One thing plenty of people don't give Delhi credit for is the amount there is to do here. Tourists land here, spend a couple of days and hot foot it off to Rajasthan.
However if you do give the city a few more days, these are the things I'd see:
Humayun's Tomb - my favourite sight in Delhi. To fill you in on a little bit of history... 'The tomb of Humayun was built by the orders of Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), Humayun's first wife and chief consort, and begun in 1565, nine years after his death, and completed in 1572 AD at a cost of 1.5 million rupees at the time.' That's huge money and it was worth it, this site is beautiful, peaceful and a complete oasis from Delhi madness. Come and enjoy the main attraction but also take the time to see recently restored Isa Khan's Tomb which is just as you walk in to the right.
Lodi Garden - What a beautiful city garden this is - historic tombs, lakes, flowers, young lovers and space! Something rare in these big congested cities. I love taking the kids to Lodi and letting them run around. Of course you have to be careful of the odd Desi dog, cavernous hole or jutting rock but all in all it is a lovely place to spend a spring or autumn afternoon. It just wreaks of history and you get a sense of it everywhere you walk. Also has a good running track - or so I have heard.
Nizamuddin Sufi walk - Nizamuddin Basti is a 12th century village that has slowly been taken over by modern Delhi. Visiting the Basti is like stepping back in time - a combination of tiny laneways, mosques, congestion, food stalls, offerings, flowers, tinsel and goats. It is a predominantly Muslim area and has about 200,000 residents.
I recommend heading in on a Thursday night on a tour - there are a couple of groups I recommend The Hope Project and Little Black Book Delhi. On Thursday night you can visit to be part of the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin and watch the Qawwalia (enchanting Sufi singers). Qawwalia starts about 9pm but you can do a tour before that and visit some of the mosques and shops and hear some of the fascinating history. The qawwalias are amazing to listen to, it really is something you won't experience anywhere else. After enjoy one of the many fine kebab stores in the area.
Old Delhi - Old Delhi is the Delhi you expect to see when you think about the capital. Busy, congested, dusty, electrical wires everywhere, a complete overload on the senses. Some of the best sites in Old Delhi are the Jama Masjid (walk to the top of the tower), Kinari Bazaar and the Spice Market. I can highly recommend hiring a rickshaw driver to take you on a little tour, it helps you see and do more with your time. Akbar is the guy I use and he is stationed at The Red Fort and his number is 9891 462 125. Akbar has great English and does a nice tour.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - I have done a post on this sight previously so I will refer you back to that.
It is still one of my favourite places. This is one of the most spiritual places I have been and gives you an appreciation of how many religions co-exist in this country - especially after a trip to Old Delhi.
Mehrauli Park / Qutub Minar - About 40 minutes from central Delhi is the Mehrauli Archaeological Gardens and the Qutub Minar. Beautifully preserved and a lovely spot to experience some green space. The Qutub Minar is 72 metre tall iron pillar and was built in from 1192 and completed in 1368. Again a seriously interesting spot to soak up some history about this incredibly old city.
Hauz Khas Village - as well as being a great spot to get a drink and some dinner, HKV has some pretty impressive old structures and a beautiful lake. Take the time to visit if you are there doing some shopping.
Raj Ghat - A quiet spot to reflect on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was cremated here and a peaceful spot to appreciate what an influence this man had on the country. His museum is over the road and good for a look as well.
India Gate - A huge monument dedicated to those who died in the First World Wars (1914 - 1921). It is about 42 metres tall and very imposing when you stand under it.
Presidents Palace, Gardens and Changing of the Guard -Again I have written about the Changing of the Guard before - here - it's a nice thing to do on a Saturday morning and is full of pomp and ceremony!
The Presidents Palace is normally closed to the public but for a few weeks in March the gardens are open to the public. If you are in Delhi at this time go and check it out. They are manicured to perfection!
Out of Delhi but a MUST SEE!!!! Of course I am talking about the Taj Mahal. The Taj is breath-taking! You can see as may postcards and pictures of it but it is not like seeing it in the flesh. The symmetry, the history and the serenity. Get there and have a look.
On top of all this there is also plenty of shopping to experience, but this is a separate post to come shortly.
However if you do give the city a few more days, these are the things I'd see:
Humayun's Tomb - my favourite sight in Delhi. To fill you in on a little bit of history... 'The tomb of Humayun was built by the orders of Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), Humayun's first wife and chief consort, and begun in 1565, nine years after his death, and completed in 1572 AD at a cost of 1.5 million rupees at the time.' That's huge money and it was worth it, this site is beautiful, peaceful and a complete oasis from Delhi madness. Come and enjoy the main attraction but also take the time to see recently restored Isa Khan's Tomb which is just as you walk in to the right.
Lodi Garden - What a beautiful city garden this is - historic tombs, lakes, flowers, young lovers and space! Something rare in these big congested cities. I love taking the kids to Lodi and letting them run around. Of course you have to be careful of the odd Desi dog, cavernous hole or jutting rock but all in all it is a lovely place to spend a spring or autumn afternoon. It just wreaks of history and you get a sense of it everywhere you walk. Also has a good running track - or so I have heard.
Nizamuddin Sufi walk - Nizamuddin Basti is a 12th century village that has slowly been taken over by modern Delhi. Visiting the Basti is like stepping back in time - a combination of tiny laneways, mosques, congestion, food stalls, offerings, flowers, tinsel and goats. It is a predominantly Muslim area and has about 200,000 residents.
I recommend heading in on a Thursday night on a tour - there are a couple of groups I recommend The Hope Project and Little Black Book Delhi. On Thursday night you can visit to be part of the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin and watch the Qawwalia (enchanting Sufi singers). Qawwalia starts about 9pm but you can do a tour before that and visit some of the mosques and shops and hear some of the fascinating history. The qawwalias are amazing to listen to, it really is something you won't experience anywhere else. After enjoy one of the many fine kebab stores in the area.
Old Delhi - Old Delhi is the Delhi you expect to see when you think about the capital. Busy, congested, dusty, electrical wires everywhere, a complete overload on the senses. Some of the best sites in Old Delhi are the Jama Masjid (walk to the top of the tower), Kinari Bazaar and the Spice Market. I can highly recommend hiring a rickshaw driver to take you on a little tour, it helps you see and do more with your time. Akbar is the guy I use and he is stationed at The Red Fort and his number is 9891 462 125. Akbar has great English and does a nice tour.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - I have done a post on this sight previously so I will refer you back to that.
It is still one of my favourite places. This is one of the most spiritual places I have been and gives you an appreciation of how many religions co-exist in this country - especially after a trip to Old Delhi.
Mehrauli Park / Qutub Minar - About 40 minutes from central Delhi is the Mehrauli Archaeological Gardens and the Qutub Minar. Beautifully preserved and a lovely spot to experience some green space. The Qutub Minar is 72 metre tall iron pillar and was built in from 1192 and completed in 1368. Again a seriously interesting spot to soak up some history about this incredibly old city.
Hauz Khas Village - as well as being a great spot to get a drink and some dinner, HKV has some pretty impressive old structures and a beautiful lake. Take the time to visit if you are there doing some shopping.
Raj Ghat - A quiet spot to reflect on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was cremated here and a peaceful spot to appreciate what an influence this man had on the country. His museum is over the road and good for a look as well.
India Gate - A huge monument dedicated to those who died in the First World Wars (1914 - 1921). It is about 42 metres tall and very imposing when you stand under it.
Presidents Palace, Gardens and Changing of the Guard -Again I have written about the Changing of the Guard before - here - it's a nice thing to do on a Saturday morning and is full of pomp and ceremony!
The Presidents Palace is normally closed to the public but for a few weeks in March the gardens are open to the public. If you are in Delhi at this time go and check it out. They are manicured to perfection!
Out of Delhi but a MUST SEE!!!! Of course I am talking about the Taj Mahal. The Taj is breath-taking! You can see as may postcards and pictures of it but it is not like seeing it in the flesh. The symmetry, the history and the serenity. Get there and have a look.
On top of all this there is also plenty of shopping to experience, but this is a separate post to come shortly.
