16 Oct New Delhi – India’s Capital
Welcome to New Delhi
The national capital of India, New Delhi, is frequently called “Dilwaalon ki Dilli,” where countless facts about Delhi emerge from its abundance of ancient and historical artefacts. This vibrant metropolis combines a rich historical legacy with modern dynamism. With a history spanning several centuries, New Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires, leaving behind a tapestry of captivating stories and architectural marvels.
History
The history of New Delhi traces back to the 6th century BC when the area was part of the legendary city of Indraprastha, founded by the Pandavas, characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Over the centuries, the region saw the rule of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Delhi Sultanate. However, the city’s true transformation occurred during the Mughal era.
In the 17th century, Emperor Shah Jahan established Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi, and built the iconic Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The Mughal reign saw the city flourish as a cultural and commercial centre, attracting artisans, poets, and scholars across the empire.
In 1911, New Delhi emerged as the new capital of British India, designed by renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The city was inaugurated in 1931, becoming the seat of power for the British Raj. New Delhi’s architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Mughal, British colonial, and contemporary styles.
Post-independence, New Delhi became the capital of the newly formed Republic of India in 1947. Today, it symbolises India’s democracy, hosting the seat o
Today
Beyond its historical significance, New Delhi is a bustling cosmopolitan city, brimming with cultural diversity, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) to the peaceful serenity of the Lotus Temple to its vibrant street food culture, offering various flavours from across the country. The city’s markets, such as Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place, are bustling hubs of commerce and a shopper’s paradise.
New Delhi is a city that embodies the spirit of India, blending a rich historical heritage with the energy of modern capital. It is also a city that embodies the spirit of India, combining a rich historical heritage with the power of a modern capital.
How To Get There
By Air: The destination is well connected to all the major cities in and outside India via local and international flights. The Indira Gandhi International Airport serves almost all major airlines.
By Train: Delhi is connected to India’s small and large cities via the country’s extensive rail network. The three most important railway stations are Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, and New Delhi Railway Station.
By Road: The city connects to some main towns via roadways and national highways. Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar Bus Terminus, and Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus are Delhi’s three main bus terminals. Both the government and private transportation companies frequently offer bus services. .
Getting Around New Delhi
Bus: Despite being a cheap mode of transportation and having good connections, buses in Delhi can get highly crowded, especially during peak hours. Most government-run buses are either red-coloured (air-conditioned) or green-coloured (non-air-conditioned) and are run by the Delhi Transport Corporation.
Taxi: In Delhi, there are numerous taxi service options. The first option is the yellow and black ambassadors, which typically charge 15% more than auto rickshaws. In addition, you can reserve a radio cab, which is accessible around the clock and can be booked via phone or the internet.
Metro: The Delhi Metro is one of the quickest, most affordable, and best ways to travel in air-conditioned comfort around the city.
Hop On Hop Off Bus: These buses, often called Ho Ho Buses, are air-conditioned tourist buses that travel a fixed route between stops throughout the city, allowing passengers to get on and off at any time. The Ho Ho buses are run by Delhi Tourism and have English-speaking drivers. They run every day of the week except Mondays. Passengers have the option of a one- or two-day bus pass.
Auto Rickshaw: Auto rickshaws are a quick and inexpensive alternative to taxis for getting around the city or alternatively try the Cycle Rickshaws.
On Foot: In particular, the lush boulevards of Lutyens Delhi, Central Delhi, Old Delhi, and some areas of South Delhi are beautiful places to take leisurely walks. From India Gate to Rajpath in Central Delhi, Jama Masjid to Red Fort in Old Delhi, and the Hauz Khas Complex are fantastic places to walk in Delhi.
Places Of Interest
Humayun’s tomb is a world heritage UNESCO monument. It is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, built-in 1572 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum and is considered a unique example of real Mughal architecture. Book tickets here.
India Gate is a significant location to see while in Delhi. Initially called the All India War Memorial, India Gate was constructed to honor the 82,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1921, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Book tickets here.
It is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in north Delhi and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The building is located in Delhi’s Mehrauli area. The quickest route to this beautiful architectural brilliance is Qutub Minar Metro Station, located at a distance of about 3km. Book tickets here.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Lord Swaminarayan is the focus of the Akshardham Temple, also called Swaminarayan Akshardham. It’s renowned for having beautiful architecture. The impressive water show takes place each evening in India’s largest step well, which is part of the Akshardham complex. Book tickets here.
The Gurudwara is not only one of the most important Sikh holy sites, but it also ranks among the top tourist attraction in the city. This Gurudwara, which is close to Connaught Place, contains the holy river Sarovar within its grounds. A hospital, a library, a museum & a higher secondary school are also located in this complex. Book tickets here.
The magnificent Lotus Temple, also known as the ‘Bahai House of Worship’, is notable as a lotus shape building, a prominent icon in Delhi. It is dedicated to the Baha’i faith but is open to all, regardless of religion. Book tickets here.
This temple, which was established in 1998, is situated in New Delhi, India’s East of Kailash neighbourhood, at Hare Krishna Hills. It is a well-known Lord Krishna temple that promotes tranquillity inside. Its adherents respect Srila Prabhupada. Book tickets here.
Lal Qila, or Red Fort, is a historic fort in Old Delhi of the Mughal Emperors. Shah Jahan built it in 1639 because Delhi replaced Agra as the nation’s capital. It is made of red sandstone and has a number of museums. Every year on Independence Day, the Indian Prime Minister raises the flag here. Book tickets here.
One fascinating tourist destination that explains the city’s history in depth is the Purana Quila, or Old Fort. The Purana Quila, which was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun, is proof of the splendour of Mughal art. Indraprastha, a city mentioned in the Mahabharata, is supposed to have its ruins guarded by the old fort located in New Delhi. Book tickets here.
This Zoo is officially known as the National Zoological Park and is home to more than 130 different species of animals, birds, and reptiles. A popular draw is the majestic White Bengal Tiger. Both visitors and locals enjoy hanging out at the Zoo. Book tickets here.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary, which covers an area of 3.5 square kilometres next to the Okhla bridge that spans the gorgeous River Yamuna, was created to protect the ecology of a number of bird species. The sanctuary is a well-known destination for bird viewing because it is home to over 400 local bird species & over one lakh migratory birds. Book tickets here.
The National Gandhi Museum dates back to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian revolutionary, on 30th January 1948. The museum holds a rich collection of original books, journals, photographs, exhibitions, art pieces and other memorabilia concerning the life of Mahatma Gandhi, Kastur Ba and the Indian Freedom Struggle. Book tour here.
Where To Stay
Luxury Hotels
Among one of the best five star hotels in Delhi, it offers top-notch facilities, curated experiences and signature hospitality. Enjoy award-winning international foods and beverages at the hotel’s seven distinctive, opulent dining establishments.
Mid-Range Hotels
Located in the city’s heart, the hotel is near the best attractions, shopping complexes and easy access to the Delhi metro. This hotel is good value with all the comforts.
Budget Hotels
One of the city’s top-budget hotels is in Paharganj, conveniently located near the railway station, airport and the city’s center – Connaught Place. Safety, honesty and reliability make Hotel Ajanta the best choice for a comfortable and memorable vacation.
Situated in the heart of the international capital of the country, it is a renowned luxury hotel in New Delhi. From the domestic airport, it takes 30 minutes, and from the international airport, it takes 45 minutes. The hotel has cutting-edge clean air technology, which guarantees air quality in line with international norms.
Hotel features a rooftop restaurant & a fitness centre and provides free parking & Wi-Fi facility. The well-known Connaught Place, Jama Masjid, and New Delhi Metro Station are only 1 kilometre and 400 metres from the hotel. The Lal Quila, Karol Bagh Market, and the India Gate are just 2 kilometres away.
This hotel is an excellent option for travelers looking for a 3-star affordable hotel in this location. The hotel is close to some well-known Delhi hotspots. Choose from a variety of room options offering spacious and beautiful interiors & teak wood furniture designed for utmost comfort.
Where To Eat
Indian Culinary Delights
Indian cuisine is different in every state and region with unique flavours that have been refined over hundreds of years. North Indian food is a fusion cuisine of Punjab and the local Mughal cuisine.
Bukhara: Without a doubt, the best place to eat genuinely authentic Indian food is in Bukhara. Along with the slow-cooked dal, the restaurant’s distinctive (and enormous) hot naans and malai kebabs will take your palate on a delightful journey. Eating with your hands is also encouraged in the earthy, rustic surroundings. Make a reservation right away.
Rajinder Da Dhaba: The owner of Rajinder De Dhaba, who began with a small counter in Safdarjung Enclave Market years ago, has now expanded to add five “pseudo counters” to his roster. This restaurant, which serves mutton seekh kebabs and malai tikka rolls on plastic silver dishes, is the best place to experience a Dhaba truly. It will be worth it to wait in line for your food, so be prepared.
Olive Bar & Kitchen: Olive Bar & Restaurant Sujan Sarkar, a well-known celebrity chef, is in charge of Olive Bar & Kitchen, situated on a charming cobblestone street among shops and bars and has an almost European feel. Its bohemian atmosphere and outdoor patio make it a classic Mediterranean-inspired Sunday brunch location.
Indian Accent: Indian chef Manish Mehrotra’s inventive fusion menu features blue cheese naan and chicken tikka meatballs, adding international flavours to Indian cuisine. The upscale Lodhi Hotel is home to the restaurant, which has branches in New York and London. The chef’s six-course tasting menu, each paired with a different wine option, is something we heartily recommend.
Where To Shop
Here are a few locations in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village that you can’t miss. The village is surrounded by water bodies and beautiful green parks, making it an ideal place to visit. It is also one of South Delhi’s older neighbourhoods and has undergone numerous alterations over the years.
It is a well-known marketplace where you can buy various goods with just your pocket money. The place was formerly known as Vinay Nagarand and subsequently changed its name to Sarojini Nagar. It is one of the city’s busiest locations for shopping for a variety of goods, including clothing, shoes, textiles, and accessories.
Chandni Chowk is a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls. Be prepared for massive crowds and beware of the pickpockets!
Clothing
Indian Clothing & Accessories
India is known for its vibrant colours thanks to its abundance of festivals, vibrant costumes and Indian delicacies. Women wear bright and daring saris, or Salwar Kameez while the men wear turbans, kurtas and scarves. The most popular dress for females is the salwar kameez and secondly the saree.
Recommended Tours:
Explore Trips From Delhi
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