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The beautiful, ancient city of Delhi is the largest in northern India and one of the oldest in the world. New Delhi, located within Delhi, is the vibrant capital of India. The landmarks here include significant government buildings, monuments, mosques and temples, all wonderful representations of the breathtaking Indian architecture. The growing metro system is a helpful way to explore many of the areas within New Delhi as well as the surrounding areas. There are always taxis and rickshaws as well!  

Saturday 9 am 

 For the museum lovers, start your day off at the National Museum in New Delhi. It is known for its exquisite collection containing many valuable and important pieces. Although the building itself has been criticized for needing many renovations you’ll still find over 200,000 pieces of art ranging from pre-historic to modern time.   

If you’re looking for something a little different then check out Humayun’s Tomb, referenced by many as a mini version of the Taj Mahal. This is the tomb of Mughal’s Emperor Humayun and marked the beginning of what would be a new direction for Mughal architecture. The beautiful complex is spotted with serene gardens, making it's grounds a perfect place to embrace some Indian history.  

Saturday Noon - Qutub Minar

Pack a lunch and enjoy it at the picnic grounds around the Qutub Minar, a red standstone tower started in 1199 AD. The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret, (a type of Islamic mosque) in the world.  It is inscribed on the outside in Arabic and Nagari, which tell the tower’s history. After you’ve finished your lunch walk the 379 steps to the top and enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city.  

Saturday 3 pm - Shopping on Janpath

Janpath, translating to the “People’s Path,” is one of the main roads in New Delhi and an excellent place for bargain-hunting. You’ll be able to find a variety of knick-knacks, clothes, books, and many other items that make great souvenirs and gifts from your trip. However, you must be prepared to bargain ruthlessly to get the deals you deserve. 

If you’re interested in more Western style shops then check out the horseshoe-shaped Connaught Place, at one end of Janpath and very close to all the flea market type stores. Located in the heart of the city, here you’ll find everything your heart could desire from electronic and household goods to clothes and handicrafts. 

Saturday Evening - South Indian Cuisine 

For dinner head over to the close-by Saravana Bhavan which features authentic south Indian vegetarian cuisine at reasonable prices. With lines often out the door be prepared to wait for a table but the food and service will make it well worth it.  The dosa, a crispy, savory pancake) is a must-try and comes with a variety of chutneys.  There is great variety here so you’ll get a chance to sample many different flavors and dishes. 

Sunday 9 am - Old Delhi 

Spend the first part of the day in New Delhi beginning with the beautifully built Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple is named such because of it looks like a flower with 27 petals. This Bahai faith inspired temple is a wonderful place to begin your day with a walk through the gardens outside and even through the temple itself. 

The Lotus Temple. Photo by Daria (interrogating the image).

Close by is Red Fort, a splendid redstone building that is another great representation of Mughal architecture. Completed in 1648, it served as a defense for the city and featured twenty-one towers along the 124 acre fort. Even if you do not tour the inside it still is a wonderful structure to walk by and see because of its architecture and magnitude. 

Another wonderful place to check out right next door is Chatta Chowk, a covered bazaar that served the luxurious needs of the imperial class in the 17th century. Today you can find less luxury goods and more Indian handicrafts that make for great souvenirs from your trip. In the vaulted arcades of Chatta Chowk you will also find many eateries so its a great place to stop for some lunch and refueling. 

 An excellent place to stop by for food and treats is Haldiram’s, a manufacturer of sweets and snacks.  Located in the middle of Chatta Chowk, this two story shop has been providing sweets and snack foods to Delhi since 1924. The first floor has a vast array of treats and the second story is a vegetarian restaurant. Make sure to try the Delhi chaat more specifically the Raj Kachori, containing a variety of stuffings and chutneys. 

Sunday 3 pm - King's Way 

Head over to Rajpath, one of the main roads in New Delhi and connects the landmark India Gate to the official resident of the president, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Begin with a tour of the magnificent Rashptrapati Bhavan, featuring a beautiful mixture of both American and Indian architecture on 4.5 acres. You must get permission beforehand for a tour of the landmark so contact a tour group ahead of time to schedule. 

 After your tour walk down Rajpath, also known as “King’s Way,” and enjoy the scenic landscape. You’ll pass by the main administrative buildings of India, museums, and decorative parks and gardens as you make your way over to India Gate. India Gate was built in commemoration of the almost 100,000 Indian soliders who died fighting in WWI for the British. It is one of the most well-known landmarks in New Delhi and a must-see on your trip.  After a day of walking and exploring its gardens present a nice place to relax and people watch. There also are many street vendors for you to pick up snacks from as well. 

Sunday 7 pm - Bukhara

For dinner indulge at one of the best restaurants in not only India, but Asia as well - Bukhara. The Northwestern Indian inspired cuisine is meant to be experienced and relished by eating with your hands so you’re given aprons instead of utensils. If you enjoy seafood make sure to try out their prawns and also try their black daal. Although pricey, its worth the cost to enjoy a delicious final meal in India.  

Sunday Option 2

Another option for your Sunday is to head over towards East Delhi to the Akshardham temple, the largest Hindu temple complex in the world.  The magnificent structure is beautifully decorated and acts not only as a religious center but also an educator of the many different cultures in India. There are enough activities there to keep you engaged for hours. Make sure to check out the Hall of Values, musical fountain, and take a boat ride! 

Where to Stay?

Taj Mahal Hotel 

If you’re looking to treat yourself during your stay to New Delhi than this luxurious hotel is the place for you. Everything, the service, cleanliness, facilities, is held to impeccable standards that won’t disappoint. The Taj Mahal Hotel will do everything possible to make their accomodations perfect for you, allowing you to only focus on enjoying your stay in New Delhi. A plus - the restaurants at their hotel are some of the best in India including Chinese and Indian cuisine. 

Shanti Home 

 If location of your hotel is not as important to you then you must check out Shanti Home for your accomodations. Although outside central Delhi, the hotel’s spacious rooms, wonderful staff, rooftop restaurant, and massage/spa services can create a wonderful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the New Delhi.  You can easily travel to central Delhi by taking the metro or a rickshaw. Book here if you’re looking for a perfect place to unwind each night after a long day of sightseeing.  

If you enjoyed reading about this trip and want to check out more then visit the Duffel here.