2-Day Delhi Adventure: Outdoors & Sightseeing Extravaganza

Delhi, India

2 days

The Canopy and the India Gate, view from the National War Memorial
Jama Masjid in the Old town
Lal Qila Red Fort
India Gate
Lotus Temple

About Delhi, India

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Delhi, India's capital city. This bustling metropolis offers a unique blend of modernity and rich history. Visit iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi, where you can taste authentic Indian cuisine and shop for traditional crafts. Don't miss the serene Lotus Temple and the impressive India Gate. Experience the spiritual side of Delhi at Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, or Swaminarayan Akshardham, a stunning Hindu temple complex. Enjoy the city's green spaces at Lodhi Gardens or the Delhi Zoo. With its diverse attractions, Delhi promises an unforgettable travel experience.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic Charms of Old Delhi

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive red sandstone fort is a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal era. Enjoy the lush gardens and intricate architecture as you explore this historic monument.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch at a local restaurant. Delhi is famous for its street food, so don't miss the chance to try some local delicacies like chaat, biryani, and butter chicken.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Climb the southern tower for a panoramic view of the city. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, a popular shopping area.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant serving North Indian cuisine. Try dishes like dal makhani, paneer tikka, and naan bread.

Evening

End your day with a visit to India Gate, a war memorial located in the heart of the city. The monument is beautifully lit up at night, offering a serene atmosphere for an evening stroll.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 73-meter tall tower is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and a popular tourist attraction.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try South Indian cuisine like dosa, idli, and sambar.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Lotus Temple, a stunning white marble structure shaped like a lotus flower. This Bahá'í House of Worship is open to all, regardless of religion or any other distinction.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant serving a variety of Indian cuisines. Try dishes like rogan josh, malai kofta, and pulao.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Akshardham Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple complex. Enjoy the beautiful architecture, the musical fountain show, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Attractions in Itinerary (7)

Red Fort

1
Red Fort

The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Jama Masjid

2
Jama Masjid

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees, and was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Religious Sites
Architecture
Chandni Chowk

3
Chandni Chowk

One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. It is also a famous 'food street' where one can taste variety of Indian street food.

Attractions
Neighborhoods
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
India Gate

4
India Gate

A war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the 'ceremonial axis' of New Delhi, formerly called Kingsway.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Architecture
Qutub Minar

5
Qutub Minar

A minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Lotus Temple

6
Lotus Temple

A Bahá'í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city.

Attractions
Landmarks
Religious Sites
Architecture
Akshardham Temple

7
Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple complex showcasing traditional Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world and features intricate carvings, a large central monument, beautiful gardens, and a water show.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature

A popular dish in Delhi, Chole Bhature is a combination of spicy chickpeas (chole) and fried bread (bhature). It's a staple breakfast dish in many households and street food stalls.

Parantha

Parantha

Parantha is a type of Indian bread that is often stuffed with various fillings like potato, paneer, or radish. It's a common breakfast dish in Delhi, often served with yogurt or pickle.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a creamy and rich dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a buttery tomato sauce. It's a popular main course in Delhi, often served with naan or rice.

Rajma Chawal

Rajma Chawal

Rajma Chawal is a comfort food for many in Delhi. It consists of red kidney beans cooked in a thick gravy, served over rice.

Gol Gappa

Gol Gappa

Gol Gappa, also known as Pani Puri, is a popular street food in Delhi. It consists of a hollow, crispy puri filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas.

Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a popular snack in Delhi. It's a patty made from boiled potatoes, onions, and various spices, and is typically served hot with chutney.

Biryani

Biryani

Biryani is a flavorful rice dish made with aromatic spices and meat (usually chicken or mutton). It's a popular dish in Delhi, especially among non-vegetarians.

Kulfi

Kulfi

Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that is very popular in Delhi. It comes in various flavors like mango, pistachio, and rose.

Jalebi

Jalebi

Jalebi is a popular sweet in Delhi. It's a spiral-shaped dessert made by deep-frying a wheat flour batter in pretzel or circular shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup.

Masala Chai

Masala Chai

Masala Chai is a flavored tea beverage made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs. It's a staple drink in Delhi, often consumed throughout the day.

Lassi

Lassi

Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink that is popular in Delhi. It can be sweet or savory and is often flavored with fruits or spices.

Sharbat

Sharbat

Sharbat is a sweet, cold beverage prepared from fruits or flower petals. It's a popular drink in Delhi, especially during the hot summer months.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Delhi, India is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. The summer months from April to June can be extremely hot and monsoon season from July to September can cause disruptions to travel plans due to heavy rain.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 13

Sat

Lohri

January 26

Fri

Republic Day

March 25

Mon

Dolyatra

March 25

Mon

Holi

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 11

Thu

Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar

April 17

Wed

Rama Navami

April 21

Sun

Mahavir Jayanti

May 23

Thu

Buddha Purnima/Vesak

June 17

Mon

Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha

July 17

Wed

Muharram/Ashura

August 15

Thu

Independence Day

August 26

Mon

Janmashtami

September 16

Mon

Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad

October 2

Wed

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

October 12

Sat

Dussehra

October 31

Thu

Diwali/Deepavali

November 15

Fri

Guru Nanak Jayanti

December 25

Wed

Christmas

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system serving Delhi and its satellite cities. It is one of the fastest ways to commute within the city and it connects to major tourist sites, shopping areas, and residential areas.

Auto Rickshaws are a popular means of public transportation in Delhi. They are ideal for short to medium distance travel. They can be hailed directly from the street.

Cycle Rickshaws are a traditional means of transport, ideal for short distances and to navigate through narrow lanes of Old Delhi.

Taxis are widely available and can be hailed directly from the street or booked via phone or mobile apps. They are metered and relatively more comfortable than auto rickshaws.

Uber and Ola are popular ridesharing services in Delhi. They offer different types of services ranging from budget rides to luxury rides. They can be booked via their respective mobile apps.

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates the world's largest fleet of CNG-powered buses. Their network is extensive and covers most parts of the city.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus is a tourist bus service that takes you to the popular tourist spots in Delhi. It allows you to get on and off the bus at any of its designated stops, as often as you like.

Private cars with drivers are available for hire on a daily basis. This is a good option if you prefer a more comfortable and flexible mode of transportation.

Shared Auto Rickshaws operate on specific routes and are a cost-effective way of travelling. They are shared with other passengers.

Yellow and Green Auto Rickshaws are environment-friendly modes of transport as they run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). They are available throughout the city.

E-Rickshaws are electric rickshaws that are becoming increasingly popular in Delhi. They are a cheap and eco-friendly way to travel short distances.

Delhi has several bicycle rental services, which are a great way to explore the city at your own pace. Some areas in Delhi also have dedicated cycling tracks.

Motorcycle taxis are a quick way to get around Delhi, especially during peak traffic hours. Services like Rapido and Ola Bikes offer motorcycle taxi services in the city.

Pedal Rickshaws are a traditional and eco-friendly mode of transport, ideal for navigating through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.

Boats are used to cross the Yamuna River and for leisure rides at the Old Fort Lake and India Gate Lake.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency₹ INR

Time zoneUTC+5.5

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 102; Fire: 101; Police: 100, 103 (traffic accident)

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type DPower socket type M

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Delhi, India as a first time visitor

1

Delhi is the capital city of India and is known for its rich history and culture.

2

The official language is Hindi, but English is widely spoken and understood.

3

The currency used in Delhi is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's good to carry some cash for small vendors and taxis.

4

Delhi has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C). Winters (December to February) can be chilly with temperatures dropping to 41°F (5°C).

5

Delhi is known for its heavy traffic and crowded streets. It's recommended to use public transportation like the Delhi Metro, buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis.

6

Bargaining is common in local markets. Don't hesitate to negotiate prices.

7

Delhi is known for its street food. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, be cautious about where you eat.

8

Tap water is not safe to drink. Always opt for bottled water.

9

Delhi has a high pollution level. If you have respiratory issues, it's advisable to wear a mask.

10

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places. Women should carry a scarf.

11

Delhi operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5:30).

12

Delhi has a high crime rate. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

13

Avoid giving money to beggars as it encourages begging. Instead, consider donating to local charities.

14

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in India.

15

Tipping is customary in Delhi. A 10% tip is usually expected in restaurants and for services.

16

It's important to respect local customs and traditions. For instance, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering a religious place.

17

It's recommended to get travel insurance that covers theft, loss, and medical problems.

18

It's advisable to keep a copy of your passport, visa, and other important documents in case of loss or theft.

19

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.

20

It's advisable to get vaccinated for diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus before traveling to Delhi.

Basic Hindi to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Namaste

Nah-mah-stay

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Alvida

Al-vee-da

Leaving or saying goodbye

Thank you

Dhanyavaad

Dhun-yuh-vahd

Expressing gratitude

Please

Kripya

Kri-pya

Making a request

Yes

Haan

Hun

Affirmative response

No

Nahi

Nuh-hee

Negative response

Excuse me

Maaf kijiye

Maa-f ki-jee-yay

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Mujhe samajh nahi aaya

Moo-jhe sah-majh nuh-hee ah-ya

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?

Kya aap un-gre-zi bol-te hain?

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm sorry

Mujhe maaf kijiye

Moo-jhe maa-f ki-jee-yay

Apologizing

How much does this cost?

Yeh kitne ka hai?

Yeh kit-ne ka hai?

Asking the price of something

Where is the bathroom?

Shauchalaya kahan hai?

Shouch-a-laya kahan hai?

Looking for a bathroom

I need help

Mujhe madad chahiye

Moo-jhe ma-dad cha-hee-yay

When you need assistance

Can I get a taxi?

Kya mujhe taxi mil sakti hai?

Kya moo-jhe taxi mil sak-ti hai?

When you need a taxi

I am lost

Mai kho gaya hoon

Mai kho gaya hoon

When you are lost

Can you help me?

Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain?

Kya aap me-ri ma-dad kar sak-te hain?

When you need help

Good morning

Shubh prabhat

Shubh prabhat

Morning greeting

Good night

Shubh ratri

Shubh ra-tri

Night time greeting

Water, please

Paani, kripya

Paa-ni, kri-pya

When you want water

I am vegetarian

Mai shakahari hoon

Mai sha-ka-ha-ri hoon

When you want to express your dietary preference

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sleepwear

  • Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • First-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa (if required)

  • Driver's license (for ID purposes)

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if you don't use your phone for photos)

  • Charger for camera

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guidebook for Delhi

  • Map of Delhi

  • Phrasebook or language app if you don't speak the local language

  • Travel-sized wet wipes

  • Tissues

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes or shoes

Weather Conditions

Delhi, the capital of India, experiences a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. During the summer months, from April to June, Delhi can get extremely hot with temperatures often reaching up to 104°F (40°C). It's advisable to wear light, breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during the peak afternoon heat. The monsoon season follows the summer, typically beginning in late June and lasting until the end of September. During this period, the city receives heavy rainfall. If you're planning to visit Delhi during the monsoon, don't forget to pack a good quality raincoat or umbrella. Winter in Delhi, from December to February, can be quite chilly, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Temperatures can drop to around 45°F (7°C), so it's recommended to pack warm clothing, including sweaters, scarves, and hats. Regardless of the season, Delhi's air quality can be poor, so it may be beneficial to bring or purchase a pollution mask, especially if you have respiratory issues. Lastly, always check the weather forecast before planning your day, as Delhi's weather can sometimes be unpredictable.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

21° / 7°

January is the coldest month in Delhi, with dense fog and chilly winds. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather.

February

26° / 10°

February sees a gradual increase in temperature, but the weather remains pleasant. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

March

33° / 15°

March marks the beginning of spring in Delhi. The weather is comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing.

April

39° / 21°

April is when the summer starts to set in, with temperatures rising significantly. Early mornings and evenings are still pleasant for outdoor activities.

May

42° / 26°

May is the hottest month in Delhi, with scorching heat during the day. It's advisable to stay indoors during peak hours and venture out in the early morning or late evening.

June

40° / 28°

June experiences high temperatures, but the arrival of monsoon by the end of the month brings some relief. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and museums.

July

35° / 27°

July is the peak monsoon month in Delhi, with high humidity and frequent rain showers. It's a good time to enjoy the rain-washed cityscape and indulge in local cuisine.

August

34° / 26°

August continues to see monsoon showers, bringing down the temperature slightly. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy the monsoon season.

September

34° / 24°

September marks the end of the monsoon season, with a gradual decrease in rainfall. The weather becomes more pleasant, making it a good time for sightseeing.

October

33° / 18°

October is the onset of autumn in Delhi, with clear skies and pleasant weather. It's one of the best months to visit Delhi and explore its cultural heritage.

November

28° / 12°

November sees a significant drop in temperature, marking the beginning of winter. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

December

22° / 8°

December is a chilly month in Delhi, with cold winds and foggy mornings. It's a good time to enjoy the winter chill and explore the city's winter festivities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Delhi, India is the second most populous city in the world, with over 25 million residents?

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