{"id":7738,"date":"2022-11-25T10:49:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T09:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sommertage.com\/en\/?p=7738"},"modified":"2023-11-24T17:03:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T16:03:11","slug":"delhi-highlights-and-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sommertage.com\/en\/delhi-highlights-and-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Delhi Travel Guide: Top Things to Do & Our Travel Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Crazy, crazier, Delhi.<\/strong> Words can hardly describe this metropolis in northern India. Over 28 million people live in the metropolis area of Delhi. Delhi is unbelievably loud, unbelievably chaotic and unbelievably dirty. Delhi is a sensory overload<\/strong>, that we can promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our opinion, Delhi simply needs to be seen if you are on a trip through northern India. In this travel guide we show you the most beautiful sights and best things to do and of course, as always, we reveal our personal travel tips.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Crazy Delhi: Initial travel tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The madness<\/strong> has a name: Delhi. We have really never seen a city more crazy than Delhi. Between cows and rickshaws, horns and car alarms, deep poverty and wealth, it is difficult to shake the feeling of being overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delhi is one of the largest metropolises in the world. The largest airport<\/strong> in northern India is located here, which is why Delhi is the starting point<\/strong> for many travellers. Of course, you could skip Delhi and travel straight onwards, but we would really recommend you experience the chaos with your own eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delhi includes both New Delhi<\/strong> (the capital of India today) and Old Delhi<\/strong> (the historic part of the city and the old capital during the Mughal rule). Old Delhi, with its narrow, lively streets, is the part of the city that most tourists visit first: this is where the most famous sights await you, including the Red Fort and the gigantic Friday Mosque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much time should I allow for Delhi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We ourselves stayed two nights<\/strong> in Delhi and therefore only had one full day for sightseeing. You can visit Delhi\u2019s main attractions and highlights during this time. However, it isn\u2019t enough time for more than an initial glimpse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, we would recommend three nights<\/strong>. That way you have enough time to arrive and get used to the country. The jetlag and the climate can be fairly relentless at the start of the journey. That is without the fact that India is quite a strenuous country to travel to and you are always very thankful for one or two pauses in a quiet hotel room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel guide for India: Our Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Does your trip take you through Delhi and Rajasthan? Then we have a tip for you: the Lonely Planet Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra<\/a> is very well laid<\/strong> out and attractively designed. Clearly recommend!<\/p>\n\n\n

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You can purchase the travel guide here:<\/strong> Lonely Planet Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Delhi Travel Guide: Top Sights and Things to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jama Masjid: the Friday Mosque<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jama Masjid \u2013 also known as the Friday Mosque<\/strong> \u2013 is the largest mosque in India and not to be missed in this travel guide. The dimensions are astounding: there is space for 25,000 people here. The mosque is located in the centre of old Delhi and is one of the city\u2019s main attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its characteristic red sandstone<\/strong> and white marble construction, the mosque is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The two 40 metre high minarets<\/strong> are also eye-catching. You can climb one of these and enjoy a panorama view of Delhi from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can highly recommend visiting the mosque first thing in the morning. We were there shortly after opening and other than us, there were only a few people there who had come to pray. Perfect lighting, perfect atmosphere!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Info for visiting Jama Masjid<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Entrance:<\/em> officially free, but you pay 300 Indian rupees per person to be able to take photographs (on your phone\/camera). (It is not so easy to get around this feel)
Opening times: <\/em>7am until 6:30pm (lunch break between 12pm and 1:30pm)  
Clothing: <\/em>garments for concealment are handed out on site. You have to take off your shoes and the floor is \u2013 as you would expect in India \u2013 anything but clean. It is best to take a pair of socks with you, because the floor can also get very hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delhi<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Delhi<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Delhi<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Red Fort (Lal Qila)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Delhi\u2019s landmark<\/strong> and the most famous sight in Old Delhi is the Red Fort. It is located just a stone\u2019s throw away from the Jama Masjid. The name says it all: this fortress was building using red standstone. The Red Fort has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entire area is very extensive and of course worth seeing, but we think that something more could be done with it. Perhaps it was the midday heat that dampened our spirits a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Info for visiting the Red Fort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Entrance:<\/em> 600 Indian rupees
Opening times: <\/em>9:30am until 4:30pm (closed Mondays)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Red<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Red<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Additional Sights and Things to See in Delhi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Qutb Minar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This mighty five-level victory tower<\/strong> is also a minaret and with a hight of 73 metres it is, more precisely, the highest minaret in India. It is made of marble and red sandstone and stretches up out of the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Unfortunately, it\u2019s no longer possible to climb up the tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance:<\/em> 550 Indian rupees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humayun Mausoleum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Humayun Mausoleum is a little reminiscent of the Taj Mahal<\/a> and is said to have even served as its template. The mausoleum is considered one of the oldest Mughal tombs in Delhi and one of the most magnificent buildings in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance: <\/em>600 Indian rupees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lodi Garden<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This spacious garden setting is a lovely retreat<\/strong> in an otherwise chaotic Delhi. Here you stroll past old mausoleums, temples, water features and bridges. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town: you\u2019re in the right place! We can especially recommend visiting in the late afternoon. Then there is an especially beautiful light for taking photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance:<\/em> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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