Delhi, the capital city of India occupies a very special place in one corner of my heart. Having seen the city grow since the seventies bit by bit. First through the numerous trips back and forth to attend college & university in Pilani and later the countless business trips. And then my love for the place grew even more as I became a resident of this historic city and stayed for more than seven years. Therefore what if I went back as a traveler sometime? Come with me to experience how to best enjoy a Delhi holiday just the way we would probably do.
How to reach Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi is well connected to every part of the world through direct & connecting flights. Almost all international flights arrive at and depart from T3 terminal. All major cities in India have flight connections from this terminal or the other two terminals T1 & T2 nearby. You could check out the complete details of flights and facilities of this best airport in Asia Pacific here on New Delhi Airport website.
Local Travel in Delhi
Metro
The best way to travel around Delhi is to use the vast network of Delhi Metro Rail. With 12 lines and 286 stations it covers the whole of Delhi and also connects the satellite cities of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Bahudargarh & Ballabhgarh.
You as a tourist have the option of buying 1 day & 3 day travel cards costing INR 200 & INR 500 inclusive of INR 50 refundable security deposit for the card. However to avail metro services from the airport to the city and back, you need to purchase your tickets separately. Plan your stay in Delhi with the Metro Rail Interactive Network on Delhi Metro here. And also all other information that you would require.
App Cabs
In addition to Uber & Olacabs which operate in the city including the airport, you also have Mega Cabs, Easy Cabs and Meru Cabs which offer prepaid services from the airport to the city. You now also have the BluSmart electric cabs which currently operate only in Gurugram and South Delhi.
Autos
The autos in Delhi are the most convenient way to travel short distances up to 10 km within the city limits. If you are using the metro services, autos come handy to reach the nearest station from your hotel. The rates are km based and displayed on the meter. But do confirm the prevalent rates with the driver for clarity before boarding.
Delhi Memories
Our stay in Delhi is associated with some unforgettable and beautiful memories. A city with multiple cultures it is a true representation of the beauty of India as a country, with presence of professionals, business owners and families from every part of India. Add to that the rich history, culture, monuments, parks, museums, institutions and the honor of being the capital city of India. It’s a beautiful green city that will freshen you up despite the bit of pollution and the heavy traffic. And it’s the perfect destination to start your India holidays if you are coming from abroad.
Years back after landing here on my job assignment, I rented my pad in the Bengali dominated South Delhi locality of Chittaranjan Park, also called C.R.Park. It’s known as the mini Bengal outside the eastern state of Bengal and those who live here probably don’t miss their own home state. And now after having moved back to Calcutta, I do miss my home of those days, the locality, our festivals and the celebrations.
Also Read- A Magical Bengal Outside Bengal. C.R.Park, Delhi
Your Delhi Holidays Tailor-Made For You
Where to stay in Delhi
Delhi is full of options and there are many in neighboring Gurgaon as well which are comparatively lower priced. But the most convenient places to stay for travelers are either in Central Delhi with options for all budgets or South Delhi from where commuting is easier with almost all landmarks within 10 km distance.
Where do I put up now?
I have found this home away from home right in C.R.Park facing the lovely Mela Ground Park. Not too fancy, the place is named ‘Atithi Guest House’ with clean rooms, great food and wonderful owners. You could book by calling up the Dasgupta’s at +91 96501 67979. It is a small budget accommodation with limited rooms and hence being much in demand, you need to book early.
Check out & book your hotel on Booking.com here
Booking.comTop Landmarks of Delhi
Delhi is a big historical city and being at the center of all the action over the centuries, the rulers have left behind their legacies in plenty. Therefore it certainly depends on the number of days you plan to spend here which would determine what to see and what to probably keep for the next time.
Have a look and pick from the ones listed below that you wouldn’t want to miss. If you are using the metro services intelligently or App Cabs to travel, you could easily land up visiting most of them in 3 days time as some of them are close to each other and at walking distance. Let’s get going then.
1. Red Fort
The Red Fort is a historical fort located in Old Delhi. It was constructed by the Mughal ruler in 1639 and is built with red limestone. The complex houses several museums and on Independence Day the Indian Prime Minister unfurls the national flag from the fort.
2. Rashtrapati Bhawan & Mughal Gardens
Rashtrapati Bhawan is a famous monument from the British days and was the palace of the Viceroy of India. Currently it is the official residence of the President of India. You’ll love the Mughal Gardens spread out over an area of 13 acres within the complex, apart from the monument itself.
3. Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Gardens is a city park spread over 90 acres and the favorite for the morning walkers of Central Delhi. The park houses the tombs of Sayyid ruler Mohammed Shah and Lodhi King Sikandar Lodhi. Located nearby is the Safdarjung Tomb.
4. Safdarjung Tomb
Dedicated to the Prime Minister by the name of Safdarjung, this tomb was built in 1754 by the then Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur.
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin East area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous for its beautiful Mughal Architecture with Persian influence, It was the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun and also the first garden-tomb in India.
6. Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is a 60 meter long and 15 meter wide historical step well located in Hailey Road and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Its an ancient water reservoir and has 103 stone steps.
7. Laxminarayan Birla Temple
Built by the Birlas in 1900s the Laxminarayan Temple is spread over 7.5 acres. The temple premise houses shrines, sculptures, carvings along with fountains and gardens making it a lovely place to be in the morning or evening.
8. National Gallery of Modern Art
If you are an Art lover, you must visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. There is a collection of 14,000 artworks dating back to the 1850’s. The premises with artistic structures around is a nice place to relax a while after having a feel of history inside the gallery.
9. India Gate & Rajpath
India Gate is a War Memorial along the Rajpath and is dedicated to 82,000 soldiers, both Indian & British, who died during First World War and Third Anglo-Afghan war. The best time to visit is in the evening when the fountain displays colorful lights. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was also located here earlier now having shifted to a new location.
10. National War Memorial
Spread over 40 acres of land, the National War Memorial is dedicated to our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives fighting for the country. This national monument was built in January, 2019 by the Government of India.
11. Jantar Mantar
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The purpose behind setting up the observatory was to compile astronomical tables and predict the movement of the sun, moon and the planets.
12. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwara in the world. It was initially built as a small temple in 1783 by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh who went on to supervise the construction of 9 shrines in Delhi during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.
13. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Apart from the religious crowd, non Muslims are also allowed inside except during Namaz offerings.
14. Purana Qila
Purana Qila or Old Fort is another masterpiece from the Mughal era and is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. Spread out over a vast area it was built on the banks of River Yamuna.
15. Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is loved for its stunning architecture. The complex is spread over a huge area and the star attraction every evening is the mesmerizing water show on India’s largest step well.
India & International Holidays
Let’s now move towards South Delhi
16. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is one of the seven Baháʼí House of Worship in the world. With its Lotus architecture and lovely greens, it is one of the most frequented landmarks in South Delhi by tourists and residents.
17. ISKCON Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this massive temple complex located in East of Kailash area was opened way back in 1998. It’s a peace haven and one of the days during your trip you could try out their vegetarian Bhog meal for lunch by buying coupons. It’s a delicious experience.
18. Garden of Five Senses
A nature lover’s paradise the Garden of Five Senses is located in Said-ul-Ajaib neighborhood of South Delhi. It was conceived with the idea of stimulating our five senses of touch, sight, smell, sound and taste. It is spread over 20 acres and has many themed parks, solar energy parks, pools and water lilies to add to the beauty of the place. An interesting park to visit with children.
19. Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Home to over 100 monuments and tombs from the 10th century to the British era, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park is spread over 200 acres. The journey is interesting and gives a great insight into the history of that era.
20. Qutub Minar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Qutub Minar is located in the Qutub Complex of Delhi’s Mehrauli area. With lush green lawns and a spectacle during the night it is a visitor’s delight. The tower is 72.5 meters in height.
There is more to Delhi
Festivities
Fun & Frolic
Food
‘Dilwalon Ki Dilli’ goes the saying. And it means, Delhi of the big hearted. Will be back soon to take you through this colorful part of Delhi. And what not to miss in this foodie capital of India.
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