Touch down in Delhi and make your way to a centrally located hotel in Connaught Place for a relaxed check-in and a short rest after travel. Take a gentle walk around the circular colonnades of Rajiv Chowk to get your first taste of Delhi life, pop into a bakery like Wenger's or United Coffee House for chai and a light breakfast, and soak up the colonial-era architecture that defines the area.
After settling in, explore nearby Janpath and the Tibetan Market to browse handicrafts, scarves, and souvenirs; pause for a leisurely lunch at Saravana Bhavan for South Indian classics or at Odeon Social for modern Indian fare. If you want a quieter interlude, stroll to the serene Agrasen ki Baoli, an ancient stepwell tucked just off Connaught Place, for photos and a calm atmosphere away from the bustle.
As evening falls, wander through Connaught Place's lively inner circle toward the buzzing Palika Bazaar or the popular vegan/vegetarian street-food stalls near Khan Market for chaat and kebabs. Finish the night with a rooftop drink or dessert at a rooftop restaurant like The Imperial’s 1911 Bar or Perch Wine & Coffee Bar, enjoying sweeping views of the lit-up central district and preparing for a deeper Old Delhi immersion tomorrow.
Take an early metro or a short taxi ride from Connaught Place to Chandni Chowk to beat the crowds; begin with a guided rickshaw tour through the narrow lanes, popping into the aromatic Paranthe Wali Gali for a hot stuffed paratha and chai, then visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid to climb its southern tower for sweeping views over Old Delhi. The bustling bazaars, bustling sweets shops (don’t miss Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai), and the layered sounds of the city will give you an immediate sense of Delhi’s historic heart.
From Chandni Chowk walk or take a short cycle-rickshaw to the Red Fort to explore its marble palaces, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, and learn about Mughal court life; afterwards, wander through the nearby bazaars to sample street-food specialties like chaat at Ghantewala or jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi Wala. If time allows, step into the serene Fatehpuri Masjid courtyard or visit the tiny but fascinating Sunehri Masjid area for more photographic alleyways and traditional craft stalls.
As daylight fades, return toward Chandni Chowk and join the evening food crawl around Kinari Bazaar and the lanes leading to Daryaganj, tasting kebabs, tikkas and kulfi from trusted stalls, or sit down for a relaxed Mughlai dinner at Karim’s near Jama Masjid to savor slow-cooked biryani and nihari. End the night with a gentle drive back to Connaught Place, reflecting on the sensory overload of Old Delhi and preparing for New Delhi’s grand monuments tomorrow.
Start the day with a short drive or metro ride to India Gate and stroll the tree-lined Rajpath as morning light bathes the war memorial; grab a chai and samosa from a nearby vendor and watch locals jogging or doing yoga on the lawns. From there, continue toward the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan precinct—book ahead for the Mughal Gardens or take the guided exterior walk to admire the colonnades, colonial-era architecture and landscaped vistas that link the seat of India’s presidency to the ceremonial boulevard.
After lunch at a classic Delhi club-style café near Khan Market or the stately Taj Mansingh, join a guided walk around the Parliament House area and explore the stately government buildings and Lodhi Estate’s modern embassies; pop into the serene Lodhi Gardens for a quiet wander among tombs and manicured pathways. If you prefer museums, spend the later afternoon at the National Gallery of Modern Art or the nearby Crafts Museum to see contemporary Indian art and handicrafts that contrast Old Delhi’s bustle with New Delhi’s planned grandeur.
As dusk falls, return to Rajpath for the colorful sound-and-light display or watch the sunset behind the India Gate silhouette, then head to Connaught Place or Khan Market for dinner—try Indian fused cuisine at Farzi Café or classic Punjabi fare at Moti Mahal. Finish the night with a relaxed drink on a rooftop terrace or a leisurely walk through the illuminated circles of Connaught Place, reflecting on the day’s sweep from imperial avenues to artistic corners.
Leave the city’s official avenues behind and head south to Hauz Khas Village for a leisurely morning—wander the narrow lanes past galleries like Art Alive and Studio 21, sip a strong filter coffee at Blue Tokai or Social, and explore the medieval Hauz Khas Complex with its lakeside ruins and madrasa views for great photos. The mix of contemporary art, boutique shops and historic architecture makes a refreshing contrast to Old Delhi’s bazaars and New Delhi’s monuments, continuing the trip’s evolving story.
Drive toward Mehrauli to visit the Qutub Minar complex and nearby tombs, then step into the quieter, lesser-known Mehrauli Archaeological Park for a contemplative stroll among layered ruins; pause for lunch at the charming 76/77 Mehrauli café or at a local dhaba that serves hearty North Indian fare. Afterward, head to Dilli Haat (INA) to browse handicrafts from across India—pick up handwoven textiles, block-printed garments and regional snacks while watching live artisans at work, tying together cultural discovery with memorable shopping finds.
As evening arrives, enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner in Hauz Khas Village or at the Dilli Haat food stalls sampling regional thalis and street-inspired desserts, then catch live music at a local venue like The Piano Man or Summer House Café for a lively South Delhi night out. Return to Connaught Place refreshed and carrying artisan souvenirs, appreciating how the day’s contemporary arts and historic sites deepen your understanding of Delhi’s many layers.
Begin the day with a calm, early visit to the Akshardham complex—arrive for the prayers and enjoy the serene gardens, marvel at the intricate stone carvings on the main mandir and take the short, meditative boating/visual-story ride (Yagnapurush Kund/Exhibition) to learn about India’s spiritual heritage. The tranquil atmosphere and the sweeping views across the Yamuna make for a reflective counterpoint to the week’s busy bazaars and monuments.
After a light vegetarian lunch at the on-site food court or a nearby café, head to the lotus-shaped Bahá’í House of Worship (Lotus Temple) to experience its quiet interior and contemplative gardens—sit for a while in the silence, observe worshippers from many faiths, and walk the manicured grounds for photography and peace. If time allows before departure, stop by the nearby ISKCON temple for a lively aarti and prasadam tasting, tying together Delhi’s diverse spiritual threads.
Wrap up your Delhi story with a relaxed final meal back toward Connaught Place or at the airport lounge, savoring a favorite dish you discovered earlier in the trip—perhaps kebabs, chaat or a comforting dal—and take a last stroll through a nearby market for any last-minute souvenirs. Allow extra time for airport transfer, reflecting on the week’s progression from Old Delhi’s bustle to New Delhi’s monuments, South Delhi’s arts and finally this calm, spiritual finale.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Connaught Place / Rajiv Chowk (walking around, architecture viewing) | Free (transport to/from: INR 30-200) |
| Wenger's / United Coffee House (breakfast, chai) | INR 150-500 per person |
| Janpath & Tibetan Market (browsing, shopping) | Free to browse; shopping depends — typical souvenir: INR 100-1500 |
| Saravana Bhavan (lunch) / Odeon Social (lunch) | Saravana Bhavan: INR 200-400 per person; Odeon Social: INR 500-1200 per person |
| Agrasen ki Baoli | Free (donation optional) |
| Palika Bazaar / Khan Market street food | Street food: INR 50-300 per item; Palika Bazaar shopping: INR 200-2000 |
| Rooftop drink/dessert (The Imperial’s 1911 Bar / Perch Wine & Coffee Bar) | INR 600-2000 per person |
| Metro / Taxi between Connaught Place and Old Delhi | Metro: INR 20-60; Taxi/auto: INR 150-400 |
| Chandni Chowk rickshaw tour | INR 200-600 (shared rickshaw or fixed-price tour) |
| Paranthe Wali Gali (breakfast/snack) | INR 50-200 per person |
| Jama Masjid (visit + climb southern tower) | Entry free; tower climb: INR 200-300 per person (approx.) |
| Old Delhi bazaars & sweet shops (e.g., Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai) | Sweets/snacks: INR 50-400 |
| Red Fort (visit) | Entry: INR 35 (Indian citizens), INR 600-650 (foreigners); audio guide/tour extra: INR 100-500 |
| Street food at Ghantewala / Old Famous Jalebi Wala | INR 50-300 |
| Evening food crawl around Kinari Bazaar / Daryaganj / Karim’s dinner | Karim’s meal: INR 400-900 per person; street crawl: INR 200-800 per person |
| India Gate & Rajpath (stroll, photos) | Free (transport: INR 30-200) |
| Rashtrapati Bhavan (grounds/exterior / Mughal Gardens visit if booked) | Exterior walk: Free; Mughal Gardens ticket (when open): INR 100-300 (book in advance) |
| Parliament area / Lodhi Estate guided walk | Free to view; guided private walk: INR 300-1500 depending on guide |
| Lodhi Gardens (walk) | Free |
| National Gallery of Modern Art or Crafts Museum | NGMA entry: INR 20-150; Crafts Museum: INR 20-150; camera fees may apply INR 25-200 |
| Lunch at Khan Market / Taj Mansingh / Farzi Café / Moti Mahal | Khan Market café: INR 400-1200; Farzi Café: INR 1000-2500; Moti Mahal: INR 500-1200 |
| Hauz Khas Village (galleries, cafes, shops) | Coffee/snack INR 150-600; gallery entry often free or INR 100-300; shopping INR 300-3000 |
| Hauz Khas Complex (ruins & lake) | Free (donation optional) |
| Qutub Minar complex | Entry: INR 40-60 (Indians), INR 600-700 (foreigners); guide/audio extra INR 200-600 |
| Mehrauli Archaeological Park | Free |
| Lunch at 76/77 Mehrauli or local dhaba | INR 200-800 per person |
| Dilli Haat (INA) shopping & food | Entry: INR 30-150 (some haats); shopping & food: INR 300-2500 depending on purchases |
| Evening live music venue (The Piano Man / Summer House Café) | Cover charge: INR 200-800; drinks/food: INR 400-2000 |
| Akshardham complex (visit, exhibition / boat ride) | Entry free; exhibitions/boat ride ticket: INR 170-450 per person; camera/phone not allowed inside main complex |
| Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship) | Free (donation optional) |
| ISKCON Temple (aarti/prasadam) | Free entry; prasadam/donation INR 50-300 |
| Airport transfer (Connaught Place to Indira Gandhi International Airport) | Taxi: INR 600-1600; Airport Metro + last-mile: INR 100-400 |
| Accommodation (mid-range hotel in Connaught Place) | INR 3000-9000 per night |
| Local transport daily budget (metro, taxis, rickshaws) | INR 200-800 per day |
| Estimated Total (per person) | INR 24,000 - 72,000 (5 days, per person, excluding international flights). - Budget traveler estimate (basic hotel/guesthouse INR 3,000/night, public transport, street food, modest entry fees): ~INR 24,000 - 32,000. - Mid-range traveler estimate (3-star hotel INR 4,500-6,500/night, mix of cabs and metro, sit-down restaurants, guided tours, some paid attractions): ~INR 36,000 - 52,000. - Comfortable traveler estimate (4-star hotel INR 7,000-9,000/night, taxis, multiple restaurant meals, private guides, paid shows): ~INR 55,000 - 72,000. Notes: totals assume 4 nights accommodation, daily meals, local transport, entry fees and modest shopping but exclude international airfare, major shopping splurges, or luxury dining & private cars for all transfers. |