INR 400-600
Check-in and lunch at Saravana Bhavan(1.5 hours)
CP — dosas and filter coffee (INR 200-400)
Connaught Place and Agrasen ki Baoli(1.5 hours)
Colonial colonnades. Hidden stepwell — free entry
India Gate at night(1 hour)
Illuminated war memorial. Free, open 24/7
Old Delhi: Red Fort & Chandni Chowk
Mughal Delhi — the massive Red Fort and Chandni Chowk's legendary street food.
Red Fort(2.5 hours)
UNESCO fortress. INR 600 foreigners. Tue-Sun
Chandni Chowk food walk(3 hours)
Paranthe Wali Gali, Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Karim's nihari. Budget INR 500
Jama Masjid(1 hour)
India's largest mosque. Free. Minaret climb INR 150
Cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk(30 minutes)
INR 50-100
Humayun's Tomb & Nizamuddin
The garden tomb that inspired the Taj, and the Sufi quarter with Thursday qawwali.
Humayun's Tomb(2 hours)
UNESCO garden tomb. INR 600 foreigners
Lunch at Karim's, Nizamuddin(1 hour)
Mutton korma and roomali roti (INR 300-500)
Nizamuddin Dargah(2 hours)
Sufi shrine. Qawwali on Thursday evenings. Free
Qutub Minar & South Delhi
World's tallest brick minaret, the Lotus Temple, and Hauz Khas Village.
Qutub Minar complex(1.5 hours)
UNESCO. INR 600 foreigners. Yellow Line metro
Mehrauli Archaeological Park(1 hour)
Adjacent ruins — Balban's tomb, Jamali Kamali mosque. Free
Lunch at Dilli Haat(1.5 hours)
Regional cuisines from every state. Entry INR 30
Lotus Temple(1 hour)
Baha'i temple. Free. Tue-Sun
Hauz Khas Village sunset(2 hours)
Ruins, lake, cafes
Rest & Khan Market
Sleep in, then Delhi's poshest market village and the Lodhi Art District.
Khan Market browsing(2 hours)
Bahrisons Books, Good Earth, Fab India
Lunch at Big Chill(1.5 hours)
Mississippi Mud Pie (INR 500-800 for two)
Lodhi Art District(1 hour)
50+ street art murals. Free
Dinner at Bukhara, ITC Maurya(2 hours)
Legendary dal bukhara (INR 4,000-6,000 for two)
Sikh Heritage & National Museum
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Lutyens' Delhi, and India's largest museum.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib(1.5 hours)
Free. Volunteer at the langar (community kitchen)
National Museum(2 hours)
INR 650 foreigners
Lunch at Andhra Bhawan Canteen(45 minutes)
Unlimited thali INR 150
Janpath Market shopping(1.5 hours)
Kurtas, jewelry, pashmina
Crafts Museum & Purana Qila
India's finest crafts collection and the ancient fortress that predates the Mughals.
Crafts Museum, Pragati Maidan(2 hours)
Open-air museum with reconstructed village homes and artisan workshops from across India. Free entry. One of Delhi's most underrated attractions
Purana Qila (Old Fort)(1.5 hours)
16th-century fort on a site occupied for 2,500+ years. Entry INR 300 foreigners. Boating lake outside. Evening sound-and-light show (INR 80)
Lunch at Al Jawahar, Jama Masjid(1 hour)
Beside Karim's but less touristy. Mutton nihari and biryani (INR 200-400)
Chandni Chowk spice market(1.5 hours)
Khari Baoli — Asia's largest wholesale spice market. The aromas are overwhelming. Buy whole spices (INR 100-500/kg)
Evening at Majnu ka Tila(2 hours)
Delhi's Little Tibet — Tibetan colony with momos, thukpa, and Buddhist monasteries. Near Vidhan Sabha metro (INR 60-120 per meal)
Day Trip to Tughlaqabad & Surajkund
The massive ruined Tughlaqabad Fort — one of Delhi's seven historic cities — and the ancient Sun Temple reservoir.
Tughlaqabad Fort(2 hours)
Ruined 14th-century fortress spreading across a rocky ridge. Entry INR 300 foreigners. Almost no visitors — explore vast walls and bastions alone. Watch for snakes in the rubble
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's Tomb(30 minutes)
Connected to the fort by a causeway. Red sandstone. Free with fort ticket
Surajkund reservoir and surroundings(1.5 hours)
10th-century sun temple reservoir in Haryana (just outside Delhi). Peaceful Aravalli hills. Annual crafts mela in February is massive
Return and dinner at Potbelly Rooftop Cafe, Shahpur Jat(2 hours)
Bihari food in a design village — litti-chokha and sattu paratha (INR 400-600 for two). Quirky ambiance
Rest Day & Delhi's Modern Side
Easy day exploring Delhi's contemporary culture — malls, cafes, and galleries.
Bikaner House exhibition(1 hour)
Contemporary art gallery in a restored colonial mansion. India Gate area. Free
Lunch at Indian Accent(2 hours)
India's top-ranked restaurant — progressive Indian cuisine with global techniques. Lunch set menu INR 3,500-4,500. The Lodhi hotel. Reserve well ahead
Champa Gali, Saket(1.5 hours)
Hidden alley of cafes and studios behind a factory. Blue Tokai coffee (INR 200-300). Jugmug Thela for chai cocktails. Delhi's coolest micro-neighborhood
Day Trip to Neemrana Fort
Drive 120 km southwest to a 15th-century hill fort converted into a stunning heritage hotel. Zip-line across the ramparts, explore medieval architecture, and experience Rajasthani hospitality.
Drive to Neemrana(2.5 hours)
NH-8 towards Jaipur. Hire car (INR 3,000-4,000)
Neemrana Fort Palace exploration(2 hours)
15th-century fort-palace with 14 levels of rooms, gardens, and pools. Day visit INR 1,500 including lunch. Stunning views of the Aravalli plains
Zip-lining across the fort(1 hour)
Five zip-lines across the fort's ramparts — the most dramatic setting for zip-lining in India. INR 1,500-2,500
Rajasthani lunch at the fort(1.5 hours)
Traditional thali served in a courtyard (included in day visit)
Old Delhi Deep Dive
Return to Old Delhi for deeper exploration — the Sikh temple, spice wholesale, old havelis, and street food round two.
Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara(1 hour)
Sikh temple in Chandni Chowk marking where the ninth Guru was executed. Free. Head covering provided
Haveli Dharampura(1 hour)
Restored 19th-century haveli mansion in Old Delhi, now a heritage hotel with cultural shows and rooftop restaurant. Rooftop view of the old city skyline (INR 100 entry or dine at the restaurant)
Lunch at Moti Mahal(1 hour)
The restaurant that invented butter chicken and dal makhani in the 1940s. Daryaganj branch. Mains INR 300-500
Raj Ghat(45 minutes)
Mahatma Gandhi's cremation memorial. Simple black marble platform surrounded by gardens. Free. Shoes removed
Evening: Paranthe Wali Gali revisit(1 hour)
Different parantha varieties this time — rabri, banana, papad. INR 100-200
Cooking Class & Railway Museum
Learn North Indian home cooking and visit one of the world's best railway museums.
North Indian cooking class(3.5 hours)
Learn butter chicken, naan, paneer tikka, and raita from a local home cook. Book via Traveling Spoon or Airbnb Experiences (INR 2,000-3,500)
National Rail Museum(2 hours)
Indoor and outdoor galleries of historic locomotives, royal saloons, and the Fairy Queen (1855, world's oldest working loco). Entry INR 100 foreigners. Near Chanakyapuri. Fun for all ages
Late lunch at Gulati, Pandara Road(1.5 hours)
Delhi institution — butter chicken and tandoori raan (INR 500-800 for two). Pandara Road market is Delhi's food street
Evening at Connaught Place(1.5 hours)
Stroll the inner circle, chai at Wenger's Bakery (since 1926)
Rest & Farewell Preparations
Final rest day. Last shopping and packing.
Final shopping at Dilli Haat or Janpath(2 hours)
Handicrafts and textiles for gifts
Lunch at Sagar, Defence Colony(1 hour)
Outstanding South Indian (INR 150-250)
Farewell dinner at Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya(2 hours)
Awadhi slow-cooked cuisine — biryani sealed in dough, nihari, kakori kebabs. (INR 4,000-6,000 for two). Reserve ahead
Departure Day
Final morning in Delhi. Transfer to the airport.
Airport Express metro to DEL(20 minutes)
INR 60 from New Delhi station
21-Day Delhi Itinerary
Arrival & New Delhi Orientation
Arrive at DEL airport. Airport Express metro or taxi to Connaught Place area.
Airport Express metro to New Delhi(20 minutes)
INR 60. Or taxi INR 400-600
Check-in and lunch at Saravana Bhavan(1.5 hours)
CP — dosas and filter coffee (INR 200-400)
Old Delhi: Red Fort & Chandni Chowk
Mughal Delhi — Red Fort, Chandni Chowk street food, and Jama Masjid.
Red Fort(2.5 hours)
INR 600 foreigners. Tue-Sun
Chandni Chowk food walk(3 hours)
Paranthe Wali Gali, Jalebi Wala, Karim's
Jama Masjid(1 hour)
Minaret climb INR 150
Humayun's Tomb & Nizamuddin
UNESCO garden tomb and the Sufi quarter.
Humayun's Tomb(2 hours)
INR 600 foreigners
Nizamuddin Dargah(2 hours)
Qawwali on Thursdays. Free
Qutub Minar & South Delhi
World's tallest brick minaret, Lotus Temple, and Hauz Khas Village.
Qutub Minar complex(1.5 hours)
INR 600 foreigners
Rest Day
Sleep in and take it easy. Khan Market and Lodhi Art District.
Dinner at Bukhara, ITC Maurya(2 hours)
INR 4,000-6,000 for two
Sikh Heritage & National Museum
Bangla Sahib, Lutyens' Delhi, and the National Museum.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib(1.5 hours)
Free. Volunteer at langar
National Museum(2 hours)
INR 650 foreigners
Andhra Bhawan Canteen lunch(45 minutes)
Unlimited thali INR 150
Crafts Museum & Purana Qila
India's finest crafts collection and the ancient fortress.
Crafts Museum(2 hours)
Reconstructed village homes. Free
Purana Qila(1.5 hours)
INR 300 foreigners
Khari Baoli spice market(1.5 hours)
Asia's largest wholesale spice market
Majnu ka Tila (Little Tibet)(2 hours)
Momos, thukpa (INR 60-120)
Tughlaqabad & Surajkund
Ruined 14th-century fortress and ancient Sun Temple reservoir.
Tughlaqabad Fort(2 hours)
INR 300 foreigners. Almost no visitors
Dinner at Potbelly, Shahpur Jat(2 hours)
Bihari cuisine — litti-chokha (INR 400-600 for two)
Old Delhi Deep Dive
Deeper exploration — Sikh temple, restored havelis, and Old Delhi food round two.
Haveli Dharampura(1 hour)
Restored 19th-century haveli. Rooftop views
Lunch at Moti Mahal(1 hour)
Birthplace of butter chicken. INR 300-500
Raj Ghat(45 minutes)
Gandhi's cremation memorial. Free
Rest & Modern Delhi
Contemporary galleries, cafes, and progressive dining.
Bikaner House exhibition(1 hour)
Contemporary art. Free
Lunch at Indian Accent(2 hours)
India's top restaurant. Lunch set INR 3,500-4,500
Champa Gali, Saket(1.5 hours)
Hidden cafe alley. Blue Tokai coffee
Day Trip to Neemrana Fort
15th-century hill fort hotel, 120 km southwest. Zip-lining and Rajasthani lunch.
Fort Palace exploration(2 hours)
Day visit INR 1,500 including lunch
Zip-lining across ramparts(1 hour)
INR 1,500-2,500
Cooking Class & Railway Museum
North Indian home cooking and one of the world's best railway museums.
North Indian cooking class(3.5 hours)
Butter chicken, naan, paneer tikka. INR 2,000-3,500
National Rail Museum(2 hours)
Historic locos. INR 100 foreigners
Overnight to Agra (Side Trip Begins)
Take the Gatimaan Express to Agra for a 3-night side trip to the Taj Mahal and Mughal monuments.
Gatimaan Express Delhi to Agra(1 hour 40 minutes)
India's fastest train from Hazrat Nizamuddin station. INR 1,500 AC Chair. Book on irctc.co.in
Check into Agra hotel(30 minutes)
Fatehabad Road area
Sunset at Mehtab Bagh(1.5 hours)
Best Taj view. INR 300 foreigners
Dinner at Pinch of Spice(1.5 hours)
Fatehabad Road. Mains INR 250-450
Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort
The main event — sunrise Taj Mahal and afternoon at Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal sunrise(3 hours)
Gates open 6 AM. East Gate. INR 1,100 foreigners. Closed Fridays
Agra Fort(2.5 hours)
Musamman Burj — Shah Jahan's prison with Taj view. INR 650 foreigners
Kinari Bazaar and petha shopping(1.5 hours)
Panchhi Petha INR 200-400/kg
Fatehpur Sikri & Baby Taj
Akbar's abandoned capital and the exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.
Fatehpur Sikri day trip(4 hours)
37 km. INR 610 foreigners. Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal
Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb(1.5 hours)
Baby Taj. INR 310 foreigners
Farewell dinner with rooftop Taj view(2 hours)
Saniya Palace near East Gate
Return to Delhi via Mathura
Stop at Krishna's birthplace en route back to Delhi.
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple(1 hour)
Free. No phones inside
Vrindavan Prem Mandir(1 hour)
White marble temple. Free
Rest Day in Delhi
Recovery after the Agra side trip. Full rest day.
Light lunch at Sagar(1 hour)
South Indian comfort food. INR 150-250
Evening walk in Lodhi Garden(1.5 hours)
15th-century tombs scattered across manicured gardens. Free. Delhi's most peaceful park. Jogging, yoga, and parakeets
Day Trip to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Drive 50 km to Sultanpur National Park in Haryana — a birding hotspot especially in winter with migratory species from Central Asia.
Drive to Sultanpur National Park(1.5 hours)
Via NH-8 towards Jaipur. Entry INR 40 Indians, INR 200 foreigners
Bird watching trail(3 hours)
250+ species. Winter (Nov-Feb): spot flamingos, common cranes, and bar-headed geese. Watchtower gives panoramic views. Bring binoculars
Return and lunch at Farzi Cafe, CP(1.5 hours)
Modern Indian molecular gastronomy — dal chawal arancini, butter chicken bao (INR 500-800 for two)
Evening: Old Delhi sunset walk(1.5 hours)
Final stroll through the lanes you now know well
Yoga, Meditation & Slow Travel
A mindful day — morning yoga at Lodhi Garden, meditation at a temple, and slow cafe hopping.
Sunrise yoga at Lodhi Garden(1.5 hours)
Join the free community yoga session at 6 AM near the main gate. Or book a private session through your hotel (INR 1,000-2,000)
Breakfast at Triveni Terrace Cafe, Mandi House(1 hour)
Hidden gem at the art centre — masala dosa and chai on a terrace (INR 100-200)
ISKCON Temple, East of Kailash(1 hour)
Peaceful Hare Krishna temple. Attend the noon aarti. Free vegetarian lunch at the temple kitchen
Afternoon at Cafe Turtle, Khan Market(2 hours)
Bookshop cafe — browse, read, and sip coffee. Delhi's intellectual hangout
Farewell dinner at Dum Pukht(2 hours)
Awadhi slow-cooked cuisine (INR 4,000-6,000 for two)
Last Shopping & Farewell Night
Final full day — gift shopping, last food stops, and a rooftop farewell.
Morning at Dilli Haat(2 hours)
Final handicraft and textile shopping. Entry INR 30
Lunch at Karim's (Jama Masjid original)(1 hour)
One last Mughlai feast
Farewell drinks at PCO, Vasant Vihar(1.5 hours)
Speakeasy bar entered through a phone booth. Inventive cocktails (INR 600-900). The most uniquely Delhi bar experience
Departure Day
Final morning in Delhi. Transfer to the airport.
Last chai from a street vendor(15 minutes)
The INR 10 cutting chai that Delhi runs on
Airport Express metro to DEL(20 minutes)
INR 60 from New Delhi station
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
e-Visa for India
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before arrival. 30-day e-Tourist visa ~$25. DEL airport has dedicated e-Visa counters at Terminal 3 — follow the signs after landing. Keep a printed copy of your ETA.
transport
Delhi Metro is Essential
Clean, cheap, and covers all major tourist sites. Buy a Tourist Card (INR 200 for 1 day, INR 500 for 3 days, unlimited rides). Yellow Line connects most heritage sites. Women-only coach is at the front of each train. Avoid 8-10 AM and 6-8 PM rush. Google Maps has accurate metro timings.
Airport to City
Airport Express metro from T3 to New Delhi station takes 20 minutes (INR 60). Runs 5 AM-11 PM. Pre-paid taxis at arrivals cost INR 400-800 depending on destination. Ola/Uber are INR 300-600 but surge pricing common at night. Avoid tout taxis outside the terminal.
Safety
Scams to Watch For
At New Delhi Railway Station, ignore anyone saying 'the tourist office moved' — they'll redirect you to a private travel agent. Pre-book airport transfer (INR 400-600 to central Delhi via Delhi Metro Airport Express, 20 min). Never follow strangers to 'government emporiums.' Use only pre-paid taxi counters or Ola/Uber from the airport.
Air Quality Warning
Delhi's AQI regularly exceeds 300 (hazardous) from October to January due to crop burning and winter inversion. Carry an N95 mask. Check aqicn.org before outdoor plans. If AQI is above 200, limit outdoor time and choose indoor attractions like museums and malls.
Budget
Eating Strategy
Street food in Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh costs INR 50-200 per meal. Mid-range restaurants in Khan Market or Connaught Place: INR 500-1,000. Fine dining: INR 2,000-5,000. Tap water is NOT safe — drink sealed bottled water only. Bisleri and Aquafina are trustworthy brands.
Local Customs
Temple and Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes at all religious sites. Cover head at Sikh gurdwaras (Bangla Sahib provides free scarves). Cover shoulders and knees at mosques. Photography is usually allowed outside but check signs inside. Jama Masjid charges INR 300 for camera entry.
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