Delhi is the capital of India, a bustling metropolis and home to some of the historical wonders. As a first time visitor, you will have an overwhelming experience, navigating through the centuries old marvels, vibrant streets, state-of-art infrastructure and diverse food scene.
When you land in Delhi, you will be surprised to know that you will be exploring two different parts of Delhi, divided as Old Delhi and New Delhi. If you are in touch with the reliable and experienced Tour operators in India, you will be able to understand about Delhi better, and decide which places to explore for an immersive tour.
New Delhi is the British-built capital and is houses modern infrastructure, whereas Old Delhi was once the capital of the Mughals, for almost 200 years, till the British came.
1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
With the itinerary suggested by the Travel Agents in India, your Delhi tour starts with a trip to Red Fort located in Old Delhi. This fort was built in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan and is one of the national treasures.
The fort is made of red sandstone and the complex has many palaces (like Palace of Colors), royal bath house, museum, private hall of audience, public hall of audience and the grand Lahori Gate which is the main entrance of the fort. As you enter the main gate, there is a historical market at the Chatta Chowk, which has been there from the times of Mughal.
Important highlights of Red Fort:
- Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors)
- Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
- Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
- Royal bath house
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Closing Days: Monday
- Entry Fees: INR 35 (Indians), INR 500 (Foreigners)
2. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak as a victory tower and is recognized as one of the grand works of the historical era. It follows Indo-Islamic architectural style and is the tallest brick minaret in the world, 73 meters tall, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Due to its intricate structure it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Mehrauli, South Delhi
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: INR 30 (Indians), INR 500 (Foreigners)
Tip: To know more about this marvel, it is better to book through expert Tour operators in India that includes a guide to explain its history.
3. India Gate
Next in the list suggested by the Tour operators in India is the India Gate which is a war memorial, built in 1931 to honor the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World War I. It is a grand arch surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Rajpath, New Delhi
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Entry Fees: Free
Tip: You can combine your visit to India Gate with Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and the Parliament House.
4. Humayun’s Tomb
The Humayun’s Tomb is the resting place of Humayun who was the father of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This tomb was built under the commission of Humayun’s wife in the 16th century and is even considered as the originator of the Taj Mahal. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to amazing architectural style, comprising red sandstone and white marble facade, Persian-style layout and well-manicured gardens.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: INR 30 (Indians), INR 500 (Foreigners)
5. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is designed in lotus-shape, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and pools with fountains. It is a place of peace, meditation and reflection; here people of all religion can visit, known as a Bahai House of Worship.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Kalkaji, South Delhi
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Closing Days: Mondays
- Entry Fees: Free
6. Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple is a sacred place of worship, built not long ago. It is one of the modern architectural wonders made of pink sandstone with intricate carvings. The temple complex houses beautiful gardens, musical fountain, marble temple, exhibition halls, and offers cultural boat ride.
Highlights of Akshardham Temple:
- Sahaj Anand Water Show
- Garden of India
- Hall of Values (Exhibition)
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: NH 24, East Delhi
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Closing Days: Mondays
- Entry Fees: Free (Extra charges for exhibitions)
7. Jama Masjid
This mosque is located in Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. It is the largest mosque in India and comprises of massive domes, minarets, and a vast courtyard. It can accommodate more than 25000 worshippers at a time.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Old Delhi
- Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM, 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fees: Free (INR 300 if taking photos)
8. Chandni Chowk
If you want to experience the chaotic lifestyle of the locals, visit Chandni Chowk market, known for its narrow lanes and congested shops. Take a ride in a battery auto; know what it feels like to ride in a narrow crowded lane. Try the street food, and enjoy shopping traditional items. If you aren’t sure, get in touch with the Travel Agents in India, they will help you plan your itinerary.
Highlights of Chandni Chowk market:
- Khari Baoli (Asia’s largest spice market)
- Paranthe Wali Gali
- Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Opposite Red Fort, Old Delhi
- Timings: Varies by shop (most active 11 AM to 8 PM)
- Entry Fees: Free to explore
9. Raj Ghat
This is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; the plain black marble platform is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Near Yamuna River, Central Delhi
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
10. Lodhi Garden
This is a lush green garden situated in the hub of Delhi. It comprised of the tombs of the rulers of Lodhi and Sayyid dynasties, built around 15th-century. Here you can enjoy peaceful walks and know about the history of the place.
Location, timings & entry fees:
- Address: Lodhi Road, South Delhi
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
Bonus Experiences for First-Timers
Here are some of the experiences that you must include in your travel itinerary, take the tips and advice expert Tour operators in India for an enriching experience.
Dilli Haat: International travelers if you want to know about the different states of India at one place, visit Dilli Haat. Here you will find different shops and restaurants from different states, offering a rich cultural experience. Taste the cuisines from different states and buy traditional souvenirs to take back home.
Connaught Place (CP): This is the commercial hub of Delhi; the building was built during the colonial era. Here you will find many high-brand shops, top restaurants, and bars.
National Museum: History buffs visit this museum to know about the fascinating history of India.
Street Food Tour: Food lovers take a food tour in Old Delhi have chaats, kebabs, jalebis, and kulfis. Try in restaurants like Karim’s, Al Jawahar, or Natraj Dahi Bhalla
Here is a Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Check out this 3-Day sample itinerary, you can visit the top attraction sites and indulge in different activities.
Day 1: Visit Old Delhi
- Jama Masjid
- Red Fort
- Jama Masjid
- Raj Ghat
- Chandni Chowk (food tour)
Day 2: Visit Central and South Delhi
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Qutub Minar
- India Gate
- Rashtrapati Bhavan (outside view)
- Lodhi Garden
Day 3: Visit the Modern and Spiritual places
- Akshardham Temple
- Lotus Temple
- Dilli Haat and Connaught Place (shopping & dinner)
Delhi is captivating and chaotic as well, as a first time traveler you might be overwhelmed. To enjoy a hassle-free trip to India, it is better to take tips and guidance from the Tour operators in India and accordingly plan your trip. Every corner in Delhi tells a story, you will surely be enchanted by its contrasts, history, and energy.
Planning your trip to India? Contact our travel expert for personalized itineraries and seamless travel experiences. Discover the beauty of India with Gov. approved India Tour operator send your enquiry :https://www.ercotravels.com/enquiry
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Savor the Flavors: A Gastronomic Journey through Delhi’s Legendary Food Lanes
