Discover Delhi

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.

The National Capital Territory lies mainly west of the Yamuna River and forms the core of the wider NCR. Old Delhi, central New Delhi, south Delhi and the airport–Gurugram corridor are separate planning zones.

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.

October to March is generally best, with February and March especially comfortable. December and January can be cold and foggy; April to June is intensely hot.

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.

By air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) serves domestic and international flights; Airport Express, authorised taxis, app cabs and buses connect it with the city.

By train

New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar Terminal are major stations; use the exact station code on the ticket.

By bus and road

ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan serve different intercity corridors, alongside route-specific private boarding points.

Always use the terminal and boarding point printed on the latest ticket; similarly named stations can be far apart.

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.

Browse Chandni Chowk for historic-market atmosphere, Dilli Haat for crafts and regional food, Janpath for casual shopping and Khan Market or Connaught Place for established retail.

Compare prices, request a proper bill for higher-value purchases and ask permission before photographing vendors or inside shops.

Try chaat, chole bhature, parathas, kebabs, butter chicken, nihari where appropriate, kulfi and regional food at Dilli Haat; Old Delhi rewards a guided or carefully planned food walk.

Choose busy, well-reviewed kitchens, drink safe water and confirm ingredients when allergies or dietary restrictions matter.

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.

Day 1: Old Delhi

Combine the Red Fort exterior or visit, Jama Masjid area, Chandni Chowk and a careful food walk.

Day 2: New Delhi heritage

Visit Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden, India Gate and one national museum.

Day 3: South Delhi

Explore Qutub Minar, Mehrauli or a museum and finish at Dilli Haat or a dining district.

• 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 by area: distance on a map may not reflect real travel time.
• Verify before leaving: check current opening days, last entry, weather and transport status.
• Use recognised transport: confirm fares or app bookings and vehicle details.
• Respect local life: dress appropriately at religious sites and ask before portraits.
• Keep a buffer: allow extra time for rain, crowds and terminal transfers.

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.