As soon as the plane touches the ground at Delhi airport, the sticky Indian air seems to force its way through the windows. It seems that the crew commander opened his windows for ventilation. Delhi is often foggy in winter. And fogs mixed with Delhi smog are not the best picture for a photo:(
As soon as you step off the ramp, you immediately find yourself in a viscous cool cloud. Temperature at night - up to plus 10. Cool. And when you are being carried by a rickshaw, the cold from the movement penetrates through you, forcing you to wrap yourself in all kinds of jackets, blankets, blankets, which you prudently took “just in case.”
Usually they don’t stay in Delhi for more than three days and go on to explore “Mama India”. Any trip for a foreigner to Delhi begins from the airport named after Indira Gandhi. Delhi Airport, like other air gates in major Indian cities, is very large, clean, comfortable and beautiful. If you are here for the first time and you are not met by a taxi, then you need to go to the center of Delhi by metro. And you definitely need to visit the center of Delhi. Take the Aeroexpress, which runs every 15 minutes from the airport to the railway station - New Delhi metro station.
The Delhi Metro is very clean and easy to navigate. We traveled to Delhi exclusively by metro - very convenient and inexpensive. When entering any of the stations, you need to buy a token at the window. You have to stand in line, which suddenly stops for a couple of minutes because the token seller is leisurely chatting with someone on the phone. But you can use the “white man’s” right. Walk, proudly raising your head to the front of the line, and almost always they will give you a seat at the window, like a tourist. The locals themselves showed us this trick.
You buy a token, apply it to the turnstile, go through a police inspection (at each station, the bags and clothes of passengers are carefully checked - security measures against terrorists). Then, when you exit at the station you need, throw the token into the turnstile - it opens your way out of the metro further. Tokens have different prices and depend on the travel distance. Therefore, clearly tell the ticket agent the station you will be going to. He will do some kind of manipulation with his hands that only he understands and gives you a token to the desired station. We tried to check how it works and called the station, which used to be where we had to get off. As a result, the turnstile did not open, a metro worker scolded us and we had to pay extra to exit the metro.
When leaving the subway, don’t be afraid. You will immediately find yourself surrounded by people, smells and sounds. A real “bazaar-station”! Courageously, without listening to anyone, exit the metro towards the station and, seeing a huge bridge across the tracks, climb onto it. Pass over all the railway tracks (there are a lot of them!!!) and eventually come out to the main entrance and exit to the station.
If this is not your first time in India, then everything will be clear to you. In the atmosphere of the Indian “bazaar-station” the main thing is to “turn on full shanti”. Then the beggars will not be noticeable, and the intrusive “assistant scammers” from the locals will also retreat under your stern gaze.
Understand that any local who approaches you at the Myen bazaar sees you as a wallet with money. You definitely have more money than him - you even had enough for a ticket from Moscow to India. This logic is ironclad for all merchants and beggars, so they will do their best to lure money from you. They will start talking, ask about your name and country, and then say that they will help you find what you are looking for completely free of charge - a store, an airline ticket office, an entrance to the metro. And they will definitely not take you into a gateway where they will rob you, but definitely into some agency or store, where managers and the owner will immediately pounce on you - “sit down, drink coffee, buy something.” We personally, because of my naive faith in universal human goodness, ended up in Delhi twice. Naturally, at the last moment, seeing a divorce, I was adamant and turned around and left, but time was slightly lost. Although, if you see the positive side in everything, then, on the contrary, experience and knowledge about this type of Indian “friendship” were acquired. People who supposedly accidentally come across your path and volunteer to help “just like that” are called “helpers.” This is their business - to bring foreign onlookers into travel agencies, shops, restaurants, hotels and receive a “baksheesh kickback” from the owner for this.
All independent travelers settle in Main Bazaar. Living in Main Bazaar is also convenient due to the proximity of the Delhi railway station. From here, webs of railway tracks spread across the entire vast continent. Main Bazaar is a street in the center of Delhi, stretching from the New Delhi railway station to the Rama Krishna Ashram metro station. Its length is only a couple of kilometers, every meter of which is densely filled with cheap hotels, restaurants, shops, souvenir shops, people, auto-rickshaws and cows. It's such a real noisy India here. But after understanding the chaos of Main Bazaar, you will no longer be afraid of either Mumbai or other Indian metropolises. This chaos is understandable. Not to explain, but to understand.
With the arrival of night, the Main Bazaar transforms and becomes similar in its illumination to the districts of Hong Kong or Miami. Signs of bars and restaurants invite tourists to come over for a bottle of beer or a glass of rum. By the way, alcohol at Myen Bazaar also has its own story.
It's a very expensive license for the retail sale of alcohol here. That's why the owners of establishments are cunning. Beer will be poured into a closed paper glass from a Coke bottle, and rum may be served in a kettle. Allegedly, you are drinking tea from their teapot, and not rum!
As for housing, there is something for every taste and quite cheap. In the middle of the Main Bazaar, opposite the Vivek hotel, there is a pleasant restaurant called Diamond. Is this one of the three restaurants? which we checked while eating at Main Bazaar. The owner of Diamond speaks good Russian and this is a huge plus. We discussed politics and economics with him, and just talked about life. The cafe is clean and cozy, the prices are inexpensive, the menu is extensive. Beer is not on the menu, but it is actually available. Only in Coca-Cola glasses!
If you are not too strapped for money, you can go to one of the most expensive restaurants on the street - “Metropolis”, located on the roof of the hotel of the same name, not far from the Krishna Rama metro station. This restaurant is interesting because it has been here since 1928! There are wooden tables and chairs, uncharacteristic for India, a clean interior, green hedges and a smiling, respectable waiter. Prices are not exorbitant, but for India they are considered above average. For breakfast of two omelettes, two bottles of beer, two cups of cappuccino and very tasty and proper pizza, we paid 1276 rupees, which is approximately 1500 rubles.
Well, it’s better to have dinner at one of the “roof restaurants” - restaurants located on the roofs of tall hotel buildings. From here you can see the most interesting view of all the bustle of the evening and glowing Main Bazaar - sounds, smells, bright colors.
As for the cultural and excursion program, it is, at a minimum, standard in Delhi. Must-sees: Ashkardam Temple, Lotus Temple, India Gate and Parliament Square, Qutub Minar complex.
First on our list is Ashkardam. A grandiose temple complex, included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Hindu temple in the world. Interestingly, it was built solely on donations from ordinary Hindus. They collected it all over India and collected 500 million US dollars in 5 years! The opening of the temple took place in 2005. More than 7,000 craftsmen built the temple! The height of the temple is 42 m, width and length 94 and 106 meters. It is decorated with 234 columns, 9 domes and more than 20 thousand figures. Along the perimeter of the building there are figures of 148 elephants.
Getting to Ashkardam is easy - the station of the same name on the blue metro line. At the exit from the metro you will be greeted by numerous rickshaws offering to take you to the temple. Don't even look at them! It takes no more than 5 minutes to walk from the metro to the entrance to the Ashkardama complex. We didn’t know this and bargained with a rickshaw for 20 rupees, for which he honestly unscrewed the pedals, sweated and took us along a long path in 15 minutes to the temple.
Naturally, entry to Ashkardam is free. There is a huge queue at the entrance to the complex. First you need to put cameras, phones and bags of any size in the storage room. Any photography is prohibited here. Therefore, all photos are from the Internet, from the official website of the temple http://akshardham.com/. Then stand in line for control and inspection. The security system here is very serious. And only after that, half an hour later, you enter the territory.
Of course, it is very beautiful here. And very grandiose. And it is very incomprehensible for a “non-Indian”. Hindu stories are skillfully carved into the gilded facing stones inside the temple. Hindus carefully read the explanations in Hindu, look at the images of gods and pictures of their lives. We received the most vivid emotion and joy from the evening music and fountain laser and light show, which takes place every day in a huge open amphitheater. The amphitheater seats several thousand people, who are seated on stone steps. The show costs only 80 rupees and lasts 24 minutes! I have never seen such a brightly colorful show in my life. On the walls of the temple, instructive pictures from the life of Indian gods are projected with a mix of dancing fountains, lasers playing on water, sound, smoke, fire and children's dances. I don’t know how to describe all this and tell you - I can’t. Therefore, it is better to watch a fragment of the show on video and photos on the temple website. Website http://akshardham.com/explore/water-show/
After Ashkardam, another famous temple - the Lotus Temple, seems very ascetic and devoid of any material wealth. Nevertheless, this is one of the most interesting and famous temples in the world. After all, more tourists visit it every year than the Taj Mahal or the Eiffel Tower. This is the main shrine of the Bahai religion.
Its founder Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892) is revered as the last in a series of "manifestations of God", which, in addition to Bahá'u'lláh himself, includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zarathustra, Krishna, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad. The World Center of Baha'ism is located in Haifa. The Baha'i teachings are based on the oneness of God, the oneness of religions and the oneness of humanity.
It was in Delhi in 1986 that the main Baha'i temple in Asia was built in 8 years, becoming one of the symbols of India. According to their religion, there should be no images on the walls of the temple, there should be no sculptures on the temple grounds, and there should be no altars inside the temple. The point is, any person, of any faith, can go inside the temple and pray to their God. For this purpose, there are benches inside. In total, the main hall of the temple can accommodate 2,500 people.
The temple itself is made in the form of a huge lotus flower with 27 petals. lined with marble and united by three petals, this gave the temple a nine-sided rounded shape. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple lead to the main hall, which is about 40 meters high. Lotus Temple website http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/
The Lotus Temple is a 10 minute leisurely walk from the metro station. There is a large green area around the temple, where, as usual for India, Hindus sleep on all the lawns and benches in the heat of the day. Moreover, these are not the poor - the poor have no time to sleep, they are looking for food. And quite decent-looking men sleep on the grass, while away their lunch break at work.
Before entering the temple, you must take off your shoes and put them in a storage room. We were prepared for this in advance and put the shoes in our backpack, taking out socks from there. Still, it is better to walk in disposable socks along the temple paths than to step barefoot after millions of dirty feet. If you want to go to temples in India, don’t forget to take socks with you!
At the entrance to the main hall, volunteers distribute the flow of people - men in some queues, women in others. Before opening the doors to the temple, volunteers say something in Hindu and English, adding to the mystery and grandeur of the moment. And here we are inside. Marble makes it cool, even very cool. The cold marble benches do not encourage long prayers. We sat for about ten minutes, prayed, and then the volunteers were already asking to leave - followed by another portion of pilgrims. Of course, it is an interesting feeling to pray side by side with one God with representatives of different religions and cultures. Everyone pray as best they can. And God hears everyone, regardless of language.
And in the middle of the complex square stands the famous iron column. This column is the first picture in my childhood mind about India. My father had some kind of book about world wonders, and as a child I loved to look at photos of distant countries and read about their mysteries. India was represented in this book by the iron column in Delhi. The column in Delhi, cartoons about Mowgli, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the Golden Antelope and pirate novels in which ships moored in the harbors of Calcutta and Bombay - this is my childhood picture of India. And I would never have thought that now this continent would become a second home for me, that here I would feel at home. So, when I saw the iron column in reality, I rejoiced at it like a good old friend.
Surely you have heard about this column. Its height is seven meters and its weight is six and a half tons. The column has become widely famous because over the 1600 years of its existence it has practically avoided corrosion and is considered to be made from a single piece of iron of the highest quality.
The column was erected in 415 in honor of King Chandragupta II. But the process of making the monument has not yet been clearly resolved by scientists. There are even versions about its alien origin and that it consists entirely of meteorite iron. Crowds of pilgrims have flocked to the column since ancient times - it is believed that if you stand with your back to the column and wrap your arms around it from behind, this will bring happiness. To prevent vandalism, a fence was built around the column in 1997.
After taking plenty of photographs with the column, minaret and dozens of Indians, we return to the hotel. The day in the capital of India was rich in emotions and quite comfortable in sensations:)
The Indian capital of Delhi is usually the first stop on a Golden Triangle tour. I advise you to devote at least 2-3 days to this city. Firstly, to establish first contact with India, because... this country amazes you out of habit, because the mind needs to develop immunity :) Secondly, in this city there are a lot of completely unique monuments of architecture, culture and history, and they are undoubtedly worthy of close attention. In this article I will tell you what to see in Delhi in 1-3 days.
For the convenience of planning routes, I will divide each individual day into areas with certain attractions. And if you are going to Delhi for 1 day or vice versa for 3 or more days, you can build your route based on my proven plan;)
Routes and places of Delhi on the map
On the map, I marked a variety of attractions in Delhi - from the toilet museum to the ancient heritage. Below in the article I described in detail three different routes for each day. The route of the first day - through Old Delhi - is marked with crimson markers. The route of the second day - around New Delhi - in yellow, and separately in blue, I highlighted those attractions that are not very well located for a comprehensive visit with other places, but which are definitely worth a visit, perhaps even devoting a separate day to them.
What to see in Delhi in 1 day - Old Delhi
Old Delhi is the main historical district of the city, where the formation of the Mughal dynasty and the rise of the empire began. Even during the capture of the capital by the British, all wealthy residents settled here. Only in the 20th century, when New Delhi began to be rebuilt, did primacy gradually shift to the southern, newer areas of the city.
It is from here that the overview of the capital in most guidebooks begins, because the historical heritage of Old Delhi attracts tourists from all over the world. And this is not surprising; after getting acquainted with local architecture and culture, you will discover a whole layer of unknown history. It’s worth dedicating a whole day to this area, no less, because... Some of the greatest attractions of the entire region are clustered here. Let's take a closer look at what you can visit in Old Delhi in 1 day.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
A whole complex of various palaces, hidden inside a fortress with powerful walls made of the famous red sandstone. Includes main gate Lahore Gate, a stunningly sophisticated white marble palace Khas Mahal, as well as palaces Rang Mahal And Mumaz Mahal. On the territory of the complex there are also two halls where the Mughal emperor greeted guests - Diwan-i-am And Diwan-i-am. Royal baths Hammam and mosque Moti Masjid. Photos of all these luxurious buildings can be seen in my detailed article about. Visiting the Red Fort will take 3-4 hours.
How to get there: there is a metro station literally nearby Lal Qila, a little further on the yellow line Chandni Chowk, although you have to walk from it, you can get to almost any tourist part of the city via the yellow line without transfers.
Recommended hotels near Red Fort: Hotel Tara Palace Daryaganj and WelcomHeritage Haveli Dharampura.
Jama Masjid Mosque
Continuing on mosques. It would seem that the emperor should have had the most famous mosque, i.e. on the territory of the Red Fort. However, the most popular and largest mosque in India is. Now the entire Old Delhi area is predominantly Muslim, so services are constantly held in the mosque. But this does not prohibit tourists from visiting it. The atmosphere there is very peaceful and pleasant, except that numerous pigeons swoop overhead and love to gurgle in the bathtubs for ablution :)
Kashmiri Gate
There is a metro station of the same name in Delhi. Actually, this is where you should get off to get to the ancient gates that used to serve as the entrance to the city. They are called so because the road to Kashmir passed through them. If earlier Kashmiri Gate had important political and military significance, now it is just an architectural museum object. However, it allows you to especially feel the atmosphere of the Mughal heritage.
Spice Market
Khari Baoli is Asia's largest spice market. Yes, yes, you can wander here for hours and generally get lost in the labyrinth of stalls. Moreover, this market is almost 400 years old; it appeared during the Mughal times near the walls of the mosque Fatehpuri Masjid and still works today. Some of the sellers have been selling spices for 9 generations. The market offers not only aromatic peppers, curries and other masalas, but also many different nuts and dried fruits from all over Asia.
On a note
To see the sights of Old Delhi, I recommend staying in hotels in the same area. Or find accommodation in the famous Main Bazaar, or in the Tibetan district of Majnu ka Tilla, from which it is most convenient to get to Old Delhi via the yellow line of the metro without transfers.
If you are planning to spend 2 days in Delhi, then it is most convenient to divide them into visiting first the historical district of Old Delhi, and then the newer part of the city - New Delhi. I have already talked about Old Delhi, and then we will go through in detail the main attractions of New Delhi.
What to see in Delhi in 2 days - Old Delhi + New Delhi
New Delhi is a modern area of the city, the development of which began only in the 20th century. It is cleaner and greener, there are more modern neighborhoods and business centers, but it also has plenty of color.
In the new district of Delhi, there are perhaps even more attractions than in the old part of the city. For a better route, I have placed all the places in New Delhi in the order in which it is most convenient to visit them.
Presidential Palace
An impressive complex of government institutions - the President's Palace and the Ministry, and the Indian Parliament is also nearby. The entire complex is an interweaving of majestic colonial architecture and the urban concept of a “garden city”. On both sides of the wide avenues, two buildings with domes seem to be mirrored. The avenue itself stretches into the distance with the perspective and rhythm of forged lanterns until the Gate of India. A wonderful architectural creation of modern India.
How to get there: nearest metro station Central Secretariat, it’s better to catch a rickshaw from here, or if you want, take a walk. It’s especially good to take such a walk in the morning, when the whole government is in a hurry to get to work, and it’s not too hot yet.
Recommended hotels in the area: Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel and Le Méridien New Delhi.
India Gate
India Gate is a monument built in honor of Indian soldiers who died during the First World War on the borders of Afghanistan and other battlefields. Today, India Gate is a monument in the center of the city, near which there are many green parks and golf courses. It's incredibly pleasant to walk here early in the morning! A completely different impression than the Old Delhi area, like two different cities.
How to get there: It is also more convenient to see India Gate by taking the metro to Central Secretariat. Despite the fact that the walk from the station seems like quite a lot, in fact the walk flies by, because... It runs along a beautiful wide avenue with excellent views around.
Recommended hotels nearby: The Taj Mahal Hotel and Vivanta by Taj Ambassador.
Old fortress Purana Qila
From the Gateway of India you can walk to the ancient fortress of Purana Qila. For some reason I love it very much, although for the most part it is an ancient ruin. Even the walls are noticeably crumbling, and there are only a few surviving buildings inside. But there it is incredibly quiet, green, fragrant with assorted flowers and filled with couples in love. An ideal place to not only enjoy antiquities, but also take a break from the bustle of the city! The Delhi Zoo is also very close, you can visit it on the way.
Humayun's Tomb
An equally quiet place, especially in the mornings - . During the day there are still more tourists. One of the first mausoleums in the world, the construction of which is based on the concept of the Garden of Eden. According to the plan, the mausoleum was an Eden, as described in the Koran with four rivers. The Taj Mahal was later built on the same principle. Humayun, who rests in the mausoleum, was the great-grandson of the famous Tamerlane, the Mongol leader who conquered the Middle East. Not far away is the mausoleum of the Indian Sufi Nizamadduin Olia. If you have time, it’s worth visiting it, because... The place is very colorful.
Lotus Temple
If there is practically no time left, then I advise it is better to get to. A very unusual temple, the likes of which are unique in the world. Firstly, according to the idea, it is a temple of all religions. Followers of any faith can come here to pray and meditate. Secondly, the design of the temple was inspired by the Australian Opera House, which, in the shape of a futuristic shell, is located on the shores of Sydney Harbor. The Lotus Temple in Delhi attracts with its originality.
How to get there: The temple is within walking distance from the metro station Nehru Place, it is directly visible from the train platform (it is located above the ground), so you won’t get confused in the direction.
Recommended hotels nearby: Hotel Le Cadre, there are a lot of inexpensive and decent hotels in this part of the city.
On a note
To explore the sights of New Delhi, it will be cheaper to stay either in Main Bazaar, or more expensively in the central Cannaut Place area, from which the blue line of the metro without transfers is the most convenient way to get to the sights of New Delhi.
Well, we have found the answer to such a popular question: what to see in Delhi in 2 days. Most tourists spend no more than two days in the city. But for those who decide to stay in the Indian capital longer, I cannot help but touch on the topic of what other attractions are worth seeing. They also belong to the “must see” places, but since they are located at some distance from the main tourist trails, I will list them separately, and you can figure out for yourself which day it is better to include them.
What to see in Delhi in 3 days or more
Akshardham
If you are passing through the city in passing and asking yourself: what to see in Delhi in a few hours, then I recommend Akshadharm. This is one of my favorite places in Delhi. I have been here more than once, both alone and with Mishutka. The temple was built relatively recently, already in the 21st century, but the architecture completely replicates ancient Hindu temples with magnificent carvings on the stone walls. Not only are the luxurious green gardens around the grandiose temple impressive, but also the singing fountains in the evening show. I recommend everyone to visit it! Visiting the temple is free, the fountain show costs about 120 rupees and takes place daily at 18.30 and 19.30 hours.
How to get there: you need to take the metro to the station Akshardham, which is on the blue line. When boarding a train, be sure to listen to which station it goes to, because... the blue branch forks and you need to move aside Noida City Center. If you suddenly hear that a train is heading towards Vaishali station, just get off at Yamuna Bank station and take the next train going to Noida City Centre.
Recommended hotels near Akshadharm: Fraser Suites.
Qutub Minar
One of the most incredible places in India, and in the whole world to be honest. A tall minaret made of red brick, reaching high into the sky, preserved in excellent condition since the 12th century. There is a whole complex of remains of magnificent buildings with columns and halls around. And here there is a pillar made of pure iron, which has not rusted for several centuries. No one really knows where it came from, but one opinion is that this iron was mined somewhere in space, because... This metal is not found on Earth in its pure form. The most powerful place of power!
Typically, tourists in Delhi prefer not to linger: a noisy, dusty metropolis with a huge number of homeless people attracts little sympathy from anyone. Therefore, most often only the most outstanding attractions are visited in Delhi. And we are no exception, so in our article we will tell only about those attractions of Delhi that (or near which) we were able to visit during the 5 days of our stay in the Indian capital.
The best attractions of Delhi on the map:
The French Arc de Triomphe was taken as an example of this architectural monument. Similar, right? Only the Delhi Gate has much less detail and decoration.
The gate, which is 42 meters high, is dedicated to Indian soldiers who died during the Anglo-Afghan wars. The names of all the dead are carved on the gate - about 90 thousand names in total!
The gate was built in 1931, and in 1971, at the end of the Indo-Pakistani war, next to it, the mother of all Indians, Indira Gandhi, opened the grave of the unknown soldier.
By the way, another Gateway of India is located in another popular tourist city, Mumbai. Only those gates look more massive.
You cannot approach the Gate and touch it: a 24-hour guard is posted here in full dress uniform. By the way, they are happy to take pictures with everyone.
There is a large park near the India Gate where you can relax and have a snack. What to eat? No problem! Enterprising Indians will never leave you hungry. They have everything from lemonade popcorn to traditional .
He won't leave anyone hungry!
You can get to India Gate in Delhi by metro, buses or taxis. In Delhi, we used it exclusively: the cost was approximately the same as the metro (for three people), but the comfort was many times greater!
India Gate in Delhi on the map:
Lotus Temple
This flower-shaped white marble building is one of New Delhi's most recognizable landmarks. The Lotus Temple was built in 1986. The idea of the temple was to unite all religions under one roof.
People of absolutely any religion can enter the temple, but to do this they will have to stand in a huge line in the sun. There are no services held inside the temple. Once there, people simply sit down on benches and think about the eternal or meditate. The capacity of the temple is 1300 seats, but it is apparently rarely full.
Inside the temple, it is customary to be barefoot and observe complete silence.
Lotus Temple in New Delhi on the map:
Akshardham Temple
Definitely the most beautiful and grandiose attraction in Delhi! Many, comparing Akshardham with the Taj Mahal, claim that the latter palace is inferior to the Delhi “new building” in beauty. Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited in Akshardham. Upon entry, you are required to hand over to the storage room everything that is in any way connected with equipment: phones, cameras and even flash drives. Therefore, if you want to remember this beauty, you can use the “Photo Memory” service: you will be photographed by the photographer of the complex against the backdrop of the main Akshardham palace, and at the exit you will take a finished photo in A4 format, and even in the cover. The cost of such a photo is only 130 rupees. We, of course, took advantage of the opportunity!
And here are a few photos from the Akshardham official website, just for a general idea:
In addition to the main palace made of pink marble, immersed in gold, the complex features performances with animated robots and a grand fountain show. We visited Akshardham twice because on the first day we did not have time to watch those animated performances (Exibitions).
Entrance to the Akshardham complex is free. Entrance to the Akshardham history and Indian history shows (where you can see the animated robots) is worth entry 170 rupees from an adult and 100 rupees from a child (from 4 years old). Visit the famous Akshardham fountain show: 80 rupees for an adult ticket and 50 rupees for a child's ticket.
Akshardham Temple in Delhi on the map:
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The same attraction that we say we visited “near” it. And all because of the unjustified (in our opinion) price of the entrance ticket. Entrance fee to Red Fort for tourists - 500 rupees per person, while residents can enter there for just 30 rupees. No, we are not against the fact that entry should cost more for tourists. But not for the 17th time?
Entrance fee to the Red Fort for tourists and locals: injustice is evident
Moreover, the Red Fort looks great from the outside.
We walked around it and were very pleased. By the way, the perimeter of the outer wall of the Fort is 2500 meters, it turned out to be quite a full-fledged walk!
The Red Fort was built in 1968 on the model of the Agra Fort (the city where the famous Taj Mahal is located). Once upon a time, the outer walls of the fortress were surrounded by a moat of water (fed by the Yamuna River). Now the ditch is just a pit where unscrupulous Indians throw garbage.
Qutub Minar
Another attraction that we didn’t want to visit. The entrance fee to Qutub Minar is the same 500 rupees from a tourist and 30 rupees from Indian. The area of Qutub Minar is smaller than that of the Red Fort. It’s a pity, of course, that we didn’t see with our own eyes the famous iron column, erected back in the 1st century AD. But the tallest brick minaret in the world (which is the Qutub Minar) can be seen simply by passing by the park.
Passing Qutub Minar
Rajon Ki Baoli Tomb and Archaeological Park
Very close to the Qutub Minar is the cozy Mehrauli archaeological park, where we went for the very beautiful and unusual tomb of Rajon Ki Baoli. This is not a popular attraction at all, but we purposefully walked towards it because we accidentally saw a photo of it on the Internet, and it sank into our souls. The date of construction of the tomb is 1506.
The tomb of Rajon Ki Baoli is unusual in its shape - a well, at the bottom of which bright green water splashes. It looks cosmic. It is believed that this tomb is haunted.
Such structures in the form of step wells are not uncommon in India; they served to preserve and accumulate water in the hot Indian climate. You can enter the tomb territory for free. You can even go up to the second floor and roof, which offers good views of the park.
By the way, the Qutub Minar minaret is also visible from the archaeological park:
View of Qutub Minar from the archaeological park nearby
The park area is also worth a visit.
There are many excavations taking place on the territory of the archaeological park.
Rajon Ki Baoli Archaeological Park and Tomb on the map:Jama Masjid Cathedral Mosque
This is the main mosque of Delhi. Entry is free, but you must adhere to a strict dress code. Unfortunately, we didn’t pass it: Denis was wearing shorts that went above his knees that day. But I fit into the local color as it should and showed up on the steps of the Cathedral Mosque:
One peek at the gate
Steam Locomotive Museum (state railway museum)
A pleasant place to visit with children (and not only). The museum contains the entire history of Indian Railways. Here you can see steam locomotives from the 19th century and more or less modern examples. Having bought a ticket for 20 rupees, you can travel around the entire park on a monorail train.
Science Museum (national science center)
In principle, the place is interesting. The museum has 6 halls on various topics: the ancient world, modern science, the history of the origin of life on earth, the history of space and much more.
We were very unlucky, and all the Delhi schoolchildren (according to our feelings) came to the museum with us. And Indian schoolchildren are something! It is simply impossible to be in the same room: they will touch you, openly discuss you, take selfies with you 100 times, and will not take you 1000 times only because your patience will simply come to an end.
Ruthless Indian schoolchildren
So we left without seeing everything we wanted, which is a pity. In addition to exhibits, the museum also hosts various interesting shows several times a day:
Science Museum Show Schedule
Lodhi Gardens
Cozy, quiet, cool city park in noisy and dirty Delhi. You can walk here all day, the area is very large. Indians themselves come here with whole families for picnics.
There are 4 tombs in the park: Muhammad Shah, Shish Gumbad, Sikander Lodi and Bara Gumbad.
Also in the Lodi gardens there is a beautiful lake with swans and huge fish, a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and even parrots. Entrance to Lodi Park is free.
Lodi Gardens on the map:
Streets of old Delhi
Of course, this can hardly be called a tourist attraction. But in order to feel the Indian flavor, it is worth walking along the old streets of Delhi, where the ancient way of life coexists with the modern world. Pedicabs miraculously not hitting numerous pedestrians, merchants offering you lunch right in this crush of people, cars and pedicabs, the ubiquitous Indian sacred cows, the smells of incense. The streets of Delhi are worth a walk!
What is the girl in the yellow sari doing there?
Fur hats? For what?
Ironing on the street: no wires, pour coals and iron!
Meat grinder of people and transport
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If the mythical Tower of Babel had not been torn down into bricks, it would definitely be in Delhi. Dark-skinned, white-skinned, black, yellow - people of all nations and nationalities inhabit this huge Indian metropolis. Some call Delhi a dusty anthill, others roll their eyes enthusiastically at the mention of their dream city. For those who are just starting their journey through India, Delhi, like a stern customs officer, tests their stamina and marks them as “suitable for Indian realities.”
It is impossible not to fall in love with this city. It seems as if everything is shrouded in a spicy haze of spices and seasonings, and there is a subtle smell of magic in the air. This is an oriental fairy tale, a tale of how seven cities turned into one and became a symbol of ancient and mighty India. There are so many temples, ancient tombs and religious buildings preserved in Delhi that it is impossible to get around them even in a week. But if your carriage turns into a pumpkin in 2 days, then we will not hesitate and will immediately embark on an exciting journey through the capital of India. For these 48 hours, tochka.net will become your personal guide around Delhi and show you the way to an ancient fairy tale.
Sights of Delhi - general information
Let's tell the truth - the first impression is that higher powers dropped a handful of seeds on Delhi, and from each one a landmark sprouted. Interesting monuments of antiquity and art are scattered throughout the city, getting to them is a serious matter. Even if you are weak and order a taxi for the whole day (1000 rupees, 20 $), it will take a lot of time to move between them.
In this case, you can cheat and buy a ticket for the famous Hop on Hop off bus (http://www.hohodelhi.com). The scheme is quite simple - there is a route of about 20 tourist places along which several buses run. Having a single ticket in hand for 600 rupees ($12), you can jump off the bus at any time (hop off), see an attraction that interests you and jump on the next bus (hop on). You won't have to wait long at the stop, since buses run every half hour. The ticket is valid for 2 days, which is an ideal option in our case.
Please note that admission to museums, tombs and gardens is not included in the ticket.
Sights of Delhi - 09:00-10:00. Wake up and breakfast
If you are staying at one of the hotels in Main Bazaar, popular among tourists, you will wake up much earlier - with the first rays of the Indian sun. Early in the morning, the surrounding area will be filled with piercing songs from the mosque. And on the next street, Hindu temples will invite you to the morning service with the sound of drums. And at the same moment the streets will be filled with people, rickshaws, dogs, cows. It's time to get up!
There is no such riot of colors, noises and smells anywhere else. Squeezing through a narrow alley, you will find yourself on the main street, where ordinary Delhi life is already in full swing. You can have breakfast on the roof of any hotel, even without being a guest. Sometimes the hosts themselves cook, and they treat the orders of their guests with trepidation. And if the waiter eagerly wipes your table for the third time, this is a sign of special respect, which is usually responded to with a tip.
One of the best places for breakfast is the rooftop restaurant of the Metropolis Hotel. Here you can hide from the annoying noise and enjoy Indian and European cuisine. As elsewhere, in the morning they offer toast with jam and milk tea with spices. If you suddenly want to start the day with an Indian dish, be sure to order dal makhani (thick lentil soup) and delicious ice cream with caramel and raisins. Prices are a little higher than other places. Thus, main courses cost, on average, 200 rupees ($4).
Address: 1628 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Metropolis Tourist Home
Sights of Delhi. 10:00 - 11:30. We visit a Muslim shrine.
After a hearty breakfast, your way lies to one of the largest mosques in the world, Jama Masjid. Take a walk through the Main Bazaar, where at every step you can meet a colorful personality or come face to face with a cow. Without rushing anywhere and looking at the surroundings, you can walk to the mosque in half an hour.
If you get tired of squeezing through a dense crowd, take a rickshaw. In just 10 minutes, proudly looking at passers-by, you will reach the main Muslim shrine. The fare depends on your oratory skills and is 40-50 rupees.
Before entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes and pay a bribe for a photo and video camera (200 rupees, 4 $). Do not try to deceive the guard by hiding the equipment in your bag - they may search you and scold you. The payment receipt must be kept until leaving the mosque. Please note that on Friday and from 12:15 to 13:45, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Jama Masjid. To blend in with the crowd, you can rent a traditional robe at the north gate and wrap yourself in it.
Entering the mosque, you will be amazed by its formidable minarets and massive domes. The two 40-meter minarets are built of red sandstone and white marble. About 25 thousand believers can honor Allah here at the same time. One has only to look at the scale of the square to feel the stunning harmony of architecture and style.
If you want to view the mosque from above, you should climb the narrow stairs to the top of one of the minarets. True, you will first need to find a ticket taker and pay 20 rupees ($0.4).
Sights of Delhi. 11:30-13:00. Wandering around the Red Fort
After leaving the mosque, you will find yourself opposite the famous Red Fort, built in the image and likeness of paradise in the Koran. The inscription “If there is heaven on earth, then it is here” above the entrance to the citadel immodestly says this. Indeed, the Red Fort amazes with its size and grandeur. An unusual mixture of Indian and Arabic styles gives the fortress a fabulous look.
Many tourists wander under the patterned arches of red sandstone, looking at each pattern for a long time. And if you get tired of standing with your head up, then look down and you will see the small inhabitants of the fort - chipmunks. The animals are very friendly and willingly jump into your hands if you lure them with a treat.
Entry fee - 250 rupees ($5), for children under 15 years old - free. Please note that the fort is closed to the public on Monday. By the way, if you are planning to go to Agra, you can skip this point, since there is an identical fortress there. Instead, wander around the Main Bazaar longer and gain some mixed impressions.
Sights of Delhi. 13:00-14:00. Laying flowers at the Gandhi memorial
Very close to the Red Fort is Raj Ghat, a picturesque park famous for the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. And if, when visiting Lenin’s mausoleum, you want to quietly whisper a phrase about “study,” then the word “fight” involuntarily comes to mind.
You can get to Raj Ghat on foot or by rickshaw, which will take you there in 10 minutes. Skillfully maneuvering between groups of Indian schoolchildren, get close to the low black platform. All the views and prayers of the visitors who came to honor the great revolutionary are turned to her. To the north of the memorial are more modest monuments to former Indian prime ministers Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv. On the way to them you can relax in the shade of dense trees or go down the steps to the river.
Sights of Delhi. 14:00-15:00. Lunch at Changezi Chicken
If you're already hungry, it's time to head to the local Changezi Chicken cafe to feel the atmosphere of Old Delhi. You can't go wrong - the bright pink neon sign will literally drag you to the entrance of this establishment. Can you guess three times what you need to try in a place with such a flashy name? Of course, the signature dish is Changezi Chicken - pieces of tender chicken generously seasoned with curry and lime juice. An appetizing buttered flatbread - tandoori roti or rumali roti - goes well with a meat dish. Please note that for one person a whole portion (full chicken) is too much, it is better to divide it between two. Vegetarians can try more budget-friendly options - Indian cheese dishes (paneer tikka) and lentil soup (dal makhani).
You can have lunch in this picturesque place for 300 rupees ($6). Don't be greedy and don't overeat - there are still many temptations for a gourmet ahead.
Address: 3614, N.S. Marg, Daryaganj
Sights of Delhi. 15:00-17:30. We pass through the India Gate to the President.
After leaving the cafe, turn right and walk for a couple of minutes to the Delhi Gate bus stop. From here, buses 502, 26 or 53 will take you to the National Stadium. Of course, if you are not interested in local public transport, you can catch a taxi and get there much faster.
Here is the triumphal arch of India Gate, built by the British in honor of the fallen soldiers of the First World War. Unlike its twin in Mumbai, it stands right in the middle of the park. In the shadow of the gate, an honor guard in multi-colored berets serves, and tourists scurry around nearby, choosing an angle for a photograph. As befits a well-promoted attraction, the area is full of merchants who sell mere trinkets - soap bubbles, photographs and postcards. Be careful: as you approach, strict Hindus may stop you and demand payment for visiting the attraction. Ignore these street scammers and calmly walk towards the arch, the soldiers and the eternal flame.
Near the Gateway of India there is a picturesque park where you can relax on the grass. For romantically minded people, we recommend taking a boat and sailing on the calm waters of the lake. Having rested, you can hit the road to a large building, the silhouette of which can be seen in the distance. This is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. There is an excellent road leading to it from the arch, which can be covered on foot in 30-40 minutes.
Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the needs of high-ranking British people and was later taken over by the new Indian government. On the grounds of this luxurious palace stands the 145-meter-high Jaipur Pillar, at the base of which the plan of New Delhi is engraved. Unfortunately, mere mortals can only get into the Mughal Gardens, and only in February. But you can examine in detail the dome, made in the image of the dome of the Roman Pantheon, skillfully trimmed trees and feed the monkeys.
Sights of Delhi. 17:30 - 20:00. Walking around a Hindu temple
The Central Secretariat metro station is a two-minute walk from the President's Convent. Jump into the subway and follow the signs to Akshardham station. The journey with a transfer will take about half an hour and cost 15 rupees.
Here is your next destination - the Akshardham Temple, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Hindu temple. The main sanctuary is built of pink stone and decorated with 234 pillars with designs from Indian mythology. The inside of the temple is decorated with white marble, symbolizing absolute purity and peace.
The control at the entrance to the temple is very strict - everything is taken away except money. All personal belongings must be placed in a storage room, and then undergo a manual search and inspection with a metal detector. Due to the lengthy control procedure, you will have to stand in line for up to 30 minutes.
After a thorough check, you can finally breathe and relax. On the territory of the temple, an artificial lake was built on which boats float, there are museums, cafes and fountains. By the way, after wandering around the temple, try to take a good place in front of them. At 19:45 the light and music show begins, which, combined with the beautiful temple lighting, evokes an unusually vivid sensation.
Sights of Delhi. 20:00 - 21:30. Finally! Dinner.
As you know, all roads lead to the paradise of Rajiv Chowk, one of the largest shopping and business areas of Delhi. Getting here by metro is easy, since all metro lines intersect at the Rajiv Chowk station of the same name.
Surely your stomach has already started a riot on the ship. In this case, we know a great place for a hearty dinner - the Saravana Bhavan cafe (http://www.saravanabhavan.com). True, anyone can be confused by the prefix “hotel” on a neon shop window. Don’t be surprised, because this is what all cafes and budget restaurants are called in India.
Hindus who have repeatedly visited South India unanimously say that this cafe serves excellent South Indian dishes - dosa, uttapam, idli. Take their word for it and try the butter masala dosa - vegetables wrapped in a thin, oiled flatbread. If you suddenly want a lot of everything, thali with side dishes and sauces is at your service. For dessert you can choose ice cream and freshly squeezed mango juice.
Although you may have to wait a bit for your order, the service here is good. And the prices are not bad. For an immodest dinner you will pay about 300 rupees ($6).
Sights of Delhi. 21:30 - 23:30. Relaxing in the lounge bar
This day was clearly busy. Therefore, it’s worth ending it in one of the pleasant lounge bars in Delhi, dissolving in the atmospheric music and coolness of the evening. Very close to the cafe where you had dinner, there is a respectable establishment called Aqua. Unlike many clubs and bars in Delhi, the speakers here don't blast with Indian pop music. Accordingly, there is no wild crowd dancing near the bar counter. Only an open terrace, a swimming pool and unobtrusive music.
The most comfortable place for two is a white sofa with pillows in the shape of an open shell shell. Order a delicious hookah and enjoy the peace, because tomorrow you will again plunge into chaos. Treat yourself to caramel ice cream, and if your soul craves a continuation of the banquet, a glass of beer. If you are afraid to overdo it, look at the menu from time to time. Alcohol prices (beer from 400 rupees, $8) will immediately sober you up.
After leaving the establishment around midnight, take a taxi and get to the hotel without incident. You will obviously sleep without your hind legs!
Sights of Delhi - day two.
Sights of Delhi. 09:00 - 10:00. Wake up and breakfast
As you remember, you can wake up in a hotel in Main Bazaar without the help of an alarm clock. Shake off any drowsiness and head to Café Festa for breakfast. They make very tasty coffee here (by Indian standards, of course). For a snack, order a fruit salad made with sliced apples, pineapple, papaya and bananas. The place is probably very popular among our compatriots, since on the menu you can even find “Russian salad” - chopped vegetables and fruits with mayonnaise. Indian version of Olivier, so to speak.
If you have Napoleonic plans, you can fortify yourself with Chinese wonton soup. Asian performance is not guaranteed, but you can satisfy your morning hunger. Breakfast at this establishment will cost you 200 rupees ($4).
Address: 1832, Laxmi Narain Street, Chuna Mandi, Pahargang
Sights of Delhi. 10:00 - 12:00. Walking around the Shah's tomb
The first destination is the tomb of Humayun, the Mughal emperor. The legend of his extraordinary personality clearly illustrates the saying “woe from mind.” Thus, the educated ruler Humayun was very fond of astronomy and astrology. One day, leaving the library with a stack of books, he heard a call to prayer, got tangled in the hem of his long robe and fell down the stairs. The inconsolable widow built a majestic mausoleum in his honor, in the image and likeness of which the Taj Mahal was later built.
To reach Humayun's Tomb, you need to take the metro to JLN Stadium station (the journey costs 15 rupees). From there you can walk (25 minutes) or ride a rickshaw (10 minutes). Entrance fee for foreigners is 250 rupees ($5). If you disguise yourself as an Indian, you can enter for a symbolic 10 rupees.
You can endlessly walk around the complex, looking at the carved stained glass windows inside the tombs and relaxing in the shade of the trees. After all, this is not only a mausoleum, but also, above all, a beautiful garden with quiet alleys and pedestrian paths. Water channels divide the park into 36 squares with fountains.
By the way, not only the great emperor is buried here, but also many of his subjects, including the royal hairdresser. A separate tomb with a double dome is dedicated to him, to which 7 steps lead.
Sights of Delhi. 12:00-14:00. Qutub Minar complex
Some distance from the central attractions is the world's tallest brick minaret, the Qutb Minar. You can get to it by metro, getting off at the Qutub Minar stop of the same name (the trip will cost 19 rupees). Tickets (250 rupees, $5) are sold across the street from the entrance, and there is also a toilet and luggage storage.
This gigantic structure was built by three rulers over the course of 200 years, hoping to eclipse the glory of the Jam Minaret in Afghanistan. In addition to religious purposes, the minaret was also used as an observation tower to protect the city. It’s not surprising, because this 70 m high “candle” is visible from a long distance.
In addition to the brick minaret, there are the ruins of the first Indian mosque. It was built from the remains of destroyed Hindu and Jain temples. But it is not the mosques, gates and arches that interest tourists most of all, but the mysterious iron column. According to legend, for 1600 years not a single speck of rust appeared on it. There are rumors that the column is made of a meteorite, and where there are aliens, there is a sensation. It is believed that if you stand with your back to the column and clasp your arms, unearthly happiness will fall on your head. To stop the mass embrace of the rarity, a fence was erected around the structure.
A little away from the main attractions, you can relax on the grass. Don't be surprised if you suddenly notice a green parrot in a flock of pigeons. As is tradition, feed the chipmunks, who deftly scurry around the ruins of the complex and beg for treats from tourists.
Sights of Delhi. 14:00-15:00. Relaxing in the Garden of the Five Senses
Next to the Qutub Minar is the Garden of the Five Senses. As the name suggests, people come here to feel harmony with nature. During the day it is calm and quiet here, in contrast to the morning hours, when the paths are crowded with fitness enthusiasts.
Under the shady trees you can escape the heat and take a break from annoying photographers. By the way, increased attention from local residents is guaranteed to all tourists in Delhi. Some may take pictures of you furtively, others may ask for a photo together. This applies even to the most touristy places, where there are always plenty of white misters. Interest in foreigners in India never goes away. So we recommend periodically escaping from busy areas to such secluded corners of nature.
To get to the park, walk to Saket MRT Station and then take a rickshaw. You'll have to bargain a little, because rickshaws here have a monopoly and feel their power. These sly guys won't go for less than 50 rupees. The entrance fee to the park is 20 rupees ($0.4).
Sights of Delhi. 15:00 - 16:00. Lunch for the Maharaja
Enough of eating in budget establishments, it’s time to feel like a maharaja and try “haute” Indian cuisine. It's no secret that in cheap cafes the taste of the dish is often overwhelmed by hot sauces and spices, and you only feel a fire in your mouth. Just outside the Garden of the Five Senses is Fio Restaurant (http://www.fiorestaurant.com), which uses spices wisely. Gentlemen, get ready to fork out some cash, and for good reason.
Hidden among the palm leaves are comfortable ottomans and sofas where you can wait for your order. Live music plays, the interior is decorated with figurines of butterflies and decorative lanterns. Be sure to try the Indian paneer cheese dish, which comes with salad, traditional flatbread, olive vegetable paste and sauces. Please note that taxes and gratuity will also be included in the bill. You will leave here with a thinner wallet (at least 600 rupees, 12 $), but with a full stomach and no fire in your mouth.
Address: Gate 1, Garden of Five Senses, Saiyad Ul Ajaib
Sights of Delhi. 16:00 - 17:30. We think about high matters in the Lotus Temple
What are we all about material values, spending and spending? The time has come to take a break from the realities of life and think about higher matters. Having reached the Saket metro entrance by rickshaw, we go down into the subway and go to the Kalkaji Mandir station (22 rupees). Here is one of the most interesting and atmospheric temples in Delhi - the Lotus Temple.
Even 450 years ago, the Mughal Shah Akbar dreamed of building a majestic temple for all religions on earth. His dream was realized by a Canadian architect, according to whose design the Bahai Temple, or Lotus Temple, was built. The building of the prayer house is made in the shape of a snow-white lotus, which symbolizes purity and high thoughts. As befits an aquatic flower, the temple is surrounded by pools of water.
When entering the temple you need to take off your shoes. Until the previous group of visitors leaves, you will have to wait in line for a couple of minutes. Remember that loud conversations, photos and videos are prohibited in the temple.
The interior decoration of the temple is very simple, and only in the center does the sacred Bahai symbol shine. This place has a unique energy, so sit here in silence for a while, look inside yourself and try to find answers to eternal questions. We recommend visiting at 17:00, when different speakers read lines from sacred texts for 5 minutes.
Sights of Delhi. 17:30 - 18:30. Shopping at the ethnic bazaar
It's getting close to evening, which means we need to get from the outskirts of Delhi closer to the center. On the way, it is worth stopping at the Dilli Haat ethnic complex. The easiest way is to jump into a familiar subway and get off at the Ina stop (19 rupees). To enter the complex you will have to pay 20 rupees ($0.4).
On the territory of Dilli Haat there are many souvenir shops, shops and cafes. By the way, each establishment represents the cuisine of one or another region of India. Everything is written on signs and shop windows. If you don't want to wait for dinner, you can have a snack here with kheer (sweet rice porridge with milk) or halawa (semolina pudding).
Remember the Indian markets and be glad you were in this place. Here they sell similar goods, but in a more civilized manner and, naturally, with mark-ups. After walking through the rows of embroidered bags, shawls and scarves, you will come out to the sellers of Ayurvedic medicines. Then there are musical instruments, handicrafts, oriental shoes with curved ends, jewelry, trinkets and much more.
In addition, it is also a permanent crafts fair. Craftsmen come here from all over India to show off their skills. The most interesting thing, of course, is to come during the festival, when trade is accompanied by dances, songs and ethnic shows.
Sights of Delhi. 18:30 - 20:00. Let's look at Indian dances
To watch classical Indian dances, it is better to visit the festivals that are often held in Delhi. Announcements should be looked for in English-language newspapers (Times of India, Hindustani Times) or local news resources. But if you haven’t found a worthwhile event, then you can go to the Parsi Anjuman Hall concert hall (http://www.tabeventsunlimited.com). Every evening from 19:00 Indian dances Kathakali, Bhavai, Bhangara and others are shown here. The cost of the performance is 200-400 rupees (4-8 $).
To get there, take the metro (if you're not tired of it yet) and go to Mandi House station (Rs 15). From there, take a taxi or rickshaw to the Feroz Shah Stadium. The concert hall building is located directly opposite it.
Sights of Delhi. 20:00 - 21:00. Dinner at Moti Mahal
After exiting the concert hall, turn left and walk 15 minutes to Moti Mahal Restaurant (http://motimahalindia.com). It is possible that in case of severe hunger the journey will take much less time. In any case, you should hurry to get good seats.
The restaurant's owners are proud of its history, which dates back to the 30s of the 20th century. According to their oaths, Indira Gandhi, Richard Nixon, the Nepalese king, the Iranian Shah and even Nikita Khrushchev came here! However, many guests are brought here not by such stories, but by the fame of mouth-watering chicken dishes - butter chicken and tandoori chicken. If anywhere they are prepared according to unique recipes, it is only here. Remember the half rule and don't order a whole plate. The dessert selection is limited, but people don’t come here for sweets.
For a decent dinner you will have to pay a lot - 400-500 rupees ($8-10). But if lordly manners are not your thing, there are several budget options nearby. So, turning into the street opposite the already familiar Changezi Chicken cafe, you will come across Zaika Restaurant. Despite the funny name, the food here is good - chicken and goat dishes (mutton). The average bill at this place is 200 rupees ($4).
Address Moti Mahal: 3703, Netaji Subhash Marg
Zaika Restaurant Address: 3615, Daryagang, Near Golcha Cinema
Sights of Delhi. 21:00 - 23:00. Evening walks around Main Bazaar
The Daryaganj area where you had dinner and Main Bazaar are half an hour's walk from each other. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable wandering around Delhi at night, it’s better to take a rickshaw.
At dusk, this quarter transforms - there are more tourists and rickshaws, colorful shop windows light up. Some colorful personalities offer hashish, others lure people into their establishments. Despite the fact that all shops and shops close by 23:00, you can find water, pies with spicy filling (samosas), and even toilet paper at midnight. This, by the way, is very useful, because in some areas of India it cannot be found during the day with fire.
Walk through the narrow streets, buy an Indian sweet and courageously give your palm to a street artist. In half an hour, an elegant henna design - mehendi - will appear on your skin. This beauty will be washed off in a week or two, if you rub your hands thoroughly - sooner. However, this time is enough for you to show off your Indian “stamp” to your friends and family.
Sights of Delhi - how to get around Delhi
Best by metro. This is a clean and relatively cheap (15-20 rupees) type of transport that will quickly take you from point A to point B. All signs and signs are duplicated in English, so it won’t be difficult to navigate. The subway operates from 6:00 to 23:00. You can also buy a 3-day tourist pass, which costs 250 rupees ($5).
You can also ride city buses. The cost of the trip is 5-15 rupees. True, it is rare that a tourist decides to use buses because they are overcrowded. Fewer people ride red and green government buses, more people ride orange private ones. The ticket must be purchased from the conductor and kept until the end of the trip.
The most common way of transportation for tourists is auto-rickshaw. These are small three-wheeled cars that usually fit up to 3 people. They rarely use the meter, preferring to charge fantastic prices. When traveling long distances, 10 rupees will be required for one kilometer. For short distances, it is better to use a pedicab - a stroller attached to a bicycle. Pedicabs are not so arrogant and will pedal for a budget price. Please note that rickshaws are prohibited from driving on wide roads and main avenues.
Taxis in Delhi are not as common as in Mumbai, but they are also popular. The tariff for 1 km is 15 rupees, each subsequent one is 10 rupees. There are special booths at the airport and train stations where you can find out and pay the cost in advance. In addition, it is possible to order a car by phone or online (www.easycabs.com, www.megacabs.com, www.quickcabs.in)
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India is not only Goa, Bollywood and saris! If you travel to India, be sure to go through Delhi! The whole city is literally soaked in history. Delhi is dotted with various mosques, forts and monuments dating back to the times of the Mughal rulers who once lived there. Today, one cannot help but notice the huge contrast between the labyrinthine Old Delhi and the well-designed New Delhi. Exploring both places will be equally enjoyable, I promise.
Delhi is also a city immersed in greenery and the aroma of flowering gardens, where city dwellers love to go to relieve stress and fatigue.
Among the must-see attractions in Delhi, the following are the most popular.
1. Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple in New Delhi)
The Bahai Temple is usually called the Lotus Temple because it looks like this flower. The building looks especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated with lights. Made of white marble, the temple belongs to Baha'iism, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. The surrounding gardens and ponds have become an excellent place for picnics. Don't miss the Lotus Temple - it's worth seeing!
- Entry price: free
- Opening hours: from 9 am to dark
2. Humayun's Tomb
Some people believe that Humayun's Tomb in Delhi closely resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra. In some ways they are right, since it was he who served as the source of inspiration for the construction of the Tomb. The tomb is part of a large complex surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570, houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It became the first architectural monument built in the Mughal style in India.
- Entrance price: for foreigners - 250 rupees, for locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old admission is free
- Opening hours: from dawn to dusk
3. Red Fort in Delhi
It is one of the most popular monuments in Delhi and serves as a reminder of the great Mughal Emperors who previously ruled India. The red sandstone walls of the fortress, which gave it its name, were laid in 1638. They stretch over 2 km (1.2 miles) and previously served as protection against invaders. However, they could not save the Red Fort from being captured by the Sikhs and the British.
In order for visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient era, light and music shows are held here every evening, reflecting events associated with the fort.
- Entry price: foreigners - 250 rupees, locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old - free
- Opening hours: 9am to 6pm, closed on Mondays
4. Jama Masjid
This is a true treasure of the Old City and the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can accommodate up to 25,000 parishioners at a time. The construction of the Jama Masjid mosque lasted 13 years and was completed in 1650. Its tallest tower, on the south side, offers stunning views of the rooftops of Delhi. If you are wondering “What to see in Delhi”, this attraction should be at the top of your list!
Before visiting the mosque, dress appropriately, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. Your clothing should cover your head, shoulders and legs.
- Entrance fee: free, but for using a camera – 300 rupees
- Opening hours: daily from dawn to dusk
5. Chandni Chowk
Are you wondering where to go in Delhi to feel the atmosphere of the city? Go to Chandni Chowk! This is the main street of the Old City of Delhi, which is very different from the wide and organized streets of New Delhi. Cars, rickshaws, pedestrians and animals all compete for space at Chandni Chowk. This creates a kind of chaos and fuss, but on the other hand it looks charming and exciting.
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, where the narrow streets are filled with all sorts of goods: cheap jewelry, textiles and electronics. In this part of the city you will find a great opportunity to try Delhi street food. Don’t be afraid - you won’t get poisoned, the main thing is to wash your hands)
6. Swaminarayan Akshardham
This majestic temple complex, reflecting Indian culture, was built in 2005 by the spiritual organization BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Apart from the amazing and magical architecture of pink stone and white marble, the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex includes luxurious parks, sculptures and water canals along which you can float boats. Amazing Delhi landmark! To examine the entire temple in detail will take a lot of time, at least half a day. During your visit, follow the rules: do not bring cameras or mobile phones with you.
- Entry price: free
- Opening hours: from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, closed on Mondays
7. Lodi Gardens in Delhi
Lodi Gardens is a magical, serene retreat away from the busy city life. This is the place where you should come to recuperate and get rid of fatigue and exhaustion.
Large gardens were laid out by the British in 1936 near the tombs of India's 15th and 16th century rulers. Lodi Gardens has become a favorite destination these days among joggers, young couples, and people doing yoga and exercise.
- Entry prices: free
- Opening hours: daily from dawn to 8 pm
8. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar in Delhi is the tallest minaret in the world. A unique monument of early Indo-Islamic architecture. The minaret was built in 1206, but the reasons for its construction still remain unknown. Some believe that it represents victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Others say it was used to call believers to prayer.
The tower is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran. There are other interesting historical monuments on the territory, take a walk and take your time.
- Entrance prices: foreigners - 250 rupees, locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old free
- Opening hours: daily from dawn until dark
9. Gandhi Smriti
The Gandhi Smriti Museum introduces tourists to the place where Mahatma Gandhi, solemnly called the father of the nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in this house for 144 days until his death. The room in which Gandhi slept now looks the same as when he left it. There is also free access for visitors to the place where he held mass meetings every evening. Many photographs, sculptures, paintings and inscriptions are presented to tourists.
- Entry prices: free
- Opening hours: from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Monday
10. India Gate
The towering archway of the India Gate in the center of New Delhi is a war memorial built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War. In the evenings, the monument is illuminated with warm light, and the gardens that stretch along its boulevard have become a favorite place for walks on warm summer evenings. An unforgettable place, one of the best attractions in Delhi.
- Entry prices: free
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
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