Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Aerocity). Clear immigration/baggage and meet driver; short transfer to your South Delhi hotel (Aerocity or nearby) for check-in and a quick refresh.
Settle into your room and rest briefly after travel. Use this time to confirm tomorrow’s Old Delhi plan, ask the concierge about local traffic, and pick up a city SIM or maps if needed.
Drive to Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Qutub Minar precinct for a gentle first stroll — explore the green pathways and see ruins like Jamali Kamali as the light softens.
Arrive at Qutub Minar complex; take photos of the tower and the intricate inscriptions. Enjoy the late-afternoon glow and a relaxed pace to acclimatize.
Walk or short drive to the serene Hauz Khas Village lake and complex. Wander the lanes, view the medieval reservoir and historical madrasa, and spot boutique shops and galleries.
Early dinner at Yeti — The Himalayan Kitchen (Hauz Khas Village) for comforting momos and thukpa, or choose Social Offline (HKV) for modern Indian small plates and cocktails, depending on mood.
After dinner, stroll through Hauz Khas Village’s arty alleys; pop into stores like The Bombay Store or local boutiques, and stop for a dessert or coffee at Rose Cafe or Imperfecto if you prefer a livelier vibe.
Return to your hotel in Aerocity/nearby. If you still have energy, enjoy a nightcap at your hotel bar (try the Aerocity JW Marriott’s Bar One or Pullman’s rooftop) or relax in your room and prepare for tomorrow’s Old Delhi excursion.
Wind down and finalize plans for Day 2: confirm early transport to Old Delhi, set out comfortable walking shoes, and have a light rest — aim for an early night to be ready for a full day exploring historic markets.
Wake early and have a light hotel breakfast or packed tea; confirm your private guide/driver for the day and depart Aerocity to Old Delhi to beat traffic and crowds.
Arrive at Jama Masjid and take a guided walk of the mosque complex — climb the southern minaret for sweeping views of old city rooftops and get oriented to the labyrinth of lanes below.
Walk down to the historic Paranthe Wali Gali; sample a hot stuffed paratha and sweet lassi at a well-known shop (e.g., Pt. Gaya Prasad Paranthe Wali) for a hearty Old Delhi breakfast.
Stroll through Chandni Chowk’s narrow lanes with your guide, visiting the spice market (Khari Baoli), the silver market (Dariba Kalan), and the famed mouth-watering jalebi stalls; learn about the area’s trade history.
Take a rickshaw ride along the busy lanes to the Red Fort (Lal Qila) entrance; enjoy the kinetic street scenes as you pass shops and hawkers en route.
Enter Red Fort for a 60-75 minute visit — explore the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal and the ramparts while your guide explains Mughal court life and architecture.
Exit Red Fort and walk toward Kinari Bazaar for a short shopping detour; browse textiles, wedding trimmings, and traditional trousseau pieces — perfect for colorful souvenirs or photos.
Lunch at Karim’s (near Jama Masjid) or the original Al-Jawahar for classic Mughlai dishes — order mutton korma, seekh kebabs and their legendary nihari or butter chicken for a quintessential Old Delhi meal.
After lunch, visit the Ghalib Museum (nearby) if interested in literary history, or explore the narrow Haveli alleys and local sweet shops; enjoy paan or a kulfi from a trusted vendor for a refreshing treat.
Head to the bustling Fatehpuri or Chowk areas to watch artisans at work—bookbinders, perfume sellers (ittar), and traditional jewellers—your guide can introduce you to reputable shops and makers.
Take a short break at a calm teahouse such as the historic Tea Stall in Kinari Bazaar or stop at Haldiram’s for refreshments and to regroup before the late-afternoon plan.
Walk across to the historic Sunehri Masjid area and visit the Red Fort’s Meena Bazar direction for additional photo stops and to absorb the market atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Enjoy a guided rickshaw-or walking tour of the winding lanes toward Chandni Chowk’s famous confectioners — pick up traditional sweets like besan ladoo or soan papdi to taste later.
Head back toward your vehicle and drive a short distance to Rajghat for a quiet, reflective stroll at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial if you’d like a calm contrast to the day’s bustle.
Drive back to South Delhi (Aerocity/Hauz Khas area), enjoying an overview of the city as daylight fades; use this time to rest and freshen up at your hotel.
Dinner suggestion: try the historic Indian Accent (for a modern tasting menu, reservation needed) or return to Hauz Khas Village for dinner at SodaBottleOpenerWala for Parsi/Irani comfort food and lively ambience.
If energy remains, enjoy a relaxed walk in Hauz Khas Village or a rooftop bar in Aerocity (e.g., Aerocity’s rooftop at Pullman) for a digestif and night views of the city.
Return to your hotel, review photos and notes from the day, and prepare comfortable footwear and an early start plan for Day 3 — New Delhi cultural landmarks.
Wake early and enjoy a light hotel breakfast or packed tiffin; confirm today’s driver/guide and depart Aerocity to Central Delhi to beat mid-morning traffic and crowds.
Arrive at India Gate and take a peaceful morning stroll along the canopy-lined Rajpath for photos of the memorial and the reflecting lawns while locals exercise and vendors set up.
Walk past the Amar Jawan Jyoti towards the National War Memorial and spend 20-30 minutes absorbing the site and reading inscriptions about India’s modern military history.
Short drive to the Rashtrapati Bhavan viewing point (Kartavya Path side); your guide will explain the Mughal- and British-era planning of Lutyens’ Delhi and point out the President’s House and surrounding architecture.
Guided exterior tour along the Secretariat buildings and Parliament House area (photo stops only unless pre-arranged entry); learn about India’s parliamentary system and the city’s imperial-era urban design.
Drive to the nearby National Crafts Museum & Hastkala (if open) or the National Gallery of Modern Art for a short cultural immersion showcasing Indian artisan traditions and modern art—spend about 45-60 minutes.
Head to Connaught Place (CP) and stroll into Janpath Market for a quick browse of handicrafts, pashminas and souvenirs; your guide can point out reputable shops to avoid tourist overpricing.
Lunch at Odeon Social or Wenger’s Deli in Connaught Place—choose Odeon Social for contemporary Indian small plates and cocktails, or Wenger’s for old-world bakery sandwiches and pastries in a historic setting.
After lunch, walk to Agrasen ki Baoli (on Hailey Road) for a 20-30 minute visit to this striking stepwell—enjoy the cool, photogenic geometric terraces and a short history of the site.
Short taxi ride to the Gandhi Smriti (Birla House) and spend 45 minutes exploring the rooms, the spot where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last days, and the memorial gallery.
Visit the nearby National Museum (depending on interest and timings) for a focused 60-75 minute tour of highlights—Indus Valley artifacts, Gupta sculptures and Mughal miniatures—or choose the Crafts Museum if skipped earlier.
Return to Connaught Place for chai at Indian Coffee House or a masala chai stall; use this relaxed break to review photos, rest your feet, and watch bustling CP life unfold.
Shop or wander through the inner circles of Connaught Place—visit Janpath for bargains, Palika Bazaar (underground) for electronics/quirky finds, or the upscale shops on Khan Market if you prefer refined boutiques.
Drive to Lodhi Garden for a calm golden-hour walk among tombs and landscaped lawns; enjoy birdlife and sunset views while absorbing Delhi’s layered history in a tranquil setting.
Return toward South Delhi/Aerocity and freshen up at your hotel; take 30-45 minutes to rest before dinner and change into something comfortable for the evening.
Dinner reservation suggestion: head to Indian Accent (The Lodhi) for contemporary Indian fine dining (pre-booking required) or The Imperial’s 1911 Restaurant for colonial-era grandeur and classic Indian/continental fare.
If you’re up for one more stop, enjoy a nightcap at Aerocity’s Sky Lounge (Pullman) or a relaxed bar in Hauz Khas Village to compare vibes from earlier nights; otherwise, return to your room to review the day and plan Day 4.
Wind down and prepare for tomorrow’s museums and markets—charge devices, lay out comfortable footwear, and confirm museum opening times or bookings to ensure a smooth next day.
Wake early and enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel in Aerocity or a takeaway tiffin; confirm today’s guide/driver and set out for Central Delhi to make the most of museum opening hours and quieter streets.
Arrive at Agrasen ki Baoli (Hailey Road) for a peaceful morning visit; descend the cool, photogenic steps and spend 20-30 minutes photographing the geometry and learning its brief history from your guide.
Walk or short drive to Connaught Place and stop at Wenger’s Deli or Odeon Social for a fuller breakfast — enjoy pastries and coffee at Wenger’s or contemporary Indian small plates and chai at Odeon.
Stroll through Janpath Market for bargain handicrafts, pashminas and souvenirs; your guide will point out reputable stalls and help you avoid common tourist markups while you browse.
Head to the National Gallery of Modern Art (or National Crafts Museum if you prefer traditional arts) for a focused 60-75 minute visit to see modern Indian paintings or exceptional handicrafts and textiles.
Drive to the Gandhi Smriti (Birla House) for a 45-minute visit; tour the room where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days and view the exhibits that chronicle his life and philosophy.
Walk or quick taxi to the National Museum (if open and of interest) and explore highlights—Indus Valley artifacts, Gupta sculptures and Mughal miniatures—for about an hour; otherwise use this time for deeper browsing at the Crafts Museum.
Lunch at Farzi Café (Connaught Place) for innovative Indian cuisine, or head to Saravana Bhavan (Janpath/Khan Market) for reliable South Indian dosa and filter coffee depending on your taste and energy levels.
Return to Connaught Place and take a 30-40 minute break at Indian Coffee House or a nearby café to review purchases and photos; rest your feet before the afternoon transfer to Hauz Khas Village.
Drive toward Hauz Khas Village and arrive about 15-20 minutes later; begin with a relaxed walk around the Hauz Khas complex, visiting the medieval madrasa, the lake and the small galleries dotted along the lanes.
Explore Hauz Khas Village boutiques and design stores—stop at The Bombay Store’s HKV outlet or local shops like Nicobar for contemporary Indian homeware and fashion; pick up unique Delhi-made gifts.
Visit the nearby Khas Bazaar and art galleries (e.g., Art for Thought) or pop into Sienna for jewelry and lifestyle finds; enjoy late-afternoon light over the reservoir as you sip chai at Rose Café.
Take a short walk up to the Hauz Khas ruins for golden-hour photos and skyline views; your guide can share the Mehrauli-era context and point out the Jamali-Kamali tomb from afar.
Head to the rooftop or courtyard of Social Offline (Hauz Khas) or Yeti — The Himalayan Kitchen for an early dinner option; choose Social for inventive small plates or Yeti for comforting Himalayan dishes.
After dinner, enjoy Hauz Khas Village’s lively evening atmosphere—browse night-time pop-ups, artisanal stalls or catch live acoustic music at a café like Imperfecto or Rose Café (check listings).
If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, walk toward Deer Park (adjacent) for a short night stroll or head back to Aerocity and stop for a drink at Pullman’s rooftop bar to compare neighbourhood vibes.
Return to your hotel to rest; back up photos, review souvenirs and make any bookings needed for Day 5’s Qutub Minar/Mehrauli Archaeological Park trip (confirm entry times and transport).
Wind down and prepare clothes and comfortable footwear for tomorrow’s day trip; get a good night’s sleep to be fresh for the Qutub complex and Mehrauli exploration.
Wake up early, enjoy a light hotel breakfast or takeaway tiffin, and confirm your driver/guide for the Mehrauli day trip; pack water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for uneven paths.
Depart Aerocity/Hauz Khas with your driver to beat crowds and morning haze; the drive to the Qutub complex typically takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Arrive at Qutub Minar complex when gates open; buy tickets and begin a guided approach to the tower, learning about its 12th-century foundation, architecture and inscriptions.
Take time for photos and close-up observations of Qutub Minar’s fluted shafts and Arabic calligraphy while your guide explains the layered Delhi Sultanate history and later additions.
Explore surrounding monuments inside the complex: the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque ruins, the Iron Pillar and the Ala-ud-din’s madrasa remains, with your guide pointing out architectural details and origins.
Stroll toward the nearby Alai Minar base and hear the story of Ala-ud-din Khalji’s unfinished ambition; enjoy a quieter section of the park and photograph the juxtaposition of ruins and greenery.
Walk or take a short drive into Mehrauli Archaeological Park; begin a gentle, guided loop visiting Jamali-Kamali tomb, the 'Baoli' stepwell ruins and scattered medieval structures amid shaded pathways.
Spend time at the Jamali-Kamali complex — view the painted interior of Jamali’s tomb and the adjacent mosque, while your guide explains Sufi associations and Mughal-era patronage.
Visit the 14th-century Rajon Ki Baoli (if open/accessible) or other stepwells in the park; enjoy the cool microclimate and learn about water management in historic Delhi.
Head to the nearby Sunder Nursery (short drive) for a relaxed early lunch at the nursery café or Dilli Haat-style kiosks if open—alternatively return toward Hauz Khas for lunch at Yeti or Social Offline if you prefer HKV.
If staying local, stroll through Sunder Nursery’s landscaped gardens and new museum spaces; otherwise, drive to Hauz Khas Village and arrive for a leisurely lakeside lunch and people-watching.
Lunch suggestion: try the courtyard at Rose Café (Hauz Khas) for salads and light mains, or Yeti — The Himalayan Kitchen for momo platters and thukpa to refuel after the morning walk.
After lunch, return to Mehrauli Archaeological Park for a deeper walk or a short guided exploration of lesser-known ruins—your guide can show hidden nooks, carved stones and local stories off the main paths.
Visit the nearby Qila Rai Pithora (ruins of the earlier city) and the tranquil Baoli area for more photo opportunities and to appreciate Delhi’s multiple historical layers in one neighborhood.
Take a tea break at a local café such as the Qutub-area chai stall or a café inside Sunder Nursery; rest your feet and review the morning’s photos while your guide suggests optional evening plans.
Return to the Qutub complex entrance for any final photos and to visit the on-site interpretation panels or small museum displays; pick up souvenirs from the authorized kiosks if desired.
Drive back toward Aerocity/Hauz Khas; on the way, consider a quick stop at Mehrauli’s local markets or at the tranquil Rajon Ki Baoli’s outskirts for sunset photos if timing and light allow.
Arrive back at your hotel to freshen up and rest; use this time to back up photos, change for dinner and prepare any items needed for your last full evening in Delhi.
Dinner suggestion: return to Hauz Khas Village for dinner at SodaBottleOpenerWala (Parsi flavours) or head to Indian Accent (if you prefer contemporary fine dining and have a reservation) for a memorable final evening meal.
After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk around Hauz Khas Village’s lit lanes or visit a rooftop bar in Aerocity (Pullman Sky Lounge) for a nightcap and to reflect on the trip highlights.
Return to the hotel, pack any souvenirs and prepare a small bag for tomorrow’s departure; confirm your transfer for the airport on December 30 and review travel documents.
Wind down with a warm drink, review the week’s photos, and set an early alarm if you have morning tasks—get a good night’s rest before your departure day.
Wake early, finish packing and double-check flight time and e-ticket; place essentials (passport, boarding pass, wallet, phone) in a small travel pouch for easy access.
Enjoy a light hotel breakfast or request an early takeaway from the hotel (continental or Indian tiffin); confirm your pre-booked airport transfer with the concierge and reconfirm luggage arrangements.
If flying late morning or afternoon, step out for a quick last-minute errand: visit the hotel gift shop or a nearby kiosk in Aerocity for snacks, bottled water and any forgotten travel adapters.
For a final Delhi souvenir run, head to Aerocity’s Plaza or nearby Duty Paid shops to pick up packaged sweets (soan papdi, kaju katli) or boxed masala mixes—ask the concierge for the best packaged options for flying.
Return to the hotel to finish toiletries and secure checked luggage; weigh your bags if possible to avoid surprises at the airport and attach contact details to all luggage.
If your flight is mid- to late-afternoon and you have time, take a short half-hour outing to a nearby market: Aerocity’s retail promenade or, if based in Hauz Khas, a quick stop at The Bombay Store (HKV) for gifts.
Back at the hotel, enjoy a relaxed cup of masala chai or coffee; use this time to finish any online check-in, download boarding passes to your phone and confirm immigration requirements (forms, health declarations if any).
If you need last-minute toiletries or medicines, ask the concierge for a nearby pharmacy (e.g., Apollo Pharmacy in Aerocity) and pick up any necessities quickly to avoid delays later.
Collect your luggage from the room and bring it to reception for the pre-arranged transfer; settle any outstanding hotel bills and request a copy of the transfer voucher or driver contact details.
Driver arrives for airport transfer (timing depends on your flight — adjust earlier for international departures); load luggage and begin journey to Indira Gandhi International Airport or the domestic terminal as needed.
Arrive at the airport (allow extra time for luggage drop and security); if time permits, visit the airport shops for duty-free purchases, pick up a packaged snack or buy last-minute Indian teas and spices from authorised outlets.
Complete check-in and baggage drop; proceed through security and immigration, keeping your passport and boarding pass handy and following any airline-specific procedures or priority-lane details if applicable.
Relax in the departure lounge—grab a light meal at an airport café such as Café Delhi Heights or Haagen-Dazs and use lounge Wi-Fi to upload photos and send farewell messages to family and friends.
Make a final visit to the washroom and freshen up; set phone to airplane mode as required, and ensure all liquids and duty-free items comply with airline rules and are packed appropriately.
Head to the boarding gate early when announced; keep documents ready and take a moment to reflect on highlights from the trip—Qutub Minar, Old Delhi flavors, Lodhi Garden, and Hauz Khas evenings.
Board your flight when called; stow carry-on luggage, settle in and enjoy any final in-flight refreshments while reviewing photos and notes from your Delhi visit.
If your flight departs later than mid-afternoon, use the additional time in the lounge to pick up boxed snacks (kaju katli or layer mithai) for loved ones, and confirm your onward arrival logistics at your destination.
Final reminder: before takeoff, confirm you have passport, phone, wallet and any prescription medicines in your carry-on; thank your driver or hotel staff if they assisted with the transfer.