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How To Plan For an Incredible Stay in New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India, is a city of extremes. It has all forms of weather, and temperatures can go from negative degrees in winter to hotter than Dubai in the summer. With a population of over 33 million residents, India's capital is known for its hospitable people. However, some crime has contributed to its reputation as an unsafe city.

It has a beautiful blend of ancient history and modern infrastructure and is a melting pot of many religions, communities, and even languages. New Delhi deserves to be on your bucket list because you may never find a place so vibrant, unique, and strong against a backdrop of beautiful chaos anywhere else in the world.

By keeping a few key points in mind, which I will cover in this article, you can look forward to a memorable visit to this captivating destination.

Travel Tips

Woman at Khari Baoli in New Delhi, home of Asia's largest wholesale spice market (photo: Rachita Saxena).
Woman at Khari Baoli, home of Asia's largest wholesale spice market (photo: Rachita Saxena)

Arriving in New Delhi

If you're flying in, you’ll arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, ranked as the best in India. To get reliable mobile data the moment you land, look into getting a great eSIM package for India. 

Install it before your flight and simply activate the line upon landing. This will allow you to call cab services like Uber and Ola, bypassing any potential taxi scams that offer unsolicited tourist services or overcharge visitors. Also, note that the prepaid taxi counter at the airport is legit and reliable.  

Hotel Stays

If you are on a budget, you might have heard about staying in Paharganj. Although Paharganj is known for its budget accommodations, tourists should consider other options due to safety concerns and the area’s reputation for shady activities. Instead, choose approved Airbnbs and reputable hotels for a safer and more pleasant stay.

New Delhi has an abundance of economical hotels spread across the city, providing clean and secure accommodations. Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb can help you find well-reviewed and affordable places to stay.

Areas like Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, and Hauz Khas offer budget-friendly hotels with better security and amenities. Prioritize safety and comfort by choosing accommodations with high ratings and positive guest reviews.

Must-See Landmarks

There’s plenty to see across the city and we’ll break down our landmarks as per personal preferences. 

Cultural Day Out

Jama Masjid, the biggest Mosque in Delhi (photo: Mayur Sable).
Jama Masjid, the biggest Mosque in Delhi (photo: Mayur Sable)

If you want to have a historical and cultural day out, you cannot miss a guided tour of Old Delhi. Wander through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, where the vibrant bazaars and narrow alleys are brimming with history and charm.

Visit iconic landmarks such as Jama Masjid and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mughal architecture. A guided tour will also introduce you to hidden gems and local delicacies, offering a truly immersive experience of Old Delhi's heritage.

While on your tour of Old Delhi, don’t miss out on a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort. This magnificent 17th-century fort, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, stands as a testament to Mughal grandeur with its stunning red sandstone architecture.

Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved palaces, gardens, and pavilions that transport you back in time. Don't miss the evening light and sound show that narrates the fort's history in a captivating display.

Complete your evening walk across the iconic war memorial, India Gate. The surrounding lawns are perfect for a relaxing stroll, where you can enjoy the serene ambiance and the sight of families and friends gathering. Street vendors offering local snacks and ice cream add to the charm, making it a delightful end to your day.

Shopping

Colorful crafts for sale at Dilli Haat market (photo: Varun Phull).
Colorful crafts for sale at Dilli Haat market (photo: Varun Phull)

For a day of shopping, start by visiting Sarojini Nagar, which offers factory-reject clothes at the price of a nickel. Runway outfits for as little as $1 are available in this area. Although very well known amongst the fashion capital of India, Delhi, this place is still unexplored by tourists. 

Next, check out similar markets at Connaught Place: Janpath Market and Lajpat Nagar. For upscale malls, you can visit the Emporio at Vasant Kunj to shop for the best luxury brands, as well as the DLF Avenue at Saket. 

Between the cheap and the luxurious lie the great handicraft and handloom markets of Delhi. For an unforgettable visit, go to Dilli Haat, which houses the best-curated clothes, handicrafts, and food from across the country.

From Kashmiri carpets to Ayurvedic food from Kerala, Dilli Haat is an open-air market that will offer the most unique Indian experience to anyone visiting. What’s better is that it's very close to a metro station, which makes navigating the city from a mall to a Dilli Haat very easy. 

Food Heaven

In a previous post on Go Backpacking, five popular Indian foods were highlighted. In the same vein, here are some more unique culinary experiences to try.

  1. The fire paan at Connaught Place – For a truly unique and adventurous culinary experience, don't miss the fire paan at Connaught Place. This traditional Indian betel leaf treat is ignited before being served, creating a burst of flavors and a slight sizzle as it enters your mouth. Known for its digestive benefits and refreshing taste, fire paan is a popular local delicacy that offers a thrilling twist on a classic favorite. Be sure to visit one of the renowned paan vendors in Connaught Place to try this exciting and unforgettable treat. Even if you don’t like the taste, at least it would make for a viral Instagram reel.
  1. The momos and fruit beer at Dilli Haat offer an unparalleled evening snack experience for any tourist. Steaming hot momos served with spicy sauce and clear soup, accompanied by refreshing non-alcoholic fruit beer, perfectly capture the essence of how many in East India enjoy their evenings. This delightful combination, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Dilli Haat, makes for a truly memorable and authentic culinary experience.
  1. The kada prasad at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Many would be surprised to read this, but this is a must-try for anyone visiting New Delhi. This rich, warm, and sweet offering, made from wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, is distributed to all visitors as a symbol of equality and community. Enjoying this sacred prasad in the serene and spiritual ambiance of the Gurudwara is a truly soul-soothing experience, leaving you with a sense of peace and gratitude. 

Connectivity

If you’re visiting the city briefly, perhaps less than a week, you will be able to cover the above-mentioned areas in that duration. For seamless connectivity, opt for India 5 GB. But if you’re visiting for longer, between two and four weeks, go for the India 20 GB eSIM plan from MobiMatter. 

Additionally, get a metro pass and a GPay wallet, as most places, from shops to vegetable sellers, accept digital payments. A great eSIM, digital wallet, and metro pass are all you need to conveniently navigate around this gigantic city, from morning walks at Lodhi Garden to brunch at Khan Market, a museum day at Nehru Place, and a jazz night at Piano Man.

Lodhi Garden in New Delhi, India (photo: Ravi Sharma)
Lodhi Garden (photo: Ravi Sharma)

Community

Delhi has a thriving community for any interest you hold. From free walking tours to free boardgame get-togethers to underground indie rock nights, there’s something for everyone to never feel alone.

If you’re a digital nomad wondering how you’ll survive in the city, there are endless places to explore with potentially hundreds of strangers who will turn into friends, thanks to these thriving and welcoming communities. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram effortlessly.

It is no exaggeration that a month in Delhi is not enough to soak in the amalgamation of cultures and identities. The sheer diversity of Delhi is what makes the city extremely unique and interesting. Delhi – from its slums to high rises, has no dearth of character to offer. 

Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or a party animal, Delhi is the adventure to go for. Just be alert, stay connected, follow tourist guidelines, and don’t break safety protocols in order to have a gala time in the city. Now, go pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime. 

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This story is brought to you in partnership with MobiMatter.

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