Visitors from around the world mostly land in Delhi when on a tour to India and the capital city creates an amusing and fascinating experience for most of them. Delhi is not just the capital of India but the cultural and political epicenter of the country as well. The city has two sides, as said the two sides of the coin – Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects the crumbling crowd, narrow streets and several historical monuments while the latter showcases the well-organized, orderly life and modern buildings. The coexistence of these two totally opposite sides of Delhi, its culture, unique street food, and vibrant nightlife make it one of the most traveled cities in the country. So, if you are planning a trip to Delhi, this city guide of Delhi will surely help you.

Delhi Travel Guide

Delhi – History   

Besides being the capital of modern India, it has been the epicenter of seven civilizations. The place was not always named Delhi but was recognized by almost eight different names. The first was Indraprastha which was during the time of the popular Hindu epic Mahabharata. From various archaeological evidence, it has been found that Indraprastha was located in the area where the Red Fort stands today in Old Delhi. Delhi has got a vast and rich history, having seen several rulers in the past 3 centuries which also included the Mughals. The last to rule this land was the British, they planned to build New Delhi in the year 1911 and name it India’s capital replacing Kolkata. Explore and unleash the layers of the capital city of India. Get your cheap flights to Delhi booked right away!

Delhi – Climate and Weather

Delhi has always experienced extreme weather conditions. Talking about summers in the city, the temperature exceeds 40 degrees celsius from April to June. Delhi monsoons bring it down a lot cooler between July and October. However, during times of no rain, the temperature still gets to a level of 35 degrees Celsius.

Winter in Delhi is the best time to travel as the temperature starts falling to around 20 degrees celsius in the month of November and continues to reach the lowest at 5-6 degrees celsius in the following months until January end or Mid-February. Going to Delhi in winter? Get all your woolen packed to enjoy the cool breeze in and around the city.

Delhi – To and from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport

IGI Airport is situated in Palam, almost 14 miles or 23km south of the city. The airport has undergone some major changes in the last few years like the inauguration of Terminal 3 in the year 2010. It has altered the functionality of the airport as both domestic and international flights are now brought under one roof (excluding the lost-cost flights).

However, transportation to and from the Delhi International Airport is still smooth. One can easily find the city buses connecting the airport and the main city well. There are shuttles and prepaid taxis to take you to the city. The best mode of transportation from the airport is the Delhi Metro Express Train Service.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL)

Delhi – Getting around the city

Traveling within the city has become quite convenient in recent years. Tourists can easily get connected to places with comfortable air-conditioned metro trains, buses and even the dial-a-cab service has turned out to be popular (especially Ola and Uber).

Also Read: The Remarkable New Delhi Culture and Tradition

For short distances, one can get  regular auto-rickshaws and taxis. However, knowing the art of haggling is important as the rickshaw drivers put up an unreasonable price at first and if you don’t have much knowledge of the correct fare, there could be a chance of being looted. For sightseeing, a city bus service is a great option.

Delhi – Things to Do

You will find plenty of top attractions in the city while you roll your eyes at the Delhi travel guide map (Yes, you should have one handy). The beautiful city features some awe-strikingly amazing forts, spellbinding mosques and huge monuments built by the Mughals centuries ago. Most forts and monuments are settled amid lush green gardens allowing one to relax while alluring the architectural beauty of the place. Get to know the city and its people better. How about planning a New Year in Delhi with your friends? Book your last minute flights now!

Suggested Read: 7 Outstanding Places to Visit near Delhi in Winter

Starting from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, move on to exploring the famous Sacred Heart Cathedral and other historic Hindu temples in the area. Only 4 kilometers away is the most-visited and popular Jama Masjid, the terracotta-colored mosque standing for centuries now. It is  heaven for  travelers in search of peace in the chaotic Old Delhi. The huge Red Fort, a monument of the 178^th century is also close by.

Moving in the southeastern direction of the city is the mighty Humayun’s Tomb, one of the many World Heritage Sites in the city. The tomb was constructed in the year 1570 for emperor Humayun and is the first garden-tomb in the country. The surrounding gardens are well-manicured and huge hulking trees are lined up around the great mausoleum.

Do not forget to visit the ancient piece of architecture built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak – Qutub Minar. Another architectural spotlight in the old city is the Safdarjung Tomb, a breathtaking view of the Mughal style 18^th century mausoleum that will make you day. The sandstone and marble tomb is one of the top attractions in Delhi. There are various other sites of attractions in the city which you can easily spot in a helpful Delhi guidebook.

Delhi – Places to Eat

Food in Delhi is the next best thing you will find in the city after the exciting sightseeing. From American, Lebanese, Japanese to Indian, Italian and Mediterranean, One can find anything and everything in the world-class restaurants in Delhi. Not just the expensive yet succulent gourmet dishes, there are several eateries and food joints in both the old and new city where you can find mouth-watering street food without burning a hole in your pocket. Some of the well-known eateries and restaurants in the city include Indian Accent and Bukhara in Nizamuddin & Lodi Colony, Mughlai at Karim’s and Indian cuisine at Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), Café Lota, Sana-Di-Ge in New Delhi and many more. Even if you have booked business class flights with your colleagues for a meeting in the capital, spare some time to eat at these amazing places.

Delhi – Nightlife

Apart from its delicious food, magnificent sites, and extreme weather conditions, Delhi is also known for its nightlife. Nightlife in Delhi is vibrant, fun, and full of entertainment. From bars, pubs, and discos to street food, late night movies, the city offers everything required for a perfect night out. The liveliness of the country’s capital will make you ditch your sleep and spend some electrifying nights with your friends and loved ones. One of the best ways to enjoy the nightlife in Delhi are:

• Dance Night Away at Delhi’s Pubs
• Stay at Delhi’s Extravagant Lounges
• Try Some Luscious Street Food at Mid-Night
• Enjoy Late Night Movies
• Night Walks in City’s Dark
• Enjoy a Musical Night at Music Venues

Also Read: 10 Finger-licking Dishes You Must Try in Delhi

Delhi – Places to stay

When on a New Delhi Tour, one can find a long list of accommodation options suiting every kind of traveler. If you are a budget traveler or a backpacker, the hotels and lodges in the Paharganj district near the railway station could be a nice choice. In recent times, various hostels for backpackers are also available in other areas of the city. Karol Bagh and Connaught Place (CP) are also suitable for tourists willing to stay in Central Delhi. Talking about the peaceful and sophisticated areas in the city, South Delhi has some  popular luxury hotels, satisfactory bed & breakfasts and fantastic boutique hotels.

Delhi – Shopping hubs

Shopping in Delhi is a learning experience in itself. You will find various local markets in the city, especially the most famous Sarojini Nagar Market and CP market. However, foreigners traveling on flights from USA to India need to learn the art of bargaining in these areas. We, Indians, are masters now and know pretty much about dealing with the vendors. For a straightforward experience while shopping, stop by the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, a government-based market selling traditional artisans a fixed price. Don’t worry about the quality – it is one of the best you will find all around the city.

Delhi – Safety Concerns

Safety in India is a common issue for travelers, especially the one coming from places abroad. Starting with protecting your money from pickpockets, try keeping all the cash, credit cards, and debit cards in a money belt or secure pouch that can be kept close to  hanging around your neck or tied under your shirt. Have only a little cash in your wallet so even if you lose it, your valuables are safe.

Coming to health safety, the notion of “Delhi-Belly” is quite true and unavoidable. To reduce the chances of falling ill, try drinking bottled water, eating well-cooked food and avoiding raw foods, Also keep a hand sanitizer handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days are enough for Delhi?

You need at least 2 to 4 days to explore Delhi and its surroundings. If you want to cover the nearby places like Agra, Rishikesh, or Nainital, you are recommended to plan at least a week for the trip. 

2. Is 2 days enough for Delhi?

Delhi is a metropolis city. If you want to explore the city thoroughly, 2 days will not be sufficient. However, you can cover some historic and modern parts of the city within 2 days.

3. What do I need to know before traveling to Delhi?

If you are planning a trip to Delhi, these are some factors that you should know before heading:

• Choose your dates to fly carefully
• Pre Book the hotel
• Buy a local sim card for roaming free communication
• Always carry some cash with you
• Know everything about local markers
• Sharpen your bargaining skills
• Buy a Delhi map
• Understand the metro-route
• Do not forget to wear a mask

4. How can I plan a day trip to Delhi?

The best way to travel to Delhi in one is to book a bus tour of the city. The bus will pick you up from your desired location and take you through the entire city. The places that the bus tour covers: 

• Birla Mandir
• Jantar Mantar
• Connaught Place
• Red Fort
• Jama Masjid
• Raj Ghat
• India Gate
• Parliament House
• Rashtrapati Bhawan 
• Akshardham Temple
  

–Travel Diary

The post Delhi City Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to do & Other Delhi City Travel Essentials appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Two main things Delhiites are proud of are its rich ancient history and the lip-smacking food. If you have ever been to the capital city, you must know what we are talking about. Not one, not two, Delhi brims with a wide range of culinary delights and if you are a traveler who loves to eat, you got to visit Delhi! Like India is called the land of diversity, Delhi boasts of its food diversity. From Majnu ka Tilla to Chandni Chowk to Rajouri, the city has got so much food to offer the visitors. Without much ado, we bring to you the most famous dishes of Delhi you must try when in the city.

Paranthe

When do you like eating parathas – Breakfast, lunch or dinner? In Delhi, paratha is the go-to food for every meal and when we say parathas it is not the plain ones but the delicious Aalo, gobi, mooli and even keema parathas. Yes, you will find a variety of stuffing to choose for your kind of paratha. The chefs can even make a paratha of the left-over dal from last night and you just can’t find out.

Places to try: Moolchand Parathe Waala in South Delhi, Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk, etc.

Chaat

If there is anything that you can find 24X7 in Delhi, it’s the mouth-watering street food. From Dahi Papdi, Samosa Ragda to Kulfi Faluda and bhel, you will find everything here. Chandni Chowk in Delhi is recognized as the Street Food Capital of the city and you better have someone known along with you or you might even get lost in the narrow lanes or at least ask someone for the best chaat stalls to get an idea. To be honest, there’s no particular chaat stall to be said the best, but there are some landmarks you can follow to reach the ones that stand out.

Places to try: Daulat ki Chaat and Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala in Chandni Chowk, Bittu Tikki Wala in Karol Bagh and UPSC Building in Shahjahan Road

Kebabs

If you have any doubt about the delicious taste of grilled chunks of fish and meat marinated in aromatic spices, you will change your mind in Delhi. Kebabs are one of the fabulous things Mughals gave us and Delhiites are no less thankful to them. Kebabs are one type of food you will find in all kinds of food places such as food stalls, dining restaurants and some even deliver it to your car! This is one special dish you must not miss in Delhi.

Places to try: Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs in Lal Kuan, Alkakori Alkauser in R K Puram, Nizamuddin Salim’s Kebabs in Khan Market and Aap ki Khatir in SDA.

Butter Chicken

If you don’t know, butter chicken was invented in the 1950s by an accident in the great Moti Mahal Restaurant in Daryaganj, Delhi. Yes, the cooks are believed to toss the buttery sauce, chicken and tomato juices along with tandoori chicken chunks. The rest is still history. Today, butter chicken is one of the most delicious and famous dishes of Delhi. You will find it everywhere in the city, in all the dhabas and non-vegetarian restaurants.

Places to try: Moti Mahal Restaurant in Daryaganj, Havemore in Pandara Road.

Chole Bhature

How can we miss out the most favorite Indian snack when talking about the best food items in Delhi, Chole Bhature. Take it from us, having this dish on an empty stomach will be the best decision you will make that day. Spicy, rich and heavy, Chole Bhature is a combination of pindi chole and large maida puris with onions, achaar (pickle) and lemon on the side. It is a very popular item on the breakfast menu. There is nothing to be surprised. This happens only in Delhi! Have a glass of lassi on the side and it is a complete Delhi-wali meal.

Places to try: Chache di Hatti in Kamla Nagar, Sitaram Diwan Chand in Paharganj

Biryani

Hyderabad is not the only city in India known for its finger-licking biryani, Mughals also left their favorite dish recipe for the Delhiites. It is poultry meat-based dish is cooked in an earthern pot sealed with dough on its lid to ensure the spices, aromas and flavors are soaked in well. Your Biryani experience in Delhi is based upon the place you eat it – the Sufi shrines, road-side dhabas, 5-star restaurants or the commercial food chains.

Places to try: Al Kakori Al Kauser in R K Puram, Dum Pukht in ITC Maurya, Deez Biryani & Kebabs in Defence Colony

Nihari

The day you explore Old Delhi, the aroma of this special delicacy will reach you before you reach the food joint. Nihari is a spicy, rich broth of slow-cooked meat that is served with tandoori rotis alongside or khameeri rotis. It was one of the indian favorite dishes of the royal families living in this area during the ancient period. The daily morning feasts included Nihari as the prime item.

Places to try: Bara Hindu Rao area and Karim’s close to Jama Masjid

Kathi Rolls

We agree Kolkata is the origin of Kathi Rolls but Delhi is no less in making delicious rolls with interesting variants. You can get delicious kathi rolls in street food stalls across the city and moreover, supermarkets also have frozen options of rolls stocked for people like us, the foodies with midnight food cravings! Even some popular restaurants offer varieties of kathi rolls as starters or snacks in their menu.

Places to try: Khan Chacha in Khan Market, Nizam’s Connaught Place and Qureshi’s Kebab Corner in South Extension-II

Momos

Momos out numbers every snack when it comes to ranking the most popular snacks in Delhi. Be I birthday parties, office complexes or a cocktail party, Delhiites can have momos anytime and anywhere. Have a casual stroll in the corporate area of the city and you will find momo stalls outside every office building and mind you, some might even have token systems! Yes, it is that famous. The yummy dumplings are found in both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options.

Places to try: Kamla Nagar Market, Sikkim House in Panchsheel Marg, Yashwant Complex in Chanakya Puri, Nagaland Food Stall in Dilli Haat, Café Brown Sugar in GK Market and Majnu ka Tilla in North Campus.

Desserts

Almost every meal I Delhi ends with a dessert or else it feels incomplete. We are not kidding. Dessert is an essential item for Delhiites and when you are there, try the delicious Kulfis, Rabr Falooda, Jalebis, Gulab Jamun, Aam Papad, Motichoor Ladoo and the list goes on. Kulfis here are found in interesting flavors like Tamarind, Custard Apple and Aam Papad.

Places to try: Kurelal Mohan Lal Kulfiwala in Chandni Chowk, Big Chill Café in Khan Market, Giani di Hatti in Chandni Chowk, Ghantewala Halwai in Chandni Chowk.

The post 10 Finger-licking Dishes You Must Try in Delhi appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.