Delhi: The historical treasure of India
Delhi is a diverse and culturally rich city in India. The city has served as the seat of power for various dynasties, dramatically impacting its present culture and heritage. The national capital is regarded as a melting pot of different religions, ethnic groups, art forms and cuisines, making it a true reflection of the country’s distinctiveness. Delhi gives a comprehensive overview of Indian cultures, traditions, food choices, and lifestyles, making it a mini version of the country.
Delhi’s food scene is an amalgamation of different cuisines from various regions of India. Whether street food or fine dining, Delhi boasts multiple culinary delights. It offers impressive flavours of Punjabi delicacies, aromatic Awadhi biryanis, spicy street food and simple South Indian tastes.
Places to visit in Delhi
From heritage attractions to religious monuments and food lovers’ paradise to shoppers’ delight, Delhi has some of the country's most varied and exciting tourist spots. So, explore the magnificent monuments and heritage sites, indulge in some flavourful delights, embrace the cultural diversity and shop till your heart drops at the bustling marketplaces by booking your Brussels to Delhi flight with IndiGo!
- The Red Fort: The Red Fort is an iconic fort built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. The fort, made of red sandstone, is located in the city's heart and was the seat of power during Mughal times. It showcases an appealing mix of Islamic, Persian, Timurid and Hindu styles of architecture. The fort has registered itself as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top tourist points of Delhi. Every evening, a light and sound show is organised, which showcases the glorious past of the Mughal Empire and the phases that led to its downfall. It has an engaging voice-over recorded by legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan. This one-hour-long show is the main attraction of the fort.
- Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is a famous marketplace in Delhi. The flurry of activities and chaos adds life to this place. In the narrow zig-zagging streets of the old city, Chandni Chowk brings a diverse group of people, cultures and food together. The area is constantly flooded with foodies from across the country who come here to enjoy the different aromas of the culinary heritage. The crowded lanes add a unique charm to the place, which initially may seem overwhelming. For people looking to satisfy their taste buds, Chandni Chowk is one of the best places to visit in the city, where you can explore the hidden treasures and gems that this city offers.
- The Lotus Temple: The Lotus Temple is a mesmerising architectural wonder built in the shape of a lotus flower and is named after it. The temple is dedicated to the Baha'i faith. The magnificent structure unfolds in the form of a beautiful white petal lotus. It is one of the most visited tourist sites and one of the seven major Bahai temples in the world that propagates the oneness of God. The temple is open to all nationalities, religions, races and genders. Moreover, the surrounding lush green landscapes amplify the enticing beauty of this serene place.
- India Gate: India Gate, also known as All India War Memorial or Arc-de-Triomphe, is a giant gate-like structure built to honour the lives lost in World War I and the Afghan War. The 42-meter-high archway is made of light brown Bharatpur stones and was built in 1921. Edwin Lutyens designed the memorial, which is similar in structure to its counterpart in Paris. The place looks mesmerisingly beautiful during the evening when it is dramatically floodlit along with the nearby fountains, which adds to the beautiful display of colourful lights.
- Hauz Khaz Village: Hauz Khas Village is an artistic, walkable neighbourhood representing a fusion of historical and contemporary architectural styles. The place is known for its diverse mix of spots, including galleries, fashion boutiques, vintage shops and trendy restaurants. It is a popular hangout place in Delhi where people come to enjoy the electrifying nightlife of the city. Hauz Khas is an upscale, quaint village that boasts the medieval history of the 13th century. The premises contain a water tank, an Islamic seminary, an ancient mosque, a tomb, and pavilions.
- Connaught Place: Connaught Place is a hub of fantastic shopping and dining spots. The British-era commercial centre has new and old shops inside a big white colonial-style building. Connaught Place is another entertaining hangout place in the city's heart that lets you spend a great day in Delhi. Popularly known as CP, this tourist spot is famous for its restaurants, cafes, shopping places and entertainment centres. British architect Edwin Lutyens designed it in the early 20th century. During olden times, the site was intended as a business centre of Delhi, which till now also is a central business hub of the city.
Delhi Airport (DEL)
Delhi has one airport catering to all the domestic and international air traffic. Delhi Airport is called Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). It is one of the busiest airports in the country and the third busiest airport globally, handling both domestic and international flights to Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is around 16 km from the city centre and has three terminals. Low-cost carriers use Terminal 1 to operate domestic flights. The Terminal 2 of Delhi Airport was earlier used for international flights. However, the operations were later moved to Terminal 3. The airport has all the premium travel facilities, including lounges, restaurants, cafes, baggage service, duty-free shopping, currency exchange and ATMs.