Visit Delhi in 3 days, India
Delhi is huge and honestly speaking it’s the most congested place I have been to and lived in. But still it has many interesting sites to see, great monuments to visit, tasty restaurants to check. Depending on how long you plan to stay here visit them all, or pick the ones you like! It’s really hard to say how long you should be here to get to see all the important sites. I still recommend just few days and go away, to Rajahstan, up to Himalayas (Ladakh or Kashmir) or South to Kerala.
Delhi itself can kill your travel spirit if you are too sensible. If you want to check all the below sites, 3 days is more than enough. But you will not have much time to sit and relax.
1. Garden of 5 senses
One of my favorites spots for Sunday lazying around. As they say, its not just a park. Is the space for public which offers variety of activities. And I totally agree. By walking around, you will discover different sculptures, interesting constructions and murals. They encourage you to come closer, touch and click a photo. Beautifully organized, full of flowers and interesting plants will move your nose and eyes. In the area of park you can also find restaurants and pubs, where you can sit and relax.
2. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar for Delhi is like Colosseum for Rome, or Eiffel tower for Paris. Perfect spot for history lovers as well as amateurs. The minaret without the walls of site is the tallest one in India – 72.5 meters. It was built almost 1000 years ago and its construction started the settlement of the first Islamic dynasty in India. It is now on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Qutub Minar complex consist of the tall minaret, mosque, tombs, gardens and columns. Qutub Minar was supposed to be 5 times taller. That never happened due to the shortage of funds. It’s perfect proof of Islamic and Hindu culture coming together.
3. Old Delhi
In the past it was filled with houses of nobles and members of the royal court, along with elegant mosques and gardens. Nowadays, even though the area is extremely overcrowded and destroyed, it’s still the heart of Delhi. If you are strong enough to throw yourself in this mess, walk around and admire the old buildings and mansions, the heritage and history in between the walls of old city, the crowd which can be hard to accept but awesome once you do that, taste street food, visit the bazaars and suck all the noises, smells and colors with all your senses. That was and still is the best part of the city of Delhi according to me!
4. Karim’s restaurant
Even though the entrance to the restaurant doesn’t encourage to sit and eat there, once you get a table and will have the first bite, you will already think about going back there. We used to go there every time we were around. Sometimes just went to Old Delhi to eat at Karim’s. The range of dishes is wide, grilled meats, breads, and gravies served in the old school way. You can also find here some more adventurous stuff such as fried brains and . Those who give 24 hours’ notice can order an entire roasted baby goat. And naans are just crazy delicious, like anywhere I ate so far! The real art of cooking is here!
5. Jama Masjid mosque
The mosque of Old Delhi is the largest one in India. It was ordered to be built by the same emperor, Shah Jahan, on whose request Taj Mahal was constructed. It can hold 25,000 prayers. It has 3 gates, four towers and 2 minarets of 40 meters height. Beautifully decorated, with red stones and marble. If you wish, you can climb up one of the minarets to get an incredible view.
Even though the place is amazing, you need to be aware that even though the entrance is free, they will still ask for money to use camera, even if you don’t have any or you don’t plan to use any. Another thing is that they will pass you some clothes to cover yourself, and that again costs. If you are well covered, don’t pay that. Bargain badly! You will be asked to leave your shoes at the entrance but it can happen that once you are back, they will not be there anymore.
6. Lodhi Gardens
I wouldn’t mark is as a top tourist attraction but its still one of my top spots in Delhi. If you stay a little longer in Delhi, take your blanket, some food and drinks and go for picnic there. It’s a large, public park where people can relax, kids can play and yeah… couples can hide in between the trees to have some intimate moments (still guards walk around to make sure they don’t stay alone, or hold the hands, not to mention kissing). Within the park you will find 500 year old tombs, walls and remains, which are there like they are just ordinary buildings. It’s like an oasis in dusty and crowded city of Delhi.
7. Sarojini Market
Oh how I missed shopping at the Sarojini Nagar Market. Even though sometimes locals were saying they hate this place cause of the crowd and mess but yeah..if you like shopping and bargaining, it is a place for you. You find here branded clothes from export-surplus and rejected export clothing. You can go down to 1-2 euros per piece or less. If you need souvenirs, or local Indian clothes like kurta pajamas or saares, salwar kameez, go to Sarojini. As it’s not full of tourists and even the starter prices are lower than at Janpath Market or shopping malls. At Sarojini you will also find nice restaurants and fresh fruit booths, where you can buy perfect and tasty mango juice.
8. Lotus Temple
Gorgeous and remarkable lotus flower shape temple is constructed out of 27 petals made of marble. You will walk through the nice area of gardens and pools. Although the place gets crowded, still its worth paying it a visit. Once you enter, you can sit and admire the construction as long as you wish, relax, mediate. The temple is dedicated to Bahai faith but still its prayer ground for all other religions as Bahai faith says.
9. Humayun’s Tomb
It was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal with perfect symmetry of red sandstone and marble. The tomb was built in the mid 1500′ for Humayun, the Islamic Mughal emperor. I found it very beautiful and breathtaking and comparing to Taj, hm I would say they are equally great piece of architecture. Unlike Taj, it attracts tourists but not so many, so you will manage to get some peace here and take some stunning photos. Walk around the gardens, climb the stairs up to the tombs.
10. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Sikh Temple)
Must see one in Delhi. The most peaceful template in the city mainly because of people, Sikh people. They are open, nice, they invite you over to visit their temple, they stop to have a nice conversation with you and they smile with honesty. They don’t ask any entrance fee. They will make you feel comfortable as you are one of them. There is a outdoor pool, dinning room where people share meal every day. Once you are inside the temple, you can sit there and enjoy the music band playing drums and singing, also witness evening prayers at the Holy Book. Amazing spiritual experience.
11. India Gate
India Gate is the memorial for all Indian soldiers who lost their life in World War I. Under the gate you will see lighted flame which honors the soldiers that have given their lives for the freedom. I have been there many times during the day and also in the evenings. Just to sit, eat ice cream or drink soda and admire the surroundings. In the evenings the gate is lighted up and it creates amazing atmosphere. The place is always full and you have to be ready that you will be approached by beggars and pushy sellers. On national holidays the parades goes from India gate to the presidential palace which is on the other end of the road.
12. Dili Haat
Organized and calm bazaar where you can shop for handicrafts. It’s also known for local cuisine and its a perfect place to taste food from all around the country. The souvenirs will be a little bit more expensive that on the other markets, but also they will be of much better quality. Perfect spot for photographers.