Day Trip to Delhi? Yes, please!

One of the most iconic symbols of India: The India Gate is a war memorial that opened in 1931, and was dedicated to the 70,000+ Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army in World War I.

Good Morning Delhi!

Nothing enthralls and excites the senses quite like a trip to Delhi does. If you were half-asleep when your day trip began, you will be wide awake in no time. Some have described Delhi's frenetic environment as an assault on the senses, but I say, it's an AWAKENING of them, so LET'S GO, or as they say in Hindi.......CHALO!

Speaking of awakening your senses, a ride in a bicycle rickshaw is always an adventure in Delhi. Please click on the YouTube link below to see just how exhilarating it really is!

https://youtube.com/shorts/Yb4uU5E6_mE?si=DD_wjN_wHwUqSwRu

(Also, please don't forget to "like" & subscribe to our channel. Thank you. )

Even though I had been to Delhi once before, there were still a few places that I had yet to explore. My hotel's concierge graciously secured a driver and licensed tour guide for my day's adventures. Thankfully, my guide was amenable to the list of sites that I wanted to see, and off we went! If you are looking to book a trip to visit Delhi, the Golden Triangle area (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), or other places in the state of Rajasthan, then please contact Vinaypratap Singh via email: Singhvp101226@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +91 805 833 6988.

He's great!

Vinay was a wonderful guide. I highly recommend him for his depth of knowledge, fun personality, adaptability to your tour preferences, and last, but certainly not least, his ability to take some great shots for your socials.

Depending on your starting point, you could configure your day trip multiple ways. Since I had started off from Greater Noida, our first stop was the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. It's a relatively new temple that opened in November of 2005. Construction of this Hindu Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, was completed in 5 years. Be advised that they do check your bags for cameras and cell phones, so either leave them in your car or check them at the free cloakroom. As a photographer, it was very difficult for me to see such a beautiful temple site, and not be able to photograph it. Trust me, it's gorgeous! Since photography is not allowed, and there are dress code requirements, I have linked their website below.

https://akshardham.com/

Even though cameras and phones are not permitted, you can have your photo taken by one of their photographers. The price was very reasonable.

Next up.....the India Gate!* Most tours just drive by this iconic symbol of India, but I suggest that you get out and actually explore this site. Reminiscent of France's Arc de Triomphe, this war memorial and accompanying grounds are dedicated to the 70,000+ Indian soldiers that died fighting for the British Army during World War I. Also on the grounds, you'll find a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, who was key in establishing and leading the Indian National Army to form alliances against the British during World War II. His great efforts helped India gain their independence from British rule on August 15th, 1947.

Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, dedicated September 2022 by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Welcome to the India Gate!

Continuing on, we take an auto tour of the following sites*: Rashtrapati Bhavan (home to the president of the world's largest democracy, currently Smt. Droupadi Murmu), Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament House), Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home and External Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Delhi Office, to name a few.

In our sights, Rashtrapati Bhavan, home of India's President.

Before venturing on to the Red Fort, I would like to recommend stopping for lunch in Delhi's Connaught Place (also known as Rajiv Chowk) neighborhood. It is considered one of the primary centers for business, finance and shopping within Delhi, and boasts a combination of both modern and colonial architecture. Here, you will find many popular global brands and restaurants.

Dining in the Connaught Place neighborhood gives you many fine dining and shopping options.

Next up....a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Red Fort!

Considered one the most important monuments in all of India, its prominence is on full display when the Prime Minister hoists India's flag on Independence Day, August 15th. Commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this fort heralded a shift in power from Agra to Delhi.

Outside of the Red Fort

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Red Fort in 1638. He was also responsible for commissioning the Taj Mahal (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as the expansive and storied Chandni Chowk market.

Moving right along, find ourselves at yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayan's Tomb. Humayan was the second Mughal Emperor of India, and construction of his tomb started in 1565 and was completed in 1572. Commissioned by his wife, Biga Begum, this was the first garden-tomb built on the Indian sub-continent, and is considered the predecessor to the Taj Mahal. Within the cells of this complex, are buried over 150 Mughal family members.

Curious as to what it looks like inside the tomb? Please click on the YouTube link below to see for yourself! https://youtube.com/shorts/oOoi2t1dPrA?si=MnNaW3DtMRd4C-VV

Wrapping up our comprehensive day trip to Delhi, we went into the heart of Old Delhi to visit the storied Chandni Chowk. Chandni translates to moonlight, and Chowk translates to market, crossroads or public square. Asia's oldest and busiest marketplace was designed by Jahanara Begum, and built by her father, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1650. As you have probably concluded already, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was exceptionally influential in shaping the architectural landscape of this region.

Within Chandni Chowk, and visible on our left you'll see a place of extraordinary spiritual significance to the Sikh community, the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. On this very spot, the 9th Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded at the behest of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.

To begin to describe this bustling market, I would liken it almost to a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Most resplendent at dusk, the lights, sounds and aromas of this market wafted around me like effervescent fireflies. Many fine items such as silver jewelry, dried fruits and sweets, may be found here, but my big draw for the evening were spices and sarees. My guide, Vinay, also made sure that I had some of the best Masala Chai ever!

Check it out:

https://youtube.com/shorts/BW5IXoEdLx8?si=QZwxg5qUH9KZJF0j

Did my itinerary make for a long day of touring around Delhi, and was it worth it? Absolutely it did, and yes, it was oh-so-worth-it! Many people come to Delhi for business, but if you have any time to spare, then please, see some of these sites. If you have at least two days in Delhi, then I would also recommend seeing Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, and the Lotus Temple. To take a good pulse on the heartbeat of this amazing city, I would recommend 3 - 5 days for your visit.

Please note that as with any of the other locations that we have traveled to, we are always happy to share our best travel ideas with you. If you are considering visiting Incredible India, please feel free to reach out via this website or email us at: sorellasnaps@gmail.com

Thank you for taking a day trip to Delhi with us. Now we must bid you, good night.

Keep Adventuring On,

Julie & Patricia

*As a disclaimer, I have also included some photos and tips from a second day trip to Delhi. That being said, if you started early enough, say by 9:00 a.m. from Delhi, you certainly could fit all of these activities in a day.