How to Spend 24 Hours in Delhi
India' s capital city, Delhi, is the melting pot of various cultures. It houses within itself splendid Mughal architecture to colonial architecture of the erstwhile British Raj to obscure shanties to truly the modernized architecture of diplomatic enclaves to tombs and mosques which are remnant of the Mughal empire in Delhi.
Here's our guide to spending 24-hours catching a glimpse of this diverse and unique city.
1. We suggest that you start your day with a stroll in Old Delhi in the Paharganj area which is filled with the taste of what is truly Old Delhi. Paharganj is great for shopping, international cuisine among others. We also suggest that you take great care of your belongings. Steer clear of pickpockets and touts.
2. After some shopping at Pahargunj, head to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country. The mosque was designed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan at a time when Delhi was known as Shahjahanabad. The Jama Masjid has served as the royal mosque of the Mughal dynasty for hundreds of years. The Jama Masjid opens its doors to the public at 7 am. It is a great experience to visit this magnificent place of divinity, history and architecture. The Jama Masjid is made of red and white sandstone. The intricate and detailed interior is also something that will strike you. You are also allowed to climb to the roof of the Jama Masjid for a fantastic view of Old Delhi. The entry to the Jama Masjid is free but you will be charged for photography.
3. After your time at the mosque, you have great options for breakfast. The Haji Shabrati Nihariwale is one of the best places for a filling breakfast. It is famous for its traditional stew of tenderised slowly cooked meat called nihari. The Lakhori-Haveli Dharampura is another fantastic option for great breakfast. The magnificent mansion which houses the restaurant was restored with great precision and effort.It also offers a divine view of the Jama Masjid. Another options is Karim's. Karim's was featured on the BBC and Lonely Planet and is voted one of the best restaurants in all of Asia. The Mutton Korma with Roti is highly recommended.
4. Once you have breakfast, we suggest you to take an auto-rickshaw ride to Humayun Tomb. The tomb was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Humayun's wife and is an iconic monument of Delhi. It is the burial spot more than 100 members of the Mughal dynasty. Beautiful, serene and well maintained gardens surround this important mausoleum. You can spend some time soaking in the rich history amid the imposing architecture and the tranquility of the garden.
Suggested Delhi Tour :
5. Then you can start for your ride to India Gate from Humayun's tomb which is a 5 minute ride by taxi. The India Gate is an iconic war memorial that was built to honor the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who gave up their lives in battle during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. This amazing structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens who was one of the world's foremost expert on building war memorials. Sir Edward Lutyens is also one of the key architects behind the planning and subsequent construction of New Delhi.
6. Next you can head to the National Gallery of Modern Art for a view of Delhi's rich history, visit the National Museum. The National Gallery of Modern Art is less tahn 1.5 km from India Gate and takes 2 minutes by taxi and it will help you understand Delhi better.
7. Janpath market is just 6 minutes from National Gallery of Modern Art. Shopping at Janpath is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. The Janpath market is economical, friendly and a great place for souvenirs, bags, shawls, statues of Gods and Goddesses, incense, jewellery and more. You can also have a look at the Cottage industry emporium . It is more up market but it carries top quality.
8. Once you are done with your shopping spree, you can have your well earned lunch break near Janpath. You have options from the a truly modern grub at the Lanterns Kitchen and Bar to the 1911 Restaurants which transports you to a place in the past with its vintage food and decor. You can also choose The Imperial restaurant which feels like an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of city life. You can also catch a quick bite at the local food stalls.The Connaught place is nearby but we will save it for later.
9. The next stop is the Historical Jantar Mantar which is 2 minutes away. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory made in the 1720's. A marvellous part about this observatory is that most of the larger than life instruments are still functional. The objective of the observatory was to create astronomical tables, accurately predict the movements of the celestial bodies. The Jantar Mantar is a testimony to the advancement of science and technology in India as early as the 1720's.
10. The famous Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is just 3 minutes away from the Jantar Mantar. The Gurudwara Bangla Sahibis distinguished by its golden dome. It has a the holly water body whichknown as the Sarovar. Spend some time near the holy water body to align yourself to the divine energy.
11. Your next stop can be the Sacred Heart Cathedral which was built in the late 1920's and is reminiscent of Italian architecture. This will also give you a Delhi being a melting pot of various cultures and religions.
12. Your next stop should be the Kalindi Kunj Park which houses Delhi Eye. The Delhi eye is a part of the Delhi Rides Amusement Park. The journey from Sacred Heart Cathedral to Kalindi Kunj takes approximately 20 minutes.
13. The Delhi Eye is India's largest ferris wheel in India. The Delhi eye gives you and your loved one, a birdseye view of the city in 20 minutes.The capsules are air conditioned and The Delhi Eye will give you a view of various sites like the historic Red Fort, the magnificent Qutub Minar, the amazing Akshardham Temple, the royal Humayun's Tomb, the divine Lotus Temple from the comfort of AC cabins. The VIP cabin of the Delhi Eye has features like a glass floor, leather sofa set, LCD screens etc. which makes the ride all the more luxurious.
14. The Delhi Rides Amusement Park has both dry amusement rides, water amusement rides and 6D theatre.
15. After the time at Kalidi Kunj Park head back to Connaught Place. The ride should take you about half an hour.we suggest park yourself at Connaught place with its myriad of options of restaurants and lounge bars. Connaught Place personifies the spirit of Delhi, After the rather busy day,you an kick back and relax at Connaught place.
16. You can choose from the fun and creative places to dine, wine, kickback and relax. You can choose between the Sky Lounge, Lord of the Drinks, Ministry of Beer, Ardor 2.1, Unplugged Courtyard, The Beer Cafe etc.
Be sure to make arrangements for your conveyance back to the hotel before you start your evening at the Connaught place. The Delhi life is to work hard, play hard and party harder. There are plenty of amazing places to see, experiences to cherish and wonderful food and drinks to enjoy. The 24 hours will surely not disappoint you.
