Discover the ultimate combination of Mughal history and modernity in one day with some of the best monuments in the capital.
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Delhi is a city of extremes – from mosques of the 17th century surrounded by colonial bungalows to narrow alleys smelling of spices, to wide boulevards and large parks. This is your chance to see the authentic spirit of Old Delhi in the morning and the grandeur of New Delhi in the afternoon on a budget.
Start early before the hustle-bustle of Delhi and tourists. You will be picked up from your hotel or meeting point. Bring water and snacks with you.
Your first stop is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. With its huge capacity of over 25,000 people, you can climb the southern minaret and enjoy a panoramic view of the rooftops of Old Delhi. Entry is free, but there is a charge for the minaret and for cameras. Dress code is modest (or a robe can be hired at the gate).
Get inside one of the oldest and most hectic markets in Asia. Get a cycle rickshaw ride (₹50-100 per head) and wind your way through streets filled with sellers of spices, silver, textiles, and other stuff. Don’t forget to visit Paranthe Wali Gali for a filling and cheap breakfast consisting of stuffed paratha and chutney – a must-do Old Delhi experience.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Chandni Chowk is the famous Red Fort – the palace where the Mughal emperors lived for almost two centuries. The sites worth seeing here include Lahori Gate, Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), and beautiful gardens. Ticket price: ₹35 for Indian nationals, ₹550 for foreign tourists. Plan a brief visit.
Raj Ghat – the place of cremation of Mahatma Gandhi near the Yamuna River – is easily accessible by car. It is a modest black marble platform located amidst beautifully kept gardens. Entry is free.
Find a local dhaba or any mid-budget restaurant around. Order something like Chole Bhature, Dal Makhani, or thali – healthy and not more than ₹150-200 per person. Some of the cheapest places are Haldiram’s, Sita Ram Diwan Chand, or any dhaba in Connaught Place.
Next, head to New Delhi and explore Humayun’s Tomb, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the architectural inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Constructed in 1572, it is a Persian style garden tomb surrounded by Charbagh gardens. Entrance fee: Indians pay ₹40 while foreigners have to pay ₹600. Spend about 45 minutes to an hour here.
Head to South Delhi and visit the tallest minaret in India, a magnificent 73 metre high structure made out of red sandstone that was built in 1193. Other notable structures at this place include the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the Tomb of Iltutmish. Entrance Fee: Indians pay ₹40 while foreigners pay ₹600. You should spend about an hour here.
Finally, head to the heart of New Delhi and see India Gate. This is a 42 meter high war memorial dedicated to the 80,000 soldiers of British India who lost their lives in World War I. Take a walk on Kartavya Path (previously known as Rajpath) and end at the Rashtrapati Bhavan view point. There is no entrance fee here.
Conclude your tour at Connaught Place, the bustling business center of New Delhi. Window shop at the inner and outer circles, indulge in some kulfi or tea, or just admire the beautiful Georgian architecture of the place. Good place to buy souvenirs on a budget too.
Your tour ends either at Connaught Place or at your hotel, as per the convenience. You’ve managed to cover the best of both worlds in one amazing day!
The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, enabling walking among outdoor monuments. The summers from April to June are very hot, while the monsoon season from July to September can cause discomfort during outdoor visits.
Most monuments require walking on uneven ground or climbing stairs (for example, minaret of Jama Masjid, interiors of Red Fort). Nevertheless, a slow-paced visit to the main monuments – Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate – will be comfortable even for older tourists. Please notify your guide beforehand about any special requirements.
Budget of ₹800 to ₹1,200 per person is enough to have a comfortable day – including lunch (₹150 to ₹250), snacks and beverages (₹100 to ₹200), small tips to drivers, personal purchases, and fees for photos in monuments (₹200 to ₹300).
Please wear comfortable and breathable clothes – sleeveless and short dresses may be inappropriate for some religious monuments such as Jama Masjid. It is advisable to carry an additional scarf or dupatta that could be used as a head covering if required. Please bring a pair of flat and closed walking shoes. Sunscreen and hats are recommended in warmer months.
Certainly. Your schedule can be flexible. It is possible to skip some points of interest, add Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, or stay at particular sites for a longer period. You should inform your guide or tour company about your wishes in advance.
The street food of Old Delhi is famous, but one needs to pick those stalls where there is a lot of activity and fast turnover, which means fresh food. One can eat parathas, chaat, and jalebis sold in these places. Pre-cut fruits and uncooked salads should not be purchased at street stalls. Hand sanitizers must be carried, and only bottled water should be consumed.
The street food of Old Delhi is famous, but one needs to pick those stalls where there is a lot of activity and fast turnover, which means fresh food. One can eat parathas, chaat, and jalebis sold in these places. Pre-cut fruits and uncooked salads should not be purchased at street stalls. Hand sanitizers must be carried, and only bottled water should be consumed.
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