Discovering Delhi: Your Ultimate First-Time Guide to India’s Historic Capital

Delhi, situated in the northern part of India, is a vibrant and energetic world unto itself. The captivating capital is home to countless people, smells, sounds, and sights. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is home to magnificent monuments that depict the history of former dynasties. Travelers from all over the world often arrive in Delhi when taking international flights to India, and for the majority of them, the capital city provides an interesting and exciting experience.

Delhi is not only India’s capital; it is also the nation’s cultural and political hub. There are two halves of the city, which are Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi exhibits the deteriorating population, narrow streets, and countless old monuments while the latter showcases the well-organized, ordered life and modern structures. Therefore, if you are considering a trip to Delhi by booking online flight tickets from US to New Delhi, then this ultimate first-time guide to India’s historic capital will surely help you.

How to Apply for an E-Visa to India

The majority of tourists to India travel with an E-Visa, which may be obtained online from the Indian government. Depending on the type of passport you have, you might need to get an e-visa and additional travel documents before visiting Delhi and India. You can now apply for a single entrance visa that is good for three months as well as multiple entry visas that are valid for one year or five years, which is a big improvement over the prior need that you spend the entire day in wait at the Indian visa office.

As an alternative, you can visit iVisa.com to find the essential requirements and submit an application for an e-visa to India.

Climate and Weather of Delhi

Delhi has always experienced extreme weather conditions. The city experiences summers with highs of over 40 degrees Celsius from April through June. The Delhi monsoons drastically lower the temperature between July and October. Even without rain, the temperature still exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.

Delhi’s winter months are the best for travel since the temperature starts to fall in November, dropping to around 20 degrees Celsius, and keeps dropping until it reaches its lowest point by the end of January or the middle of February when it drops to 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. So if you are planning on booking flight tickets from US to New Delhi, make sure to pack all of your wool clothing so you can take advantage of the city’s chilly air.

Getting Around the City

In recent years, getting around the city has gotten a lot easier. With convenient air-conditioned metro trains, buses, and even the increasingly popular dial-a-cab service (particularly Ola and Uber), tourists can reach their destinations with ease.

For short distances, there are rickshaws and taxis available. However, mastering the skill of negotiating is essential because rickshaw drivers initially set an inflated price, and if you don’t know anything about the right cost, you run the risk of being robbed. A city bus service is an excellent choice for touring.

Where to Stay in Delhi

On a New Delhi tour, there are several accommodation options for every type of traveler. If you’re a budget tourist or backpacker, the hotels and inns in the Paharganj neighborhood near the train station may be a suitable choice. In recent years, many backpacker hostels have opened up in various parts of the city. Karol Bagh and Connaught Place (CP) are also excellent choices for those looking to stay in the heart of Delhi. When it comes to the city’s quiet and affluent neighborhoods, South Delhi features some well-known luxury hotels, good bed & breakfasts, and wonderful boutique hotels.

The Best Places to Eat in Delhi

The finest thing you can find in Delhi, after the incredible scenery, is cuisine. One can eat anything and everything in Delhi’s top-notch restaurants, including American, Lebanese, Japanese, Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean food. In addition to the expensive but wonderful gourmet treats, there are many restaurants and dining venues in both the old and new cities where you can get delicious street food without burning a hole in your budget.

Some of the city’s well-known cafes and restaurants include Indian Accent and Bukhara in Nizamuddin & Lodi Colony, Mughlai at Karim’s and Indian cuisine at Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), Café Lota and Sana-Di-Ge in New Delhi, among many others. Even if you and your coworkers have reserved business class deals from US to India for a meeting in the capital, set aside some time to eat at these wonderful locations.

Staying Healthy

Despite Delhi’s reputation for having bad sanitation, it is simple to stay one step ahead of the germs. Keep antibacterial hand gel on hand, and wash your hands frequently, especially before meals. Avoid eating salads and other raw foods, and only eat at busy restaurants or food stands. Ice and ice cream should also be avoided. Since it may be challenging to avoid Delhi’s foggy winter months, many tourists bring a dust mask.

Things Not to Miss in Delhi

Old Delhi is one of India’s most eerie locations, which is best experienced on foot. Explore the alleyways off Chandni Chowk, the heart of the Mughal city, where entire blocks are devoted to the selling of steel pots and pans, wrapping paper, kites, and other items. Then climb the Jama Masjid’s minaret for breathtaking views of the streets below.

If you want to see India as the ruling British Raj envisioned it, you must visit Connaught Place in New Delhi. Don’t forget to visit the eerie Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the mysterious observatory built by Jai Singh II at Jantar Mantar. Explore Rajpath for more colonial splendor and pop into the National Museum for treasures dating back hundreds of years and an elephant-sized set of armor.

Don’t forget to visit the Qutub Minar, a historic structure constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The Safdarjung Tomb, a spectacular perspective of the 18th-century tomb in Mughal style, is another architectural highlight of the ancient city. The sandstone and marble monument is among the most well-liked tourist attractions in Delhi. You may easily locate a number of additional places and attractions in the city by consulting a handy Delhi guidebook.

Additionally, book cheap flight tickets from US to New Delhi through Airfarebooking to embark on a memorable journey through the captivating city of Delhi.

Also Read: 7 Essential Tips for Solo Female Travelers Exploring India