It’s a beautiful day in Delhi, but no one is outside. The air is thick with pollution and smog from the cars and trucks that roam the city. It has been almost a year since I left my hometown of Mumbai for Delhi to study English literature at the university here. After falling in love with the city and wanting to stay longer than I originally planned, I am now living in one of the most dangerous areas of Delhi- Malviya Nagar
The city of Delhi: What is it like?
Delhi is a bustling city with endless opportunities for exploration. The streets are always buzzing with activity, and there’s never a dull moment in this lively metropolis. Here are just a few highlights of what Delhi has to offer travelers:
The Qutub Minar: One of the most iconic structures in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is an imposing gateway that dates back to the 12th century. This impressive structure is made up of 83 stepped arches that rise more than 66 feet into the air.
The Red Fort: Once the residence of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort is now one of Delhi’s most popular tourist destinations. Spanning over 604 acres, this massive complex houses several notable attractions, including the Emperor’s Palace and the Naqqara Room.
The Lotus Temple: Formerly known as Sri Venkateswara Temple, this sprawling complex houses some of India’s most beautiful religious art. The temple features a series of intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Tips for Visiting Delhi
If you’re visiting Delhi, there are a few things you should know before getting started. The city is enormous and can be confusing to navigate on your own. For safety reasons, it’s always best to use a guided tour or map when in Delhi.
Another thing to note is that English is not the predominant language spoken in Delhi. You’ll likely hear lots of Hindi and Punjabi spoken here, so make sure you have a good grasp of the words if you want to get by without any difficulty.
Sticking to the main tourist areas will help minimize confusion and ensure that you see all of the major attractions. If time allows, consider venturing out into some of the smaller neighbourhoods to explore.
The Best Places to Eat in Delhi
Delhi is a city of many cultures, and it’s no surprise that its restaurants offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elaborate meal, there are plenty of great places to eat in Delhi. Here are five of the best:
1. Kabab Nihari – This popular Pakistani restaurant offers delicious kababs made from lamb, chicken, or beef. You can also order naan bread and other traditional Pakistani side dishes to go with your meal.
2. Gulabi Bagh – This garden restaurant is a must-visit in Delhi if you’re a fan of Indian cuisine. The menu features all types of regional Indian dishes, including tandoori chicken and masala dosa (a savory pancake).
3. Rang Mahal – This beautiful palace has been turned into one of the city’s most popular restaurants, serving contemporary Punjabi food like tandoori chicken and kebabs. Reservations are recommended if you want to get a table on busy nights.
4. Kulfi Parlor – If you’re looking for some ice cream fixings to go with your dinner, head to this cozy little parlor. You can choose from several different flavors of kulfi (a type of ice cream) as well as dozens of other sweet treats.
5. Dilli Falafel – This Middle Eastern food stall is known for its fresh falafel balls
How to Travel to Delhi
Looking to explore India’s capital city, Delhi? Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Delhi is a sprawling metropolis with endless attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you want to take in the sights and sounds of one of India’s most vibrant cities, or just enjoy a relaxed day at the beach, these tips will help you have a great time in Delhi.
1) Get orientated: Start by getting an understanding of the layout of Delhi. The city is spread out over several hills and valleys, making it easy to get lost if you aren’t careful. Download the Delhi City Tour app or use Google Maps to plan your route properly.
2) Take public transportation: If you don’t have a vehicle, take advantage of Delhi’s extensive public transport network. The buses are cheap and reliable, while the trains offer scenic routes through rural areas and stations that are well-worth checking out.
3) Explore markets: A great way to get an overview of Delhi’s culture and lifestyle is to explore its markets. There are plenty located throughout the city centre, as well as nearby suburbs such as Ghaziabad and Noida. Be sure to check out street food vendors as well – they serve some delicious snacks that are hard to find anywhere else in India!
4) Join guided tours: If you want to delve deeper into specific cultural attractions
Conclusion
Delhi is a city that has it all. With ancient temples and neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers and busy markets, Delhi is an amazing place to explore on foot or by bike. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, Delhi is definitely worth considering.
