Overview
The city that connects
For most tourists visiting India for the first time, the IGI airport in New Delhi is the point of entry into the country. The airport is of vital importance due to its central location, international and domestic connectivity. As a result, it becomes the origin of their Golden Triangle Tour as well.
A lot of tourists also end their Golden Triangle tour in Delhi after visiting Agra and Jaipur before boarding their flight back home. Invariably, the city is the heart of the Golden Triangle.
However, the city is much more than just a connecting point between tours and countries.
Delhi History
The Epicenter of Action
The area in and around Delhi has historically served as the capital of many ruling kingdoms. Dynasties of invaders and migrants from far-away lands settled here from time to time. It continues to be the national capital to this day!
Over the centuries, these developments made Delhi into a rather interesting mix of traditions, cultures, and people.
Highlights
Something for everyone
You can be sure that whatever your taste in travel, Delhi would not let you down. From modern infrastructure to age-old architectural marvels, Delhi has it all. Although a common Delhi package tour consists of sightseeing, there are also a thousand other things you could do here!
I. Markets
You name it, you got it
You may be familiar with the coveted Connaught Place market that has upscale shops. However, Delhi has many more incredible markets, specializing in specific goods.
Visit the Janpath and the Tibetan markets for traditional Indian attire, hippy clothing, leatherwork, and Indian artifacts. Dilli Haat is a traditional village style market with shops operating in thatched-roof cottages. Check it out for handicraft and great food. If you like to bargain for clothes, bags, shoes, and hookah pipes, Paharganj market is the place for you.
The Chandani Chowk district has been the trading hotspot for hundreds of years. The place is divided into pockets with shops selling specific items. For instance, the Kinari Bazar offers everything under the sun that an Indian wedding would need, while the Dariba Kalan area specializes in silver jewellery. If you are into antiques and carpets, the Sundar Nagar market is a paradise for you. Unlike the Chandani Chowk, this place is well-designed and orderly.
II. Nightlife
Food, drinks, and fun
Delhi has hundreds of clubs, bars, and discotheques catering to specific locations. However, some have unique propositions. For instance, the Hauz Khas, a quaint little village made up of dozens of cafes, is set beside the ramparts of a fort. It offers spectacular views of the deer park and lake.
If you are into sports, you would love the Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill. Enjoy live streaming of sports events with beer and great food.
On the other hand, if clubbing or sports is not your cup of tea, you could walk past Pandora road at midnight for spectacular views of the India Gate.
You cannot miss trying the Kebabs, Mutton Korma, and Mutton Burra of the Jama Masjid area. The vendors are open till late at night.
III. Monuments
The must-see icons
There are impressions left behind by the rulers of Delhi in the form of landmarks, cuisine, and traditions. Interestingly though, Delhi also boasts of many modern feats of architecture, making it a city of both the old and new!
Visit the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. It is inside a UNESCO world heritage site. The red-sandstone clad fort aptly called the ‘Red Fort’ is also worth a visit. The Prime Minister of India uses it to this day for addressing the nation on Independence Day.
The Lotus temple is a contemporary architectural wonder. You have to see it to believe how the building’s ingenious lotus-petal design is not only a sight to behold, but also saves energy. The building powers itself through efficient management of solar power. The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple’s light and sound show is a refreshing experience that you must relish. The enormous temple complex features water bodies, step-well styled courtyard and is built from intricately carved marble and sandstone.
Food
Secret Recipes for authentic flavours
Streets of Delhi are full of vendors serving tasty snacks and its highways are lined by speciality restaurants. Although you can find cuisine from the world over here, the influence of Mughal and Punjabi cuisine is most evident.
Old Delhi’s lanes have chefs specializing in age-old recipes for chicken and mutton. Dilli Haat has food outlets representing many Indian states.
If more upscale options please you, the city has plenty. The ITC Bukhara is an award-winning restaurant, preferred by presidents, heads of state, and royalty. The iconic ‘Dal Bukhara’ is cooked over coal-fired ovens resulting in its signature rustic flavour. Check out the Moti Mahal, one of the first restaurants to introduce Tandoori Chicken and Butter Chicken to the world.
Delhi is indeed the centre of the Golden Triangle due to its location, history, and presence of service providers. The long list of things to do and dining options add to the other-worldly charm of its ancient monuments.
About Us
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Learn more about our green practices here or contact us here for a free quote on a custom-made Delhi packaged tour.
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