How to plan the ultimate Delhi Itinerary.

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Heading to India? Great idea! I just returned from yet another India trip and had the best time ever. Chances are that regardless of where you want to go in India, you will land in New Delhi if you are coming from the US or Europe. So why not stay for a few days and plan a little Delhi itinerary? 

I put together my best tips for your Delhi visit as well as all the things you should see and places you shouldn’t miss during your stay. 

Tips for your Delhi Itinerary

Arriving in India

I flew with Finnair from Helsinki to Delhi this time around, a great but short trip of less than 8 hours (I was in business class which is why I was sad that it was so short). When flying into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on an international flight you will need to have your visa ready. Many nationalities can apply for their eVisa prior to their arrival in India. And only a handful of nationalities can get a visa on arrival. 

Once you land just follow the signs for eVisa and make sure you grab a disembarkation card that you need to fill out before getting to the immigration officer. 

At Delhi Airport there is free wifi however if you don’t have a local number yet, you will need to find a wifi kiosk, scan your passport, and get a code to connect. It is pretty straightforward and works really well after. 

How to get from the airport to the city

The fastest and cheapest way is to take the Metro. However, it will depend on where you are going and at what time you arrive to see if that is a good option for you. But in general, it is considered one of the safest options as the metro is constantly monitored. 

If you prefer a taxi, I recommend ordering an Uber or Ola or going to an official taxi counter. Do not follow some random guy offering you a taxi service.

My preferred way to get to my hotel from the airport is using Welcome Pickups. After using them in Thessaloniki and Crete a few times, I decided to try their service in Delhi. You pay online prior to your pick-up and get connected with your driver over WhatsApp. They also monitor your flight, great if you have a delay. I contacted my driver once I was in line for immigration and he told me where to meet him – it worked like a charm. 

Book with Welcome Pickups in Delhi

How to get around in Delhi

The Delhi Metro is a great way to get around, cheap, and usually faster than being stuck in traffic. Alternatively, I use Ola or Uber. While auto rickshas (this is what tuk-tuks are called in India) are cheaper, they will take longer, you will get hassled when stopping at a traffic light, and it is not very safe. There are no seatbelts and if air pollution is bad, you will get the brunt of it. Better to order a regular taxi, unless you are only going a short distance. 

Obviously not taking my own advice….

Train stations in Delhi

There are quite a few different train stations in Delhi. This is something you will need to be mindful of when booking a ticket. Sometimes a train stops at more than one station. Have a look at a map to see which one is the closest and it can potentially save you half an hour. 

The big stations are Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi S Rohilla, and Delhi Cantonment (also known as Delhi Cantt). 

Read more:

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA.

When you have a train to catch don’t underestimate that the roads leading up to the station can be insanely busy even at the crack of dawn. When arriving at a station you will usually face a huge amount of people vying for your business. Personally, I hate it so I will either ask my accommodation to organize a pick-up for me or pre-order an Uber. 

I did that the other day when I arrived at Delhi Rohilla in the evening. I kept the driver updated about my arrival time and he was nice enough to wait for me. 

While I never felt unsafe taking a taxi in Delhi, having a recommendation from your hotel or guesthouse for a driver, or sharing your contact info with someone when taking an Uber is advisable. 

Where to stay in Delhi

To be honest, I don’t love the accommodation options in Delhi. While it is not as bad as Mumbai, it is not great either. Places are either really luxurious and thus super expensive or quite dodgey, and still expensive. There are also no cute boutique hotels or design hotels in Delhi. 

Last time I stayed at The Hosteller which was okay but tricky to find for the taxis and just not very nice. I felt safe, it was clean, but I was in no hurry to return. 

This time around, I stayed at Prakash Kutir B&B again, a lovely homestay in Hauz Khas. The home of the Gupta family is wonderful and the rooms are clean and super comfortable. The area is also very nice and especially as a solo traveler you will feel quite safe. The family can also help you with organizing transfers and you can get a yummy homecooked meal. All in all, the perfect place to stay in Delhi if it is your first time in the city or need a home away from home. 

Book a room at Prakash Kutir B&B

Alternatively, you can stay at a haveli, a traditional Indian mansion. The Jyoti Mahal is a heritage hotel in India that is far more interesting than the usual budget hotels. While it can’t compete with the splendor of some other havelis in Jaisalmer or Jaipur, it is a travel gem that’s perfect for budget travelers who love unique experiences (recommended by Romantic Explorers). 

SIM card for your Delhi visit

Getting a local SIM card is not as straightforward in India as it is in many other Asian countries. I have never tried to get one at the airport but rather asked a local supplier to come and meet me at my hotel upon arrival. Most SIM cards will give you a certain amount of data per day, if you think you will need more I recommend you immediately buy a bundle as top-ups are incredibly difficult to get if you are not a local. 

If you want the number for my contact Manoj send me a DM on Instagram. He will come to your hotel at no extra cost and sort your SIM card and everything needed for the registration. 

Alternatively, I recommend you get an eSIM and save yourself the hassle. I recommend Airalo which offers great prices and different packages. Buy an Airalo eSIM and get 12% off with code MBE or by using this link.

Money matters

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee also shown as INR or ₹. I always get cash using my credit card and Delhi was no exception. That said, it can be a bit tricky to find a proper ATM, especially in Old Delhi. I  even had to get money from a mobile ATM in the back of a van before but my friend Joe showed me, otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared. I recommend you get money at the airport or use the ATM at a bank. Most charge ₹ 200 (ca. $2,40) for the withdrawal plus anything that your bank charges. Most won’t give you more than ₹ 10,000 (about $120) in one go. 

In many fancier places and when using apps like Zomato you can simply use your credit card. However, especially smaller hotels or guesthouses may charge you an additional fee to pay with your card. Alternatively, ask to do a transfer with Wise instead. The fees tend to be much lower. 

For small cafes, vendors, and taxis you will need cash. And while you can change your settings to credit card payments on Uber and Ola, I was told that sometimes having a cash setting will get you a driver faster. 

What to pack for Delhi

I have been to Delhi in winter and I have been to Delhi in the scorching summer heat so all I can say is that what to pack for Delhi will really depend on when you are planning to visit. If you are coming to India during June and July it will be incredibly hot so long, lose cotton things are the way to go. Alternatively, a quick visit to Anouki will sort you out. 

Book a Private Shopping Tour with Local Guide

If you are coming during the winter months starting in November, some warmer things might be in order. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt and always had a cotton scarf with me. Perfect if you want some more coverage or need protection from the sun/smog. 

Most importantly I recommend bringing lots of wet wipes and hand sanitizer as well as tissues or toilet paper. That is if you are planning to go places during your Delhi visit and especially if you are going to take a train at some point. Yes, you can buy it all once you have arrived but since there is no 7-Eleven in India, getting small convenience things is not always well, convenient. 

The most famous sights in Delhi

How many places to visit in Delhi in one day? That will depend on your stamina and on the Delhi traffic on that day. I recommend you don’t overdo it. Especially places like Chandni Chowk can get super overwhelming very quickly. 

If you want to see some of the most famous sights in Delhi in one go, I recommend you book a guided tour with a comfortable vehicle taking you from A to B.

Sikh Temple

The beautiful anchor point for me was a visit to the Sikh temple, one of the most fascinating places in Delhi to me. I previously went there for lunch on my Intrepid food tour and I adored the experience and the concept.

Not only is any and every religion welcome (and you will not be judged on your beliefs or lack thereof!) but they also make thousands of meals every day for people in need and people, in general, every single day. All done by volunteers, sponsored and paid for, and distributed by kind hearts without any questions ask. 

You can go there as a visitor, denomination doesn’t matter, rich or poor, and have a meal. And yes, you can also go into the kitchen and make some chapatti yourself, though be warned, the ladies don’t allow slack and will tell you off if you are not rolling the bread nicely!

And even as a non-Sikh, you can go and sit in the prayer room and sing and watch and just be. It’s a spiritual place but it’s not being rubbed in your face and I like that.

Akshardham Temple 

The Akshardham Temple, which was built in 2005, is one of Delhi’s most exceptional structures and no trip to the city is complete without seeing it. This modern Hindu temple complex with its architectural elements and decorative details will blow your mind.

The temple is also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir because this sanctum educates visitors about the life of Swaminarayan – the primary deity in this temple.

The interior of the temple is jaw-dropping. It’s hard to imagine the amount of labor and craftsmanship that went into creating this stunning temple. Since they don’t allow any photos, you’ll only have the chance to take pictures outside! While you can’t use mobile phones, cameras, and video cameras inside the temple, they do have a very secure (and free) cloakroom to store all your belongings.

by Mindthetravel 

Akshardham Temple & Water Show Ticket

Jama Masjid

Delhi is one of the best cities to visit in India, with lots of interesting sights and attractions. Although the city is incredibly chaotic and polluted, you will find quiet places and safe havens from the noise and traffic that otherwise characterizes much of India. One of these places is Jama Masjid, known to be one of the largest mosques in India. Built around 1650, it is said that the mosque can accommodate a whopping 25000 worshippers. 

There is no entry fee to visit the mosque, but you will have to pay a fee of ₹ 300 if you want to take photos. Between the interesting architecture and the many people who are usually happy to pose for photos, this is definitely a must. 

Jama Masjid is open daily from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 to 6:30 pm. Make sure to dress modestly for your visit – you will be provided with light shawls to cover up anyways. You will have to remove your shoes upon entering. 

by My Adventures Across the World

Tomb of Safdarjung

The Tomb of Safdarjung is one of the best historical places in Delhi. The Safdarjung Tomb is an 18th-century mausoleum and well-beloved for its architectural beauty.
Exploring the garden tomb is like walking back in time. You’ll uncover the layers of Indian history, one story at a time.

Safdarjung served as a Nawab of Avadh under the rule of the Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah. In 1754, his son Nawab Shujaud Daula built the tomb of Safdarjung in his memory. The tomb features the famous Mughal char bagh style garden with mausoleum at the center. Built out of red sandstone and white marble, Safdarjung’s tomb looks quite imposing.

Tip: It’s open from 7 am to 5 pm every day. The entry ticket costs ₹ 200 Rupees for foreign nationals while the entry is free for children up to 15 years of age. I recommend taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the history behind the Tomb of Safdarjung.

by Travel Melodies

Feroz Shah Kotla: The Fifth City of Delhi

Feroz Shah Kotla was once the heart of Firozabad, the fifth city of Delhi built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 AD). In case you are unaware of the history of Delhi, it has gone through several invasions and destructions. New dynasties often used to build their own cities in new areas, all of which are now within the large metropolis of Delhi. So, there are seven historic “cities” in Delhi, Feroz Shah Kotla being the fifth one. 

And it is not just a monument. There are several eccentricities and supernatural myths related to this place. There are many partially ruined monuments inside but the most striking is the pyramidal structure, which is unlike anything else you will see in the city. 

On top of that, it has a 2300-year-old giant stone pillar which belonged to the iconic Ashoka the Great (268-232 BC). Somehow Feroz Shah found it and brought it to his capital, probably without knowing what it was. The inscriptions on the pillar were deciphered centuries later by British archaeologists.  

by Travelling Slacker

Humayun’s Tomb

For many visitors, New Delhi is one of the best places to visit in India. When you are in the capital city of India, you shouldn’t miss Humayun’s Tomb, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. This 47 m high and 91 m wide tomb was built on a raised platform by Bega Begum, the first wife and chief consort of Humayun. Undoubtedly, this white marble and red sandstone construction is one of the most captivating and perfectly proportioned mausolea in Delhi. It was built in the memory of Humayun in 1572. 

There are around 150 tombs of other Mughal kings in the entire complex, while the tombs of Bega Begum, Hamida Banu Begum, and Isa Khan are situated within the main complex.

Tip: The winter months are the best time to visit Humayun’s Tomb. You can take a guide which is highly recommended to learn the detailed history of this popular place in New Delhi. The monument is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is $6.75 for foreigners – tickets are available here.

by BudgetTravelBuff

India Gate

The India Gate is one of the popular tourist spots to visit when in Delhi. This 42 m high structure is a war memorial built to honor 70,000 soldiers of the who served the British Indian Army during World War I. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and its construction was done by 1931. 

It is surrounded by beautiful green gardens and is a great place to visit while in Delhi. 

The India Gate is open daily throughout the day and there is no entry fee. It is easily accessible from any part of the city as there are regular bus services and auto-rickshaws available at all times.

by Our Backpack Tales

It is also one of the places to visit in Delhi at night as it is usually brilliantly illuminated. 

Night View Tour with India Gate and Red Fort

Qutb Minar 

The Qutb complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful sights in Delhi. The Qutb Minar (or Qutub Minar) itself is a 72.5 m tall minaret. The richly decorated tower in the south of the city was built around 1200 by the first Sultan of Delhi. 

The minaret can only be visited from outside, as people died in an accident (panic) which happened in the tower in 1981. The Qutb Minar is also known as one of the highest tower buildings in the Islamic world.

In addition to the Qutb Minar, there are several historical buildings on the site and a very special pillar in the courtyard. The 7 m high column made of iron, which dates from the 4th century (Gupta period), is still rust-free. It has braved the rain for more than 1600 years.

Interesting about the area around Qutb Minar is that the original buildings around the minaret were torn down and the stones, which still depict Hindu gods, were used again for the newer Islamic buildings. 

by CitySeaCountry  

Mehrauli Archeological Park

Most visitors to Delhi know about the Qutub Minar… but what about its neighbor, the Mehrauli Archeological Park? Although the minar is undoubtedly magnificent, the curiously off the beaten track Mehrauli Park offers both greenery and history—the perfect balance in dusty Delhi.

The 200-acre park is home to over 100 monuments, ranging from the remnants of one of Delhi’s oldest forts to Sufi shrines to tombs of rulers and notables of the Lodi, Tughlaq, and Mughal dynasties. The earliest date back to the 11th century. 

Best of all: Mehrauli Park is free to enter. There might be a security guard here and there who will want to tell you some of the (super interesting) history and expect a tip but besides that, you can enter the park for free and explore at your own leisure. It’s not every day you can bask in almost 1,000 years of continuous history!

by Lost with Purpose

Interesting areas to see in Delhi

Which areas should you see during your Delhi itinerary? Here are some cool spots and lovely neighborhoods in Old and New Delhi you shouldn’t miss.

Hauz Khas

As the capital of India, Delhi is a bustling city with lots to offer. After living here for nearly half a year, I quickly fell in love with the chaos and chatter that defined the streets of the city. 

Whether you have two months or two days in Delhi, you should visit Hauz Khas, a popular neighborhood in South Delhi. During the day, the area offers plenty of restaurants and cafes. You can also head to the park in the back, where you can visit various historic architectural remains of Islamic structures. At night, Hauz Khas turns into a hip bar and club area that is favored by many locals. Have a drink or three and soak in the vibrant energy here! 

by Beyond my Border

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is Delhi’s busiest and oldest market. It’s easy to spend an entire day here wandering the bustling streets and admiring the various monuments of worship.

Don’t be afraid to try some of the street food in Chandni Chowk, it’s some of the best you’ll find in India. I recommend the parathas for lunch, which are stuffed with delicious fillings like potato, cauliflower, and peas. Wash it down with a Gulab Jamun, a sweet made of powdered milk, flour, and butter, deep-fried, and then dipped in a sweet syrup. It was one of my favorite things to eat in India.

Chandni Chowk is also the perfect place to go shopping in Delhi. They sell everything here, from fabrics and carpets to home hardware. It’s one of the best places to buy silver jewelry in India, with competitive prices compared to other parts of Delhi. If you get tired of walking around, just hop on one of the many rickshaws for a guided tour.

by Explore with Lora 

Majnu Ka Tila 

I personally love Majnu Ka Tila , the Tibetan area of Delhi. In fact, it is often referred to as Little Tibet. There is of course a temple, the Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla, a Tibetan market, and some great restaurants and cafes. 

People are also very friendly and welcoming – do not be deterred by the tight alleys and partially shabby looking buildings. If you are looking for the best momos and noodles in town, this is the place for you! I like Dolma Restaurant.

Lodhi Garden

Delhi is of course a huge, sprawling, bustling metropolis and it’s sometimes necessary to find a quiet sanctuary to escape to. There are actually quite a few of them as Delhi is blessed with a lot of open, green spaces in parks and around monuments. But my favorite, by far, is Lodhi Garden.

Lodhi Garden is in central Delhi, a walkable distance from popular Khan Market, and in the heart of New Delhi – the leafy, green part of the city that was designed by the British to be the new capital in the 1920s. 

It’s a very lush park, with beautiful vistas, ponds, walkways, and herb garden. It’s also dotted with priceless monuments – the ancient tombs of the Lodhi rulers that date from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Though these tombs are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, they are open to the public. So, anyone strolling through the park can wander through them. 

I once came upon a man perched on a window sill in one of the tombs, playing a flute, and it was truly an incredible India moment. Another time, I saw a woman wearing Indian dress and posing in one of the turrets. I joined in and also snapped some photos of her! But mostly, I love Lodhi Garden because you feel you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s truly an oasis in the city.

by Breathedreamgo

The best things to do in Delhi

If you have a few more days there are some more fun places to see and things to do in Delhi. 

Street Food Tour in Delhi

To start with, I believe a street-food tour of Delhi (esp Old Delhi – Purani Dilli in Hindi) is the best way to explore the real taste and culture of the city. And hence, today, there are many travel organizers who provide a full day food tour of Delhi, and I am sure to will be worth it. I highly recommend booking with A Chef’s Tour, a company that does brilliant food tours not just in Delhi, but also in Mumbai and Kolkata.

The moment you step into the chaotic streets of Chandni Chowk, savory smells will waft through the dense air and entice you to start eating! 

Here are some of the must-try items:

• Jalebi  
• Kathi Rolls
• Chole Bhature
• Golgappe
• Parathas – lots of variety of parathas
• Kulfi Ice-cream with Falooda
• Lassi

Not only does Old Delhi street food capture the true essence of Indian food, but it’s also super cheap and finger-licking delicious.

Just a small word of caution: if you are not used to Indian food, some of these might be a little too spicy for you. Your guide can usually advise you and order according to your spice level. 

by Places in Pixel 

Book the Chandni Chow food tour here

EXPLORING INDIA ONE BITE AT A TIME & HOW TO AVOID GETTING SICK.

Go to the theatre in Delhi

New Delhi has a vibrant theatre scene with many auditoriums in the National Capital Region. National School of Drama, the premier institute for theatre studies in the Mandi House area in the heart of the city, has some halls inside the campus. This is the place to watch experimental plays. In fact, Mandi House area is the theatre hub of New Delhi. Major auditoriums such as Kamani, Little Theatre Group, or LTG and Shriram Centre are located here. Serious works as well as commercial theatre, backed by star power, mostly happen in these auditoriums. 

Old Delhi Classical Music, dances and Art Tour

India Habitat Centre on Lodhi Road is another popular venue. Located in a very artistic building complex with handmade brick tiles, this is where one can expect to watch entertaining plays. For mega productions that require a big space, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium is suitable. Akshara Theatre near Connaught Place is also a beautifully designed cozy space with strong artful vibes.

Tickets for these plays are available at the venue as well as online (mostly on websites like Bookmyshow.com or Insider.in). Most plays are in Hindi or English language with a few in regional Indian languages. Some plays have English subtitles running on monitors on the side.

by Delhi-fun-dos 

Street Walk of New Delhi with NGO Salaam Baalak Trust

For something a little different, go on a street walk of the area called Paharganj – which is Delhi’s famous backpacker ghetto as well as its red-light district. Local NGO Salaam Baalak Trust offer walks as part of their work to rehabilitate street kids in the area. You can book your place on a walk lead by former street kids in the area to support their work. 

The Paharganj area which is adjacent to the main railway station in Delhi is often the first image that kids who usually come to the big city in search of a better life will see. Many kids who have run away from abuse, hardship, and appalling conditions then find themselves sleeping in the train station and often get preyed upon by gangs.

NGO Salaam Baalak Trust has set up help centers around the station and in nearby Paharganj. Adolescent street kids who have been through the recovery program are trained as tourist guides, and you can support the work by booking a walk around Delhi (it takes about two hours).

by Soul Travel 

Book a tour in Paharganj with the Salaam Baalak Trust

Looking for some adventures in India beyond Delhi?
Check out these posts: 

VARANASI, INDIA – OF DEAD BODIES AND RIVER DOLPHINS. THE UNIQUE CITY GUIDE TO JAIPUR, INDIA. A TAJ MAHAL VISIT – A PLACE OF BROKEN HEARTS.

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