Things to Do in New Delhi
The best things to do in Delhi combine the best of old and new. The Hauz Khas Village has a busy nightlife and some of its clubs and restaurants are the best known in Delhi, it has attracted various fashion designers and pub owners whose businesses have flourished in the city. Delhi is a massive publishing hub, the annual Delhi Book Fair is one of the biggest literary fests in India. Delhi is also known for the numerous small-scale roadside markets which sell latest trends at low prices. Delhi is a historically rich state, known for the alluring monuments that it possesses. From the architectural style varying from Persian, European, Islamic and Indian styles to the stories that lie behind their construction, the monuments in New Delhi are one great reason the next trip you plan should be there.
The Chandni Chowk is a great area if you want to shop for bridal attire and jewellery, with designs that will have you drooling. It is one of the main tourist hubs when it comes to shopping and attracts from every part of the world, people who want to buy traditional clothing. Apart from the immaculate jewellery designs and traditional attire, the local vendors also sell spices, thus making it one of the busiest trading locations in New Delhi. The soulful Sufi devotional music – Qawwali is usually performed in the Nizamuddin Dargah that will give you a rich cultural experience of the history of the city. The local cuisine, which includes jalebis, samosas, and momos has people from all over the world wanting to visit the city. The opportunity to taste some mouth-watering food, visit various monuments with a rich cultural backing, see the breath-taking views of the city along with the vibrant nightlife and the thriving markets is one you shouldn’t miss. All the best things to do in Delhi, added up make the city a place you should be visiting next.
Humayun's Tomb, located in Delhi, India, is a remarkable architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent mausoleum was built in the mid-16th century, serving as the final resting place for Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler of India. Designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the tomb exhibits an exquisite blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles, setting a precedent for future Mughal structures.
Situated in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – the Rail Museum offers a window into the railway heritage of the country. Also known as the National Railway Museum, this space is spread over 10 acres and displays some of the most awe-inspiring and fascinating railway paraphernalia. Established in 1977 on February 1st, the museum strives to preserve and protect the 163 years old railway heritage of India.
Home to the President of the world’s largest democracy, Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi stands as a symbol of national strength. The nation’s most important democratic functions like the swearing-in ceremony of its elected leaders are carried out in these very grounds.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has been witness to honour giving ceremonies of the country’s bravehearts and achievers, signing of historic pacts between India and other nations, of India’s independence and republic day ceremonies, and the hosting of many world leaders.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a true architectural masterpiece in its own right. The magnificent building spreads across 320 acres, including the splendid ‘Mughal Garden’ and the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum. The design of the Rashtrapati Bhavan mainly imparts the Mughal architectural styles blended with classical and grand European signatures, credited to the British architects- Edwin Lutyen and Hebert Baker.
The building is also diversified with a number of other typically Indian motifs such as ornate Elephant statues on the outer wall or the main gate of the building with the ‘Jaipur column’. All in all, it is quite a visual treat to behold!
The building is open to visitors by three different segments or tour circuits. The first circuit comprises of the Main building and the Central Lawn. The second circuit houses the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex. In the same circuit, you can get a tour of the Clock Tower, the Stables, and the Garages.
The third circuit has the magnificent Mughal Garden and other ancillary gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Tourists can request a trip of each of the circuits separately on the days assigned for each segment respectively for daytime visits from 9 AM to 4 PM.
There is much to take in and marvel at around the complex-- the intricate craftsmanship of carved marble statues, the sprawling Mughal Gardens featuring masterful landscaping concepts, the Clock Tower, and a myriad of presidential mementos preserved inside the Museum. Upon exit, you can explore the premier surroundings of this important historical site, often called as the ‘Lutyens Delhi’.
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What are the best things to do in New Delhi?
There are lot of things/activities to do in New Delhi. Below mentioned are some of them:
- Lotus Temple
Visit the remarkable Lotus Temple, designed in the shape of a sacred lotus flower with twenty-seven petals constructed of marble. Apart from admiring the beauty of the architecture of the temple, you can take long, peaceful walks in the well-manicured gardens that surround the temple.
- Red Fort
Go to the Red Fort, and experience the rich culture of the monument from the days of the Mughal empire’s glory.
- Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, gives you a great opportunity of seeing Persian architecture at its epitome.
- Dargahs
If you are interested in devotional music, listen to Qawwalis usually played in Dargahs to be fully exposed to rich and soulful cultural music.
- Night Life
Apart from visiting monuments, hitting a few clubs and having dinner at quaint restaurants and walking around is always fulfilling. Kitty Su, Privee and Club London are some of the hottest nightclubs in the Capital.
- India Gate
Also known as All India War Memorial, a trip to Delhi is incomplete without a visit to India Gate.
- Jama Masjid
Marvel at the architectural brilliance of Jama Masjid, which is a typical example of the Islamic school of design, complete with arches and archways
- Delhi Food
Delhi food tops the list of best things to do and is an experience by itself. When here, relish the butter chicken and kebabs at Karim’s in Chandni Chowk or at Moti Mahal. You must also make a trip to Hauz Khas social, famous for its thematic decor
- Shopping
Delhi is a shopper’s paradise. Janpat, Chor Bazaar, Palika Bazar offer excellent options for street shopping, whereas DLF Emporio and Saket’s Select Citywalk are renowned malls.
What are the best adventure activities to do in New Delhi?
Flyboy Air Safari organizes one of the best adventure sports in Delhi. It is basically a small automobile attached to a parachute that works as a paraglide. Go Karting, artificial rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, cliff jumping, raft building and cycling are a few other adventure sports that can be found in the various adventure camps located around the city.
In addition, Delhi is known for its rustic walking and cycling sentiment. DelhiByCycle offers guided tours across historical landmarks in the city. The Delhi cycling ecosystem is quite remarkable. Most tours run along pre-selected tracks. Some of these are: The expansive Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate tour; The Najafgarh Wetlands track, where you can cycle amidst lush greenery and wildlife; the Aravali Trails near Gurgaon and the salubrious Dwarka to Sultanpur rides. The Delhi Heritage Tours also organises Heritage Cycling, taking you on bike-rides through the forts, monuments and streets of Old Delhi.
Where can I enjoy power paragliding in and around New Delhi? How much are the charges?
Power paragliding can be done in Sohna and Flyboy Air Safari, both located in Gurgaon. The cost varies from Rs. 2500 to 4000.
Which are the best locations for rock climbing in and around New Delhi?
Camp Wild, NASA Adventure and Camp Sierra are the best locations for rock climbing in and around New Delhi.
Where can I have fun doing paintball in New Delhi?
The Paintball Co, Paintball Rocks, Lock ‘N’ Load, Shootout Zone and Rockshot Paintball Sports are the best among many other places where you can have great fun doing paintball in New Delhi.
Which are the best places to visit for a spiritual experience in New Delhi?
Essentially, the spirit of Delhi is in its soulful places of worship. Pay your respects at the ‘’Makhbara’’ of Hazrat Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Enjoy a live Qawwali performance at the Dargah Sharif, organised every Thursday. If you’re a fan of Urdu poetry, do pay your respects at Mirza Ghalib’s tomb, which is in the vicinity of Nizamuddin. Additionally, visit the shrines of Khwaja Nuruddin and Shaikh Abu Bakr in the neighbourhood of Old Fort. Make a trip to the stunning Lotus Temple, an exclusive religious site in India for the believers of the Baha’i faith. A few steps from this holy site is another, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It’s called Kalkaji Mandir. Located amidst the hustle bustle of Connaught Place is Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, where you can spend your mornings listening to mellifluous recitation of morning ragas. Gurdwara Sri Nanak Piao Sahib is another holy place for Sikhs. Also, believers in the spiritual practices of Integral Yoga frequent the Aurobindo Ashram in South Delhi. One must appreciate how different faiths find and exist in harmony in the same neighbourhoods of this secular city.
Which are the most adventurous places for trekking around New Delhi?
Lansdowne, Benog Tibba, Kalka Kasauli, Roopkund, Chakrata and Churdhar are a few of the many adventurous places for trekking around Delhi, with terrains varying from rugged to hilly and mountainous.
Where can I experience Go karting in and around New Delhi?
Speedy Singh’s Go Karting, F9 Go Karting and Wonder Speedway are a few places where you can enjoy Go karting in and around Delhi.
Gurgaon is the go-karting centre around Delhi. The tracks at F-9 provide a thorough racing experience.
What are the charges and timings for Flyboy Air Safari in and around New Delhi?
The timings for Flyboy Air Safari are from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The prices range from Rs. 1300 to Rs. 7700 depending on the different packages offered, and tend to go up during the months of November and December.
What are the things to do at the Adventure Farm at Sohna in New Delhi? What are its charges?
Rock sports, mountain biking, camping and off-roading are a few things to do at the Adventure Farm at Sohna in New Delhi.
Standard prices are Rs. 2000/adult.
Which are some famous amusement parks to visit in New Delhi and what are the things to do there?
Worlds of Wonder, Drizzling Island, Adventure Island, Aapno Ghar and Fun N Food Village are a few famous amusement parks to visit in Delhi. There are various rides you can take and entertainment activities you can enjoy while you’re there. There are water sports too, and food stalls which serve delicious local food.
Which are the best destinations to experience wildlife safari in and around New Delhi?
At Sariska National Park, wildlife safaris are offered by open gypsies and you also get a chance to spot tigers, hyenas, sloth bears and leopards in the wild along with scenic landscapes.
Other places close to Delhi for wildlife safaris are Rajaji National Park, Corbett Tiger Reserve and Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
What are the famous heritage sites to visit in and around New Delhi?
The famous monuments of Delhi are usually tourist hubs, built during the reign of the Mughals, the Purana Quila, Qutub Minar, Akshardham Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and the Cathedral Church of Redemption are a few examples of brilliant architecture.
Take a trip down memory lane in the neighbourhood of Old Fort and visit the famed Khair ul Manazil and the shrines of Khwaja Nuruddin and Shaikh Abu Bakr. Lend an ear to the untold stories and unsung music of the air around Tughlaqabad Fort, now in ruins. The tour even includes a dungeon exploration and a clandestine escape route! Pay your respects at the shrine of the Lodi dynasty as you take a stroll through the landscaped Lodi Gardens.
Where can I try zorbing in New Delhi? What are its charges?
Adventure Island and Fins Camps are the best among many other places where you can try zorbing in New Delhi. You have to pay about 50 rupees for ten minutes, which is quite feasible.
Which are the best places to do river rafting near New Delhi?
River Rafting and Rappelling are some highly thrilling adventure sports. Rafting your way through the angry streams of the river can be a truly adrenalizing experience. Delhi offers some stunning packages of the sport, which mostly take you to either Rishikesh, or Kullu in Himachal. Aquaterra Adventures and Himalayan River Runners are centres dedicated to water-sports in and around the capital.
Which are the best destinations for bungee jumping near New Delhi?
Bungee jumping at Wanderlust in New Delhi is a great adventure in itself. Fall off a bridge or a high cliff, as you remain suspended by a rope. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
Where can I do rappelling near New Delhi? Is it safe?
The Soghi Resorts are the most well-known place to organize rappelling. In addition, Rappelling and rock climbing is best enjoyed in Shimla, which is 350 Km away.
What are the best things to do during corporate outings in new Delhi?
Take a Day Tour with Surjivan Resorts, go to Dhauj camps which allow you to experience a blend of village life with the thrilling activities it provides. It is one of the best options for camping around Delhi and offers splendid views of the nature. Other corporate activities include a visit to Mystery Rooms, for some suspenseful adventure; Paintball Co to blow off steam with paintball and Smaaash, which is a hit Sports club and bowling alley.
Where can I enjoy a balloon safari in New Delhi? What are its timings and charges?
Skywaltz, Tiger Balloon Safaris, and Rocksport are a few places where you can enjoy a balloon safari in Delhi.
It takes about 4-5 hours and costs Rs 5,000 to 12,000 depending on certain factors.
What are the things to do in Hauz Khas in New Delhi?
There are an endless number of things to do in Hauz Khas in New Delhi. However, if you want to go partying, Downstairs At Zo is a happening nightclub which is actually in a basement. For a more cultural experience, take a walk around the historic Hauz Khas complex with its medieval madrasa, tombs, mosque and lake. Besides, Hauz Khas has many stores and boutiques run by local designers where you can take a look at new trends as well as some of the designers’ works. Other than that, make a trip to Hauz Khas Social, famous for being the venue of a song sequence in the movie Tamasha. The place is respected for its food and thematic interiors.
Which are the best markets to shop in New Delhi?
On the street of Khari Baoli you can find a wholesale market which sells fabrics of every colour, texture, and material. From small roadside hawkers, to huge stores selling fabrics and clothes, you can find some great deals in this market. Sarojini Nagar Market is another area where you can find fashionable clothes for cheap prices. Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place is an ancient Hindu temple, but the area is usually known as the Chudi Bazaar. Other markets include Daryaganj, Janpath and Tibetan Market.
How is the nightlife in New Delhi? What are things to do at night in New Delhi?
Nightlife in Delhi is vibrant and happening. Some of the clubs are Kitty Su, which is the hottest club in town, located in Connaught Place inside hotel ‘The Lalit’. This club is known for its peppy beats and raucous music. If you enjoy live music and performances, then Hard Rock Café is the place for you. Located in Saket, it features local and established band performances and provides a very warm ambience. The Monkey Bar, Underdog Sports Bar and Grill, Lights Camera Action and My Bar are a few other clubs where you could go to experience New Delhi’s tub thumping nightlife.
In addition, Mocha Arthouse for late night coffee; the brewery at 24/7; street food at Pandara road and the yum rotis at Moolchand Paranthe Wala, add to the Delhi experience post dusk.
Which are the best routes for biking in New Delhi?
Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate is a majestic stretch with them being on opposite sides. The mornings at Rajpath are full of cyclists, runners and children skating and playing sports. Aravali Trails are off-road trails with plenty of uphill and downhill sections. The area is perfect for mountain bike riders, though beginners will find several sections quite tough to ride on. It’s a forest area full of birds and small animals.
Gurgaon too has many marked trails for professional bikers and cyclists.
Cycling your way through a city, can be a very meaningful exercise. You get to inhale its flavours, aromas and fragrances on this open-aired vehicle. DelhiByCycle offers guided tours across historical landmarks in the city. The Delhi cycling ecosystem is quite remarkable. Most tours run along pre-selected tracks. Some of these are: The expansive Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate tour; The Najafgarh Wetlands track, where you can cycle amidst lush greenery and wildlife; the Aravali Trails near Gurgaon and the salubrious Dwarka to Sultanpur rides. The Delhi Heritage Tours also organises Heritage Cycling, taking you on bike-rides through the forts, monuments and streets of Old Delhi.
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