Tourism in Delhi | A Complete Travel Guide to Explore the Capital of India in 2023

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Delhi is one of the most visited travel destinations in India. It has a rich blend of history, traditions, culture, and modern development. The city is home to some of India’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple, etc.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi serves as the country’s political, cultural, and commercial centre. With a history dating back several centuries, the city has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties, leaving behind a legacy of architectural wonders and a rich cultural heritage.

Delhi is a lively and diverse city. Visiting Delhi for tourism will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions of this amazing city.

This article will provide a complete guide to exploring Delhi and making the most of your trip to this wonderful city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, it will help you discover the best of Delhi and enjoy its charm and diversity.

How to Reach Delhi

Delhi is well-connected to the rest of India and the world by various modes of transportation. Depending on your budget, time, and convenience, you can reach Delhi by air, rail, road, or bus.

By Air

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights. It connects Delhi with many cities across India. There are also many direct flights from countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, South East Asian Countries, and the Middle East. To transfer between the terminals, you can use the free shuttle bus or metro rail service.

By Train

Delhi has many railway stations which connect it with other parts of India by regular and high-speed trains.

Railway Station in Delhi	Station Code
New Delhi Railway Station	NDLS
Old Delhi Railway Station	DLI
Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station	NZM
Anand Vihar Railway Station	ANVT
Sarai Rohilla Railway Station	DEE
Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station	DSJ

Trains are the best way to travel in India, from meeting people of different cultures to exploring the countryside. You can book train tickets online through IRCTC or offline through reservation counters. Try to book your tickets in advance.

By Road

Delhi is well-connected by road with many states and cities of India by national highways and expressways. You can drive your own car or rent a cab from various travel agencies.

Reaching Delhi by bus is also very convenient. The City has several bus terminals (called Interstate Bus Terminals) that connect it with various parts of India by regular and luxury buses.

Bus Terminal in Delhi	Destination
ISBT Kashmere Gate	Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand & Parts of Western Uttar Pradesh
ISBT Anand Vihar	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
ISBT Sarai Kale Khan	Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra

Apart from these Inter State Bus Terminals, there are a few more bus stations, like Dhaula Kuan Bus Terminal, where you can catch buses from private operators.

How to Get Around Delhi

Once you reach Delhi, you have many options for local transportation within the city. Depending on your budget, time you have, and convenience, you can choose from metro, bus, auto-rickshaw, cab etc.

Here are some of the options available for getting around Delhi:

Metro

The Delhi Metro is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel within the city. The metro network covers almost all parts of Delhi. It also connects it with neighbouring areas such as Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

The DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) operates on nine lines. Click Here to view Delhi Metro Map.

DMRC Lines by Colour	Route Stations – Starting Point – End Point
Red Line	Rithala – Shaheed Sthal (Ghaziabad)
Yellow Line	Samaypur Badli – HUDA City Centre (Gurgaon)
Blue Line	Dwarka Sector 21 – Noida Electronic City / Vaishali
Green Line	Inderlok – Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh (Bahadurgarh)
Violet Line	Kashmere Gate – Raja Nahar Singh (Faridabad)
Magenta Line	Janakpuri West – Botanical Garden
Pink Line	Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar
Airport Express Line	New Delhi – Dwarka Sector 21
Grey Line	Dwarka – Dhansa Bus Stand

Delhi metro runs from 6 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 11 pm on Sundays. The fares vary from Rs 10 to Rs 60 depending on the distance travelled. You can buy tokens or smart cards from the ticket counters or vending machines at the metro stations. If are visiting Delhi for a few days, you can get a temporary traveller smart card to travel in Delhi Metro.

Bus

It is another option for travelling within Delhi at a low cost. The city bus covers most parts of Delhi and neighbouring areas of Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, etc. DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) operates the bus service, which runs AC and non-AC buses on various routes. The bus fare ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 25 or more, depending on the type and distance of the bus route.

Auto-Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk)

It is a common mode of transportation in Delhi. You can find them easily on the streets or at designated stands in Delhi. Negotiating a fixed fare with the driver before boarding the auto-rickshaw would be best. You can also use apps like Ola or Uber to book an auto-rickshaw online.

Cycle Rickshaw

Cycle Rickshaws are great for smaller distances. If you are in a crowded market area you can always take a cycle rickshaw there. Make sure to agree to a fixed price beforehand.

Taxi/Cab

Cabs are a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation in Delhi. They can be booked online through apps such as Ola, Uber, Meru, etc. or offline through phone calls or agents. You can also find prepaid taxis at the airport or railway stations that charge a fixed rate based on your destination.

On Foot

Yes, You can explore many places in Delhi on foot. Parts of Old Delhi Chandni Chowk Area from Jama Masjid to Red Fort, Hauz Khas Complex, India Gate to Raj Path and Connaught Place etc are great to enjoy leisurely walks while exploring and enjoying local cuisine.

Where to Stay in Delhi?

Delhi offers many accommodation options for travellers of different preferences and budgets. You can easily find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, homestays etc.

Many tourists have early morning/late night trains or flights to catch. If you want to stay close to the airport or railway stations. In that case, you can choose areas such as Aerocity, Mahipalpur, Paharganj, Karol Bagh, etc. These areas have many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses catering to travellers who want to save time and money on transportation. You can also find many budget-friendly properties in these areas. If you want to live in Delhi’s centre, you can search for hotels near Connaught Place.

Suppose you want to stay close to some of Delhi’s historical and cultural attractions. In that case, you can choose areas such as Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, etc. These offer a glimpse of Delhi’s old-world charm and heritage.

If you want to stay in a lavish and luxurious accommodation option in Delhi, you can choose areas such as Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Enclave, Vasant Kunj, etc. Many five-star hotels and resorts offer world-class facilities and services in these areas.

If you are a backpacker and want to stay in a social and lively accommodation option in Delhi, you can choose areas such as Hauz Khas Village, Paharganj, Majnu Ka Tila etc. These areas have many hostels, guesthouses, cafes, bars etc., offering a vibrant and fun atmosphere for backpackers and solo travellers.

Tourist Places in Delhi

Delhi has a lot of tourist attractions. You can find historical monuments, religious sites, museums, gardens, and markets that reflect the city’s rich and diverse heritage and culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Delhi:

Historical monuments

Delhi has a long, rich, glorious history that dates back to old times. Many monuments and structures reflect the culture and style of various dynasties and empires that ruled over Delhi, like the Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, and British. Some of the most popular historical monuments to visit in Delhi are:

Red Fort

Shah Jahan built this massive fort in the 17th century. Also called Lal Qila, the fort is made of red sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some important places inside Red Fort are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, and Moti Masjid. There is a museum inside the complex. It also hosts a light and sound show every evening that narrates the history and significance of the Red Fort. The fort is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday. The entry fee for Red Fort is Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners.

Qutub Minar

It is a long tower (minar) built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century as a symbol of Islamic victory over Hindu rulers. The minar is made up of red sandstone and has five storeys with many carvings and inscriptions. Other monuments in the Qutub Minar campus include Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (the first mosque in India), Alai Darwaza and Iron Pillar.

The Monuments inside the Qutub Minar complex are beautifully lit at night. So it is recommended to visit here in the late evening to witness their beauty.

It is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs 40 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners.

In many of these tourist places in Delhi, you buy tickets online too. It will save you a lot of time and hassle from standing in queue, which you can use to explore the place better.

India Gate

This 42-metre-high arc stands at the end of the Rajpath (Now called as Kartavya Path). It was built as a memorial to the soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Below the India Gate is a flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti, built-in 1971 to honour the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War 1971. It was recently merged with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial. India Gate and The Rajpath make for a peaceful walk early in the morning or in the evening time.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural masterpiece built by Bega Begum in the 16th century, 14 years after Humayun’s death. It has an octagonal design with red sandstone and a white marble dome. The tomb contains the graves of Humayun and many other members of the Mughal dynasty. It is one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

Humayun’s Tomb is open on all days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entry ticket is Rs 40 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners.

Religious sites

Some of the most popular and recommended religious sites to visit in Delhi are:

Lotus Temple

It is a beautiful temple built by the Bahá’í community in the 20th century as a symbol of unity and peace. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower and has 27 petals made of white marble. It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds who want to meditate and pray inside its spacious hall. The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Entry is free for everyone.

Jama Masjid

India’s largest and most beautiful mosque, Jama Masjid, was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It is made of red sandstone and white marble and has three domes, four minars, and two courtyards. The mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time. It is open daily from 7 am to noon and from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Entry is free for everyone, but there is a fee of Rs 300 for photography.

Museums

Delhi has a rich and diverse collection of museums that showcase India’s art, culture, history, science, and heritage. If you are a history lover and like museums, you should definitely visit the museums in Delhi. Some of the most popular and recommended museums to visit in Delhi are:

National Museum

This museum was established in 1949 as India’s largest and most comprehensive museum. It has over 2 lakh artefacts and exhibits spanning various periods and themes such as the prehistoric era, Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan Empire, Mughal Empire, British Raj and more. The museum also has sections dedicated to paintings, sculptures, coins, textiles, arms, etc. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners.

Gandhi Smriti Museum

This museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life. It was formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan. This is the same place where Gandhi Ji spent the last days of his life.

National Rail Museum

It is dedicated to the Indian Railways and its history. The museum has over 100 exhibits of Railways, antique train engines and coaches, signalling equipment, historical photographs etc. If you love trains, this is the place to be.

Gardens

Delhi has many beautiful and well-maintained gardens that offer a refreshing and relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you love nature, you should take time out of your schedule to spend time in a quiet and peaceful place.

Some of the most popular and recommended gardens to visit in Delhi are:

Lodhi Garden

This is a historical garden built by the Lodhi dynasty in the 15th century as a burial ground for their rulers. The garden has many tombs and monuments like Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad, and Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb. The garden also has a lake, a bridge, a rose garden, a bonsai garden, etc. The garden is open every day from 6 am to 8 pm. Entry is free for everyone.

Mughal Garden

This is a magnificent garden built by the British in the 20th century as a part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India). The garden is inspired by the Mughal style of gardening. It has more than 120 rose varieties, exotic flowers and a beautiful butterfly garden. The garden is open to the public during February and March every year. Entry is free for everyone. However, you have to register online at least a day before visiting.

Things to do in Delhi

Delhi has something for everyone, like various cultural shows, food tours, shopping, nightlife, etc.

Shopping and markets

Delhi has many vibrant and colourful markets selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, books, electronics, etc.

Shopping in Delhi is a delight for shopaholics. From bustling street markets to luxurious malls, the city offers a diverse shopping experience.

Some of the most popular and recommended markets which you must visit in Delhi are:

Chandni Chowk

This is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, dating back to the 17th century. The market is divided into several smaller lanes and sub-markets selling different items such as spices, jewellery, fabrics, books, etc. The market also has many famous eateries such as Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim’s, Haldiram’s, etc. Chandni Chowk market is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm except on Sundays.

Dilli Haat

This market was established in 1994, showcasing Indian culture and crafts. It has stalls from different states and regions of India that sell handicrafts, handlooms, pottery, paintings, and more. The market also has food stalls that offer cuisines from different parts of India. Here you can find many cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year. Dilli Haat market is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm. The entry fee is Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children.

Apart from these, there are many more famous markets in Delhi that you can visit like Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Meena Bazaar, Connaught Place, Janpath and Tibetan Market.

Cuisine of Delhi

Delhi is a food lover’s paradise and offers a variety of cuisines from different regions of India. You can find many food tours that take you to different places and areas in the city where you can taste some of the most delicious dishes and snacks Delhi offers.

What to Eat in Delhi

You can try the famous street food of Old Delhi, such as mouthwatering chaat, kebabs, and parathas. Don’t miss out on trying the famous butter chicken and aromatic biryanis. There are many places and areas that offer these dishes and snacks in Delhi, such as Chandni Chowk, Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim’s, Moti Mahal etc.

If you love parathas, then Paranthe Wali Gali is a must-visit. Many eateries serve hot and crispy parathas stuffed with different fillings.

Also, if you are a fan of street food, then don’t miss out on Delhi’s chaat and kulfi.

For a fine dining experience, you can explore the city’s upscale restaurants offering a fusion of international and regional cuisines.

Nightlife

Delhi has a lively and vibrant nightlife that offers great options for entertainment and fun. There’s something for everyone, from rooftop bars and lounges to vibrant clubs and live music venues. Many pubs, bars, clubs, lounges, etc., offer music, drinks, and dance.

Hauz Khas Village, Connaught Place etc., are popular areas known for their buzzing nightlife.

Best time to visit Delhi

Delhi has mainly three seasons:

• Summer (April to June)
• Monsoon (July to September)
• Winter (October to March)

Summer

The summer season in Delhi is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 48°C. In this season, most people avoid visiting the city due to its scorching heat and dry weather. If you wish, you can visit Delhi during this season to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices and discounts on accommodation, transportation, etc. However, you may face some challenges like dehydration and heatstroke. Almost all tourist places require you to walk outside in the sun to explore, which would not be enjoyable with the sun overhead in the summer.

Monsoon

The monsoon season in Delhi is wet and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. You can visit Delhi during this season to enjoy the greenery and freshness after the rains. But be ready to face challenges such as waterlogging, traffic jams and mosquitoes etc.

Winter

The winter season in Delhi is cold and foggy, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C. This is the peak season for tourism in Delhi as most people prefer visiting Delhi due to its pleasant and cool weather. You can visit the city during this season to enjoy the best of Delhi’s attractions, cuisines, festivals, events, etc. Make sure to plan your trip and book accommodation early; otherwise, you may face some challenges like higher prices and demand for accommodation, transportation, etc.

Festivals and Events in Delhi

There are many festivals celebrated in Delhi. You will have a great time visiting the city during those festivals.

You can witness the grandeur of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as the city lights up with diya and light decorations with fireworks in some areas.

Also, if you visit in March, you can experience the vibrancy of Holi, the festival of colours, and immerse yourself in joyful celebrations. People smear each other with coloured powder(gulal) and water and enjoy themselves with friends and family. Don’t miss the delicious sweets during these festivals.

Republic Day is a national festival that celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26th January 1950. The festival is celebrated with a grand parade at Rajpath that showcases India’s cultural and military diversity. The parade also includes a flypast by the Indian Air Force and cultural programs by school children. Many states of India showcase their cultures by jhakis on moving vehicles passing through Rajpath.

On the 15th of August (India’s Independence Day), the Prime Minister of India addresses the country from Red Fort. At that time the fort is beautifully decorated and you can enjoy some cultural programmes too.

How to Plan Your Trip to Delhi

• Delhi is an affordable city that offers a wide range of options for travellers of different budgets. You can find accommodation, transportation, food and attractions that suit your budget. However, If you arrive in peak season, you can face some challenges like higher prices of hotels, prepaid cabs etc.
• Always try to negotiate a fixed price while taking autos and cabs.
• Avoid travelling alone or at night in unfamiliar or isolated areas.
• Do not fall for touts or agents who offer cheap or free services.

Packing essentials: Delhi has different seasons and weather conditions throughout the year; hence, you need to pack according to the season and purpose of your visit.

• If you visit Delhi during summer, you must pack light and breathable clothes such as cotton shirts, shorts, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, hats, water bottles etc.
• While visiting during monsoons, pack waterproof and quick-drying clothes such as nylon shirts, pants, jackets, rain boots or shoes, umbrella or raincoat, waterproof bag or pouch etc. It would help if you pack mosquito repellent lotion or spray in case of mosquitoes or insects.
• For Winter, you need to pack warm clothes like woollen sweaters, jackets, scarves, gloves, thermal wear or layers, shoes etc. You can also pack a mask in case of fog or pollution.

Places to visit near Delhi

Delhi is also a great base for exploring nearby destinations, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Pink City Jaipur, Uttarakhand’s capital Dehradun, the holy cities of Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar and the hill stations of Shimla, Mussoorie and Nainital.

Conclusion

We hope you liked this Guide to Explore Delhi. It is a city you must visit at least once in your lifetime and will definitely offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.

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