Delhi Travel Guide

Delhi combines the Mughal lanes and monuments of Old Delhi, the ceremonial avenues of New Delhi, major museums, diverse neighbourhoods and the institutions of India's national capital.

The principal experiences include Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Lodhi Garden.

Two to three well-planned days suit a first visit; add time for distant excursions or a slower neighbourhood-focused trip.

Delhi has been shaped by successive settlements and empires. The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal period left forts, mosques and tombs; the British planned New Delhi as an imperial capital, and independent India retained it as the national capital.

Delhi has very hot summers, a humid monsoon, a short pleasant autumn and cool winters. Winter fog and episodes of poor air quality can affect flights, trains and outdoor plans.

Seasonal patterns can vary; check the current forecast and local advisories before departure.

Cooler or drier months

Usually best for long outdoor sightseeing days; carry a light layer where evenings turn cool.

Hot months

Start early, rest during the strongest afternoon heat and carry water and sun protection.

Rainy months

Keep a flexible indoor alternative and extra time for traffic, stations and airport transfers.

Delhi Metro is the most predictable option on many corridors. Combine it with buses, autos, cabs and walking, and keep security-screening time at stations.

Group nearby attractions together and avoid unnecessary cross-city journeys during peak hours.

Republic Day events, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Gurpurab and seasonal cultural festivals bring colour as well as closures, security zones and diversions.

Dates change annually. Expect crowd controls and traffic diversions, and observe worship and processions respectfully.

Photograph Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Garden early, India Gate and Kartavya Path at blue hour, and Old Delhi street life respectfully; security rules apply around government buildings.

Tripods, drones and commercial photography may need permission. Follow monument, museum, religious-site, aviation and security restrictions.

• Comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable layers.
• Sun protection, reusable water bottle and compact rain protection.
• Modest clothing for active religious sites.
• Photo ID, medicines, prescription copies, power bank and backup payment method.

Pack for extremes: breathable clothing and sun protection in summer, warm layers in winter, rain protection in monsoon and an N95-style mask when air-quality advisories warrant it.

Major public institutions include AIIMS, Safdarjung, Ram Manohar Lohia and Lok Nayak hospitals; private multi-speciality networks operate across Delhi and NCR.

For urgent care, use the nearest suitable emergency department rather than crossing the destination. Call ahead for planned appointments and carry identification, insurance information and a medicine list. This is travel-planning information, not medical advice.

• 112: unified emergency response.
• 100: police.
• 101: fire and rescue.
• 102/108: ambulance and emergency response.
• 1098: child helpline.

Use 112 when unsure and share a clear landmark and live location. Service availability can change.

Plan about ₹2,000–₹4,000 per person daily for a basic trip, ₹5,000–₹9,000 mid-range and ₹10,000+ for comfort-focused travel, excluding arrival travel and shopping.

These are indicative September 2026 planning ranges, not fixed prices. Accommodation location, weekends, festivals and events can materially change the total.