New Delhi is a metropolis with layers. Eight of them to be precise, each representing one of the cities, ancient to modern, established over the long millennia of its existence. The amazing thing is that, despite all that looking back to the past, New Delhi continues to create itself anew, with temples and business parks, chowks and mono-rails. History, it seems, won't stand still in this increasingly prosperous city of 22 million.That's especially the case with the city's spiritual attractions. Three immense temple complexes have sprouted in Delhi's fertile soil of late. The elegant grace of the Lotus Temple – a Bahai temple – is one of most beautiful. The nearby Hare Krishna complex, the Iskcon Temple, competes with it, for bold and busy splendour. Its three tall red-and-white towers stand over a vast courtyard with a museum, performing arts centre and a renowned vegetarian restaurant.And if biggest is best, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple trumps them all. It has a mammoth cinema, extravagantly lit water-show, and an educational peacock-boat ride. The Qutub Minar is the tallest bricked-minaret in the world, and next to the first mosque built in India.New Delhi itself is the last of the eight layers of Delhi a city reshaped by the British in the early 20th-century.Visit the grand Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan), originally built for the British rulers of India, but which became a beacon for India's democracy in 1949, on independence. This behemoth of a building is the largest residence for a head of state in the world. A more elegant, and perhaps inspirational, dome, though, is to be found in the eastern end of town.Here, close to the Yamuna River, is Humayun's Tomb, built for the early Mughal emperors. It is 450-years old, and was India's first garden tomb. Many think it provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Tombs are found scattered all around Delhi. Lodhi Garden has a particularly fine set, with its quiet gardens home to those of the 15th century Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. They are the only buildings left from that era.The Mughals, by contrast, left plenty of bold monuments around Delhi, a city they ruled for three centuries – none more iconic than the Red Fort. Its massive curtain walls manage to be both brooding and elegant, hiding an unsurpassed collection of Mughal palaces and mosques. Their jewelled treasures may have been lost in history's often tumultuous swirl. But Delhi itself hasn't. It's a city that has been stirred, shaken, but never vanquished by history. And a city where faith – of whatever flavour – remains its founding stone.
Delhi Travel Guide
Where to stay in Delhi
Aerocity
Visitors highly recommend Aerocity for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Worldmark while you're in town.
Connaught Place
Spend some time visiting places like Jantar Mantar while getting to know Connaught Place, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Rajiv Chowk Station or Shivaji Stadium Station to see more of the area.
Paharganj
Shopping and cafes are some noteworthy features of Paharganj. Make a stop by Ramakrishna Mission while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rama Krishna Ashram Marg Station to get around town.
Chanakyapuri
Chanakyapuri is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to GK Market or The Chanakya.
Karol Bagh
While in Karol Bagh, you'll enjoy the breweries. Catch the metro at Karol Bagh Station to see top sights like Ajmal Khan Road while you're in the area.
Dwarka
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Dwarka. If sightseeing is on the list, Dwarka District Court is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Dwarka Sector 11 Station or Dwarka Sector 10 Station to see more of the area.
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Popular places to visit
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Big in scale, impressive in detail, and overloaded with attractions, this temple has everything you might expect from an epic Hindu temple – and some you might not.
India Gate
India’s national monument features an eternal flame, a popular park and excellent views of the stately Rajpath.
Chandni Chowk
Feel the tempo of Indian bazaars, then relax in one of several peaceful houses of worship in this central Old City marketplace.
DLF Cyber City
DLF Cyber City is just one of the places to see in Gurugram, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Jama Masjid
Visit this eye-catching red-stone structure to experience New Delhi's rich Muslim culture and savor an architectural landscape that is as grand as it is detailed.
Majnu-ka-tilla
You can find out about the history of New Delhi with a trip to Majnu-ka-tilla. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Activities
Delhi: Old and New Delhi City Private Guided Day Trip
25+ National Park Tours: Self-Guided Driving Bundle
From Delhi: All-Inclusive Private Guided Jaipur City Tour
Reviews of Delhi
2/5 - Disappointing
Dirty, smelly, lacking in infrastructure. You get fed up with all the scams and people trying to take advantage of you, its a horribleexperience. Go elsewhere
4/5 - Good
It’s a city of contrasts. Go with an open mind and you’ll love it.
3/5 - Okay
Always be on your toes in the built up areas of New Delhi, there are many people looking to scam the unsuspecting foreigner. If you keep your wits about you, all will be fine.
4/5 - Good
Well Delhi looked much greener than previous years . Maybe the rain has settled the dust or the Govt. has done somethings good . But it was a surprise to me. The tree cover has increased around the roads.
4/5 - Good
Better than we expected and very good transport options. good shopping both Indian and brand name shopping.
4/5 - Good
Travel was very easy by taxi and metro ignoring the usual traffic at times.
Other places like Delhi
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
- India Gate
- Chandni Chowk
- DLF Cyber City
- Majnu-ka-tilla
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Qutub Minar
- Janakpuri District Centre
- Sarojini Nagar Market
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Lotus Temple
- Gurgaon Central Mall
- Lodhi Garden
- Pitampura TV Tower
- Humayun's Tomb
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre