First-time visitors to exotic Delhi in India may find themselves overwhelmed by the rush of people, traffic, and the melting pot of languages that marks the city as one of the largest metropolitan centers in the world. This ancient city actually has a lot to captivate and astound even the most cynical of travelers.
While undoubtedly a modern urban center with business centers, shopping malls, and trendy clubs and restaurants, Delhi is also home to historic sites such as the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. Visitors will also find incredible examples of colonial and older architecture sprinkled throughout the city. Turn a corner and you’ll find beautiful old palaces, mosques, and temples or maybe stumble across one of the modern Delhi five star hotels that manage to blend traditional architecture with modern conveniences.
Delhi is a city that can be found on its streets. In addition to the omnipresent vendors offering incredible street foods, you’ll find street stalls as well as traditional bazaars selling everything from modern electronics to traditional textiles, clothing, and crafts. The Chatta Chowk (“Covered Bazaar”) is a favorite place for tourists, located between the Lahore Gate and the Red Fort.
Other things to explore in Delhi include the Rajghat Memorial (where Mahatma Gandhi is buried), the Lodhi Garden, the Qutub Complex, and the National Museum. There’s also the gorgeous architecture of the Lotus Temple, the Tibet House, the India Gate, and the National Science Centre. Most of these historic sites can be found in “Old Delhi” while “New Delhi” offers modern shopping, restaurants, and clubs to round out the “ancient meets modern” Delhi experience.