Delhi Delights: 2 nights in India's Capital!

For anyone planning a trip to Northern India, your first stop will likely be Delhi, the nation’s capital! Before my visit, I heard countless warnings that this metropolitan city is polluted, chaotic, and earns a reputation as a hotspot for scams. Admittedly, Delhi was not love at first site for me.

Nevertheless, I am still glad I spent a short time there. It served as a great introduction to India, and I found the city had its own charm, rich in culture and vibrant in history. Exploring the ancient landmarks, indulging in the endless varieties of street food, and getting lost in the bustling markets left us yearning for more adventures!

What the perfect amount of time to spend in New Delhi?

Although our visit was brief, with only two days in the city, it provided us with enough time to explore. If you would like to roam at a more leisurely pace I recommend extending your stay to three days. It will also help if you are adjusting to an severe jetlag.

How to explore Delhi?

Delhi is split into two distinct parts, each offering its own unique experiences:

Old Delhi - established in the 17th century by the Mughals, Old Delhi is the heart and soul of the city. Boasting rich heritage, it is filled with ancient monuments, narrow streets and is a must visit for history enthusiasts! It is also home to one of the biggest and most chaotic market I have encountered to date - Chandni Chowk!

And

New Delhi - The modern cosmopolitan district, established in the early 20th century by the British, New Delhi offers a contrast to the historical charm of Old Delhi. Here you will find mix of colonial architecture, modern marvels such as India Gate and lush greenery including the renowned Lodi Gardens!

1. Chandni Chowk

Exploring markets is one of my favourite activities while traveling, and our visit to Chandni Chowk did not disappoint! I have been to many markets in my lifetime but this one was unique. First thing, this market is HUGE. As we navigated through, I was amazed by the variety of goods available. Prepared to be captivated amidst the chaos of the honking rickshaws, wandering cows and narrow endless streets. From aromatic spices and colourful textiles to glistening jewellery and delicious street food, you can easily spend hours getting lost in this never ending market!

Top tip - if you are looking for something specific, whether it be spices, fabrics, dry fruits or electronics I suggest asking someone as you may likely be very far from it and need to utilise a rickshaw. Most locals I found to be very friendly.

For me Chandni Chowk was the start of the street food crawl - deserving a post just for itself!

Though we spent more time in New Delhi, we was amazed by the things we saw in Old Delhi:

2. Red Fort

Constructed by one of the Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan, the beautiful Red Fort is made of red stone, marble and sandstone and is engraved with stunning carvings and decorations. It’s a must-see when visiting Delhi! Also known as Lal Qila, the Red Fort took a whooping 10 years to be constructed and the walls span unto 33 meters. Within the grounds you can expect to see luscious gardens, ornate fountains, the Pearl Mosque and many other grand halls and historical attractions, offering a glimpse into the dynasty of the Mughal Empire.

1.Akshardham Mandir

Primarily dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Akshardham Temple is a spiritual marvel with some of the most detailed architecture I have seen. Spanning over a 100 acre site and constructed within a relatively short span of 5 years the temple is a true representation of Indian culture and radiates peace, joy and divine beauty. When visiting, it’s important to note that electronic devices are not allowed within the grounds. Take the time to appreciate this gem for the beauty and it’s spiritual significance.

There is a professional photographer as you exit, if you do want a small souvenir as memory!

Developed by the British in the 20th century, New Delhi has a cosmopolitian vibe and is filled with many attractions. Some of the few attractions we explored included:

2. Dili Haat

Of course, I had to squeeze in another market visit during my short 2-day stay, and Dilli Haat turned out to be an unexpected delight! For travellers with a love for shopping and seeking souvenirs for themselves or loved ones, this open-air craft bazaar and food market is a must-stop when in Delhi. From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported into a rainbow of colours. Traditional Indian paintings, luxurious pashmina shawls, and an array of textiles greeted me, alongside countless handicrafts including jewellery, woodwork, and pottery. The options were endless!

Established in 1994 and with a goal to provide a space for local artisans and skilled craftsman to showcase and sell their products, Dilli Haat is vibrant, enticing and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. What we thought would be a quick stop, turned into hours of exploration!

There is a small fee to enter Dilli Haat, as of 2024 $$$ for local and $$$ for foreigners

3.Lodi Gardens

If you are a lover of nature and the outdoors, or simply are looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, I highly recommend a visit to the exquisite Lodi Gardens! With intricate Indo-Islamic architecture, the garden is home to historical Tombs; Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Tomb of Muhammad Shah and Shish Gumbad. Dating back to the 15th century the Tombs showcases a glimpse into the rich history of the Lodi Dynasty.

4.Qutab Minar

Standing 70m tall and built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak to commemorate his victory over Hindu rulers this tower sits within the wider Qutub Minor complex. Showcasing Islamic design amidst the ancient ruins. The space is large, and I found it very pleasant to roam around slowly through the vast grounds.

5. India Gate

Dedicated to the British Indian soldier’s who fought during the First World War, this memorial shines bright when lit up during the evenings. We took a moment to admire its grandeur and grabbed a snack from one of the numerous food vendors nearby.