Wondering where to experience such a delightful and one-of-a-kind tryst with history? The answer is Delhi! Our national capital is a fascinating place that offers you a complete dose of history, heritage, culture, and tradition on any given day. The city has always been a popular tourist attraction for people all over the world.
In addition to the Lotus Temple, the Humayun’s Tomb, the Jama Masjid, and Delhi’s diverse industry for arts and crafts, there are a lot of magnificent monuments and performing arts venues to visit in Delhi and New Delhi. The region is also well known for its excellent cuisine, which includes delicacies from every corner of India. Not only that, Delhi is also shopper’s paradise with numerous bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the country’s most famous commercial area.
Here are some places you can visit in Delhi
1. Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort (originally white in color) was built by Shah Jahan. It was originally made with lime stones in 1648, but when the white stone eventually started chipping off, the British Government then had the entire monument painted red, thus changing its original color to red forever!
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
2. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Humayun’s garden tomb also called the “dormitory of the Mughals,” is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India.The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum under her patronage in 1558.
Location: Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, Delhi.
3. Qutub Minar, Delhi
The Qutub Minar, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent work of Mughal architecture. This five-story red stone tower was constructed to commemorate the Muslim victory in Delhi following the fall of the city’s last Hindu king.
Location: Mehrauli, Delhi
4. Jantar Mantar, Delhi
The Jantar Mantar was built in 1710 in Delhi by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743). Situated near Connaught Place, this observatory consists of mason-built astronomical instruments to chart the positions of different planets, the sun, and the moon. Raja Jai Singh was an avid reader and astrologer; he wanted to learn about planets and therefore established four other such observatories, each at Ujjain, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mathura (the Jantar Mantar in Mathura no longer exists today).
Location: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, Delhi
5. Akshardham mandir
When talking about temples in Delhi, there is no better place to start than the famous mandir and absolutely beautiful Akshardham Temple. The famous temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan Akshardham, to know about his struggles, teachings, and life is truly inspirational.
Location: East Delhi area, near the Akshardham Flyover
Popular markets to visit in Delhi
1. Delhi haat
Dilli Haat has been designed to feel like a traditional village market, called a haat. Small thatched roof cottages with a village atmosphere give it a real village look, which makes it a great ambiance. The market offers an exciting blend of handicrafts from all over India, food, and cultural and musical performances.
Location: Opposite INA Market, South Delhi.
2. Chandni Chowk
The lanes of Chandni Chowk are divided into bazaars with different areas of specialization. For fabrics, head to Katra Neel. In the Bhagirath Palace area, you’ll find a huge range of electronics. Dariba Kalan is Old Delhi’s ancient silver market, full of silver jewelry. Kinari Bazaar sells everything you need for a wedding, including saris.
Location: Old Delhi.
3. Sarojini Nagar
Sarojini Nagar is most famous for its really cheap designer clothes and reputable brands that have been rejected from export, either because of surplus quantity or small manufacturing defects. This is a very common and famous spot to buy accessories, clothes, jewelry, etc for every season. Shops and stalls, selling all kinds of clothes and fashion accessories, sprawl onto the streets. New stock arrives every Tuesday, so it’s best to go then.
Location: South Delhi, near Safdarjung Airport.
4. Khan Market
Khan Market was established in 1951, it is a small U-shaped market that’s one of Delhi’s classiest. One of the best things about this market is its interesting book shops. It’s also got some excellent tailors who will make you a suit in less than a week. For Ayurvedic food, medicine, and skin care, check out Biotique, and Khadi.
Location: New Delhi, not far from India Gate.
5. Lajpat nagar
Lajpat Nagar Market provides an interesting glimpse into Indian culture. It’s one of the oldest markets in India and is a buzz with middle-class Indian shoppers, all swarming around its roadside stalls and showrooms. Reasonably priced Indian kurti tops and salwaar kameez suits are popular items. The market also has mehendi wale, who will apply beautiful henna designs to your hands with astonishing speed.
Location: South Delhi, near Defense Colony (between Greater Kailash and South Extension).
How can you commute in Delhi?
Delhi Metro
Delhi Buses
Carpooling
Carpooling provides commuter convenience comparable to driving alone, with less stress and the added bonus of companionship while you’re commuting. Carpooling allows you to share the cost of gas and parking, cutting your expenses by nearly 50% or more; the more occupants in your carpool, the more you save, and it is also socially economical. The POOLit app helps you connect with verified professionals and find and give rides to verified users around your area.
Rickshaws
Cabs
A number of private cab operators or cab sharing service providers, including Uber, Ola and Easy Cabs, have also started operating in Delhi. These are a bit expensive option, so for more affordable options you can try commuting with metro or buses, or even carpooling, which can save you a lot of money.
