Collect luggage and choose transport: Airport Express metro (fast, ~25min to New Delhi station) or app taxi (direct to hotel). Metro fares ~INR80–120; taxi ~INR700–1200 depending on traffic. Both are practical ways to reach central/south Delhi from the airport.
Drop bags and rest for a short while; most hotels offer buffet breakfast from ~7:00am onward—good to plan Day 2. Use this time to reconfirm bookings and local travel options.
A UNESCO-listed Mughal garden-tomb with fine architecture and gardens; great for late-afternoon photos and calm atmosphere. Typical visiting hours: ~7:00am–5:30pm (seasonal) — confirm current closing time before you go.
Iconic war memorial and wide ceremonial boulevard; open late and atmospheric at dusk with locals and street vendors — ideal for a relaxed stroll and photos. Always open (outdoor public space).
Connaught Place offers many reliable dinner options: Saravana Bhavan for consistent South Indian vegetarian fare; Farzi Café or United Coffee House for modern/Continental or classic Indian dishes. Most restaurants in CP are open until ~10:00–11:00pm — check specific outlet timings.
Head back to the hotel to rest. If you still have energy, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (near Connaught Place) is open 24 hours and offers quiet late-evening seva and langar.
If staying at a hotel, take the buffet breakfast to save time; otherwise a local café in Connaught Place or a popular chole-bhature outlet near your hotel is good. Typical hotel breakfasts are available ~7:00am–10:30am.
Start early and head to Old Delhi for an authentic breakfast: parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali (or street chole kulche stalls). Street vendors start early; Paranthe Wali Gali opens around ~7:00–8:00am but check on the day for exact timings.
One of India's largest mosques with a grand courtyard and option to climb the southern minaret for city views; modest dress required. Typical visiting hours for tourists are early morning to late afternoon — check for prayer-time restrictions.
Massive 17th-century Mughal fortress with museums and ramparts overlooking the Yamuna; explore the museums, halls and gardens. Typical visiting hours: ~9:30am–4:30pm (confirm current hours; may vary for events).
Wander the bustling lanes for textiles, jewelry, and sweets; don’t miss old shops and local snack stalls (jalebi, samosa, kebabs). Busy area — keep belongings secure and plan 1–2 hours for highlights.
Classic Mughlai and kebab cuisine right near Jama Masjid; Karim's is famous for nihari, mutton kebabs and a centuries-old recipe. Typical opening hours ~11:00am–11:00pm; expect queues at peak times.
Simple, reflective memorial to Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Yamuna; a short peaceful visit that takes ~20–30 minutes. Open roughly 6:00am–6:00pm (verify current hours).
Striking lotus-shaped temple with serene gardens and quiet meditation halls; free entry and ideal for a calm break. Visiting hours typically ~9:00am–5:00pm (hours vary seasonally), so plan accordingly.
A modern temple complex with large halls, exhibitions, and an evening light-and-musical fountain show (check show times). The temple grounds are open ~9:30am–6:30pm; the evening fountain show usually runs after sunset — confirm timings and ticket needs (security screening is strict; cameras and phones are restricted inside some parts).
Choose based on energy and budget: Indian Accent for a fine-dining modern take (reservation recommended), or return to a favourite local spot from Day 2. Many places take reservations and stay open until ~10:30–11:00pm.
If you need to catch a late flight, head back to IGI Airport using app taxi or Airport Express (check metro last train times). Allow ample time for traffic and airport security — aim to leave central Delhi 2–3 hours before an international flight.