Dehli, India Part 1
My visit to Dehli, or New Dehli, India
Which is it?
New Delhi when referring to the specific district that serves as India’s capital. New Delhi is a planned city developed during British rule and officially designated as the capital in 1931.
Delhi refers to the larger metropolitan area, encompassing both New Delhi and other historical and residential parts like Old Delhi, which includes the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. When speaking broadly about the city and its culture, Delhi is the correct term, so we will use that one here.
After two weeks in India, visiting 4 southern cities, I flew north to Dehli from Goa barely missing seasonal monsoons, and had a Female co-pilot in my flight who Said hello to me with a big smile. That made me happy to see a woman pilot there.
The flight attendants checked my boarding tickets. Again getting off the plane! That was a first. Who checks them getting off the plane?
Should I take a Bus, train or taxi to Agra? I still could not decide even after arriving. I was overwhelmed with the decisions, but knew I had to get there.
Taxi is at least 6000 each way. Maybe more. It sounded like a lot, but was only $72. USD.
Bus or train may be best.
However, the temperature is 💯 degrees, so think about heat stroke and how that will affect me.
Here are a few places that I would recommend in Dehli to visit over 3 days: Historic on Day 1 in Old Dehli, Day 2, consider Heritage and Spiritual, and Day 3, Museums, art and gardens
Day 1: Red Fort
UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Mughal (Moogal) power.
Cost: about $6.00 for foreigners
Time: 2-3 hours.
Travel: 30 mins from central Delhi by metro or taxi.
Jama Masjid
India’s largest mosque, rich in Mughal architecture.
Cost: Free, nominal fee for photography.
Time: 1-2 hours.
Travel: Walking distance from Red Fort.
Chandni Chowk
Historic market with traditional Indian shops, street food.
Cost: Free; budget around 500-800 INR for food and shopping.
Time: 2 hours.
Travel: Walking distance from Jama Masjid.
Day 2
Qutub Minar
UNESCO World Heritage site, India’s tallest minaret.
Cost: 600 INR for foreigners. or $7.00
Time: 1.5 hours.
Travel: 30-45 mins from central Delhi by taxi or metro.
Lotus Temple
Iconic Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all religions.
Cost: Free.
Time: 1 hour.
Travel: 20 mins from Qutub Minar by taxi or metro.
India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan
War memorial and President’s House, significant colonial architecture.
Cost: Free.
Time: 1-2 hours for a stroll.
Travel: 20-30 mins from Lotus Temple by taxi.
Day 3
National Museum
India’s largest museum, showcasing ancient artifacts.
Cost: 650 INR for foreigners.
Time: 2 hours.
Travel: 20 mins from central Delhi by taxi.
Humayun’s Tomb
UNESCO site, inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Cost: 600 INR for foreigners.
Time: 1.5 hours.
Travel: 15 mins from the National Museum.
Lodhi Gardens
Tranquil gardens with Mughal tombs.
Cost: Free.
Time: 1-2 hours.
Travel: 10 mins from Humayun’s Tomb.
