Satya's Travel Guide: Delhi - The Capital of India

The Best of Delhi: Culture, Food and History

Delhi is a city of contrasts, where ancient monuments coexist with modern skyscrapers, where street food stalls compete with fine dining restaurants, and where diverse cultures and religions mingle and flourish. Delhi is also the capital of India, a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and heritage.

If you are planning to visit Delhi, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions and activities that the city has to offer. To help you make the most of your trip, I have compiled a list of some of the must-see places, food, temples and shopping destinations that you should not miss. Here are some of the highlights of my Delhi tour:

Places to Visit:

- Red Fort: This majestic fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and served as the seat of his empire for nearly 200 years. The fort complex houses several museums, gardens, mosques and palaces that showcase the splendor and craftsmanship of the Mughal architecture. You can also witness the flag hoisting ceremony and the sound and light show that take place every evening at the fort.

- Qutub Minar: This is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 73 meters high. It was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193 to commemorate his victory over the Hindu kings. The minaret is adorned with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran and is surrounded by several other monuments and ruins that form part of the Qutub complex. You can climb up to the top of the minaret for a panoramic view of the city.

- Lotus Temple: This is a stunning example of modern architecture, inspired by the shape of a lotus flower. It is a Bahai house of worship that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to pray and meditate in its serene and spacious hall. The temple is set amidst beautiful gardens and pools that reflect its white marble structure.

- India Gate: This is a war memorial that honors the soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. It is a 42-meter high arch that bears the names of more than 90,000 martyrs. The gate is also a popular spot for picnics and leisure activities, especially at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights.

- Humayun's Tomb: This is the tomb of the second Mughal emperor Humayun, built by his widow Bega Begum in 1569. It is considered to be one of the first examples of Persian-style garden tombs in India and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is surrounded by lush gardens and fountains that create a tranquil atmosphere.

Food to Try:

- Paratha: This is a flatbread stuffed with various fillings such as potatoes, cheese, cauliflower, radish, eggs or nuts. You can find parathas at many street stalls or restaurants in Delhi, especially in the famous Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk. Parathas are usually served with pickles, chutneys or curries.

- Chaat: This is a generic term for a variety of savory snacks that are typically sold by street vendors. Chaat can include ingredients such as potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind sauce, spices and crispy fried dough. Some of the popular types of chaat are papdi chaat, dahi bhalla, gol gappa and aloo tikki.

- Butter Chicken: This is a dish of chicken pieces cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy that is flavored with butter, cream and spices. It is one of the most popular dishes in Delhi and can be found in almost every restaurant. Butter chicken is best enjoyed with naan bread or rice.

- Chole Bhature: This is a dish of spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried bread called bhature. It is a filling and satisfying meal that can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. You can find chole bhature at many eateries in Delhi, especially in Paharganj and Karol Bagh.

- Kulfi: This is a frozen dessert made from milk that is boiled until it becomes thick and creamy. It is then flavored with nuts, fruits or spices and frozen in molds. Kulfi comes in various flavors such as pistachio, mango, saffron or rose. You can find kulfi at many sweet shops or street carts in Delhi.

Temples to Visit:

- Akshardham Temple: This is a magnificent temple complex that showcases the art and culture of Hinduism. It was built in 2005 by the followers of Swaminarayan, a Hindu sect. The temple is made of pink sandstone and white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the life and teachings of Swaminarayan. The temple also has a musical fountain, a boat ride, an IMAX theater and a cultural park that offer various attractions and shows. The temple is open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, except on Mondays.

- Jama Masjid: This is the largest mosque in India, built by Shah Jahan in 1656. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque has three domes, four minarets and a large courtyard that offer a splendid view of the city. The mosque is open from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm, except during prayer times. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque but have to pay a fee and follow a dress code.

- Birla Mandir: This is a temple dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Narayana, the supreme god of Hinduism. It was built by the Birla family, a prominent industrialist group, in 1939. The temple is made of white marble and has a modern design that incorporates elements from various religions. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 9 pm.

- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: This is a Sikh place of worship that was built in 1783 by the Sikh general Sardar Baghel Singh. It is associated with the eighth Sikh guru, Guru Har Krishan, who stayed here during his visit to Delhi in 1664. The gurudwara has a golden dome, a large pond and a community kitchen that serves free meals to anyone who visits. The gurudwara is open 24 hours a day.

- ISKCON Temple: This is a temple belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a movement that promotes the worship of Krishna, a Hindu deity. The temple was built in 1998 and has a modern architecture that resembles a lotus flower. The temple has several shrines, halls and exhibits that display the teachings and activities of ISKCON. The temple also organizes cultural programs and festivals that celebrate Krishna's life and pastimes. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Shopping Places:

- Chandni Chowk: This is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, dating back to the Mughal era. It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and shops that sell everything from clothes, jewelry, books, spices, electronics, antiques and more. You can also find some of the best street food and sweets in Chandni Chowk. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays.

- Connaught Place: This is a circular market that was built by the British in the 1930s. It is one of the most popular and upscale shopping destinations in Delhi, offering a range of branded stores, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and clubs. You can also find some of the iconic landmarks of Delhi such as Jantar Mantar, Central Park and Rajiv Chowk metro station in Connaught Place. The market is open from 10 am to 10 pm.

- Dilli Haat: This is an open-air market that showcases the handicrafts and cuisines of different states of India. It was established in 1994 by the government to promote the rural artisans and their products. You can find stalls selling pottery, paintings, textiles, jewelry, furniture and more at Dilli Haat. You can also enjoy some of the regional delicacies such as momos, dosas, biryanis and kebabs at Dilli Haat. The market is open from 10:30 am to 10 pm.

- Sarojini Nagar: This is a market that is famous for its cheap and trendy clothes, accessories and footwear. You can find some of the latest fashion items at bargain prices at Sarojini Nagar. You can also haggle with the vendors to get even better deals. The market is open from 10 am to 9 pm, except on Mondays.

- Khan Market: This is a market that caters to the elite and expatriate crowd of Delhi. It is one of the most expensive markets in India, offering high-end brands, designer boutiques, bookstores, salons and spas. You can also find some of the finest restaurants and cafes in Khan Market that serve cuisines from around the world. The market is open from 10 am to 11 pm.

These are some of the places that I visited during my Delhi tour and I hope you find them useful for your trip as well. Delhi is a city that will surprise you, delight you, and challenge you. It is a city that you will never forget. Thank you for reading and happy travels!