Delhi: Monuments, Markets & Mughal Majesty
Where Every Street Tells a Story and Every Turn Echoes Empire
Delhi is not just a city—it’s an experience. From grand Mughal forts and colonial avenues to colorful bazaars and modern art hubs, India’s capital weaves together centuries of history with contemporary energy. It’s a paradise for history buffs, foodies, and cultural travelers.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March
Top Regions:
Old Delhi, New Delhi, Mehrauli, South Delhi, Lutyens’ Delhi
Highlights
- Red Fort & Jama Masjid – Majestic Mughal architecture in the heart of Old Delhi
- India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan – Icons of independent India’s power and pride
- Qutub Minar (UNESCO) – Towering victory minaret surrounded by historic ruins
- Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO) – Persian-style architecture that inspired the Taj Mahal
- Lotus Temple & Akshardham – Architectural marvels reflecting spiritual unity
- Chandni Chowk – Street food, spice markets, and vintage vibes
- Hauz Khas Village – Urban cool with medieval ruins, art galleries, and cafes
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Explore Old Delhi – Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk food walk
Day 2
New Delhi landmarks – India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament Street, Rajpath
Day 3
South Delhi – Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat for handicrafts
Day 4
Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Art District, Nizamuddin Dargah & street food
Day 5
Leisure in Hauz Khas or Mehrauli – shopping, Qutub complex sunset, café hopping
Approximate Daily Expenses (Per Person, Per Day)
| Expense Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000+ |
| Meals | ₹400 – ₹600 | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Transport | ₹300 – ₹600 | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | ₹2,000+ |
| Attractions/Tours | ₹200 – ₹500 (monuments, museums) | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | ₹2,000+ |
| Total / Day | ₹1,900 – ₹3,700 | ₹5,400 – ₹8,900 | ₹14,000+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- Use a Delhi Metro Day Pass for unlimited travel
- Eat at Paranthe Wali Gali, Saravana Bhavan, or local canteens for authentic food on a budget
- Buy combined monument tickets from ASI counters (Red Fort + Humayun’s Tomb, etc.)
- Shop at Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, and Delhi Haat for budget souvenirs and clothes
Packing Guide
- Comfortable clothing and footwear (lots of walking!)
- Light woolens (Oct–Feb), scarf or shawl for religious sites
- Reusable water bottle, power bank, metro card (Smart Card)
- ID cards, camera, and some cash for local markets
Health & Safety Tips (Especially for Solo & Female Travelers)
- Avoid isolated areas at night; stay in central or well-reviewed areas
- Prefer metro, app-based cabs, or hotel-arranged transport
- Beware of touts near major attractions; always buy official entry tickets
- Stay hydrated and cautious with street food (choose busy stalls)
- Delhi has decent connectivity but keep emergency numbers handy
Local Transport
- Delhi Metro – extensive, safe, and cost-effective
- Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws (negotiate or go by meter)
- App-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are widely available
- Hop-on-hop-off buses & e-rickshaws in key tourist zones
Summary
Delhi is a city of contrasts — spiritual and political, ancient and ultra-modern, chaotic yet captivating. Perfect for first-time India travelers, architecture lovers, history buffs, and street food adventurers, Delhi is where India begins and never stops.
