It has been a long time I wrote review & thought what’s better than my own city DELHI to write about. One life time is not enough to explore this city (literally).And one review is not enough to describe it. Anyone living in Delhi for even 50-60 years hasn’t seen the whole city yet. There are places you would visit or pass by only once in your lifetime in the city. In this review I will try to give you maximum info.
Delhi is a huge city which is the World's most Historical Capital & in terms of green cover its only second next to Nairobi(capital of Kenya). Delhi is trying to apply for UN heritage city status (well deserved). Delhi is a delight for History lovers, art lovers, food lovers, night life party animals (girls should be accompanied with boys), religiously inclined, shopaholics etc. Adventure & wildlife tourism options do not exist in Delhi.
Places to Visit-A 1000 places at least! Trust me. But no one can see all. There is a lot to see & do here. So plan in advance & make an itinerary depending upon your number of days.
Delhi is (proud) home to three UN world heritage siteswhich are must for all - Red fort, Qutub Minar& Humayun's Tomb. Don’t miss the Sound & light show in Red fort. Reach the fort after lunch, explore the place & then see the show.
Other MUST SEE places
India Gate-Visit India Gate after Sunset. Spend some time in leisure, sit, walk, have Ice cream (in winters too!), Gol gappas, buy sundry stuff & relax! You would love it.
Lotus Temple-The architecture resembles Sydney's Opera House. Its beauty is unmatched in India & is one of the most visited places by tourists (As per Wikipedia it’s been most visited in the World, ahead of Eiffel tower). ISKON temple is just adjacent. Do visit ISKON for its architecture, beautiful gardens & Deity.
Akshardham Temple-Beautiful architecture & amazing lawns. At least half a day is required if you want to see it all. Else you can visit only the deity/idol.
Walk around Chandni Chowk(CC) & Jama Masjid-Popularly known as the Walled city, this part of Old Delhi is full of energy & excitement. You would come across Mughal style architecture buildings which are very old. The kind of aura here is not found anywhere else in Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In between shop for various articles from the shops you come across. CC is Asia's largest wholesale market. Travel by Metro or Bus ONLY.
CC is famous for the culinary delights it offers.
For Non veg/Mughlai dining visit the World famous Karim near Jama Masjid.
Moti Mahal in Darya Ganj started a dish called Butter Chicken for the first time in India. It’s a fine dine.
Dahi Bhalla @ Natraj Bhalla wala.
Hot Jalebis @ Dariba Mkt.
Sohan Halwa @ Ghantewala.
Japani Samosa @ Bhagirath Place.
Parantha@paranthewali Gali(I dont like it!)
Connaught Place (CP)-Take a walk around outer & inner circle of CP. CP is famous for its Colonial charm. It’s a great shopping zone as well. You will find top brands & everything else here. The market architecture is simply amazing & no words can describe what CP is. Visit state handloom Showrooms at Baba Kharak Singh Marg for local handicrafts (high prices). One must also visit Palika Bazar, the underground air conditioned market & Janpath. Both are famous for economical products. Palika is famous for all illegal things like pirated/porn CDs, fake chinese mobiles, adult toys, smuggled items etc so you are very likely to be cheated. Janpath is famous for Handicrafts. In Palika & Janpath, bargain hard. Don’t pay more than 25-30% of what they quote you.
CP too is famous for the culinary delights it offers.
Flavoured milk @ Keventers.
Pastries @ Wrengers
Kachori outside hanuman mandir, opp Coffe house.
South Indian Fine dine Sarvanan Bhavan at Shivaji Statium, outer circle & Janpath.
Chinese fine dine Bercos Inner circle.
Nirulas, Outer circle. You will get amazing Pizzas, Ice creams & sundaes.
Rajdhani Express for Unlimited food Thali in Outer Circle.
Kake da Dhaba for Non Veg lovers in outer circle.
Dilli Haat-It’s a village fair run by Delhi Tourism. There are two Dilli Haat. One at INA mkt, South Delhi & another one at Pitampura, North Delhi. It’s best to go to INA one as that’s the popular one. There are reasonably priced handicrafts & delicacies from all states of India. Shop & fill your tummy with some great stuff here. Esp - Hyderabadi Biriyani & Kashmir Kawah.
Mughal Gardens-Mughal gardens are situated right inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the largest residence in the World of any Head of the State in any country. It’s open for only 4 weeks in a year from mid feb-mid march (spring season). Its beauty is unmatched & beyond description. Even if you have seen many beautiful gardens, I am sure this is no 1. You will agree.
Old Fort & Delhi Zoo-These two places are just adjacent to each other. Visit old fort & enjoy boating here after you explore the place. Delhi Zoo is a heaven for the bird lovers. Lot of migratory Birds is found here. It’s a well maintained zoo with good number of species & free birds. It’s a great respite from mad traffic & chaos of life.
Delhi Metro–This is a must do on almost all tourists mind. Travel on this World class public transport system & feel very proud of India.
SOME OTHER PLACES which are good. You can visit depending on the number of days you have come here for.
Raj Ghat
Safdarjung Tomb
Birla Temple - Go there for architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens & deity.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara-A very huge & popular Gurudwara, go there to seek blessings & the sheer beauty & tranquility of Gurudwara. One must have Kadha Prasad & Langar here.
Kingdom of Dreams-This one is in Gurgaon. Its a bollywood theme park with shows, plays & food court. The food court has cuisines from almost all states of India. Its a unique & extravagant place. Ticket cost weekdays - Rs 750/Weekends Rs 1000. Travel by Metro or Taxi ONLY. On the way see Gurgaon corporate buildings & residential high rises, which are quite a sight. Visit after Sunset ONLY.
Jantar Mantar-An example of Historic monument being wasted. It’s a famous place for demonstrations/protests visited by Anna, Baba Ramdev etc frequently & there are demonstrations 365 days a year. There is nothing to see as the place is used as dumping ground by the protestors who even use it to answer nature's call. Must have south Indian food from a stall opposite Jantar Mantar.
Garden of five senses-A beautifully landscaped garden meant to invoke your five senses- sight, sound, touch, smell & taste. Do check it out.
Chatarpur Mandir-Visit there for architecture & seek blessings.
Nizamuddin Dargah-Located close to Humayun Tomb, is very famous among poeple.
While you are moving around in the city you will pass through Lutyens Delhi. Thats the VIP area of Delhi where you might spot your area MP residence too. Have you heard 10, Janpath or 7, Race course road? At certain places you would feel you are not in Delhi, but Europe. It’s a super well maintained areaa.
Pragati Maidan, the largest fair site in India hosts some interesting fairs you may wish to visit:
- Auto Expo every two years in Jan.
-Book Fair every year in Aug-Sep
-India International Trade Fair from Nov 14- Nov 27. It’s visited by millions per day.
Tughlakabad Fort is not worth mentioning and seeing. It’s just deserted ruins in the jungle.
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