Ayantika Malakar

‘Dilwalo ka shehar’, Delhi is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient history, modern marvels, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a city where past and present coexist in harmony, each corner telling a unique story. Having served as the capital for the Sultanate rulers, the Mughal Empire, the British Raj and India, Delhi is a treasure trove of historical gems. Whether it’s food, clothing, junk jewelry, or artifacts – you name it, and Delhi has it.

One of the country’s largest metropolis and the National Capital Territory of India, Delhi is home to countless public and private institutions. It also serves as a gateway to the Western Himalayas and the northern frontiers of India. For both official trips and travel, we find ourselves in Delhi several times a year. On one such visit, we decided to extend our stay by a day and explore some of the most iconic landmarks of the city. Excitement followed, and we quickly booked a cab for the day’s adventure. While a day is never enough to take in everything this magnificent city has to offer, I managed to visit a few key places that left a lasting impression on me. Here’s how my day unfolded.

Our journey through Delhi kicked off with Safdarjung’s Tomb, a striking mausoleum that also holds the distinction of being the last monumental structure built during the Mughals era. It was constructed by Shuja-ud-Daula in memory of his father Nawab Safdarjung of Awadh, who also served as a wazir to Mughal ruler Ahmed Shah. While it attempts to mirror the elegance of the Taj Mahal, it lacks its symmetry. But nonetheless, it has a character all its own—a striking blend of history and rugged elegance that instantly draws you in.

On the opposite side of the street is Lodhi Garden, a sprawling 90-acre green oasis nestled in the city. Strolling through this lush park, we encountered tombs of rulers like Sikandar Lodi and Mohammad Shah. This garden is a popular spot for picnics and pre-wedding shoots. Surrounded by nature and history in perfect harmony, wandering around this well-maintained park took us over an hour.

Next, we arrived at Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent example of early Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Hamida Banu Begam, with the patronage of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, this stunning Persian-style garden tomb is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as the “dormitory of the Mughals” this monument houses the graves of over 150 members of the Mughal family. The site also houses Isa Khan’s Tomb. The symmetry and grandeur of these tombs were truly breathtaking.

Then we headed to admire the modern yet spiritual spectacle, the Lotus Temple, or Baha’i House of Worship. This unique structure, resembling a blossoming lotus, welcomes people of all faiths to pray and meditate, symbolizing the unity of mankind. The temple is a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s chaos.

After a short lunch break, we immersed ourselves back into Delhi’s rich past with a visit to the Qutub Complex. This iconic site, built during the Delhi Sultanate period, houses several historical wonders. The towering Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, stands alongside the famous Iron Pillar, an ancient marvel from the Gupta dynasty that remains rust-free even after centuries. The complex also houses the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the oldest surviving example of Ghurid architecture in India, and the Alai Darwaza, the earliest true Islamic arch in the country. We also explored the unfinished Alai Minar, envisioned by Alauddin Khilji, as well as the tombs of Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji, along with remnants of a madrasa built by the Khilji dynasty. The entire complex is a captivating blend of Indo-Islamic heritage and felt like we’re stepping back in time.

We ended our day at the India Gate, a powerful tribute to fallen soldiers. Behind the archway lies a towering statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the National War Memorial, that commemorates the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, these esteemed landmarks create a powerful reminder of India’s rich military history and its enduring spirit of bravery. And as we stood in the shadow of this colossal war memorial, a deep sense of patriotism surged through us.

Best Time to Visit Delhi

The ideal time to explore Delhi is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), and the monsoon brings unpredictable rains. Winters, though chilly and foggy, offer the perfect climate for walking tours. Be sure to check the air quality before your visit.

Where to Stay and What to Eat?

Delhi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget – from luxury hotels to hostels. In my opinion, Paharganj is a convenient choice due to its proximity to New Delhi Railway Station, Connaught Place, and several major attractions.

Food is an integral part of Delhi’s identity, and no trip is complete without savoring the local delicacies. The National Capital Territory is a paradise for food lovers, especially if you’re a fan of North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. The city’s street food is legendary, and you can’t miss Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, Shahi Paneer, Kebabs, stuffed Parathas and Tandoori Roti. While I personally didn’t enjoy Delhi’s version of spicy Biryani, those who love a kick of heat may find it thrilling.

A 3-Day Itinerary for Delhi

A well-rounded tour of Delhi typically requires 3 to 4 days to cover its major historical, cultural, and modern attractions. Here’s a concise 3-day itinerary for Delhi:

Day 1: Leave early from hotel and begin with exploring old Delhi. Explore Red Fort (Monday closed), Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk ( for lunch and shopping), Raj Ghat, Akshardham temple (Monday closed), Humayun’s Tomb and Safdarjung’s tomb

Day 2: Start the day with a pleasant walk in the Lodi Garden, followed by the Lotus Temple (Monday closed), Qutub Complex, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hauz Khas Village and Dilli Haat by INA (evening market). Finally dine at Connaught Place.

Day 3: On the third day let’s focus on Museums & Modern Delhi. Begin with Rajpath, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Museum (Monday closed), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Indira Gandhi memorial museum (Monday closed)

Don’t forget to check the timings of the aforesaid location.

How to Get Around?

While hiring a cab is convenient for a Delhi tour, the Delhi Metro is a fast, budget-friendly alternative. The Yellow Line, Violet Line, and Blue Line cover many of the city’s major attractions, allowing you to avoid traffic and experience the city like a local.

What’s Next?

While I managed to cover quite a few landmarks during my day tour, Delhi is a city that can’t be explored in one go. Stay tuned for part two of my Delhi adventures that will cover Old Delhi, the vibrant markets, local eateries and the many other architectural wonders that make Delhi a city like no other.

Respect and Preserve

As travelers, it’s important to respect the heritage we are visiting. Avoid littering or leaving behind waste, and refrain from writing names or scratching the walls of monuments. Plucking minarets, stones, or damaging delicate carvings harms these irreplaceable sites. Let’s also keep the gardens intact and avoid loud noises that disrupt the serenity and experience of others. By preserving the aesthetics and atmosphere of these places, we ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.