Delhi forms the beginning or end of many trips to India. On first impressions, it can seem overwhelming but after a few hours in India’s capital city you will soon settle in and realise that Delhi is one of Asia’s most eclectic, frenetic and magnificent cities with many cultural and historical layers. Brimming with glorious temples, stately colonial buildings and sparkling modern architecture, Delhi’s multidimensional nature makes for a great two or three day stop allowing you to dip into both colourful Old Delhi and the more orderly New Delhi.
Old Delhi was the Mughal capital until the end of the dynasty and it’s, therefore, a great introduction into Indo-Islamic art and architecture in India. Here you’ll find a winding labyrinth of tiny streets lined with bazaars; the Jama Masjid; the Red Fort and Chandi Chowk, an ancient wholesale market. New Delhi, on the other hand, is far less gritty than Old Delhi; designed by Sir Edwin Luytens and Herbert Bake, this area was built as the imperial capital for the British. Here you’ll find far more ordered tree-lined avenues leading to Connaught Place; India Gate and the ancient monuments of Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to the cultural and historical highlights, Delhi also offers an impressive selection of museums, art galleries, chic boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. Whatever your tastes and interests, Delhi will have something for you to fall in love with.