When people say “Dilwalon ki Dilli,” they aren’t exaggerating. Delhi isn’t just a city; it’s an emotion, a grand imprint of history, buzzing with modernity, rich culture, politics, fabulous food, and endless shopping options. Lying right in the heart of India and brushing up against Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Delhi’s charm multiplies for every wanderer, history buff, foodie, and road-tripper. From majestic monuments to irresistible kachori and chaat, every street in Delhi tells its own story.
Delhi: The Capital of the Indian Dream
Delhi’s significance as India’s capital is deeply rooted in its history. It has served as the seat of power, from the Mughals to the British, and finally, independent India. Grand avenues, sprawling government buildings, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and lush green lawns around Kartavyapath (formerly Rajpath) show Delhi’s political clout and ceremonial grandeur. Every big decision, political movement, or historical event often finds its echo here, making Delhi both a witness and a catalyst for change.
Thanks to its central placement in North India, Delhi serves as the starting point for road trips to Agra, Jaipur, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and hill stations of Uttarakhand and Himachal. With smooth highways and bustling terminals, it’s the beating heart for travellers.
Must-Visit Places in Delhi: Monuments, History, and Beyond
- India Gate: This grand sandstone arch stands tall on the ceremonial Kartavyapath (Rajpath). Built as a war memorial to honour over 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, India Gate is both a symbol of sacrifice and national pride. The lawns around it bustle with families, vendors, and joggers, especially during summer evenings. The “Amar Jawan Jyoti,” a flame at the base, is a moving tribute to India’s fallen soldiers, visited by millions each year.
- Qutub Minar: An iconic, 73-meter-tall victory tower built in the 12th century, Qutub Minar is famous for its Indo-Islamic architecture, intricate carvings, and tales of Delhi’s rise and fall. Wander through the sprawling Qutub complex, marvel at the Iron Pillar, and soak in the stories that have shaped centuries.
India Gate & Qutub Minar
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): Home to emperors and the site for India’s Independence Day speech each year, this UNESCO World Heritage site with its massive red sandstone walls, palaces, and museums is Delhi’s most storied landmark.
Red Fort
- Humayun’s Tomb: A garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb is a brilliant example of Mughal architecture. Its tranquil gardens are perfect for lazy strolls and a peek into the royal craftsmanship. It is a great spot of photography too!
Humayun’s Tomb
- Lotus Temple: A modern marvel, this Baháʼí House of Worship’s lotus-shaped structure invites people from all walks of life for prayer and meditation. The vibe is as peaceful as it is visually stunning. It is Asia’s only Baháʼí House of Worship.
Lotus Temple
- Jama Masjid: This grand mosque’s white domes and red sandstone minarets can be seen from across Old Delhi. Climb its steps for an unbeatable view of Chandni Chowk and the walled city.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House: The nerve centre of Indian politics. While only selected sections are open for guided tours, the grandeur from Kartavyapath (Rajpath) is unmistakable.
- Akshardham Temple: Known for its dazzling lights, intricate carvings, and evening light and sound fountain shows, Akshardham is a symbol of spirituality and Indian tradition fused with modern grandeur.
- Museums and Art Spaces: Don’t skip the Nehru Planetarium, National Museum, Science Museum, Doll Museum, Gandhi Smriti, National Rail Museum, and the Crafts Museum; each brimming with unique treasures and tales.
- Lutyens’ Delhi and Lodhi Gardens: Explore colonial-era bungalows, leafy avenues, and historic gardens; a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city.
- Aerocity, Cyber City, Connaught Place: For parties Aerocity and Cybercity in Gurugram or Connaught Place in the heart of Delhi are the best places to go cafe hopping and clubbing for party enthusiasts keen to discover the city’s night life.
Connaught Place
Best Places to Shop in Delhi
- Chandni Chowk: Old Delhi’s glittering bazaar for fabric, jewellery, spices, and wedding shopping.
- Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar: For fashion at street prices; score branded exports and quirky finds.
- Dilli Haat: The culture lover’s paradise; handicrafts, handlooms, and regional foods in an open-air setup.
- Khan Market and Connaught Place: Upmarket bookshops, boutiques, cafes, and swanky brands, all jumbled together with a typically Delhi vibe.
- Janpath: Boho fashion, Tibetan jewellery, and rare artifacts; all for a bargain.
Eat Like a True Dilliwala
Delhi’s food landscape is unbeatable and unmissable; every corner bursts with flavours:
- Old Delhi: Sample kebabs at Karim’s, parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, dahi bhalle at Natraj ki Tikki, raj kachori at Haldiram’s, jalebis at Jain Sweet, and nihari near Jama Masjid.
- Connaught Place: Café Lota, Wenger’s bakery for pastries, and Pandara Road for North Indian classics.
- Hudson Lane & North/South Campus: For affordable student eats.
- Khan Market: Khan Chacha rolls, Big Chill shakes, and Japanese favourites at Guppy.
- Nizamuddin: Try flaky, spicy kathi rolls and local Mughlai fare.
- For Street Treats: grab samosas from Moti Mahal, momos at Majnu ka Tila, and chole bhature just about everywhere. Don’t forget the kulfi and daulat ki chaat at Chandni Chowk, sabzi kachori at Jung Bahadur Kinari Bazaar, Lotan ke kulche, and masala chai from a local tapri.
Where to Stay
- The Imperial, The Oberoi, and Le Meridien put you close to Lutyens’ Delhi, Connaught Place, and museums.
- Haveli Dharampura and Maidens Hotel are steeped in Mughal-era grandeur.
- Taj Mahal Hotel, Shangri-La Eros, and The Leela Palace are some of the modern icons with great service.
- Budget gems and boutique hotels dot Karol Bagh, Paharganj (perfect for backpackers), and South Delhi’s many colonies.
Travel Tips: Getting Around Delhi
Delhi’s Metro is your best friend; clean, efficient, and connected to nearly every major attraction, market, and railway station. Auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaws are fun for short distances and for experiencing the true Dilli pulse. Cabs (Uber, Ola) are widely available. If feeling adventurous, brave a DTC bus or local e-rickshaw.
Use metro apps, Google Maps and keep change for rickshaw rides. Avoid peak hours on public transit and always be mindful of your belongings.
Pro Tip: Always bargain before you hop on to an auto or cycle-rickshaw.
Bonus: Road Trips from Delhi
Delhi is truly the gateway to North India’s greatest road journeys. Delhi’s unique position allows easy road trips to:
- Agra: The Taj Mahal, less than 4 hours away.
- Jaipur: Rajasthan’s pink capital, about 5 hours.
- Rishikesh & Haridwar: Ganga ghats, yoga, and adventure.
- Chandigarh & Shimla: For hill station chills.
Dil Se Dilli
Delhi is a sensory overload; loud, beautiful, infuriating, inspiring, and, above all, memorable. It’s where ancient stories jostle with modern life, where you can find tranquility under the shade of a centuries-old tree or in the middle of a bustling market. When in Delhi, live like a local. Bargain with an auto-wala, eat with your hands, chat with street vendors, and breathe in the very multi-cultural pulse of India; courageous, curious, and utterly full of life.
By: Anushka Singhal