Delhi: A tour of the India’s Capital

Visiting Delhi for the first time?

Or, have people visiting you?

Confused about where to take them so that they can soak in the entirety of Delhi’s culture and history? 

Look no further! We have curated a list of places that will leave you amazed and wanting more. Delhi’s India Gate isn’t the only place to visit. In this list, you’ll find those places in Delhi which are equally amazing to share the limelight.

Let’s head out on this magical journey, shall we?

• AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE:

Akshardham at night

This temple was made in the memory of Jyotirdhar Swaminarayan Bhagwan. It was inaugurated in the year 2005. It is the true reflection of the culture and history of our country in all its glory. The temple also showcases the spirituality that runs in our veins. And it is BEAUTIFUL. It is made out of pink stones and white marble and is a true feat of architecture. Most notable is the Lotus Garden, which has quotes from many notable figures like Shakespeare, Swami Vivekanda and many others. The magnificence of this temple has helped it achieve a space in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Akshardham Temple was declared as The Largest Comprehensive Hindu temple in the World by the organization in 2007.

Don’t be too captured by its beauty that you forget to watch their dazzling musical fountain show, Circle of life, which happens every evening. It is a 15-minute show and it truly is magnificent and worth a watch! You can also enjoy a spiritual boat ride, Sanskrit Vihar.

Entry fee: Free, a separate fee to view exhibitions

Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, rest- 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station.

• LOTUS TEMPLE:

Aerial view of the temple

Fariborz Sahba, the architect, chose the lotus to represent the four religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam. He wanted to represent the oneness of all religions through the creation of this mesmerizing monument. Devoid of altars, statues and pictures, the most notable feature of this temple are the nine pools of water located around the petals. They give the impression of a half-bloomed lotus in water. The whole structure looks spectacular when illuminated in the night. It’s no wonder that it has won many awards for its beauty. It’s a place of calm in the busy madness of the capital. You have to see it to believe it so head out now!

Entry fee: Free

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 7 pm (summers), -5 pm (winters).

Must visit: Kalkaji and ISKCON Temple nearby

Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Metro Station and Nehru Place.

• JAMA MASJID:

Jama Masjid

At the heart of Old Delhi’s mayhem, Jama Masjid is a wave of calm. Securing the title of one of the largest Mosques in India, Jama Masjid was Shah Jahan’s final architectural triumph. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. You have to be dressed appropriately in order to visit the mosque. Women need to wear scarves to cover their heads. Don’t worry, even if you don’t have the clothes required, you can rent them from the Mosque authority and enjoy a spiritual day inside. 

And the best part is yet to come. The streets around Jama Masjid have an array of eateries that serve up a storm. It is said that the taste and quality rival that of Chandni Chowk. So after you cleanse your soul, roam around the streets and feed your tummy! You will not be disappointed. 

Entry fee: Free, videography fee: INR 300

Opening hours: Daily: 7 am-12 pm, 1:30 pm-6:30 pm. It is closed during prayers and the timing depends upon the direction of the moon

Must visit: Try Changezi chicken at Karim’s Hotel

Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazar.

• CHANDNI CHOWK: 

Chandni Chowk

Speaking of Chandni Chowk, we have to tell you about it now! Chandni Chowk, or moonlight square, has been around for over three centuries. Bustling with people at any given point of time, it is a hotspot for both foodies and shopaholics alike. Dariba Kalan is known for its jewelry collections and attar (natural perfumes). Khari Baoli is a must-visit for any spice-lover — don’t forget spices are what connected us to the West! People travel to the Chowk for the innumerable wedding shops as well. You name it, they got it!

And that’s not all. Foodies welcome to your heaven on earth. Visit Paranthe Wali Gali which is renowned for its succulent deep-fried stuffed parathas or stop by Old Famous Jalebiwala near Dariba Kalan for crunchy jalebis and samosas. You won’t be tired of exploring the streets for food here, we can guarantee that! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes because you will have a long journey ahead of you. 

Tip: some shops are closed on Sundays. 

Must visit: The Flea Market on every Sunday morning, Daryaganj

Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazar 

• KUNZUM TRAVEL CAFE:

Travel Cafe

The cafe is located in Hauz Khas village. It has become a part of the historical landscape of the city as well. This cafe is a hub for travelers. You can visit, meet others on the same journey as you, share stories and make yourself some new travel buddies. Neat, right? Foreigners come here and you can share your knowledge about the city with them. You can upload your journey on their website kunzum.com as well. 

Timings: Open 6 days a week: 11:00 am to 7:30 am except on Monday

Entry fee: Buy and pay. Or stay and chill. Your call.

• NEHRU PLANETARIUM: 

The starry heavens at the planetarium

Have you ever wondered what the stars and galaxies would look like in a clear sky? Would you like to experience the magic? Stop by this beautiful place for an unmatched astronomical experience. A major hub of science and information, it will charm its way into your hearts. You can spend the afternoon roaming about in the vast galaxy far away or just take a tour of the astronomical artifacts and equipment that will fascinate you.

Timings of the show:

• English shows – 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM
• Hindi shows – 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM

Cost: INR 60 per person

Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg.

• WASTE TO WONDER PARK:

All the wonders at one place

A very unique theme park, Waste to wonder park has an astounding collection of the seven wonders of the world, and the fascinating part is that all of them are replicated using industrial waste. Keep it in your must-visit list and it’s worth it! It was inspired by the 7 wonders park in Kota. You can feel the magic of all the wonders of the world in one place. The park has become a new haunt for the people. They visit the park to click photos in front of the seven wonders. These replicas are made with 150 tonnes of waste products collected from many junkyards. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has been making use of wind and solar energy to light up the park during sunset and night. It is truly a sight to behold.

Entry fee: Entry Fee Based on Your Age

0-3 years old – Free (No Charges)

4-12 years old – Rs 25

13-64 years old – Rs 50

65 & Above – Free (No Charges)

Opening hours: 11 am to 11 pm

Nearest Metro Station: Nizammudin Metro station