Why Visit Delhi?
Delhi overwhelms as India's sprawling capital where 32 million people navigate between Mughal-era monuments, British colonial avenues, and gleaming metro stations, creating a city of stark contrasts—luxury malls beside medieval tombs, auto-rickshaws honking past India Gate's triumphal arch, and street vendors grilling kebabs in the shadow of Humayun's Tomb's Persian gardens. The National Capital Territory divides into Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad's Mughal labyrinth) and New Delhi (Lutyens' British colonial capital), each offering distinct experiences: Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk bazaar assaults senses with spice stalls, silver shops, and paratha-frying street cooks in lanes so narrow rickshaws barely squeeze through, while New Delhi's tree-lined avenues showcase Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), India Gate war memorial, and Connaught Place's white Georgian colonnade hosting chain stores and rooftop bars. The Red Fort, Delhi's iconic Mughal palace (1648), sprawls across 254 acres with red sandstone walls, marble pavilions, and sound-and-light shows narrating 350 years of history, while nearby Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, towers over Old Delhi with 25,000-capacity courtyard and minaret views across chaotic rooftops.
Humayun's Tomb (1570, UNESCO) prefigures the Taj Mahal with its Persian char bagh garden and white-marble-inlaid red sandstone, while Qutub Minar's 73m victory tower (1193, UNESCO) marks Delhi's first Islamic dynasty with intricate calligraphy spiraling five stories. Yet Delhi's soul lies in its street food: parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali (Old Delhi), chole bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand, butter chicken at Moti Mahal (who claim to have invented it), and chaats (savory snacks) at Bengali Market. Modern Delhi balances tradition with growth: Hauz Khas Village's medieval water tank surrounded by hipster cafés and galleries, Lodhi Art District's Instagram-worthy street murals, and Khan Market's upscale boutiques catering to diplomats.
Day trips reach Agra's Taj Mahal (3-4hrs by train, $10–$30 tour packages), while Jaipur completes the Golden Triangle circuit (5hrs). With extreme seasons (October-March pleasant 15-27°C, April-June brutal 35-48°C, July-September humid monsoon), English widely spoken (colonial legacy), and prices absurdly low (meals $2–$5 metro $0 rickshaws $1–$3), Delhi delivers India at its most intense—chaotic, colorful, exhausting, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable.
What to Do
Mughal Monuments
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Massive 1648 Mughal palace with red sandstone walls (254 acres). Entry ₹500 (~$6) for foreign visitors (free for children under 15). Open Tuesday–Sunday, closed Monday. Opens 9:30am, closes sunset. Explore marble pavilions, museums, Diwan-i-Aam (public audience hall). Sound-and-light show evenings (₹60-120). Allow 2–3 hours. Go early (9:30am) to beat crowds and heat.
Humayun's Tomb
UNESCO site prefiguring Taj Mahal—Persian gardens, white marble inlay on red sandstone. Entry ₹600. Built 1570. Beautiful symmetry and char bagh (four-garden) layout. Less crowded than Taj. Best morning (9–11am) or late afternoon (4–6pm) for photos. Spend 1–2 hours. Adjacent Nizamuddin Dargah (Sufi shrine) worth visiting.
Qutub Minar
73m victory tower from 1193—UNESCO site and Delhi's first Islamic dynasty marker. Entry ₹600. Intricate calligraphy spirals five stories. Iron Pillar (1,600 years old, rust-free). Ruins of first mosque in India. 30 minutes south of center. Best morning (9–10am). Combine with Mehrauli Archaeological Park walk. Allow 1–2 hours.
Old Delhi Chaos
Jama Masjid
India's largest mosque—25,000 capacity courtyard. Indians enter free; foreigners pay about ₹400 entry. Photography charge ₹200–300, minaret climb ₹100. Remove shoes. Modest dress required (scarves/robes rented at gate). Many visitors effectively pay a 'camera fee' even if they don't plan to use it. Best morning 7–10am or afternoon 2–5pm (closed prayer times). Adjacent to Red Fort—combine visits.
Chandni Chowk Bazaar
Mughal-era market—sensory assault of spices, silver, and street food. Narrow lanes barely fit rickshaws. Try parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali (lane of fried breads), jalebis (sweet spirals), and lassi. Morning (9am–12pm) busiest. Hire rickshaw for lane tour (₹100-200). Watch belongings—pickpockets active. Overwhelming but essential Delhi.
Taj Mahal Day Trip
Agra & Taj Mahal
3–4 hours from Delhi by train (Gatimaan Express 8am, ₹750–1,500) or car ($50–$80 with driver). Taj entry ₹1,100 for foreign visitors (children under 15 free), plus ₹200 extra if you want to go inside the main mausoleum, for a total of ₹1,300. CLOSED FRIDAYS. Sunrise tours leave Delhi 3am (exhausting but magical light). Include Agra Fort (₹650). Organized tours $30–$100 include transport, guide, lunch. Doable as day trip but tiring—overnight Agra more relaxed.
Golden Triangle Circuit
Delhi–Agra–Jaipur triangle is classic India introduction. Jaipur (Pink City) 5 hours from Delhi—palaces, forts, colorful markets. Most do 4–7 day circuit starting/ending Delhi. Trains or hire car with driver ($60–$90/day). Organized tours available but independent travel easy. Extend to Varanasi (holy Ganges city) if time.
Modern Delhi & Street Food
Hauz Khas Village
Medieval water tank surrounded by hipster cafés, bars, and galleries. Deer park (free). Ruins of 14th-century madrasa. Young crowd—students, artists, expats. Best evening (6–10pm) when venues open. Safe, walkable. Rooftop restaurants overlook ruins. Contrast to Old Delhi chaos. Take metro to Hauz Khas station.
Street Food & Markets
Chole bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand, butter chicken at Moti Mahal (inventors of dish), chaats (savory snacks) at Bengali Market. Paranthe Wali Gali (Old Delhi) for breakfast parathas. Dilli Haat crafts market (₹100 entry) has food stalls from all Indian states. Only eat hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid raw salads. Bottled water only.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: DEL
Best Time to Visit
October, November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 8°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 22°C | 10°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 26°C | 15°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 34°C | 21°C | 3 | Good |
| May | 38°C | 25°C | 3 | Good |
| June | 37°C | 28°C | 5 | Good |
| July | 35°C | 27°C | 19 | Wet |
| August | 32°C | 27°C | 21 | Wet |
| September | 35°C | 26°C | 7 | Good |
| October | 33°C | 19°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 26°C | 13°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 22°C | 9°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa required
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Delhi!
Practical Information
Getting There
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is 16km south. Airport Metro Express to New Delhi station ₹60/$1 (20min, 4:45am-11:30pm). Prepaid taxis ₹450-700/$5–$8 (45min). Uber/Ola ₹300-500/$4–$6 Trains from all major Indian cities. Delhi three major stations: New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin. Most international visitors fly—major hub for Air India, Emirates, etc.
Getting Around
Delhi Metro: extensive, clean, cheap. Fares now range from ₹11 to ₹64 depending on distance (most central journeys are ₹21–43). Tourist cards are ₹200 for 1 day or ₹500 for 3 days (with a refundable ₹50 deposit). Essential for avoiding traffic. Auto-rickshaws: negotiate hard or use Uber/Ola (metered fares ₹50-200). Cycle-rickshaws for short Old Delhi trips. Buses crowded, avoid. Uber/Ola reliable for longer trips (₹200-500 across city). Don't self-drive (traffic insane). Walking possible within areas but distances huge overall. Metro + rickshaws/Uber covers most needs.
Money & Payments
Indian Rupee (INR, ₹). Exchange: $1 ≈ 90 ₹, $1 ≈ 83 ₹. ATMs everywhere (withdraw max—fees add up). Cards accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, malls; cash needed for street food, rickshaws, bazaars, tips. Carry small bills (₹10-50-100) for tips and small purchases. Tipping: ₹50-100 for guides/drivers, ₹20-50 for service, 10% in restaurants if no service charge. Bargaining essential in markets (start 40-50% of asking price).
Language
Hindi and English are official languages. English widely spoken in tourism, hotels, upscale areas—colonial legacy. Young educated Indians speak good English. Auto drivers and bazaar vendors have limited English—translation apps helpful. Delhi most English-friendly major Indian city. Common phrases: Namaste (hello), Dhanyavaad (thank you), Kitna (how much?). Communication manageable but patience needed.
Cultural Tips
Remove shoes at temples, mosques, and homes. Cover head with scarf at mosques and some temples. Don't touch people's heads or point feet at deities/people. Eat with right hand only (left for bathroom). Women: dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), firm 'no' to harassment, women-only metro cars available. Avoid public displays of affection. Cows sacred—let them pass. Bargaining expected in markets, not restaurants. Beggars: personal choice but persistent if you give. Scams: ignore timeshare touts, fake tour guides, gem scam offers. Traffic: cross carefully, drivers don't stop. Pollution: wear mask, especially October-January smog. Temple touts: decline 'free tour' offers (expect large donations). India intense—patience, flexibility, humor essential. Delhi overwhelming but manageable once you adjust to chaos.
Perfect 4-Day Delhi & Agra Itinerary
Day 1: Old Delhi Exploration
Day 2: New Delhi & Monuments
Day 3: Taj Mahal Day Trip
Day 4: Markets & Modern Delhi
Where to Stay in Delhi
Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)
Best for: Mughal monuments, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk bazaar, street food, chaotic, historic heart
New Delhi (Lutyens' Delhi)
Best for: Colonial architecture, India Gate, government buildings, embassies, tree-lined avenues, cleaner
Connaught Place
Best for: Colonial shopping circle, restaurants, bars, rooftop cafés, central hub, touristy but convenient
Hauz Khas Village
Best for: Hip cafés, bars, galleries, medieval ruins, young crowd, nightlife, boutique shopping
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