Visiting Delhi? Just here for a day enroute the Himalayas? Or got an extra day in the Capital after you finished an important business meeting. Well, we’re telling you how to make the most of it with 10 must do things to do in Delhi. And the best part is you can pack in all this in less than 24 hours!
1. Heritage Walk in Chandni Chowk
When in Delhi you gotta start in the heart of the Capital. The famous Chandni Chowk area, the heritage and food capital of India. Home to some of the country’s most famous historical monuments and also to fabulous street food joints. Take a long walk through the crowded yet mesmerizing bylanes of the walled city, past the pious Jama Masjid, the magnificent house of Ghalib Mirza and the captivating moonlight square. Afterwards, enjoy the delectable street food of Chandni Chowk from paranthe to biryani to kulfi.
2. Visit The Tibetan Market
Near the ISBT in Old Delhi you will find a Tibetan settlement with its famous monastery. In the soft chanting here you may find inner peace and solace. If you’re not the spiritual kind, then there are material pleasures to be gained as well. The shops in the area are a paradise for shopaholics, offering a range of products from stylish imitation jewelry to value for money clothes. Plus the quaint restaurants here serve delicious local specialties like Laping and Thukpa making this place a huge hit with Delhiites.
3. Explore Palika Bazaar
Now move to the heart of Central Delhi, the pre-eminent landmark of Lutyens Delhi, the Connaught Place. Here you will find the very famous underground market of Delhi- Palika Bazar. Set up in the late 1970s this air conditioned underground market was once the only place in Delhi where you could find imported electronic goods and foreign movies. Even in the post liberalization era this place hasn’t lost its charm and you will end up buying stuff you didn’t even know existed.
4. Shop at Janpath
Just 400 meters away from Palika Bazaar lies Janpath, one of the oldest flea markets in Delhi. This huge market has everything to offer to its customers, from cute trinkets to stylish clothes to sexy eyewear to sophisticated Pashmina shawls. You could spend hours here, buy a whole lot of stuff and be surprised at how little you ended up spending.
5. Indulge in Adventure Sports at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation
After the shopping spree, if you are in the mood for some adventure head to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Moti Bagh. Climb huge rocks or the artificial climbing wall, whatever gives you a rush. And after a serious workout, you could head back to your Oyo room for some rest, maybe a shower before you get set for the rest of the evening.
6. Soak Up The Atmosphere At The Mocha Art House
If you are a connoisseur of art or simply love great food or a mix of both then a visit to the Mocha Art House must be on your list. The place is a perfect combination of inspirational art and sumptuous delicacies. It is the best place for someone who wants to explore Delhi’s artistic soul.
7. Captivate your senses at the Dargah Of Hazrat Nizamuddin
If by any chance, you happen to land in Delhi on a Thursday, do not miss the soulful qawwali sessions at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah. The scent of rose water and incense is enough to entice your senses and as you move from the huge marble courtyard towards the dargah you will slowly lose yourself in the sufi music. The qawwalis are like elixir to the soul.
8. Enjoy the Night Life at Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village is unlike anyplace you will find in Delhi. Narrow lanes bustling with quaint cafes, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and resto-bars; the place offers a nice chilled out ambience with a lake and fort as backdrop. Perfect for a great night out.
9. Visit The Haunted Ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Post party, if you are looking for more adventure then you could visit the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla Fort. The fort is said to be haunted and it definitely is not a place for the faint hearted. Presently the fort is out of bounds for visitors, but many people still turn up every Thursdays to light diyas, pray and write letters to the djinns. According to them dijjns can make their wishes come true. Now that’s spooky. But remember, always go with a larger group to ensure your safety.
10. Take A Long Drive Around Aravalli Hills
Next morning, if you can wake up really early we suggest you catch the sunrise driving through the Aravalli hills on the outskirts of Delhi. You can also do some rappelling here if you wish. And of course top it up with a sumptuous breakfast at a dhaba on the highway. What a glorious way to end your 24 hour stay in Delhi.
