Delhi: The cultural hub of India
Delhi is a diverse and culturally rich city in India. The city has served as the seat of power for various dynasties, which has greatly impacted its present culture and heritage. The national capital is an amalgamation of different religions, ethnic groups, art forms and cuisines, making it a true reflection of the country’s distinctiveness. The Mughals brought Persian and Central Asian influences, which can be seen in the architecture and cuisine of the city. The British rule also left an imprint on the town with the introduction of the English language. Besides, there is a significant impression of Sufi culture, with numerous Sufi saints and their shrines scattered across the city. Delhi gives a comprehensive overview of Indian cultures, traditions, gastronomic scenes and lifestyles, making it a mini version of the country.
Delhi’s food scene is a mix of various delicacies from different regions of India. Be it street food or fine dining, Delhi boasts a wide range of culinary delights. It offers impressive flavours of Punjabi delicacies, aromatic Awadhi biryanis, spicy street food and simple South Indian tastes. The city is called Mini India due to its diversity and cultural richness.
Places to visit in Delhi
Explore the magnificent monuments and heritage sites, indulge in some flavourful delights, embrace the cultural diversity and shop at the bustling marketplaces by booking your Dublin to Delhi flight with IndiGo. Here is a list of some of the city's most varied and exciting tourist spots.
- The Red Fort: The Red Fort is an iconic fort built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1648. The fort, made of red sandstone, is located in the heart of the city and served as 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 location is constantly flooded with food lovers 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 explore in the city.
- The Lotus Temple: The Lotus Temple is a mesmerising architectural wonder built in the shape of a lotus flower and is named after it. This temple is dedicated to the Baha'i faith. The 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 in honour of the lives lost in World War I and the Afghan War. The 42 m high archway is made of light brown Bharatpur stones and was built in 1921. This memorial was designed by Edwin Lutyens and 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.
- Waste to Wonder Park: The Waste to Wonder Park is created out of industrial and various other waste materials and houses replicas of the seven classical wonders of the world. The wonders are built from pipes, metallic sheets, scrap angles, and other waste materials. This is one of Delhi's famous attractions that will leave you speechless with wonder. The park is entirely built with the motive of environmental conservation. During the evening, the place lights up using solar and wind energy.
- Sarojini Nagar Market: Sarojini Nagar is a famous shopping spot in South West Delhi where you can get hundreds of items like clothes, accessories, shoes, and fabrics at throw-away prices. The market also boasts of its wide range of home decor items like cushions, cushion covers, paintings and fancy lamps. The shops in the market usually open around 10 am and close around 9 pm. The market is available on all days except Monday.
Delhi Airport (DEL)
Delhi Airport is called Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). It is the only airport in the city catering to all domestic and international air traffic. 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 has three terminals, where Terminal 1 is used by low-cost carriers for domestic flights. The Terminal 2 of Delhi Airport was earlier used for international flights. The airport has all the premium facilities for travellers, including lounges, restaurants, cafes, baggage service, duty-free shopping, currency exchange and ATMs. The distance between the airport and the city centre is approximately 16 km. You can either opt for public transport like buses, metros, trains, or rickshaws to reach your desired place on time. Other than this, private taxis are also available in this city for a hassle-free journey.