Delhi – The heart of India
Delhi, the capital of India, is a massive metropolitan in the country’s northern region. The national capital is a popular destination not only among Indians but also foreigners, who wish to revisit its glorious past and witness the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Red Fort, Qutab Minar and the Humayun’s Tomb, all from the Mughal era of Indian history. Besides, the city has several other tourist attractions and a host of exciting activities for every traveller to indulge in.
Things to do in Delhi
- Visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India
- Go on a heritage walk to discover the hidden gems of the city
- Take a rickshaw tour of Old Delhi to explore the local markets and food joints
Tourist attractions in Delhi
- Red Fort – Built in 1948 by emperor Shah Jahan, Red Fort stands as a symbol of the Mughal rule in India. The fascinating Light & Sound show held every evening at 6 is yet another attraction of the monument.
- Qutab Minar – Qutb Minar (73 m) is the tallest minaret in India, perfectly displaying the brilliance of Mughal architecture. It was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak to celebrate the defeat of the last Hindu ruler and the dominance of Muslims in Delhi.
- Humayun’s Tomb – An architectural marvel surrounded by a lush manicured garden, the Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by Haji Begum, emperor Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, in 1569-70.
- India Gate – The monument is a war memorial dedicated to the 82,000 British and Indian soldiers, who were killed during the Third Anglo-Afghan War and the First World War. The Amar Jawan Jyoti beneath the archway stands as a symbol of the eternal soldiers of the Indian Army.
- Various forts and temples – Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Jama Masjid, Lodhi Gardens and Tughlaqabad Fort are sure to make your Delhi trip a memorable one.
Places to shop in Delhi
- Sarojini Market is famous for fashion accessories, kitchenware, household items, handicrafts and electronics.
- Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place is the one-stop destination for shopaholics. The fully air-conditioned shopping plaza is lined with an array of shops selling fashion accessories, perfumes, footwear, electronics and handicrafts at affordable prices.
- Khan Market is great for high-quality clothes, fashion jewellery, home furnishings, books, sports items and musical instruments at extremely affordable prices.
Best time to visit Delhi
The months between February and March or October and November are the best time to visit Delhi. The weather during this period stays comfortable and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Modes of transport
Delhi Metro is the fastest way to travel across the city. DTC buses (AC & non-AC), auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are an economical and convenient mode of transport to short distances. One can also hire private/shared cabs to explore Delhi.
Weather in Delhi
Delhi has extreme weather. Summers (April to June) are too hot with the temperature soaring as high as 45-degree Celsius. Winters (December to January) can be a bit harsh with the temperature dropping below the freezing point occasionally.
July to mid-September is marked by hot, humid and wet weather accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall.
Airport in Delhi
Delhi domestic airport terminal with three terminals is the major airport in Delhi, which serves both domestic and international flights including return flights from Delhi to Kuwait.
- Airport address: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi - 110 037, India
- IATA code: DEL