Dilwalon ki Dilli

From Delhi's Chandni Chowk to India Gate, the Delhi Blog is a place where you'll find all the hidden gems and tourist places to plan a perfect trip to Delhi, India's capital. The capital city is brimming with historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, cafes, bars, a lit nightlife and delicious street food. Explore the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, soak in the old world charm of Qutub Minar, and go on a food trail in the scanty lanes of Chandni Chowk.

Why Should you Visit Delhi?

Despite its less than wonderful reputation as a travel destination, to miss out on visiting Delhi during a trip to India would be a bit of a sin. There are plenty of reasons to given India's capital a chance, from its food, to its lush parks in the south of the city, to its mish-mash of cultures and languages that represent the varied tapestry that the sub-continent of India covers.

Delhi is a summary of all that India is - from its super modern metro to its crumbling havelis (historic stately homes), from its dusty spice markets to its gleaming and luxurious shopping malls.

But if there's one reason that stands out most to us as a reason to visit, it's Delhi's history. Delhi is one of the longest-serving capitals in the world, and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. A walk through Delhi can take you past monuments from the late 1100s to the present day, in a city heavily influenced by the Mughals, the British and many others.

Essential New Delhi Travel Tips - Know Before you Go

Delhi is the entry point to India for so many visitors, and yet despite its charms, it is not the easiest place to arrive in India. Touts and con-artists are used to tourists who've just arrived in the city - it's not something to be nervous about, but more a reason to do your research and use common sense.

Here are some of our tried and tested Delhi travel tips for newcomers.

  • If you're staying in a mid-range or upscale hotel (which is a good idea), arrange an airport pickup directly with them for a smooth landing (more tips on airport transportation below).
  • If you're flying long-haul, build in some time to rest and take it easy - Delhi can be overwhelming, especially when you're tired.
  • Organise a tour for your first day in Delhi - Helps you to get your bearings and ease in to the pace of Delhi with the comfort of someone showing you around. (Book tours via reputable companies with good reviews, we don't recommend using the guides loitering outside famous monuments in Delhi).
  • Just after Diwali is not the ideal time to visit Delhi. Every year, the city gets covered in toxic smog. It's better to visit later in the winter if you can.
  • The key with Delhi is to be cautious but not paranoid - hold your head up high, walk like you know where you're going, and you'll likely find people leave you alone!

Arriving in Delhi

Many of us arrive in India's capital under cover of darkness - that is to say that many inter-continental flights arrive in the small hours of the morning. Fortunately the immigration process seems to be much quicker than it used to be - if you have an E-visa, head straight to the far end for quicker processing. In the arrivals hall is where the fun begins.

Tips for Avoiding the Airport Scams

For travel from the airport, I do not recommend taking a regular pre-paid taxi (and definitely ignore anyone that approaches you offering a taxi or ride).

The “your hotel has burnt down / is closed / Delhi is closed due to smog” (yes, really) scam is still going as strong as ever, and revolves around taking unwitting travellers to a remote location in the middle of the night, claiming not being able to find your hotel, and instead taking you to one that pays commission. Or worse.

Safe Transport Options from Delhi Airport

One of the best options for a safe transfer from the airport is to have your hotel arrange a transfer. Make sure they'll be inside the terminal with a sign with the hotel's name, or with a “password” and check their identity carefully before leaving with your driver or ask them for your names to be sure they're the real deal and not just a random person with a sign.

Sakha Cabs, powered by Women on Wheels offer transfers and taxi services for women travellers, by women drivers. The Azad Foundation behind the Women on Wheels initiative started it in Delhi in 2008 to bring economic empowerment to women by enabling them to become professional drivers. Do your bit to support them by arranging an airport transfer with them!

If that fails, use Meru cabs from New Delhi Airport while travelling alone in Delhi - there's a separate desk for them when exiting arrivals. They're a little more expensive than regular cabs but that's more reliable and safe.

The Best Way to Get Around Delhi.

Prepare to jump a few hundred years as you step from bustling Old Delhi into the New Delhi Metro - our recommended way to travel around Delhi during daytime.

At night, its better to travel around Taxi / Uber / Ola for mixed groups.

The super fast and efficient Delhi Metro is a great (and cheap) way to get around the city and there's a ladies carriage at the front of each train (solo ladies - use it!).

For short hops (auto)rickshaws / “tuktuks” are useful - in Delhi Rickshaw Wallahs seem to have universally forgotten what the meter is so you'll have to negotiate. Expect to pay 50 Rupees for a short hop, and more for longer rides. I love to open up the Uber app to get an idea of the going rate for an Uber and then use that price to negotiate with the rickshaw guys. I do not recommend taking a rickshaw for solo ladies at night.

Uber itself has been involved in some scandals in Delhi, and personally I try to avoid Uber due to their (un)ethical policies - an Indian alternative is the OLA app, which is a good way to pre-book rickshaws and arrange taxis for the evening.

If a rickshaw driver offers you a free ride or offers to take you to a friend's shop then the trip will certainly involve stop offs at stores that pay commission to the driver. Best avoided, unless you are up for some uncompetitively priced shopping..

Where to Stay in Delhi

These are some of our recommended accommodation options for Delhi:

  1. Bloomrooms @Janpath (Connaught Place). We love the colourful, clean and great value rooms here, right in the heart of Delhi!
    Check rates and book here
  2. The Imperial, New Delhi (Connaught Place). If you want the best luxury in Delhi, stay here. A Delhi institution, this hotel may just spoil you forever - it's one of the most beautiful hotels I've been in and the cocktails are amazing!
    Check rates and book here
  3. Prakash Kutir B&B, (Hauz Khas, south Delhi) - see my full write up below. Situated in leafy south Delhi, this family run, clean and comfortable B&B is great for those staying a little longer in Delhi. We love this part of Delhi for its parks, markets and trendy eateries.
    Check rates and bok here

Which Area to Stay in Delhi

  • Paharganj
  • Karol Bhag
  • Connaught Place “CP”
  • South Delhi

Things to do in Delhi

There are plenty of things to do in Delhi to make you want to extend your stay - from exploring the city's tombs and Mughal architecture, to the bungalows of Lutyens, to exploring bazaars, to sipping world class cocktails in trendy bars.

  • Old Delhi
    You can't visit Delhi without seeing it's historic heart, winding lanes and the Jameh Masjid (Mosque). We recommend taking a guided walking tour of this area to take in Chandni Chowk, the Spice Market, Mosque and Red Fort. If it's your first day or two in India, you might want to go easy on the street food in this area of Delhi - it can be delicious, but doesn't always go down the best with un-acclimatised stomachs!
  • Red Fort
    In our opinion, well worth a visit although it is a mirror of the Fort at Agra, and the Delhi version receives fewer visitors. There are some great views over to the Fort from the Jameh Masjid. The Red Fort is included in many Old Delhi walking/tuk-tuk tours.
    • Image of Red Fort
  • Humayan's Tomb
    Tomb to the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Humayun, this tomb is a beautiful UNESCO heritage sight, and one of the best examples of Persian influenced architecture in Delhi. Spend an hour or two here wandering the grounds and enjoying the structure - for fewer crowds & better photos come early in the morning.
    • Image of Humayan's Tomb
  • India Gate & Rajpath
    For Lutyens Delhi at its finest and a sense of history, visit the India Gate (not to be confused with the Gateway of India in Mumbai!) and gaze down the Rajpath towards the government of India. The India Gate is illuminated in the evenings between around 7pm and 9pm.
    • Image of India Gate
  • Qutub Minar
    Dating from 1197, Qutub Minar is one of Delhi's oldest monuments, with a beautiful red sandstone tower that is 73m high.
    • Image of Qutub Minar
  • Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
    Located on the East Bank of the Yamuna river, this is the largest Hindu temple in the world and can't fail to leave an impression. Try to visit during the week if you can as it gets very crowded at weekends, especially Sundays.
  • If you have a little more time in Delhi, we suggest exploring the lovely Lodhi gardens - filled with tombs-and nearby Khan market for some shopping.

Enjoying the Best of Delhi

Despite some of the tourist scams and hustle, Delhi is one of the best places for experiencing all that India has to offer. For best results, get up early to see Delhi's sites in the magical morning light, complete with plenty of birds. Delhi gets uncomfortably hot outside of winter months (and surprisingly cold during winter!) so be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly.

Last but not least, relax and enjoy the scene.