Things to do in New Delhi – India

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Delhi, the capital city of India, is home to about 19 million people. Along with being the political core of India, Delhi is also the heart of all cultural activities, business and transportation. It is one of the most visited cities in India and is a hot travel destination for both Indians and foreigners.

The city has a rich cultural history since it was the capital of many ancient kingdoms that existed in India. At the time of the British rule in India, Delhi was also modernized. As a result, Delhi boasts of a number of forts, tombs and ancient structures, and at the same time, is also known for a number of the modern state of the art buildings and monuments. The ancient traditions of the city are still live in part called Old Delhi,’ and that is the most popular travel area for tourists.

History of New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital city of India, and it has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The city has been the center of power in India for centuries, and it has been ruled by several different dynasties and empires throughout its history. Here’s a timeline of the major events in the history of New Delhi:

  • 736 AD: The city of Lal Kot is founded by the Tomara dynasty. Lal Kot was the first settlement in the area that is now New Delhi.
  • 1192 AD: The city is conquered by the Sultan of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. He renames the city “Mehrauli” and builds the Qutub Minar, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • 1290 AD: The city is sacked and destroyed by the Mongol invader, Timur.
  • 1303 AD: The city is rebuilt by the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khalji.
  • 1526 AD: The Mughal Empire is founded by Babur, who captures Delhi and makes it his capital. The Mughals ruled India for several centuries, and they left a lasting impact on New Delhi’s culture, architecture, and cuisine.
  • 1638 AD: The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan builds the city of Shahjahanabad, which becomes the new capital of the Mughal Empire. Shahjahanabad is now known as Old Delhi.
  • 1803 AD: The British East India Company captures Delhi and makes it the capital of their Indian territories.
  • 1911 AD: The British government decides to move the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. They hire British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker to design the new capital city, which is named New Delhi.
  • 1931 AD: New Delhi becomes the official capital of India.
  • 1947 AD: India gains independence from British rule, and New Delhi becomes the capital of the newly-formed Republic of India.
  • 1984 AD: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated in New Delhi by two of her bodyguards. Her death leads to a period of political unrest in the city.
  • 2010 AD: New Delhi hosts the Commonwealth Games, which brings international attention to the city and helps to modernise its infrastructure.

New Delhi has a long and fascinating history, and its architecture, culture, and traditions reflect its rich past. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis that is home to millions of people, and it remains one of the most important political and cultural centres in India.

What is a must-do in Delhi?

There is so much to do in Delhi when you travel here, that it is difficult to know where to start from. From exploring the street food in Old Delhi to visiting the heritage sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb, and then exploring the modern age gigantic shopping malls, designer boutique stores at Haus Khas and Shahpur Jat, Delhi has something to offer for everyone.

Related Article : Things to do in Pondicherry

What is the best thing about Delhi?

The best thing about Delhi is that it is a perfect mix of ancient and modern culture. On the one hand, you can witness the narrow streets full of small and big shops selling all kinds of products in Chandni Chowk, and on the other hand, you can toast your eyes with the grandeur of the vast luxury shopping malls.

Delhi is full of small street vendors selling the best of sweets and savories and also known for giving the best five-star dining experiences. It is the co-existence of these contrasting experiences that make Delhi an exceptional and unusual travel destination.

Best Walks

No travel to Delhi is complete without exploring the two most popular kinds of walks – scenic and food. The best scenic walk to take is around Central Delhi and India Gate. This would cover the major political sights like the Parliament and the Supreme Court, the beautiful Botanical Gardens and Lodi Garden, and the ancient tourist spots like Humayun’s Tomb and Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.

The best walk to take is undoubtedly the food walk in Old Delhi. You can taste vegetarian and non-vegetarian, as well as sweet and savory delicacies. From the famous street food to the overnight cooked mutton and kebabs, from the widely available fresh cookies to the famous and inimitable Daulat ki Chaat,’ there is no experience better than that of an Old Delhi food walk.

Best Restaurants

Delhi is home to the most distinctive variety of food in India, which is available in the smallest of streets and also in the biggest luxury hotels. Though it is tough to zero down the best restaurants in Delhi, some places are definitely a must-visit.

New Delhi is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine, the city offers a plethora of dining options, ranging from street food to fine dining. Here are some of the best restaurants in New Delhi that you should not miss.

  1. Indian Accent Indian Accent is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has won many accolades for its innovative cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features dishes from all over India, with a modern twist. Some of the must-try dishes include the foie gras stuffed galawat, meetha achar chilean spare ribs, and the doda barfi treacle tart.
  2. Bukhara Bukhara is a legendary restaurant located at the ITC Maurya Hotel that is famous for its tandoori cuisine. The restaurant has won many awards and has been a favorite of many celebrities and politicians. Some of the must-try dishes include the tandoori raan, dal bukhara, and the paneer tikka.
  3. Karim’s Karim’s is a popular restaurant that has been serving delicious Mughlai cuisine for over 100 years. The restaurant’s signature dish is the mutton burra kebab, which is made with tender mutton pieces marinated in a special blend of spices and grilled to perfection. The restaurant is also known for its biryanis and nihari.
  4. Andhra Bhavan Andhra Bhavan is a government-run canteen that serves delicious Andhra cuisine at very affordable prices. The restaurant’s thali is a must-try, which includes rice, sambar, rasam, curd, and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is also known for its spicy chicken fry and mutton fry.
  5. Indian Accent at The Lodhi Indian Accent at The Lodhi is the second outlet of the acclaimed restaurant, which is located at The Lodhi Hotel. The restaurant’s menu features dishes from all over India, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include the phulka tacos, tuna bhel, and the doda barfi treacle tart.
  6. Gali Paranthe Wali Gali Paranthe Wali is a famous street food destination that is located in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. The area is famous for its paranthas, which are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as potato, paneer, and keema. The paranthas are served with a side of chutney, curd, and pickle.
  7. The Spice Route The Spice Route is a fine-dining restaurant located at The Imperial Hotel that is known for its South East Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s décor is inspired by the ancient Silk Route, and the menu features dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Some of the must-try dishes include the banana leaf-wrapped steamed fish, tom yum soup, and the red curry with duck.
  8. Sagar Ratna Sagar Ratna is a chain of vegetarian restaurants that serve delicious South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of dosas, idlis, vadas, and uttapams. Some of the must-try dishes include the masala dosa, rava idli, and the sambar vada.
  9. Lodi – The Garden Restaurant Lodi – The Garden Restaurant is a beautiful outdoor restaurant located in the heart of Delhi. The restaurant’s menu features dishes from all over the world, with a focus on healthy and organic ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include the goat cheese salad, the grilled octopus, and the lamb shank.
  10. Punjab Grill Punjab Grill is a high-end restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features dishes such as tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhani, which are cooked using traditional methods with a modern twist. The restaurant is also known for its unique cocktails and mocktails, which are infused with Indian spices.

In conclusion, New Delhi has a wide range of restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you are in the mood for street food or fine dining, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. These are just a few of the many great restaurants that you can visit during your stay in New Delhi.

Best Places to Stay in New Delhi

  1. Connaught Place: This is a central business district and shopping hub, with many historical buildings and cultural attractions. Some of the best hotels to stay in Connaught Place include The Imperial New Delhi, The Lalit New Delhi, and The Park New Delhi.
  2. Paharganj: This area is a popular budget accommodation option for backpackers and budget travelers. Some of the best hotels in Paharganj include Hotel Godwin Deluxe, Hotel Shelton, and Hotel Amax Inn.
  3. Karol Bagh: This is a residential area with many shops, restaurants, and markets. Some of the best hotels in Karol Bagh include Hotel Sunstar Heritage, Hotel Regent Continental, and Hotel Kingston Park.
  4. Greater Kailash: This is a posh residential area with many high-end restaurants and shops. Some of the best hotels in Greater Kailash include The Eros Hotel, The Suryaa New Delhi, and The Grand New Delhi.
  5. South Delhi: This is a wealthy residential area with many parks and gardens. Some of the best hotels in South Delhi include The Claridges New Delhi, The Lodhi, and The Oberoi New Delhi.
  6. Chanakyapuri: This is a diplomatic area with many embassies and high-end restaurants. Some of the best hotels in Chanakyapuri include The Leela Palace New Delhi, Taj Diplomatic Enclave, and ITC Maurya.
  7. Aerocity: This is a new development near the airport with many international chain hotels. Some of the best hotels in Aerocity include Andaz Delhi, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, and JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity.
  8. Hauz Khas Village: This is a trendy and bohemian neighborhood with many cafes, bars, and art galleries. Some of the best hotels in Hauz Khas Village include The Roseate, The Park Residency, and The Ashtan Sarovar Portico.
  9. Rajouri Garden: This is a shopping and entertainment hub with many malls, restaurants, and cinemas. Some of the best hotels in Rajouri Garden include Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar, The Piccadily Hotel New Delhi, and Palm Spring a Boutique Hotel.
  10. Saket: This is a suburban area with many malls, restaurants, and cinemas. Some of the best hotels in Saket include Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Delhi Saket, and Hotel Saket 27.

These are just some of the best areas and hotels to stay in New Delhi for tourists, and there are many more options depending on your preferences and budget.

Music

Since Delhi is the cultural hub of India, music is an essential part of the lifestyle. Tourists can witness all kinds of music from traditional Sufi and Bollywood melodies to live Jazz and rock. A number of music shows with Sufi music and qawwalis are performed at famous monuments like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. At the same time, an increasing number of cafes and pubs host live bands every night that play the best of Western and Bollywood music and are mostly visited by foreigners on travel.

In addition to this, Delhi also has several auditoriums that host live shows by classical artists and new promising singers daily to encourage rising talent. A number of rock concerts and performances by Bollywood singers are also held regularly.

Nightlife

New Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The city has a plethora of bars, clubs, and lounges that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with your partner, New Delhi has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best nightlife and bars in New Delhi.

  1. Kitty Su Kitty Su is one of the most popular nightclubs in New Delhi. It is located inside The Lalit Hotel in Connaught Place and is known for its eclectic music and lively atmosphere. The club hosts international DJs and live performances, making it a favorite among music lovers. The club is open every night of the week, and the cover charge varies depending on the day of the week.
  2. Hauz Khas Social Hauz Khas Social is a trendy bar located in the Hauz Khas Village area of New Delhi. The bar has a rustic decor and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a favorite among young professionals and students. The bar serves a wide range of drinks and delicious food, including burgers, pizzas, and salads. The outdoor seating area is perfect for a relaxing evening with friends.
  3. PCO PCO (Pass Code Only) is a speakeasy bar located in the Vasant Vihar area of New Delhi. The bar is known for its creative cocktails and unique decor, which is inspired by the prohibition era of the United States. The bar is accessed through a phone booth and has a secret entrance, giving it a mysterious and exclusive feel.
  4. Aer Aer is a rooftop bar located on the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in New Delhi. The bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is known for its sophisticated ambiance. The bar serves a wide range of drinks and delicious food, including sushi, tapas, and cocktails. The dress code is smart casual, and the bar has a cover charge.
  5. Lord of the Drinks Lord of the Drinks is a popular chain of bars and lounges located across New Delhi. The bars have a medieval theme and serve a wide range of drinks and food. The ambiance is lively and energetic, making it a favorite among young people. The bars also have a dance floor, and the music is a mix of popular Bollywood and English songs.
  6. The Electric Room The Electric Room is a popular bar located inside The Lodhi Hotel in New Delhi. The bar has a retro decor and a cozy ambiance, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The bar serves a wide range of drinks, including signature cocktails and premium spirits. The music is a mix of retro and contemporary songs, creating a unique and lively atmosphere.
  7. Keya Keya is a popular lounge located in Vasant Kunj area of New Delhi. The lounge has a modern decor and a sophisticated ambiance, making it a favorite among the city’s elite. The lounge serves a wide range of drinks and delicious food, including Indian and international cuisine. The outdoor seating area is perfect for a romantic evening with your partner.

In conclusion, New Delhi has a vibrant nightlife scene with a plethora of bars and clubs that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated lounge or a lively nightclub, you will find it in this vibrant city. These are just a few of the many great bars and lounges that you can visit during your stay in New Delhi.

Best day trip

A trip to Delhi is incomplete without a trip to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, which is one of Seven Wonders of the World. Agra is only a 3 to 4-hour road journey and can be easily covered as a day trip. Along with visiting the Taj Mahal, a trip to Agra can also include visiting the Fatehpur Sikri (fortress of Mughal King Akbar) and relishing the famous sweets of the town.

Less popular facts about Delhi

Delhi is a shopping hub for tourists, but what people do not know is that shop owners sometimes end up charging exorbitant rates to foreigners, and thus it is important to bargain with them as much as possible. Moreover, irrespective of how happening Delhi’s nightlife is, there have been major safety issues for tourists and women in particular. Thus, it is not advisable for people on travel to step out alone in less populated areas without proper knowledge of the locality.

Every popular tourist destination has its pros and cons, but the advantages of travel outweigh the cons. Nowhere in the world would you find a city with culture and modernism as diverse as in Delhi, and nowhere would you find people as welcoming and helpful as in Delhi. Despite being one of the most polluted cities in the world, Delhi has some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Despite being popular for the limited safety of women, The people in the city are most friendly and accommodating.

10 interesting facts about New Delhi

  1. New Delhi is the capital city of India and was made capital in 1911, during the British colonial period.
  2. The city was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker and is famous for its grand colonial architecture.
  3. New Delhi is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar.
  4. The city is the political center of India and is home to the Indian Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the official residence of the President of India.
  5. New Delhi has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its colorful markets, traditional street food, and vibrant festivals.
  6. The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, attracting over 50 million visitors since its opening in 1986.
  7. New Delhi has a rich literary heritage and is home to several world-renowned authors, including Salman Rushdie and Arundhati Roy.
  8. The city has a rich musical tradition and is known for its classical music and Bollywood film industry.
  9. New Delhi is one of the greenest capital cities in the world, with several large parks and gardens, including the famous Lodhi Gardens.
  10. New Delhi is the second-most populous city in India, with a population of over 18 million people. The city is also one of the fastest-growing in the world, with a rapidly developing economy and a thriving startup ecosystem.