Delhi, India
Delhi overwhelms and rewards in equal measure—a city of 20 million where Mughal emperors, British colonizers, and modern India left their marks in competing grandeur. Old Delhi's chaotic bazaars and medieval mosques contrast with New Delhi's broad avenues and Lutyens' imperial architecture, while contemporary neighborhoods pulse with galleries, restaurants, and the energy of India's capital. The gateway to the Golden Triangle (Agra and Jaipur), Delhi demands time to appreciate its layers: the Red Fort's sandstone walls, Humayun's Tomb foreshadowing the Taj Mahal, street food that ranks among the world's best, and the indomitable spirit of a city that has risen and fallen for millennia.
Top Attractions in Delhi
- Red Fort — The massive sandstone fort was the Mughal capital for 200 years, its walls enclosing palaces, gardens, and the legendary Peacock Throne. The evening sound-and-light show dramatizes its history, while the surrounding Chandni Chowk market offers Delhi's most intense sensory experience.
- Humayun's Tomb — This UNESCO World Heritage site was the subcontinent's first garden tomb and the direct inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The Persian-influenced architecture, set in geometric Char Bagh gardens, represents Mughal design at its finest. Early morning visits offer peaceful exploration.
- Qutub Minar — The 73-meter sandstone minaret has dominated South Delhi since the 12th century, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in India. The surrounding complex includes the Iron Pillar that has mysteriously resisted rust for 1,600 years. Evening light makes the red sandstone glow.
- Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi's main artery is organized chaos—a sensory overload of spice markets, jewelry lanes, and street food stalls operating since Shah Jahan founded the bazaar in 1650. Navigate by cycle rickshaw, sample paranthe (stuffed flatbreads), and absorb the energy of old India.
- Street Food — Delhi's street food is legendary—chaat (savory snacks), chole bhature (chickpeas with fried bread), kebabs, and biryani represent just the beginning. Chandni Chowk's Paranthe Wali Gali, Nizamuddin's Mughlai cuisine, and South Delhi's modern restaurants showcase the capital's culinary diversity.
Travel Info
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Average temperature: 25°C (77°F) annual average
- Currency: INR (₹)
Typical Costs
- Quick Lunch (Thali/Chaat): ₹100 – ₹250
- Dinner (Mid-range Restaurant): ₹600 – ₹1,200
- Coffee (Chai/Latte): ₹30 – ₹200
- Metro (Single Ride): ₹10 – ₹60
- Airport Transfer (Metro to Centre): ₹60