Also known as Ugrasen ki Baodi, it is one of the must-visit places in Delhi. Here is the guide to Agrasen ki Baoli.

What is a Baoli?

Baoli or Baodi is a water reservoir that was commissioned and constructed by the kings from yesteryears. Structures were constructed around these reservoirs and it also involved a series of steps that lead down to the well. These reservoirs were constructed in places with water shortage

In many places, these step wells have intricately carved walls and pillars and they served as a community meeting place for the locals.

Stepwells are present across the country, especially in West and North India. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan – Kund, in Gujarat – Vav and in Maharashtra – Barav. 

Read more – Adalaj ni Vav, Sevasi Vav, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur

History of Agrasen Ki Baodi stepwell

There is no recorded history of who built the step well but it is believed to have been commissioned by King Agrasen around 3000 BC. Maharaja Agrasen was popular for the Agroha Kingdom which was popular as the kingdom of traders. It is said that the Agrawal community are the descendants of this kingdom.

The Baoli is an ancient stepwell that is 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and has 108 steps. It also has three levels and each of them has niched arches on either side of the well.

Is Agrasen Ki Baoli haunted?

According to the legends, the water in the reservoir turned black in colour. It is said that when people approached the black water in the well, they would be enticed by it and were compelled to commit suicide. 

As they leapt from the well into the depths of the black water below, the water would rise up and spill over, oozing the blood of its victim.  

In the current scenario, this ‘black water’ has dried up but the modern-day legend still says that the stepwell is haunted by ghosts and demons that exist in the depths of the Agrasen ki Baoli. People have claimed that they have heard footsteps behind them. 

Whether the visitors believe in ghosts of Agrasen ki Baoli or not, one can spend some peaceful time at the stepwell.

Movie shooting at Agrasen ki Baoli

While the locals have been visiting the stepwell for long, many movies have been shot at  Agrasen ki Baoli. The Bollywood Movie ‘PK’ particularly made this stepwell popular followed by Instagram posts.

My visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

What seemingly looks like a regular place on the street, the stepwell that is thousands of years old is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Delhi Travel Guide is incomplete without a visit to Agrasen ki Baoli.

An information panel near the gate gives some info about the stepwell. As the visitors climb up the few steps, one can see the steps leading to the reservoir down. One cannot help but notice the city skyscrapers overlooking the historical landmark of Delhi. 

The bad odours emitting from the arches fill up the air but that doesn’t deter many visitors from spending hours in the peaceful environs of the step wells and posing for photos.

The Baoli is built with rubble and stones and is one of the most finely kept and preserved Baolis in Delhi and around. The main feature of the structure is the long flight of steps leading down to the stepwell. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors. 

On the west side of the stepwell is a small mosque with three openings. Raised on a solid platform with underground dalans on the sides, it has a whale-back roof and pillar columns of red sandstone.

Agrasen Ki Baoli timing

The stepwell is open every day, including Sundays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm. 

Agrasen Ki Baoli ticket prices

Entry is free to Agrasen ki Baoli for all visitors. Photography is also free but tripods and drones are not allowed.

How to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi | Nearest Metro to Agrasen ki Baoli

The Nearest Metro station to Agrasen Ki Baoli is Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk station.

From Barakhamba Road it’s a 10-minute walk to Agrasen ki Baoli and from Rajiv Chowk, the walk will take 15 minutes to Hailey Road.

One can use the app-based Ola or Uber or even an auto-rickshaw to reach the Baoli from anywhere in Delhi.

Photography at Agrasen ki baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi is extremely popular for photography enthusiasts because the ruins look beautiful. Being an ASI protected monument, professional photography, pre-wedding photoshoots and fashion photoshoots are possible with prior permission.

This place does get busy during the day with tourists, college students and locals. So, if you want clear photos, visit early in the morning.

Hotels near Agrasen ki Baoli

Being in the Connaught Place area, there are some good accommodation options for stay. Visitors can choose from budget stays to luxury stays.

Luxury hotels: Le Meridien New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Mid-range: Connaught Royale Delhi, Hotel The Royal Plaza

Sustainable tips to explore the Baoli

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Read More Delhi posts

Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

Qutub Minar

Purana Qila

National War Memorial, Delhi

Shopping places in Delhi

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While I was deciding on my Delhi Travel Guide, I came to know about Waste to Wonder Park. The park is made from different types of Waste, much like the Chandigarh Rock Garden. It was the first for me and I was surely excited to visit the Waste to Wonder Park.

Why the name Waste to Wonder Park?

This tourist attraction is an ode to the seven wonders of the world. The Waste to Wonder Park has installed replicas of seven iconic edifices using waste scrap. The seven wonders recreated here are pieces of art as the waste is perfectly aligned to give respect to the original structures. 

About Waste to Wonder Park

Spread across 5 acres of land, Waste to Wonder Park is a sustainable place in Delhi. The sculptures are constructed away from each other and a well-laid path directs visitors to each one of them. The entire area is full of flowering shrubs, manicured gardens and trees giving it a feeling of must visit parks in Delhi. 

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), the governing body behind the construction of Waste to Wonder park has utilized over 150 tonnes of industrial and automobile waste to develop and build the 7 wonders of the world sculptures in the park. 

The park is sustainable in many ways and not just the installation of structures. Waste to Wonder park is eco-friendly as it consists of 3 windmills (worth 1 KW), 3 solar trees (worth 5 KW) and a rooftop solar panel of 10 KW. This park is self-sufficient for running on its renewable energy.

Seven wonders of the world whose miniature replicas are present at Waste to Wonder Park are Taj Mahal, Agra, India, Great Pyramid of Giza, Eiffel Tower of Paris, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Christ the Redeemer Statue of Rio De Janeiro, Rome’s Colosseum and the Statue of Liberty, USA.

The replicas of these seven wonders made out of waste have been given a bright and finished look with old sodium lights installed within them, to highlight their features.

The park was made a reality thanks to five artists, seven supporting artists and 70 welders.

Details about the structures at Waste to Wonder Delhi

After the entry into the main gate, visitors are greeted with a photo-op of a vintage car. Visitors have to follow a trail to reach the first replica. There are details about each sculpture as a display board that notifies visitors on what is used. At the end of the 7th wonder, there is a cafe where one can enjoy local delicacies and fast food. 

Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramid of Giza is 18 feet high and 10 feet wide. Around 110 layer structure has been generated by using 10,800 scrap angles. This sculpture has utilized 10 tonnes of waste material.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa is 39 feet high and 10 feet wide and has been given the exact tilt of 86 degrees. It has been constructed out of waste such as cable wire wheels, automobile parts, typewriter parts, truck metal sheets, clutch plates, C channels and angles. It has 182 columns that are made of pipes and automobile gears. This sculpture has utilized 9 tonnes of waste and took 100 days to complete.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is 70 feet high and 27 feet wide.  The materials used in making this replica are truck petrol tanks, automobile parts, garden railing parts, clutch plates, C channels and 3”, 4”, 5” angles. This sculpture utilized 15 tonnes of waste and took 130It totally gives the real Parisian feel by visiting here. I can say so because I have seen the real one. Check my 3 days Paris guide: Paris highlights for first time visitors.

Colosseum

The Colosseum at Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi is 16 feet high and 49 feet in length. The Colosseum has utilized scraps from children’s parks such as slides, swings and see-saw. Other materials used are gears, angles, square metal pipes, electric poles, automobile spare parts, metal railings, sheets of trucks and meta benches. There are 162 pillars and the arch of each pillar is made from 410 car wheels. This not-so-miniature sculpture has utilized 11 tonnes of waste scrap and was made in 100 days.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is special for every Indian as it has put India on the global map. The replica of Taj Mahal in the park has utilized enough space for a small garden and fountains just like in the original one.

This sculpture is 37 feet high and 43 feet wide. It has utilized materials such as angles, trucks, cupboard sheets, nuts and boils, cycle tyre rims, electric pole pipes, park benches, children swings, old utensils like cooking kadhais and benches. 

The Taj Mahal sculpture used 16 tonnes of scrap and took 130 days to complete.

Christ the Redeemer

This sculpture is 25 feet high and 9 feet wide. It has utilized scraps such as electric pipes, automobile scrap, bike chains, spring, hand cart, auto-rickshaw parts, park benches, angles and gears. This sculpture at Waste to Wonder park utilized 15 tonnes of waste and was made in 130 days.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is 32 feet high and 17 feet wide. It is one of the most popular sculptures in the park. It has utilized angles from auto-rickshaw, slides from children’ park, tea stall, park benches, hand cart, electric metal wires, metal sheets, cycle chains and bike rims. This statue has utilized 4 tonnes of waste and was made in 90 days flat.

Location of Waste to Wonder Park

The miniature versions of the 7 Wonders of the World made with recycled scraps from landfill sites are located at Block A, Ganga Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi.

Nearest metro to Waste to Wonder Park

Hazrat Nizamuddin Metro Station on the pink line of Delhi Metro.

Waste to Wonder Entry Fee

Waste to Wonder ticket price is INR 50 for adults. It is free for children below 3 years of age and senior citizens above 65 years of age. For 3 to 12 years the entry fee is INR 25. 

Waste to Wonder Park Timings

The park is open from 11 am to 11 pm. It is closed on Mondays. 

Best time to visit Waste to Wonder Park

The best to visit Waste to Wonder is in the evenings during summer as it is pleasant and the park and sculptures are lit up. In winters the best time is in the afternoon by soaking up some sun.

Places to visit near the park

Humanyun’s tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s Mausoleum. It is one of the earliest examples of the garden tomb characteristic of Mughal-era architecture.

Sunder Nursery

It is a green space spread in a 90-acre land that includes a garden, a nursery & a historic tomb. 

Sustainable tips for Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

• Respect the sculptures by not touching/sitting on them. Do not cross the fence that protects the structure.
• Do not harm the sculptures by carving, writing or spitting on it.
• Do not pluck flowers from the garden.
• Dispose of garbage in the dustbins located at specific points.

Read more Delhi posts here:

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

Qutub Minar Complex

National War Memorial

Shopping Places in Delhi

Wondering about weekend trips from Delhi to the mountains? Here are some great options:

• Things to do in Manali
• Places to visit in Mcleodganj
• Rishikesh Travel Guide

Like Sustainable places? Check out some innovative International Places following Sustainable Tourism:

• Laos: Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang
• Thailand: Nakhon Phanom Things to do
• Netherlands: NDSM Wharf 

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Read about my Privacy Policy.

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The first time I visited Delhi was for work back in 2014. I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to expect during my visit to Delhi. After taking many one-day trips to Delhi over the last decade, I only recently visited all the tourist places in Delhi.

Based on my visit, here is a Delhi Travel Guide for the best things to do in Delhi. It covers offbeat gems like Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi, to UNESCO Heritage sites like Qutub Minar Complex.

But before I dive into the best places to visit in Delhi, let me cover some basics.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR DELHI | DELHI TRAVEL GUIDE

How many days do I spend in Delhi?

It depends on the time one has! It is possible to have a good experience by spending 24 hours in Delhi, 36 hours in Delhi, 2 days in Delhi, 3 days in Delhi, one week in Delhi and even 10 days in Delhi. Depending upon the slow and fast travel one prefers, one can try various combinations. 

Why visit Delhi? Is Delhi worth visiting?

There are always questions like what to do in Delhi, and what the places are. Being the capital of India, Delhi is sought after for a visit. Since it has good connectivity with international destinations, most tourists land here. It is only obvious to spend some time here before heading anywhere else. Delhi also forms the famous tourist circuit – The golden triangle of India that includes Jaipur, Agra and Delhi.

Delhi is the capital of modern India and has been the capital of at least seven previous civilisations. Each civilisation has left behind a trail of monuments that still exist here. Delhi’s historical charm includes three UNESCO World Heritage sites – Red Fort, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

First time travelling to Delhi or India

Are you an international passport holder, travelling to India for the first time? Then there are 50% chances that you will land in Delhi. Check out this post to equip yourself better – Everything you need to know before travelling to India.

How to get around Delhi

Delhi has an excellent transportation system. Metro and public buses are conveniently available. The Metro train system, just like most big cities in the world, exists, but getting to the visitor places from the metro train station could be a hassle while on a short trip. Auto rickshaws are available right outside the metro stations.

If visitors are on a short trip to Delhi, then it is best to simply hire a car and driver for the duration of your stay to get around. Another option is the travel-based apps – Uber and Ola, which are a blessing to move from one place to another.

Keep in mind the heavy traffic timings and avoid them if possible. Heavy traffic timings are 9 am to 11 am, and 5.30 pm to 7 pm.

THINGS TO DO IN DELHI

It is obvious to get overwhelmed by the capital of India, whether you are a first-time visitor to Delhi or a regular one. Right from deciding the safest mode to reach the city from the airport to deciding places to visit in Delhi, from deciding what to eat in Delhi to deciding where to shop in Delhi, the questions are unending.

There are so many things to do in Delhi, it is hard to even know how to begin a Delhi city guide, and what Delhi travel tips to offer to visitors who want to explore and experience the best sights in Delhi, the best nightlife of Delhi, the best attractions of Delhi and must-visit landmarks of Delhi. 

What to do in Delhi, and what are the best places to see in Delhi? These are common questions. Delhi is a big city so to cover the maximum number of places, one has to carefully plan the day and places that are near to each other. Following is a must-see list for Delhi.

Jama Masjid

The highlight of Old Delhi is the Jama Masjid. Also known as Masjid-i-jahan-Numa, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. While Jama Masjid exists in many Indian cities, Jama Masjid Delhi can contain over 25,000 people who pray together on the occasion of Eid. Jama Masjid is also a must-visit while in Ahmedabad.

Jama Masjid and its courtyard took the efforts of over 5000 workers to construct the monument. The mosque comprises three highly decorated gates, two 40-meter-high minarets and four towers. The mosque is constructed of white marble and red sandstone. Above the prayer hall’s entrances are calligraphic inscriptions in Persian. Three large marble domes rise from the prayer hall’s roof.

Timings of Jama Masjid: 7 am to Noon,1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Note: Tourists are not allowed during prayer hours.

Entry fees for Jama Masjid: Free (Photography charges are extra INR 300).

Red Fort – must visit place in Delhi

Also known as Lal Qila, Red Fort is of historical as well as present-day importance. The Red Fort is the place from which India’s Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day. Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit tourist places in Delhi. Red Fort, Delhi, was also built by Shah Jahan in the 17th Century and served as his residence.

Constructed in red sandstone, the Red Fort is spread over an area of 250 acres. The fort is a complex that encloses palaces, entertainment halls, projecting balconies, baths, indoor canals, gardens, and a mosque. Among the most famous structures of the complex are the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-ʿAm), which has 60 red sandstone pillars supporting a flat roof, and the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas), which has a pavilion of white marble.

Timings of Red Fort, Delhi: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. 

Entry fees of Red Fort: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 500 for foreigners. Light and Sound Show, Red Fort ticket charge is extra. (Note: The Light and Sound show at, Red Fort has been closed since COVID-19).

Jantar Mantar | Delhi Observatory

Jantar Mantar, also called the Delhi Observatory, is one of the most prominent astronomical observatories in the country. The Jantar Mantar observatory in Delhi comprises 14 astronomical instruments of which four are primary devices. These are Samrat Yantra, the Jayaprakash Yantra, the Rama Yantra, and the Misra Yantra. The sundial is one of the most popular here and is based on the ancient Egyptian Ptolemaic structure. It is one of the largest in the world and is used to tell time accurately to half a second. Most of these instruments were designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a similar but smaller version exists in Jaipur.

Timings for Jantar Mantar Delhi: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry fees for Jantar Mantar Delhi: INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners.

Qutub Minar Complex

Qutub Minar or Qutb Minar is one of the top things to do in Delhi. Built in the 12th century by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, Qutub Minar is India’s highest tower. It is another UNESCO Heritage Site in Delhi and also the tallest brick minaret in the world. The total height of the minaret is 240 meters, which is almost 5 storeys high. The first 3 storeys of the Qutub Minar are made using red sandstone, whereas the top 2 storeys are made up of marble. It is hard not to miss that all structures in the complex have carvings of Hindu motifs or gods on them. 

The complex has several other related historical monuments, including a collection of tombs and gardens. The most significant of these is the Quwwat-ul-Islam (the Might of Islam) mosque. The 

Iron Pillar at Qutub Minar was built in honour of Chandragupta II during the Gupta reign in the 4th century. It is a fine example of ancient Indian metallurgy, because of its baffling property of not rusting in spite of being open for 2000 years.

Timings of Qutub Minar, Delhi: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Entry fees for Qutub Minar: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 550 for foreigners. Light and Sound Show tickets cost extra.

Humayun’s Tomb

Another important Delhi highlight among the places to visit in Delhi includes Humayun’s Tomb. It is a mausoleum constructed in red sandstone and white marble and spread over 52 acres. Humayun’s Tomb was constructed in the 16th century after the death of the Mughal emperor Humayun. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1933.

The entire complex is divided into four large squares using causeways and water channels. Each of the four squares is further subdivided in like manner so that the whole is subdivided into 36 smaller squares. The tomb structure occupies the four central squares and is surrounded by gardens all around.

The structure inspired several other significant architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal.

Timings of Humayun’s Tomb: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry fees for Humayun’s Tomb: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 550 for foreigners.

Purana Qila | Old Fort Delhi

Purana Qila, or Old Fort, is a 16th-century stone fort near the eastern edge of the city. History runs deep in Purana Qila as excavations in the fort show the area was inhabited, reportedly back to 300 BC. The fort is said to be built at the site of Indraprastha, which, according to the Mahabharata, was the capital of the kingdom of the Pandavas.

The fort has three gateways – Bara Darwaza facing west, the Humayun Gate facing south, and the Talaqqi Gate, which is often referred to as the forbidden gate. All of the gates are double-storeyed and consist of huge semi-circular bastions flanking either of their sides.

The complex is spread across a huge area, some of which have gardens and some areas that have wild trees. Some other noteworthy structures inside the Purana Qila complex include a mosque – Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, a stepwell, a squat tower used as a library-cum-observatory called Sher Mandal and an Archaeological Museum.

Talking about forts, read about the second-longest wall in the world – Kumbhalgarh or trek at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Lohagarh Fort. 

Timings for Purana Qila, Delhi: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry fee for Purana Qila, Delhi: INR 15 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners. Boating charges are extra.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Lately, I have been obsessed with stepwells and I leave no chance to visit a stepwell that exists in the city. Having visited stepwells like Panna Meena Kund, Jaipur, Sevasi Vav, Vadodara, Rani-ki-vav, Patan, I wanted to tick off Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi. 

The stepwell measures 60 meters north-south and is 15 meters wide at ground level. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors.

Timings for Agrasen ki Baoli: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry fee for Agrasen ki Baoli: Free

Delhi Travel Guide – Visit Lodhi Gardens

Delhi is a green city with ample gardens. Lodhi Garden is one of the Delhi Tourist places that should be ticked off. Lodhi Gardens is a public park situated in the upscale locality of New Delhi. Apart from the garden, the 90 acres of area houses a lake and architecturally beautiful complexes from the 14th and 15th centuries such as Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad.

Visitors include not only joggers and picnic lovers but also architectural enthusiasts and heritage lovers. Many heritage walks are conducted here.

Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

India Gate and National War Memorial

India Gate is the largest war memorial in India and is very similar to the Arc de Triomphe of Paris in its architecture. The memorial is a monumental sandstone arch dedicated to 70 thousand soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives between 1914 and 1921 during the Anglo-Afghan War and the First World War, and has names of over 13 thousand soldiers inscribed in the structure.

The National War Memorial symbolises the nation’s gratitude for the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces who made the sacrifice in the defence of the country since independence. It is possible to pay homage to the martyrs by clicking on the many screens in the complex or even in online mode.

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Entry fees: Free

Connaught Place

Connaught Place, commonly called CP is an upscale business and commercial hub, centred on a ring of collonaded Georgian-style buildings. It houses global chain stores, theatres, bakeries, bars and Indian restaurants. There also exists the newly opened Museum of Illusions.

It is said that Delhi nightlife happens in CP. Whether one visits during the day or night, spending some time here is worth it.

Connaught Place Timings: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm. The restaurants are open till 11:00 pm.

Entry fees: Free

National Museum

The National Museum is one of the largest museums in India with over 210,000 art objects, paintings, wood carvings, sculptures and murals on display, some of which date back to prehistoric times (4th and 5th centuries). This 3 storeys premier museum of India houses galleries that have an impressive collection of artefacts from across the country and the world. 

Timings of National Museum: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)

Entry fees of the National Museum: INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 650 for foreigners

National Railway Museum

Indian Railways has been special for travellers. The National Rail Museum comprises India’s railway heritage, exclusive exhibits, antique locomotives, train rides, a showcase of technical enhancements done in railways, and a lot more. It showcases both indoor and outdoor exhibits. 

There is a toy ride inside the museum, in which the visitors can take a round of the entire outdoor museum and get a glimpse of all the exhibits in one go. The National Rail Museum is spread over an area of 11 acres and offers a treat for not just kids but a learning experience for adults too.

Timings of National Rail Museum: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays).

Entry fees of National Rail Museum: INR 50 on weekdays, INR 100 on weekends. Kids entry fees are INR 10 on weekdays and INR 20 on weekends. Toy train charges are INR 50 per adult and INR 20 for a child. and INR 650 for foreigners.

Lotus Temple

Constructed in the shape of a blooming lotus flower, Lotus temples house a big prayer hall and have manicured gardens and nine pools bordered by red sandstone walkways, all around giving the feeling of a white lotus blooming in a green pond. 

Also known as the Bahá’í House of Worship, this magnificent structure stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. People of all racial, religious, and national backgrounds are welcome to pray and meditate within its precincts.

Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Akshardham Temple 

Akshardham Temple is a spiritual complex in New Delhi. The term Akshardham is the combination of two words, ‘Akshar’ meaning ‘eternal’ and ‘Dham’ meaning ‘abode’. Akshardham displays numerous traditional aspects, beautiful architecture, Indian culture and spirituality. In the centre, the main complex is built on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shashtra, which is called Akshardham Mandir. 

The temple is constructed using Italian Carrara marble and pink sandstone. It has more than 234 beautifully carved pillars, 9 elaborate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20,000 sculptures of spiritual personalities from India. While this one is spread over 100 acres, a smaller version of the Akshardham temple is present in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

Entry fees: While the temple entry is free, the exhibition costs INR 170.

Hauz Khas Village

Known as ‘The National Capital of Ethnic Chic’, the hip and trendy Hauz Khas Village is a beautiful urban village nestled in a corner among the ruins of Hauz Khas Fort. Hauz Khas village is a popular place amongst the locals for the best nightlife in Delhi as it offers retro clubs, pubs and fine dining restaurants. 

Adjacent Deer Park has picnic huts, Hauz Khas lake facing tombs and religious monuments dating back to the 14th century. There are many hostels for tourists who want to enjoy a slow urban life.

Timings for Hauz Khas: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm. Restaurants are open till 1 am.

Entry fees for Hauz Khas: Free to the village. INR 25 for Hauz Khas fort.

SHOPPING IN DELHI

Shopping in Delhi needs a dedicated blog post, as Delhi is a shopaholic paradise. Whether you are looking for affordable streetwear or upscale designer wear, there are markets for one and all. There are specific markets for buying wedding wear, street shopping, antiques, home furnishing and crockery. The city is full of markets, stores, shopping centres, and street stalls.

Shopping markets in Delhi

Khan Market, Delhi: For upscale shopping, Khan Market is a one-stop shopping centre in central Delhi. 

Sarojini Market and Kamala Nagar Market: They are traditional markets that make their presence felt with affordable clothes. 

Janpath Market: Is popular for souvenirs and jewellery, especially for international travellers.

Lajpat Market: It is a home-maker’s favourite with a variety of housewares. 

Dilli Haat: It is also a popular place with tourists for fixed-price souvenir shopping.

Recommended Read: Shopping Places in Delhi

FOOD IN DELHI

Food is a big part of Delhi life so I have to include it in this Delhi Travel Guide. Food in Delhi is a representation of all states in India. There are hotels, roadside cafes and dhabas serving Punjabi chole-kulche and lassi, Bombay Pav-bhaji, Samosa, Chaats, Masala-Dosa, and contemporary dishes such as pasta, Maggi, pizza and others. Each area in Delhi has a special restaurant and cafe. However, some of the must-visit places in Delhi for popular food in Delhi is

Chandni Chowk

Paranthe wali Galli is famous for vegetarian food in Chandni Chowk. Some of the legendary places in Chandni Chowk include Babu Ram Devi Dayal Paranthe Wale, Kake Di Hatti, Lotan Chole Wala, Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Padam Chaat Corner, Hazari Lal Khurchan Wale, Khan Omelette Corner and Old Famous Jalebi Wala.

Jama Masjid

The alley just outside near Jama Masjid is a haven for non-vegetarian items. The area is lined with stalls and carts selling everything from kababs to biryanis to curries, made from chicken and mutton. The most popular outlets here are Aslam Chicken and Karim’s. A popular dessert here is Shahi Tukda.

INA Market 

INA Market is home to many small South-Indian eateries. Completely different from their North Indian counterparts, these places serve authentic meals and snacks.

Chawri Bazar

Chawri Bazaar has a fan following of breakfast lovers. The must-try items include nagori halwa and puri at Shyam Sweets and Bedmi kachori. Ashok Chaat Bhandar for a variety of chaats is a must, followed by kulfi at Kuremal.

WHERE TO STAY IN DELHI

Since all touristy things are spread across Delhi, it may be difficult to decide the area of accommodation in Delhi. Pahar Ganj, Karol Bagh, and Connaught Place are some of the popular choices for hotels in Delhi. South Delhi and Mehrauli offer a few upscale spaces but are safer. Most places have good connectivity with auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis and metro.

There are great options for hotels, resorts, homestays and hostels in Delhi. Some of the options are:

Luxury hotel: ITC Maurya, The Imperial Hotel, The Lodhi

Mid Range hotel: The Claridges, New Delhi, Radisson Blu, CP, Radisson Blu, Dwarka

Homestay: Prakash Kutir B&B, Thikana Delhi

Hostel: The Hosteller, Madpackers Delhi, Zostel Delhi

BEST TIME TO VISIT DELHI

Delhi’s climate fluctuates from lows of about 3 Celsius in early January to close to 46 Celsius in May and June. The most pleasant months are October, February and March when it is not too cold, hot or humid to travel around. However, if you want to enjoy Dilli ki sardi (Delhi cold weather), with delicious food and unlimited cups of chai, then the winter months are the best.

HOW TO REACH DELHI

Being the capital of India, Delhi is well-connected through air, rail, and road.

By air

Delhi is connected to all international destinations with direct flights as well as domestic destinations. The airport is also connected through a special section of the Delhi Metro – Airport Express, which will take visitors directly to the centre of the city.

By train

Delhi is a major junction for covering Northern India, and it has more than 6 railway stations. Out of these, the New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi railway station are the most used.

By road

Delhi has 2 major bus terminals – Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. Comfortable Volvo buses are available for nearby states. Delhi to Manali, Delhi to Dharamshala/Mcleodganj, Delhi to Rishikesh Volvo buses, leave from here.

FAQs on DELHI TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Delhi Safe?

Delhi has a bad reputation for being the most unsafe city in India. But that goes for any big city in the world. With that being said, tourists staying in a safer area are unlikely to experience any problems if you practise a reasonable degree of caution. It is also best to retire to hotels sooner (9 pm). 

What is Delhi weather like?

Delhi remains hot during the summers ( March to June). Heatwaves also take place in June in Delhi. Delhi winters set in around December, peaking in January and February when the temperature reaches 3 degrees celsius.

Sustainable tips for Delhi Travel Guide: Things to do in Delhi

• Do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Even if you do, do not litter it in any tourist area or any museums or archaeological sites.
• Respect the ancient structures of step wells, temples and mosques by not sitting on them. Use the garden space instead.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography. 
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archaeological sites.

I hope this Delhi Travel Guide helps to plan a trip to Delhi. Have you already visited Delhi? What were the places you liked, loved or hated? Tell me your comments below!

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