
Red Fort
The fortified palace complex of Red Fort or Lal Qila was built in the 17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Named after its massive red sandstone walls, this fort was built along the banks of River Yamuna and se...
The metropolis of Delhi is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna in the northern part of the country. As the National Capital Territory of India, Delhi serves as a globally significant political, cultural and commercial hub. It’s divided into Old Delhi with diverse neighbourhoods and historical monuments, and New Delhi (capital city) which is known for its wide avenues and government buildings. Being one of the most ancient cities of India, Delhi is renowned for its diverse heritage, bustling markets, historical landmarks and government buildings, numerous educational institutions, rich food culture and much more. For tourists, the city unfolds a captivating story where the vibrant culture and history intertwine perfectly with the modern way of life, creating a unique and enriching experience.
The best time to visit the capital territory of Delhi is during the winter season (October-March) when the weather is at its best. Monsoon season (July-September) is the moderate season with the onset of rainfalls. During the off-season of summers (April-June), the weather becomes extremely hot and dry, making it uncomfortable for travelling.
So, it is time to know about the essential things that you should be familiar with before visiting this city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or have experience in traveling, these are the things you can’t neglect.
Delhi’s lively streets and markets are a treasure trove of street-food and culinary delights for both its locals and visitors. You can kickstart your mornings with chhole bhature from Chache di Hatti or delicious paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali. The renowned markets of Chandni Chowk offer a variety of delicacies such as dahi bhalla and aloo tikki from Natraj Dahi Bhalla, daulat ki chaat, jalebis, refreshing watermelon shakes at Nawab Qureshi’s along with mouth-watering kebabs from Karim’s Kebabs joint. You can further indulge into other varieties of street food such as momos, pakora, rolls, aloo chaat, pav bhaji, paneer tikka, bhel puri and more at the markets of Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh and Connaught Place. For desserts, kulfis are a popular go-to choice which you can find at Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale (Chawri Bazaar) or Roshan di Kulfi (Karol Bagh). Do not miss out on Giani’s di Hatti, famous for its mouth-watering rabri faluda and lassi, which are must-tries for tourists!
For shopping enthusiasts, Delhi is an unmissable destination! Its lively street markets and upscale malls offer an exciting and diverse shopping experience to all. The famous Sarojini Nagar Market is the top name in our list as it features mostly fast fashion apparels for both women and men at considerably low prices. The markets in Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar are your go-to places especially if you’re out for wedding-shopping. However, that’s not all since you’d also find items of all kinds and necessities such as everyday clothes, footwear, jewellery, handicrafts, decor items, and more. The stores and stalls in Dilli Haat sell out unique and beautiful handicrafts of fine quality. If you’re looking to buy fresh or second-hand books at discounted prices, Daryaganj Book Market is your place to go! For upscale shopping from trendy stores and branded names, try out the stores in Khan Market or malls such as Select Citywalk, DLF Emporio and Ambience Mall.
Delhi’s cultural identity is defined by its interesting fusion of traditional and cosmopolitan styles. Its marvellous historic landmarks such as Red Fort and Jama Masjid reflect its rich heritage which spans centuries of Sultanate, Mughal and British rule. Delhi’s culture is also significantly influenced by the culture and traditions of its neighbouring states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh - making it a multicultural capital of the country.
The festivals of Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, Lohri and many more are celebrated with great enthusiasm and harmony, adding an inviting charm to the religious diversity of the city. It also features a large number of temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras. The city also leaves a lasting mark in the art and crafts scene which includes jewellery making, bamboo work, embroidery, painting, carpet weaving, ivory carving, paper craft, metalwork, etc. Even the food menus involve a wide variety of national and international cuisines. In essence, with its culture and heritage tied to a vast history and a multitude of ethnicities, Delhi provides an immersive experience to all those who visit it or call it their home.
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