Over the course of the six months, I spent in India I found myself in Delhi three times. The city itself is my least favorite in India. Not surprising due to the thick pollution, extreme poverty, and constant glare from locals. However, what drew me back to Delhi time and time again where the fantastic archeological sites across the eras, some of the best in India. Read on to see an organized route of the ultimate Delhi guide my favorite historical places, fascinating experiences, and my favorite place to stay in the city, all from my Instagram account, @MissFilatelista. If you’re only in Delhi for a day chose from the below and organize a private 8-hour tour for just US$50.
Start in Old Delhi and stroll the streets of the Muslim-majority neighborhood on your way to visit Jama Masjid. It is one of the largest mosques in India. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit but you must be respectful of the sacred site and wear a headscarf and go barefoot.
Head over to the nearby Red Fort to explore one of the many imperial grounds in Delhi. The fortification is made of red sandstone, hence the name. It was a stronghold for Mughal emperors for over 200 years starting in the mid-1600’s.
Shop along Delhi’s Chowk Baoli, otherwise known as Main Bazaar Road. You’re in for a real taste of Delhi chaos with touts selling goods, tuk-tuks zipping past honking loud horns. This is the best place to shop in Delhi with locally made clothing, accessories, and souvenirs available at reasonable prices. I made the mistake of staying on this street my first few nights in India and couldn’t sleep due to the constant noise of the street below.
Hop into a bicycle rickshaw and make your way to the principal Sikh temple of Delhi. Did you know the Sikh religion is not a pision of Hinduism? You’ll learn that it is, in fact, a completely separate religion and lifestyle when you visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. A Gurudwara is the Sikh place of worship which serves primarily as a place of education. Gurus were simply people who had achieved. The last Guru gave this honor to the holy book which currently serves as the Guru.
Nearby is the Sri Laxmi Narayan Mandir temple. The Hindu temple is spread out over 7.5 acres and is dedicated to Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity, and Narayan, the preserver. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple under the ruling that it would be a holy place where all castes would be allowed to worship. This was an extraordinary feat as many Hindu temples don’t let Dalit caste members enter.
Make your way east to Purana Qila, the oldest fort in Delhi that dates back to 1,000 B.C.! The monuments here are a bit more weathered than others in the city but it is all part of the parks charm. Take your time to explore as there are over 50 buildings to visit here.
Just south of Purana Qila is the stunning Humayun’s Tomb. This detailed red sandstone and white marble mausoleum are believed to have been a major inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Can you see the similarities?
Take another bicycle rickshaw south to the Lodhi district. Wander around and enjoy the massive murals on the streets before entering the beautiful Lodhi Gardens. Here you can discover many tombs of various architectural design. Most of the mausoleums are from the 14th century and were built in a traditional square or octagonal style.
After touring the Lodhi Gardens stroll over to view my favorite historic site in Delhi, Safdarjung’s Tomb. There is even a mausoleum here for the rulers beloved barber. I find it to be the most beautiful display of Islamic architecture and design elements in Delhi. It was actually the last monumental garden ever built by the Mughals. Do visit and let me know in the comments if you agree!
Perhaps you’ve seen a towering minaret in the distance? Make your way towards the Qutub Minar to take the spectacular site of India’s tallest minaret with your own eyes. The tower reaches over 75 meters into the sky. Don’t ask me how they managed to build something that tall in the 12th century, it baffles my mind just thinking of it!
Enjoy one of the rare free-to-enter archeological sites in Delhi at Mehrauli, the ancient capital city of Delhi. Here there are over 100 monuments in the massive park, my favorite of which is this ancient step well.
While visiting Delhi you will witness a shockingly low quality of life that impoverished citizens have to endure. To have a better understanding of the slum system in India’s capital city and to visit in a responsible go on a guided tour with the Tejas Asia nonprofit. Trained staff and former adult beneficiaries will guide you through the Saket slums and explain the work they are doing to bring education, health, and empowerment projects to the community.
Head back to my favorite Delhi hostel, The Hosteller, in the Saket neighborhood to relax. The boutique accommodation has cozy air-conditioned rooms and a darling rooftop terrace. Throughout the building are hand-painted murals showcasing Delhi’s many famous sites. If you go comment below with a picture in front of the cute panda wall on the roof!
At dusk go and visit the iconic Lotus Flower Temple. The pure white marble temple was designed in the shape of a powerful lotus in honor of its symbolism. The lotus flower is significant in many religions that are prominent in India including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. All are welcome here to visit or worship.
After you’ve explored Delhi head to Agra to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise or check out these offbeat Delhi experiences. Refer to this detailed guide about travel around India to get a sense of whether you should travel by train, plane, bus, or private car.
All opinions and photos are my own. This post contains affiliate links, please read the Miss Filatelista disclosure policy for more information.
go4theglobe
4 Apr 2018I would love to travel around India! Loving your recommendations for New Delhi.
Krista
http://www.go4theglobe.com
Michela
4 Apr 2018I have always wanted to visit India! I love your photos, especially the archaeological park at Mehrauli and the Safdarjung Tomb! Stunning!
Anonymous
4 Apr 2018Not anonymous but I can`t seem to login to my account to comment, so, Vick here!
I haven`t been to Delhi, just a rather quick tour of Mumbai when I was invited to an Indian wedding that took 3 days of celebrations (awesome). Some of the guest had been traveling through India before the wedding, I wish I could have joined them but at that time, I couldn`t.
So many beautiful buildings, but yes, India is a country of contrasts, a lot of poverty and the staring is a normal thing, not just in Delhi, I was actually stopped many times in the streets of Mumbai and locals would ask to take a picture with me, as if I was some sort of celebrity… Crazy!
An Aussie in San Francisco
5 Apr 2018What a fantastic collection of beautiful and historic places to visit! It doesn't hurt that they make great photos as well.
MAPLELEOPARD
5 Apr 2018Very lovely photos! I did know that about Sikhs being a diff religion. I was raised in Vancouver BC and went to school with several from India, so I learned a lot about their culture etc!
miss filatelista
5 Apr 2018I hope you get the chance to travel around India someday!
miss filatelista
5 Apr 2018The historical runs in Delhi are so fascinating!
miss filatelista
5 Apr 2018India certainly is vast contrasts. I spent a week in Mumbai too and loved it! I need to write more about my 6 months in India!
miss filatelista
5 Apr 2018Thank you so much!!
miss filatelista
5 Apr 2018There is so much to learn about Indian culture!
Our 21st Century Odyssey
5 Apr 2018Your photos make me excited to go to India later this year! Love the recommendations!
– Sarah @ http://www.our21stcenturyodyssey.com
Milijana WorldTravelConnector
5 Apr 2018Hi Lola,
A private 8-hour tour for just US$50 to see all main sights in New Delhi sounds like a good deal to me, considering the size of New Delhi and time needed to explore it!
And I have to say, while reading your post I have enjoyed in the wonderful photo gallery of New Delhi you made! Your gorgeous photos evoke a true spirit and soul of New Delhi.
Milijana
heidi medina
6 Apr 2018I can see why you enjoy all the architecture, it really is amazing. I also appreciate that you draw attention to the poverty without posting poverty porn. So respectful. Thank you for that.
Jasmine C
6 Apr 2018Great photos – especially of the Safdarjung Tomb! The buildings look so aged but amazing how intact a the designs still are
Marvi
6 Apr 2018I can definitely see why you love visiting Delhi despite the pollution and the atmosphere as a whole. The sites are indeed incredible and eye-catching. Interesting tour of the slum system in India. Good to know that efforts are being done to improve the community and bring education and health to the locals.
miss filatelista
6 Apr 2018So glad the post was helpful. Enjoy your trip to India!
miss filatelista
6 Apr 2018Seriously, it's such a great deal! And getting around Delhi via public transport in the heat can be a nightmare. I'm so glad you liked the photos, thank you.
miss filatelista
6 Apr 2018It is really shocking to think of how long they've lasted, especially considering the lack of technology used to build these structures!
miss filatelista
6 Apr 2018Thank you so much, Marvi! India is so fascinating.
miss filatelista
6 Apr 2018Hi Heidi-thank you for that, I think it's important that we learn and see the way others live but only in a way that doesn't exploit them.