New Delhi - the national capital of India
Overview
New Delhi, the capital of India is an easily accessible destination with flights available from all cities across the country. Many airlines offer cheap air tickets. If you are not keen to make a flight booking to Delhi, you can also make reservations on a train through Indian Railways. Once in Delhi, there are several cheap packages available from budget to luxury, star rated hotels. Public transport in the city is convenient and easily available. There is the Delhi Metro that connects most parts of the city as does a bus network. From Delhi, you can visit several nearby tourist destinations including Agra and Jaipur. Inter state Volvo and luxury sleeper bus services are the best way to reach and bus tickets are easily available. You can also reach these places by booking a train ticket. So if you’re planning to visit Delhi soon, get your flights or trains or bus bookings and accommodation reservations done today.
The National Capital Region (NCR) comprises Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida. Delhi lies on the banks of the River Yamuna, in the Gangetic plains, circumscribed by the Aravali mountains to the south. Delhi has an extreme climate with very hot summers and very cold winters. To get to Delhi, you can make a flight booking after checking airline schedules across different LCCs. Air travel in India has become fairly economical so getting cheap flights should be quite easy. For more information on things to do, events and activities in Delhi, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation offers guided sightseeing tours.
Sightseeing in Delhi
When visiting Delhi, tourists can choose from deals for cheap budget or luxury star packages that are readily available from travel agents across the country. Alternatively, you can make an online booking from a trusted travel and tours company. In Delhi, there is plenty to see and do. The main sightseeing hotspots are India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, which is Asia’s largest mosque. Delhi also has a lot of art and culture attached to it with several theatrical groups having their roots in the city. It would be advisable to catch a play or show for a truly unique holiday experience in Delhi.
Nearby Getaways from Delhi
Delhi serves as a gateway to many popular tourist destinations around the city. Most of these places can be easily reached by bus or train. Famed for the famous Taj Mahal, Agra lies three hours away from Delhi. There are regular inter state bus services including luxury AC and sleeper buses plying to Agra so a day trip can be done. Get bus bookings done online or purchase bus tickets at ISBT. Another popular destination from Delhi is Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan. Wildlife lovers can take any one of the many trains to Sawai Madhopur. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance as the Indian Railways sees heavy tourist traffic on this route during season time.
Areawise Tourist Attractions of Delhi
New Delhi: New Delhi, the capital of India, is a large and sprawling city, that when combined with the rest of the National Capital Region (NCR) is one of the largest urban area in the world, the sixth largest in terms of population. New Delhi is known for its education (University of Delhi, IIT Delhi, and AIMS), culture, handicrafts, 5-star hotels, numerous monuments, historical landmarks, the Parliament, India Gate, commercial areas, and wide tree lined roads. New Delhi is also known as Lutyens’ Delhi, as it is was planned and built by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens from 1912 to 1929, and officially inaugurated in 1939.
North Delhi: Another important administrative district of Delhi, North Delhi is bounded by the Yamuna River on the East, and the districts of North West Delhi to the North and West, West Delhi to the South-West, Central Delhi to the South, and North East Delhi to the East across the Yamuna. The district is divided into three subdivisions, which are Sadar Bazar, Kotwali, and Civil Lines. Important areas and places in North Delhi include Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Darya Ganj, Model Town, Pitampura, and Delhi University. North Delhi also houses the ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal), as well as Old Delhi Railway Station.
New Delhi: New Delhi, the capital of India, is a large and sprawling city, that when combined with the rest of the National Capital Region (NCR) is one of the largest urban area in the world, the sixth largest in terms of population. New Delhi is known for its education (University of Delhi, IIT Delhi, and AIMS), culture, handicrafts, 5-star hotels, numerous monuments, historical landmarks, the Parliament, India Gate, commercial areas, and wide tree lined roads. New Delhi is also known as Lutyens’ Delhi, as it is was planned and built by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens from 1912 to 1929, and officially inaugurated in 1939.
North Delhi: Another important administrative district of Delhi, North Delhi is bounded by the Yamuna River on the East, and the districts of North West Delhi to the North and West, West Delhi to the South-West, Central Delhi to the South, and North East Delhi to the East across the Yamuna. The district is divided into three subdivisions, which are Sadar Bazar, Kotwali, and Civil Lines. Important areas and places in North Delhi include Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Darya Ganj, Model Town, Pitampura, and Delhi University. North Delhi also houses the ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal), as well as Old Delhi Railway Station.
Central Delhi: The most important administrative district of Delhi is Central Delhi. With delightful architecture, important monuments, wide open roads, lush green gardens, and vibrant alleys, Central Delhi is a must see for all visitors to Delhi. Areas and monuments such as the Connaught Place, Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Lodhi Gardens, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, Pragati Maidan, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, and Jamma Masjid all fall under Central Delhi. Apart from all these, some of the best hotels in New Delhi are to be found here, such as The Imperial, Le Meridien, The Oberoi, Taj Palace, and Ambassador Hotel, are all to be found in Central Delhi.
South Delhi: Known as the most posh areas of Delhi, South Delhi houses some of the best hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, historical monuments, and nightspots in Delhi. Important places and monuments include the Qutub Minar, Garden of Five Senses, Vasant Kunj, Safdarjung, Saket, Greater Kailash, Nehru Place, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, and Mehrauli. Chanakyapuri is also part of South Delhi, and houses most of the embassies and high commissions in India. South Delhi is bounded by South-West Delhi to the West, Dwarka and Gurgaon to the South-West, and Faridabad and Noida to the South-East and East. Some of the important hotels in South Delhi include the Radisson, Ashok, Samrat, and Grand Hyatt.
South Delhi: Known as the most posh areas of Delhi, South Delhi houses some of the best hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, historical monuments, and nightspots in Delhi. Important places and monuments include the Qutub Minar, Garden of Five Senses, Vasant Kunj, Safdarjung, Saket, Greater Kailash, Nehru Place, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, and Mehrauli. Chanakyapuri is also part of South Delhi, and houses most of the embassies and high commissions in India. South Delhi is bounded by South-West Delhi to the West, Dwarka and Gurgaon to the South-West, and Faridabad and Noida to the South-East and East. Some of the important hotels in South Delhi include the Radisson, Ashok, Samrat, and Grand Hyatt.
Connaught Place: Officially called Rajeev Chowk, Delhi's Connaught Place area is the central business district of the city. With its obvious Victorian architecture, Connaught Place is planned as a big circle in the middle with various radial roads spreading out in all directions. Divided primarily in to Inner Circle and Outer Circle, each partition is known as a block, wherein prominent business houses have their offices along side restaurants and retail chains. Connaught Place is also where Delhi's Palika Bazaar is; a circular underground market famous for shops selling all kinds of electronics and gadgets. The sprawling Central Park built over the Delhi Metro station is another attraction in Connaught Place.
India Gate: The India Gate in Delhi was built in 1921 to commemorate Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Located on Rajpath, the Amar Jawan Jyoti - flame of the immortal warrior - burns under the monument, marking the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. India Gate is a famous tourist spot in Delhi and in proximity to the Connaught Place area. Especially popular with visitors on the weekends, the roads leading to and around India Gate are flanked by vendors selling everything from postcards to balloons to ice cream. Stop by Delhi’s famous landmark when visiting the city next.
Dhyan Chand National Stadium: Named after the Hockey legend Dhyan Chand (known as the Hockey Wizard), the Dhyan Chand National Stadium is a field hockey stadium located in Central Delhi, in Delhi. The Dhyan Chand National Stadium has a capacity of 25,000 spectators, and is also the venue for the 2010 Boxing Cup, and has served as the venue for the 1st Asian Games in 1951. Major Dhyan Chand Singh has led the Indian Hockey Team to 3 consecutive Olympic Golds (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, 1936 Berlin). Considered to be a true master of the sport of hockey, there is little wonder that the Dhyan Chand National Stadium was named after him.
Delhi National Railway Museum: Set up in 1977, the Delhi National Railway Museum is over 20 years old and is a must visit when in New Delhi. It is situated in Chanakyapuri in New Delhi, spread over 10 acres of land, and showcases the history of the efficient Indian Railways. The Delhi National Railway Museum, also known as NRM, has a wide collection of rare and antique steam locomotives and other railway artefacts. The Delhi National Railway Museum has live exhibits as well as models, and runs a toy train around the grounds. Famous trains here include the Old Patiala State Steam Monorail, and the Fairy Queen, the world's oldest operational steam locomotive.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University: One of the best universities to be based out of Delhi, the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, commonly referred to as Indraprastha University, is an ISO 9001:2000 Certified university. The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University currently offers more than 60 programmes in 8 University Schools of Studies and 86 Institutes across the country, with more than 40,000 students. The office and varsity of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is currently in the former campus of Delhi College of Engineering at Kashmere Gate in Delhi. The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University aims to facilitate and promote studies; research and extension work in emerging areas of higher education.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple: The famous Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple in Delhi was built on the site of the beheading of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 AD by order of Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor. It is located in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi and is one of the most important sites of religious worship for Sikhs from all over the world. The Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple was built a century later, by a zealous devotee named Baba Baghel Singh. Inside the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple, one can see the trunk of the tree under which the Guru was executed, and the well where he took his daily bath while being imprisoned in Delhi.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: The famous Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi is one of the most important stadiums in India, apart from being the third largest. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is located about 7.5 km from the New Delhi Railway Station, and was built in 1982, and was constructed to host the 9th Asian Games in New Delhi. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will also host the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is an all-purpose sports arena that hosts football, cricket and other sporting events, apart from large-scale concerts and other entertainment events. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium also houses the headquarters of the Indian Olympic Association.
Karol Bagh: One of the most famous commercial areas of New Delhi, Karol Bagh is considered to be one of the largest shopping areas in the world. Enjoying a central location, Karol Bagh is just 3 km from New Delhi Railway Station, 12 km from the Domestic Airport, and 16 km from the International Airport. Almost everything under the sun is available in Karol Bagh, from electronics, jewellery, clothes, fabric, spare parts, furniture, and spices to name a few. Karol Bagh is the vivid centre of vibrant Delhi, an amalgamation of air-conditioned shops, busy thorough fares and narrow alleys. Karol Bagh is well-connected with a Metro Rail Station nearby.
Lodhi Garden: An oasis in the middle of Delhi, Lodhi Gardens is a popular garden in South Delhi where people from all over congregate to picnic, take a walk and generally enjoy the green environs. Spread out across 90 acres, the Lodhi Gardens houses many tombs of Sikander Lodhi and other monuments from the Pathan dynasty. The Lodhi Gardens is also where famous personalities of Delhi can be spotted – from politicians to authors. With it’s proximity to Khan Market and Safdarjung Tomb, Lodhi Gardens is popular with tourists coming to Delhi. With Lodhi Gardens, there is also a plant and flower nursery and along side Lodhi Gardens, is a fine dining restaurant, The Lodhi. Lodhi Gardens is located on Lodhi Road, opposite India Meteorological Department Mausam Bhawan in Delhi.
National Museum: The National Museum, located on Janpath in Central Delhi, is one of the most important museums in India, containing exquisite exhibits of art and Indian history. The National Museum has more than 200,000 works of art, as well as cultural and archaeological exhibits displaying 5,000 years of India’s heritage. The museum is one of the best places to spend a quiet afternoon in Delhi, and is close to many other attractions of New Delhi such as the Parliament, India Gate, and Connaught Place. Some of the sections at the National Museum include Jewellery, Paintings, Central Asian Antiquities, Arms and Armour, and many others.
Qutub Complex Mehrauli: One of the most interesting monument complexes in Delhi, the Qutub Complex, also spelled as Qutab Complex, is a historical wonderland that is almost a thousand years old, and contains the world famous Qutab Minar, which was conceived and partially built by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak. With inscriptions of the Holy Quran on it, the Qutab Minar is a red sandstone tower that rises to a height of 72.5 metres, dominating the landscape of Delhi. Other monuments in the famous Qutub Complex of Delhi include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Alai Darwaza, a 4th century Iron Pillar. The Qutub Complex is a must see for all visitors to Delhi.
Safdarjung's Tomb: The famous Safdarjung's Tomb of New Delhi is located at the beginning of Lodhi Road in New Delhi, and is one of the city’s most interesting landmarks, as well as one of the last of mausoleums of the Mughal dynasty. It was built in 1754 AD by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula for his father, Mirza Mukin Abul Mansur Khan, who was known as Safdarjung. Safdarjung's Tomb is designed on the pattern of Humayun's Tomb which is also located in Delhi, approximately 2.5 km away. Safdarjung's Tomb is located in the middle of a beautiful Mughal Garden, in the Mughal Charbagh style. Safdarjung's Tomb is a must visit when in Delhi.
Sarojini Nagar Market: Sarojini Nagar Market in south Delhi is a popular market amongst people of all ages. It’s most prominently known for its export market where shops line a central lane selling clothes that are export rejects. You can get some great deals on top international brand name clothing lines in Sarojni Nagar Market. Sarojni Nagar Market also has a notable vegetable and fruit market with vendors selling fresh groceries daily. Besides the export surplus market and vegetable market, Sarojni Nagar houses a variety of stores that sell everything from furniture to silver to home furnishings to shoes. Sarojini Nagar is truly a one-stop shopping hub for everything. The Sarojni Nagar Market is closed on Monday.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple: The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is one of the most famous temples in the world, and was constructed in a five year period from 8th November 2000 to 6th November 2005. It showcases India’s ancient culture, art, and architecture, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi. Grandiose and beautiful, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex contains many interesting features apart from the central built-entirely of stone temple. These include the Hall of Values, Theatre, Musical Fountain, Garden of India, Boat Ride, and many other features. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi was opened with much pomp and splendour in 2005.
Teen Murti Bhavan: Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi was originally the house of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. After his death, the Teen Murti Bhawan was converted into a museum and a library with some of the best books on Indian history in Delhi. Teen Murti Bhawan is also referred to as the Nehru Memorial Museum. The name Teen Murti is derived from the “three statues” memorial built for Indian Soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The Nehru Planetarium of Delhi is housed in the Teen Murti Bhawan. Teen Murti Bhawan is closed on Mondays and on all public holidays.
University of Delhi: University of Delhi is the central university in Delhi. Established in 1922, University of Delhi offers a number of graduate and post-graduate courses in a variety of streams from fine-arts to engineering. The importance of the university and Delhi is evident in the fact that Vice-president of India is the Vice-chancellor of the University of Delhi. The University of Delhi has a two campus concept, keeping expansion into consideration, with one campus in North Delhi and one in South Delhi. Most of the famous colleges of Delhi come under the University of Delhi. The campus at North Delhi is well connected with central Delhi with the Delhi Metro.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University: One of the best universities to be based out of Delhi, the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, commonly referred to as Indraprastha University, is an ISO 9001:2000 Certified university. The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University currently offers more than 60 programmes in 8 University Schools of Studies and 86 Institutes across the country, with more than 40,000 students. The office and varsity of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is currently in the former campus of Delhi College of Engineering at Kashmere Gate in Delhi. The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University aims to facilitate and promote studies; research and extension work in emerging areas of higher education.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple: The famous Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple in Delhi was built on the site of the beheading of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 AD by order of Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor. It is located in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi and is one of the most important sites of religious worship for Sikhs from all over the world. The Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple was built a century later, by a zealous devotee named Baba Baghel Singh. Inside the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Temple, one can see the trunk of the tree under which the Guru was executed, and the well where he took his daily bath while being imprisoned in Delhi.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: The famous Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi is one of the most important stadiums in India, apart from being the third largest. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is located about 7.5 km from the New Delhi Railway Station, and was built in 1982, and was constructed to host the 9th Asian Games in New Delhi. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will also host the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is an all-purpose sports arena that hosts football, cricket and other sporting events, apart from large-scale concerts and other entertainment events. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium also houses the headquarters of the Indian Olympic Association.
Karol Bagh: One of the most famous commercial areas of New Delhi, Karol Bagh is considered to be one of the largest shopping areas in the world. Enjoying a central location, Karol Bagh is just 3 km from New Delhi Railway Station, 12 km from the Domestic Airport, and 16 km from the International Airport. Almost everything under the sun is available in Karol Bagh, from electronics, jewellery, clothes, fabric, spare parts, furniture, and spices to name a few. Karol Bagh is the vivid centre of vibrant Delhi, an amalgamation of air-conditioned shops, busy thorough fares and narrow alleys. Karol Bagh is well-connected with a Metro Rail Station nearby.
Lodhi Garden: An oasis in the middle of Delhi, Lodhi Gardens is a popular garden in South Delhi where people from all over congregate to picnic, take a walk and generally enjoy the green environs. Spread out across 90 acres, the Lodhi Gardens houses many tombs of Sikander Lodhi and other monuments from the Pathan dynasty. The Lodhi Gardens is also where famous personalities of Delhi can be spotted – from politicians to authors. With it’s proximity to Khan Market and Safdarjung Tomb, Lodhi Gardens is popular with tourists coming to Delhi. With Lodhi Gardens, there is also a plant and flower nursery and along side Lodhi Gardens, is a fine dining restaurant, The Lodhi. Lodhi Gardens is located on Lodhi Road, opposite India Meteorological Department Mausam Bhawan in Delhi.
National Museum: The National Museum, located on Janpath in Central Delhi, is one of the most important museums in India, containing exquisite exhibits of art and Indian history. The National Museum has more than 200,000 works of art, as well as cultural and archaeological exhibits displaying 5,000 years of India’s heritage. The museum is one of the best places to spend a quiet afternoon in Delhi, and is close to many other attractions of New Delhi such as the Parliament, India Gate, and Connaught Place. Some of the sections at the National Museum include Jewellery, Paintings, Central Asian Antiquities, Arms and Armour, and many others.
Qutub Complex Mehrauli: One of the most interesting monument complexes in Delhi, the Qutub Complex, also spelled as Qutab Complex, is a historical wonderland that is almost a thousand years old, and contains the world famous Qutab Minar, which was conceived and partially built by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak. With inscriptions of the Holy Quran on it, the Qutab Minar is a red sandstone tower that rises to a height of 72.5 metres, dominating the landscape of Delhi. Other monuments in the famous Qutub Complex of Delhi include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Alai Darwaza, a 4th century Iron Pillar. The Qutub Complex is a must see for all visitors to Delhi.
Safdarjung's Tomb: The famous Safdarjung's Tomb of New Delhi is located at the beginning of Lodhi Road in New Delhi, and is one of the city’s most interesting landmarks, as well as one of the last of mausoleums of the Mughal dynasty. It was built in 1754 AD by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula for his father, Mirza Mukin Abul Mansur Khan, who was known as Safdarjung. Safdarjung's Tomb is designed on the pattern of Humayun's Tomb which is also located in Delhi, approximately 2.5 km away. Safdarjung's Tomb is located in the middle of a beautiful Mughal Garden, in the Mughal Charbagh style. Safdarjung's Tomb is a must visit when in Delhi.
Sarojini Nagar Market: Sarojini Nagar Market in south Delhi is a popular market amongst people of all ages. It’s most prominently known for its export market where shops line a central lane selling clothes that are export rejects. You can get some great deals on top international brand name clothing lines in Sarojni Nagar Market. Sarojni Nagar Market also has a notable vegetable and fruit market with vendors selling fresh groceries daily. Besides the export surplus market and vegetable market, Sarojni Nagar houses a variety of stores that sell everything from furniture to silver to home furnishings to shoes. Sarojini Nagar is truly a one-stop shopping hub for everything. The Sarojni Nagar Market is closed on Monday.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple: The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is one of the most famous temples in the world, and was constructed in a five year period from 8th November 2000 to 6th November 2005. It showcases India’s ancient culture, art, and architecture, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi. Grandiose and beautiful, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex contains many interesting features apart from the central built-entirely of stone temple. These include the Hall of Values, Theatre, Musical Fountain, Garden of India, Boat Ride, and many other features. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi was opened with much pomp and splendour in 2005.
Teen Murti Bhavan: Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi was originally the house of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. After his death, the Teen Murti Bhawan was converted into a museum and a library with some of the best books on Indian history in Delhi. Teen Murti Bhawan is also referred to as the Nehru Memorial Museum. The name Teen Murti is derived from the “three statues” memorial built for Indian Soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The Nehru Planetarium of Delhi is housed in the Teen Murti Bhawan. Teen Murti Bhawan is closed on Mondays and on all public holidays.
University of Delhi: University of Delhi is the central university in Delhi. Established in 1922, University of Delhi offers a number of graduate and post-graduate courses in a variety of streams from fine-arts to engineering. The importance of the university and Delhi is evident in the fact that Vice-president of India is the Vice-chancellor of the University of Delhi. The University of Delhi has a two campus concept, keeping expansion into consideration, with one campus in North Delhi and one in South Delhi. Most of the famous colleges of Delhi come under the University of Delhi. The campus at North Delhi is well connected with central Delhi with the Delhi Metro.
Gurgaon: Part of the National Capital Region (NCR) trio comprising Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad, Gurgaon as a suburb has fast developed into a mini metro. Gurgaon is divided in to Old Gurgaon and New Gurgaon by NH8. Famous for its shopping malls, Gurgaon has also emerged as the hub of IT with several international companies setting up their offices here. Along with IT companies, Gurgaon is home to various MNC offices, renowned schools and hospitals. Gurgaon has emerged as a choice location for housing projects as well with builders setting up self-contained residential developments and high rises similar to those in foreign countries.
