Welcome to Delhi: First Impressions

Delhi is a city of contrasts. Its appeal lies in its dynamic blend of past and present, where ancient monuments meet the chaos of modern-day life. With a population exceeding 30 million, the city's vast urban sprawl offers an intriguing array of sites to visit, from historical wonders to bustling markets. Our journey began shortly after landing in Delhi IGI Airport, braced by our private taxi service, which expertly navigated us through the city's waves of early morning traffic, and brought us to our conveniently located hotel in New Delhi.

Day 1: Historical Sites and Old Delhi’s Bustle

Our adventure in the heart of Delhi began with a visit to the iconic Red Fort, a testament to the city's rich Mughal heritage. Its grand walls, constructed from red sandstone, offer a glimpse into the splendors of past empires. A thorough exploration, lasting two hours, allows the intricacies of its architecture and the ghostly whispers of history to be fully absorbed. Amidst the multitude of sights is the Lahori Gate, a significant entry point into this majestic stronghold. We saved time by eating a tasty and affordable lunch at Café Delhi Heights, located inside the fort complex.

Chandni Chowk, the beating heart of Old Delhi, greeted us next with its aromatic spices and lively commerce. This historically significant area, bustling with trading activity over the centuries, is just as vibrant today. This is truly a bazaar teeming with the spirit of India itself. The journey through its crowded lanes was nothing short of a sensory overload, leaving us breathless and exhilarated.

After weaving our way through Chandni Chowk, we found respite at Fatehpuri Masjid. This mosque stands as a serene sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle. Built by one of Shah Jahan's wives, its history is intertwined with the architectural elegance found throughout the city’s historic mosques.

If you still have energy and time, don't miss Khari Baoli! The biggest spices bazaar in Asia is located just behind Fatehpuri Masjid. Once again, expect tons of people filling its narrow and busy alleyways.

Although we intended to visit also the Jama Masjid, the day's fatigue caught up with us, forcing us to retreat. However, this grand mosque remains a must-see, its towering structure offering a majestic insight into the city's Islamic heritage. Our evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner back at our hotel, leaving us ready for another exciting day.

Day 2: Architectural Wonders and Modern-Day Tribute

Awakening at dawn to the call of Delhi’s vibrant pulse, we embarked on our second day with a visit to Humayun's Tomb. This site, a precursor of sorts to the Taj Mahal, exemplifies the pinnacle of Mughal architectural elegance. Its lush gardens and intricate mausoleums paint a picture of serene beauty, beckoning travelers to delve deeper into its history.

As the city warmed up to its usual bustling tempo, we moved on to the Qutub Minar, another marvel that captures the imagination. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its towering minaret, stands as one of India’s finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its construction, started in the 12th century, is a majestic grouping of carved stories and artistic ambition.

There are many restaurants near the Qutab Minar. Some of them are more expensive than the average food place in Delhi, but we can assure you that the Rooh Restaurant delicious dishes were totally worth the price. We absolutely loved what we ate there!

Continuing our exploration, we dodged the traffic to arrive at the India Gate. This commanding war memorial offers not only a poignant reminder of sacrifice but also a visual testament to dedication and artistry. As the sun dipped lower, we made our way to Safdarjung's Tomb, highlighting the twilight with its illuminated grandeur. Our trip concluded in this dreamlike state, bid farewell with the last whiffs of Mughal splendor.

Return to Delhi before Flying Home

At the end of our 2 weeks trip in India, we returned to Delhi before flying back home. Considering the early departure of our flight, we stayed one more night in the capital and decided to sleep close to the airport. We chose an accommodation located in a safe area of the city, offering comfortable apartments with a 24 hours reception service.