The 14 things to do in New Delhi

Visit New Delhi: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of India?

Ah India! Only in his evocative name, we all have images, music, sounds, odors that come to echo in front of our eyes, don’t we? And what to say New Delhi The capital? A big city to discover, one of the most attractive in the world. A fascinating city where tradition and modernity are easily crossed. In this city, as in many others in India, there is a scartitude of monuments to visit. Whether you travel on foot, by train, by bike, you can be sure that all your senses will be alerted in this stunning, groubling, noisy, magical and timeless city at once. But what to see in New Delhi? What? Where to meet the inhabitants and get out of the beaten paths? Here’s a little glimpse of a city that gets close to each other, but it’s always changed.

1. Red

It is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city: this royal palace is spectacular. Designed in red sandstone in the middle of the 17th century, it is now part of UNESCO’s world heritage. Try, if possible, to attend one of the shows of sounds and lights that will carry you throughout the history of New Delhi at the rhythm of a unique music.

2. Raj Ghat

Near the National Gandhi Museum is Raj Ghat, the marble tombstone that indicates where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. The place is sober, with a simple black marble slab but you also have the possibility to walk in the park where you will discover other monoliths of great Indian leaders like Nehru.

3. Dilli Haat

For those who like to market and who want to do good business, the artisanal village of Dilli Haat near Delhi is for you. It is possible to buy beautiful clothes, handmade clothing, embroidery, traditional paintings, incense or typical jewelry. Finally, there is a great place where you can taste several regional specialties.

4. The Gate of India

You too, come to attend an incredible event and join a lively crowd near the India Gate every night: under the sunset rays, you will attend a colorful show with incredible shots.

5. Jama Masjid

Probably one of the most typical and traditional mosques in India: by entering this high religious place, after leaving your shoes at the entrance, after having slipped a fairly wide pants, you will discover a magical place where everything seems great, majestic. Pay attention to the large staircase, the massive ark that leads you to a lively square. Whatever happens, keep with you the greatest respect and discretion during your visit by respect for practicing believers.

6. Bangla Sahib

Located near Jama Masjid, this Sikh temple is a very important pilgrimage centre in New Delhi and for all of India: indeed, people from all over the country are moving here to come and pray. The Bangla Sahib is recognized thanks to its golden dome. Come and discover this unique atmosphere between prayers, singing and sharing. A special place where you can drink source water that would have healing virtues.

7. Akshardham Temple

It is a complex of Hindu temples in the heart of New Delhi that represents about 10,000 years of Indian culture through ages in all its splendor, grandeur and beauty. Overlooking the beautiful garden of Lodhi, this set of temples highlights the true essence of ancient Indian architecture and spiritual traditions.

8. The Temple of the Lotus

The Temple of the Lotus, in the Bahapur district, is a magnificent white marble building: its shape shows 27 petals that form the sacred flower of the lotus. Surrounded by gardens, fountains and ponds, it took almost 10 years to build it. Note the vault of the temple which is simply to breathe. A quiet, peaceful, relaxing place, recommended for those who want to cut ambient noise from New Delhi.

9. Chandni Chowk

One of New Delhi’s main arteries. A real neuralgic center of Old Delhi because it is possible to see the most famous monuments of the capital like the Red Fort and the great mosque of Jama Masjid. It is also the place where you will meet cyclo-cools, rickshaws who are afraid of a path in the crowd with narrow alleys. There's all you want in this street.

10. Qûtb Minâr

Also called the Victory Tower, it is the highest minaret in the world, 73 meters high and built in 1193. A vestige of the 1st Muslim city. The inhabitants consider it a place that bears luck and consider that if you put yourself on the pillar by surrounding it with your arms, you can fulfill your wish.

11. New Delhi Metro

Unlike what you could imagine, it is one of the places in the city that is the cleanest with very affordable access to the rates. A subway that is not crowded with its counterparts in the other major capitals of the world. It’s cheaper than the rickshaws, the cars are modern and have great safety.

12. The grave of Humayun

For those who didn’t have the chance to go to Agra to admire the famous Taj Mahal, the tomb of Humayun is surely the closest thing to it. It was built in the middle of the 16th century and certainly served as inspiration for the famous palace. It is located near the gardens of Lodhi.

13. Birla House (or Gandhi Smriti Museum)

It is one of the most famous places in the history of contemporary India. This is the house where Mahatma Gandhi lived the last days of his existence and where he was murdered. Acquired by the government in 1971 and opened to the public in 1973, it is today a museum where we can discover the atmosphere that reigned in Gandhi, namely the room, the place of its night walk, murals.

14. Other ideas for visits to New Delhi

And then, why not try a rickshaw tour to discover the daily lives of the inhabitants, close to them? Why not be tempted by the popular cuisine of New Delhi by going to a bunch of snacks to taste egg roll, golgappa and other varieties?

See also:

• Kalkaji Mandir Temple
• The Laxminarayan temple
• The Hauz Khas complex
• The gardens of Lodi
• Le Jantar Mantar (Observatoire)
• The Mausolée de Safdar Jung
• The National Museum of New Delhi

See the Taj Mahal and other monuments of the city of Agra

Taj Mahal is about 3 hours train from New Delhi. An abath for you because it is the most famous monument in India. In Agra, you will not regret the displacement, as there is also the fort of Agra to visit, as well as the “Baby Taj”. Read our article to know how visit the Taj Mahal .

New Delhi: How to get there? Where to stay?

New Delhi is the capital of the country, so it is a relatively well-served city. The Air India and Jet Airways companies offer direct flights from Paris CDG but more advantageous rates are on flights with stopovers always from Paris and other cities in France. Use Flight Compare Ulysses to find the best prices according to your dates.

The Majnu Ka Tila area is quiet enough to stay but you will need to use the metro more often. For a chic hotel, choose the Green Park area instead. To find a cheap hotel in New Delhi, search this Compare hotels .

Have you visited New Delhi?