Delhi

India's capital and largest metropolitan area, Delhi is the political, cultural, and economic heart of the nation. Visitors flock here for iconic monuments like India Gate and the Red Fort, world-class museums, diverse cuisine, and its role as the primary gateway for international travelers to India.

Things to do

• India Gate — This iconic 42-meter war memorial arch is Delhi's most recognizable landmark and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
• Red Fort (Lal Qila) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence showcasing Mughal architecture with massive red sandstone walls, ornate palaces, and museums.
• Jama Masjid — India's largest mosque featuring stunning Indo-Islamic architecture, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers with a magnificent courtyard and minarets.
• Humayun's Tomb — A stunning example of Mughal architecture and India's first garden-tomb, built in the 16th century and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• National Museum — India's premier museum housing artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts.
• Chandni Chowk Bazaar — Delhi's most chaotic and vibrant wholesale market offering spices, textiles, jewelry, and street food in a labyrinth of narrow lanes.
• Qutub Minar — A 73-meter minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring intricate Indo-Islamic architecture surrounded by historical ruins and monuments.

Food to try

• Chole Bhature — A North Indian comfort food consisting of spiced chickpeas served with deep-fried bread, typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch throughout Delhi.
• Butter Chicken — Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy with butter and cream, originating from Delhi's Punjabi cuisine and now famous worldwide.
• Delhi-style Biryani — Fragrant basmati rice layered with marinated meat or vegetables and cooked with aromatic spices, with a distinctive lighter preparation compared to other regional styles.
• Parantha and Aloo Paratha — Flaky Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes or other fillings, best enjoyed with yogurt and pickles at old Delhi's famous parantha shops.
• Jalebis and Samosas — Iconic Delhi street snacks—crispy orange spirals soaked in sugar syrup and triangular fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes—found at every corner.
• Kebabs and Seekh Kabab — Mughlai-influenced grilled meat preparations with aromatic spices, best sampled at Old Delhi's famous kebab stalls in Jama Masjid area.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly at religious sites — Remove shoes before entering temples and mosques, cover shoulders and knees, and women should consider carrying a scarf for places of worship.
• Bargain in markets but respect boundaries — Haggling is expected and encouraged in bazaars like Chandni Chowk, but be respectful and start negotiations at 40-50% of the asking price.
• Use right hand for eating and greeting — The left hand is considered unclean in Indian culture, so always use your right hand when eating, giving money, or greeting others.
• Prepare for traffic and crowds — Delhi's streets are notoriously congested and chaotic; allow extra travel time, stay alert, and avoid peak hours if possible for a better experience.