A Perfect Day in Delhi

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
10 Places
@afar
To make a perfect day in Delhi even more enchanting, visit Janpath Market early and grab a cold coffee at DePaul’s. Order kebabs at Karim’s in Chandni Chowk. In the evening, watch Delhi's Red Fort come alive with a light and sound show that showcases 5,000 years of India’s history. That covers about 5,000 years of Delhi's history in only 24 hours. A perfect day in Delhi, indeed. Credit: Collected by Allison Sodha, AFAR Local Expert

Kaccha Bagh Area

Chandni Chowk Area

"Exclusive Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk Rickshaw rides are common in Chandni Chowk, the vast andcrowdedmarket in the Old Delhi quarter, but book a comprehensive rickshaw tour for an immersive experience that lasts longer than 15 minutes. Witness the architectural marvels, multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historic alleys. The tour covers 20 main sites—palaces, mansions, elegant shrines, and colorful bazaars—and finishesat an 1860 haveli (mansion) where you'll visita gallery of photos depicting the lifestyle of Mughals, as well as a small lounge where you can relax andtry sometypical snacks."

Photo by Peter Rivera

"The Leela Palace New Delhi Talk about first impressions: Carved sandstone elephants welcome guests into a two-story chandeliered lobby at this palace-style hotel. Attentive service starts at check-in, with gifts of bindis and fresh jasmine necklaces.At 550-square-feet or larger, rooms are palatial themselves, and richly decorated with oriental carpets, jacquards, and hand-embroidered brocades. Those on higher floors offer panoramic city views, but many visitors choose spaces overlooking the internal courtyard or expansive garden (and away from a 16-lane highway) for a sense of calm. The hotel’s Edwardian-inspired bar draws locals and guests alike with its 25-page whiskey and scotch menu, as doesa rooftop pool with stunning vistas over New Delhi’s urban landscape. Unique amenities include an on-call astrologer and, for women travelers, the option of an all-female service staff, including butler, gym instructors, and private city guides."

Photo courtesy of The Leela Palace New Delhi

Jama Masjid

Mosque · Jama Masjid

"India's Largest Mosque Jama Masjid,India's largest mosque, was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the same emperor who built the iconic Taj Mahal for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1656, the courtyard of Jama Masjid can accommodate 25,000 devotees.Visitors must comply with adress code; traditional robes can be rented at the northern gate. The mosque is located in Old Delhi near other notable sites, including the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk market, so schedule extra time to explore the area. Note:No visitors areallowed during prayer hours."

Red Fort

Fortress · Red Fort

"Diwan-i-'Am: Hall of Public Audience Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, located in New Delhi , is a treasure trove of cultural history. You can spend hours wandering among the various buildings, learning much about the history of India. Tucked away within the walls of the Red Fort is the Hall of Public Audience. Don't be fooled by the modest red exterior, for once you cross the threshold you are greeted by intricately detailed inlaid-paneled walls that run from the floor to the canopy-ceiling. It is within this chamber that the emperor would receive people from the community and hear their complaints. (I entered this building towhine about the 104-degree heat, but alas, there was no emperor available, as it was far too hot.)"

Photo by Christian Hütter/age fotostock

"Aura: The Vodka Bar There are some bars that get lost in the crush, while others make a lasting impression. Headed straight into the latter, Aura, a luxury bar in the 5-star Claridges Hotel, specializes in a wide array of vodkas, with more than 60 different rare vodkas from around the world to choose from. It’s one of the oldest bars in Delhi, dating back to the time when the nightlife was exclusive to upscale hotels. The place isn’t very large, so it makes for a cozy atmosphere. If you’re a vodka aficionado, you won’t want to miss this place. And if you’re not, you may just want to go to see the impressive range of vodkas. Full-course meals is not the house specialty, so you can expect to only find appetizers and small snacks to accompany the coveted spirits. Call ahead for various events such as bartending lessons and vodka tastings."

Janpath

Flea Market · Connaught Place

"Bustling Janpath Market Janpath is a bustling marketplace that houses both government-approved shops and open-air stalls. Plan to visit soon after arriving in Delhi to grab a few local and traditional clothing items. Of course, there are hundreds of options: countless carpets, shoes, clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, textiles, accessories, paintings, and furniture. Be sure to have rupees available. Most government-regulated shops accept credit cards, though cash is preferred, and the bazaar is cash only. Also, don't miss a cold coffee at De Paul's, famously served in a glass bottle with a straw."

Qutab Minar

Monument · Mehrauli

"Qutub Minar Complex Delhi'sQutub Minar, at 72.5 meters or 238 feet tall, is the tallest tower in India. Built as an Islamic monument inthe early 13th century of red sandstone and marble, the minar is not without controversy. Some believethe tower was builtto celebrate Muslim rule in the country,and others claim it was erected to call the devoted to prayer. The surrounding complex houses the first mosque to be built in India, tombs, a madrassa, and an iron pillar that is mysteriously resistant to corrosion, even after being exposed to the natural elements for centuries. Until 1981, visitors were able to climb the 379 stairs to the top of Qutub Minar, but the interioris now closed."

Photo courtesy of Kamal Balasubramanian

Agrasen ki Baoli

Historical landmark · Connaught Place

"Ghost Sightings at Agrasen ki Baoli Located near Connaught Place and Janpath Market, Agrasen ki Baoli is a unique step well with 103 steps made of red stone. Originally constructed during the Mahabharat era, some parts of the well are permanently immersed under water. Not only is the site ideal for photographers, but also for ghost hunters. The baoli is considered one of the top ten most haunted sites in India. Some stories suggest that the well was once filled with dark water that encouraged people to jump and commit suicide. In present day, it is believed that an evil spell is cast on any visitors who stay past sunset. Whether or not the black magic exists, Agrasen ki Baoli is an enchanting wonder in the heart of Delhi."

National Zoological Park

Zoo · Sundar Nagar

"Ishq-E-Dilli Sound and Light Show at Purana Qila Purana Qila's translation of "Old Fort" is simple and fitting, considering it is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. The 16th century stone structure is not on the popular tourist circuit, making it a prime spot to indulge in the historical markings of the city's urban developments. Excavations show the fort was inhabited as early as 300 BC, around the time when Delhi was founded. Purana Qila was also the site of several temporary settlements, including over 3,000 Japanese civilians during the second world war. From November - January, history comes alive at the nightly sound and light show. Pack a picnic and come early for the best seats."

Photo by Russ Bowling

Rajdhani Thali Restaurant

Permanently Closed

"An Authentic Thali at Rajdhani Welcome to Rajdhani, also known as "that yummy Thali place." A Thali is a round platter that serves a selection of various dishes. Traditionally, a proper Thali offers six flavors on one plate: spicy, salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and astringent. The platter can be veg or non-veg, but Rajdhani specializes in veg cuisine from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the 22,464 delicacies from 72 rotating menus. With four locations in Delhi, you will never be too far from an endless platter of goodness."

Photo by SteveR