Fly from Pune to Delhi in the morning and arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport; clear immigration/baggage and take a prepaid taxi or app cab to your hotel in central Delhi (Aerocity, Connaught Place or a South Delhi neighborhood). Check in and freshen up, then enjoy a hearty late breakfast at a nearby café — try Indian Coffee House in Connaught Place or Big Chill for a comforting start before you begin exploring.
Spend the afternoon getting a gentle introduction to the city with a relaxed walk through Lodhi Garden to admire its tombs and landscaped lawns, followed by a light lunch at the charming Lodhi or Khan Market cafés. If you’re curious about Delhi’s history, pop into the nearby National Crafts Museum or visit Humayun’s Tomb for a serene, photogenic experience that’s less crowded than other monuments.
As dusk falls, head to Connaught Place for shopping and street-side chaat at the Janpath/Palika area, then move to the lively Hauz Khas Village for boutique stores, lake views and rooftop dining; sample kebabs or modern Indian cuisine while watching the sunset over the historic Hauz Khas complex. Alternatively, catch a short stand-up show or live-music performance in the area to round off your first night in Delhi with local flavor and a relaxed vibe.
Start early with a sensory-rich walking tour of Chandni Chowk—enter through the bustling Lahori Gate, visit the red-domed Jama Masjid for sweeping views from its steps, and weave through the spice-scented lanes toward the historic Paranthe Wali Gali to sample famous stuffed parathas. Pause for a chai at the iconic Karim’s or the century-old Ghantewala (if open) and watch the city wake up around narrow bazaars and silver shops.
Continue deeper into Old Delhi with a guided visit to the 17th-century Red Fort to admire Mughal architecture, then stroll to the nearby Mahalaxmi and Kinari bazaars for textiles, jewellery and traditional trinkets—stop for a hearty lunchtime thali at Rajinder Da Dhaba or the famous Al Jawahar for biryani and kebabs. After eating, pop into the Chatta Chowk arcade for miniature paintings or head to the quiet Haveli of Mirza Ghalib if you want a literary interlude away from the crowds.
As the day cools, indulge in Old Delhi’s legendary street food crawl: sample chaat at Natraj, spicy aloo tikki, jalebi from Jalebi Wala and finish with kulfi from a chilled cart, while soaking up raucous market life under strings of lights. If you prefer a calmer end, take an autorickshaw to the nearby Rajinder Nagar or Connaught Place for a rooftop dinner and reflect on the day’s historic sights before heading back to your hotel.
Begin with a crisp morning at India Gate and the nearby Rajpath lawns — arrive early to see the Amar Jawan Jyoti and enjoy a quiet walk before the crowds. From there, head to the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan view point and then to the National Gallery of Modern Art or the Crafts Museum for a dose of art and design, pausing at a café in Connaught Place for filter coffee and breakfast bites.
Spend the afternoon at the grand Humayun’s Tomb and the adjacent Sunder Nursery to admire Mughal gardens and restored monuments, then continue to the bustling Khan Market for a leisurely lunch at Wenger’s or Big Chill followed by browsing bookstores and boutique shops. If museums are your focus, choose between the National Museum (near Janpath) for India’s archaeological treasures or the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library for modern history and a thoughtful exhibition experience.
As evening falls, take a short drive to the Lodhi Road area to visit Lodhi Art District murals or return to Connaught Place for rooftop dining — try Indian Accent (if you booked ahead) or a lively Punjabi/modern Indian restaurant for festive Christmas Eve vibes. Finish with a relaxed stroll around the illuminated colonial-era circles or a drink at a cozy bar in Hauz Khas Village, connecting the day’s cultural discoveries with Delhi’s contemporary nightlife.
Start your Christmas morning slowly with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel or head to Khan Market for flaky croissants at Big Chill or a hearty English breakfast at SodaBottleOpenerWala, followed by a browse of the bookshops and boutique stores. Afterward, take a gentle stroll through the nearby Lodi Gardens or the landscaped paths of Sunder Nursery to soak up fresh air and seasonal greenery while recovering from earlier sightseeing.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Delhi’s best markets: browse artisanal goods and festive finds at Dilli Haat (INA) for handicrafts and regional snacks, then head to the colorful lanes of Janpath and Palika Bazaar for quirky souvenirs and winter wear. Pause for a late lunch at one of Connaught Place’s rooftop cafés or try Karim’s for a nostalgic Mughlai meal before returning to your hotel for a short rest.
As the day winds down, enjoy a tranquil evening at Hauz Khas Village with its lakeside views, boutique shops and cosy rooftop restaurants—try some kebabs and a warm drink while watching the lights reflect on the water. If you prefer a quieter end to your trip, book a spa session at a South Delhi spa or a candlelit dinner in the hotel to reflect on the trip and prepare for travel back to Pune the next day.