Since it’s already 9:16, head to Jantar Mantar now; it’s usually open daily from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and an hour is plenty to wander among the giant stone instruments. Entry is roughly ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors; check the ticket counter for current rates. From there, walk a few minutes through Connaught Place to Dhoomimal Gallery on Connaught Circus. It’s a lovely change of pace: browse its contemporary Indian art at an unhurried speed, and check its hours before setting off, as gallery timings can vary.
Settle in for lunch at United Coffee House in Connaught Place—a grand old café with polished wood, chandeliers and plenty of vegetarian choices. Allow 1–1.5 hours and around ₹800–1,500 per person. After lunch, take an auto or app cab to Agrasen ki Baoli on Hailey Road; it’s a short ride, though traffic around central Delhi can slow things down. Give yourself about 45 minutes for the deep, atmospheric stepwell and its stone stairways. Entry is free; it’s generally open during daylight hours, so aim to arrive well before sunset.
Return to Connaught Place for dinner at The Big Chill Cafe. It’s a comfortable finish to the day, especially if you’re craving vegetarian pizza; budget roughly ₹700–1,200 per person and allow about 1.5 hours. If you have a little time before your table, take a relaxed loop around the Connaught Place colonnades rather than rushing between stops.
Allow about 35–50 minutes to reach the south side of the city, then start with an easy hour at Hauz Khas Deer Park. The shaded paths and lake views make a gentle reset after the journey; go earlier for cooler air and a quieter walk. From the park, it’s a short walk toward Hauz Khas Village for Hauz Khas Fort. Give the medieval ruins and reservoir lookout about 1–1½ hours. Check the entrance board for current timings and ticket rates, and wear shoes with a decent grip—the old stone paths can be uneven.
Settle in for a vegetarian South Indian lunch at Naivedyam in Hauz Khas Village; the richly decorated interior is part of the fun, and budget roughly ₹500–900 per person. After lunch, browse Ojas Art Gallery, also in the village, for contemporary Indian art and a quieter change of pace. It’s Gandhi Jayanti, a public holiday, so confirm the gallery is open before setting out and keep a little flexibility in your afternoon. The village lanes are pleasant to explore between stops, but can get busy later in the day.
Head to Summer House Cafe at Aurobindo Place for dinner, then stay on for its lively music and late-night club atmosphere. It’s a short auto ride from the village; allow extra time if traffic builds, and budget around ₹1,200–2,500 per person. Fridays can be busy, so check the event schedule and reserve ahead if possible.
Allow 25–45 minutes from Hauz Khas to Qutub Minar by Uber or Ola; traffic and pickup time can stretch that, so leave early and aim to arrive around opening, usually 7 a.m. The complex is best explored before the day heats up: give yourself 1.5–2 hours for the minaret and surrounding monuments. Entry is typically around ₹40 for Indian visitors and ₹600 for foreign visitors; check the current ticket price at the entrance.
A short auto ride or a walk uphill brings you to Ahinsa Sthal, a quiet Jain complex with a large Mahavira statue and wide city views. It’s a peaceful 45-minute pause; dress modestly and keep voices low. From there, head to Mehrauli Archaeological Park for an unhurried wander among tombs and tree-lined paths. Allow about 1.5 hours, then continue within the park to Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb to see its intricate decoration. The park is generally open during daylight and free to enter, though access to individual monuments can vary—check signage, and bring water and shoes suitable for uneven paths.
Finish at Olive Bar & Kitchen, a lovely courtyard setting for a relaxed dinner after a day among ruins. Book ahead for Saturday evening and mention that you’re vegetarian; there are usually meat-free choices, and you can ask about vegetarian pizza or other dishes when reserving. Budget roughly ₹1,500–3,000 per person. It’s a short cab ride from the park; arrange your return from the restaurant rather than relying on finding an auto right outside.
No packing list attached yet.