Exploring Delhi in 15 Days

  • Day 1: Jama Masjid
    20 minutes (8.3 km) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

    Start your journey with a visit to the largest mosque in India. Jama Masjid is made of beautiful red sandstone and white marble and can hold up to 25,000 people. Take a guided tour or explore on your own to experience the rich Mughal architecture and stunning city views from its southern minaret.

  • Day 2: Humayun's Tomb
    45 minutes (10.5 km) from Jama Masjid

    This magnificent tomb was built in the 16th century for the Mughal emperor Humayun. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Explore the tomb's serene gardens and ornate architecture, a stunning example of Persian and Mughal styles coming together.

  • Day 3: Qutub Minar
    35 minutes (15 km) from Humayun's Tomb

    Climb to the top of India's tallest brick minaret, the Qutub Minar. Built in the 12th century to celebrate Muslim rule in India, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features dazzling Islamic architecture in the form of intricately carved sandstone patterns and verses from the Quran.

  • Day 4: Akshardham Temple
    50 minutes (20 km) from Qutub Minar

    Visit this magnificent Hindu temple, known for its intricate carvings and traditional architecture. The Akshardham Temple is a place for divine worship, art, and exhibitions. Take a boat ride or explore the expansive campus, which features captivating light shows, lush gardens, and intricate carvings of over 20,000 deities.

  • Day 5: Lotus Temple
    25 minutes (12 km) from Akshardham Temple

    Also known as the Bahai House of Worship, the Lotus Temple is a uniquely designed place of prayer for people of all religions. Its stunning lotus flower-shaped architecture and tranquil gardens make it a must-visit attraction in Delhi.

  • Day 6: Red Fort
    30 minutes (8 km) from Lotus Temple

    Step back in time with a visit to the Red Fort, where generations of Mughal emperors have ruled from their palatial quarters. The fort's massive walls, intricate architecture, and colorful history make it a top attraction in Delhi.

  • Day 7: Raj Ghat
    20 minutes (6 km) from Red Fort

    Pay your respects to one of India's most beloved leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, at his memorial site. Take peaceful moments of reflection on the serene grounds of the Raj Ghat, which is surrounded by lush greenery and is a place of quietude and contemplation.

  • Day 8: India Gate
    15 minutes (6 km) from Raj Ghat

    Visit this imposing war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died during World War I. The India Gate is a popular spot for evening strolls, where visitors can enjoy the lit-up monument and fountains, and take part in food and souvenir shopping.

  • Day 9: National Museum of India
    20 minutes (7 km) from India Gate

    Get a glimpse of India's rich cultural heritage at the National Museum, which is home to an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, sculptures, and jewelry from ancient and modern India. Learn about the country's history, geography, and cultural diversity through interactive exhibits and curated collections.

  • Day 10: Swaminarayan Akshardham
    20 minutes (8 km) from National Museum of India

    Visit the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham, a modern Hindu temple known for its impressive architecture, exhibitions, and water show. Explore the temple's beautifully landscaped gardens, learn about Hindu culture and spirituality, and join the evening show to experience a magical water and light display.

  • Day 11: Chandni Chowk
    20 minutes (9 km) from Swaminarayan Akshardham

    Shop and eat like a local in Delhi's bustling Chandni Chowk market. Explore the narrow lanes and alleys that are filled with shops selling everything from traditional Indian sweets to clothes and jewelry. Try some delicious street food, haggle for a bargain, and take in the sights and sounds of one of Delhi's most vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Day 12: Hauz Khas Village
    30 minutes (13 km) from Chandni Chowk

    Take a break from Delhi's busy streets and visit the charming Hauz Khas Village. This trendy urban village is home to some of Delhi's best cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Explore the winding streets, admire the street art, and enjoy a meal overlooking the serene lake and ruins of a 14th-century Islamic seminary.

  • Day 13: Dilli Haat
    20 minutes (9 km) from Hauz Khas Village

    Browse the stalls of Dilli Haat, a colorful open-air market that showcases the best of India's handicrafts and cuisine. Buy handmade textiles, jewelry, pottery, and other souvenirs while sampling delicious regional foods from all over India.

  • Day 14: Connaught Place
    15 minutes (6 km) from Dilli Haat

    Get a taste of Delhi's colonial-era past with a visit to Connaught Place, a commercial and financial hub lined with shops, restaurants, and colonial architecture. Shop for souvenirs, admire the circular Georgian-style buildings, and try some delicious Indian or international cuisine at one of the many restaurants in this vibrant area.

  • Day 15: Rashtrapati Bhavan
    20 minutes (7 km) from Connaught Place

    End your trip with a visit to the official residence of the Indian President, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Take a guided tour or enjoy a scenic walk around its lush gardens, ornate halls, and stunning architecture. Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony, a fascinating spectacle that takes place every Saturday.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Jama Masjid (1 hour, ₹500)
  • Humayun's Tomb (2 hours, ₹750)
  • Qutub Minar (2 hours, ₹600)
  • Akshardham Temple (3 hours, ₹1700)
  • Lotus Temple (1 hour, ₹200)
  • Red Fort (2 hours, ₹500)
  • Raj Ghat (30 minutes, ₹50)
  • India Gate (1 hour, ₹100)
  • National Museum of India (2 hours, ₹300)
  • Swaminarayan Akshardham (3 hours, ₹1700)
  • Chandni Chowk (2 hours, ₹200)
  • Hauz Khas Village (3 hours, ₹1000)
  • Dilli Haat (2 hours, ₹500)
  • Connaught Place (2 hours, ₹1000)
  • Rashtrapati Bhavan (1 hour, ₹300)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): ₹8,850

Transportation

Delhi has an extensive metro system that connects most of the major tourist destinations. It's a cheap and efficient way to travel around the city, with fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹50. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are also widely available and can be used for longer distances or when traveling at odd hours. Be sure to negotiate fares with autorickshaw drivers before boarding and agree on a price before starting your journey.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting nearby places like Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Jaipur for its stunning palaces and forts, or Rishikesh for a spiritual retreat. If you have less time, prioritize the places that interest you the most and consider combining multiple sites in one day to make the most of your time. Also, remember to carry a water bottle and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Airports

Delhi has two airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Safdarjung Airport (N/A). Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main airport and is located 16 km from the city center. It serves both domestic and international flights and is well-connected to the city via metro, taxi, and bus. Safdarjung Airport is a smaller airport primarily used for general aviation and is located 8 km from the city center.

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