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Incredible India: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Delhi

By Himanshu Agarwal of Pearls India Tour 

There are so many places to go and things to do in Delhi, that it may be difficult for travelers to decide.

Luckily, India native and travel blogger at Pearls India Tour, Himanshu Agarwal, is here to tell you exactly what you should add to your India travel itinerary for a memorable trip, including:

1. Take A Rickshaw Ride

Why not hitch a ride on a man-powered cart for an exciting ride across town. Throw a couple bucks down and your driver will take you anywhere you need to go in half the time it would take on foot or worse, stuck in traffic. This is also a great opportunity for some fast-paced GoPro footage that will also provide an authentic view of local life.

2. Rent A Bicycle

Why walk when you can ride and cover more ground? Grab a bicycle and pedal your way across town, ttuly feeling the beat of the city. Not only is it better for the environment, but it allows the traveler the opportunity to stop and go as they please and then all they need to do is return the bike when they are done.

things to do in delhi

Red Fort in Delhi, India. Photo: Travis Wise/flickr

3. Take A City Tour

Whether by foot, rickshaw or bicycle, Delhi offers myriad tours that provide the traveler with an exciting, stress-free experience. You can take a city tour with a registered Delhi Guide who will show you Delhi through their eyes, giving you a local perspective. Walks2Remember also offers free walking tours of Old Delhi, with some highlights including Dariba Kalan (Silver market), Kinari Bazaar (Wedding market), Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, Baptist Church and more.

4. Eat Street Food

Enjoy authentic, traditional Indian food while taking advantage of many of the delicious restaurants and food kiosks the city has to offer. For the traveler who likes to see where their food is coming from, sign up for a street walking tour or local cooking class. Some recommendations: an Old Delhi Food Tour, a New Delhi Cooking Class with a local chef, touring the Breakfast Trail in Old Delhi, a Street Culinary Walking Tour of Old Delhi or, my top pick, a Delhi cooking class in a local home.

Check out this guide to eating paratha in Delhi.

5. Buy From Street Vendors

With its plentiful shops, bazaars and kiosks, Delhi offers numerous opportunities to shop for that perfect souvenir — especially if you like handmade items. Most of the street vendors don’t make much money, and buying a product from them, even when you know that you are paying little extra, will connect you with the local people while providing you with an authentic piece of local culture.

things to do in delhi

Akshardham Temple. Photo: Kapil.xerox/Wikimedia Commons

6. Worship At A Hindu Temple

Many travelers experience great peace and harmony when visiting a temple, with enchanting sounds of bells and mantras. There are numerous temples situated throughout the city, from ancient to new, all with beautiful architecture that calms one’s mind and soul. Don’t miss the Lotus Temple with its inspiring flower-like shape, and the 10,000+ year-old Akshardham Temple Delhi with its grand complex that have become a symbol of India. To really get a full day of temple exploration, a Day Tour of Delhi Temples or a Private Day Tour of Delhi’s Grand Temples takes you to the top temple sites in the city.

7. Visit A Monument

There are plenty of monuments that flood the city of Delhi. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy a nice scenic tour at your own pace. Many tourists are drawn to the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Lotus Temple. You might also opt for a Photo Tour of Delhi Monuments, which provides memorable photos with these sites to take home with you.

things to do in delhi

National Museum, New Delhi. Photo: Daderot/Wikimedia Commons.

8. Visit A Museum

Delhi has an incredible history displayed proudly across the city. For those looking for a mesmerizing recap on the city’s most memorable museums, head to the National Museum, the largest museum in India showcasing artifacts from the prehistoric era to present day, with a major highlight being the sacred relics of the Buddha (5th-4th century B.C.). Or, take a private tour of Teen Murti House, the Craft Museum, and the National Museum of India with a local guide for an all-encompassing day.

9. Take An Ayurveda Spa

What better way to relax than to spend the day in one of Delhi’s finest spas. Whether you’re traveling solo in India or in a group, there is no better place to take in a yoga class, get a massage or shirodhara therapy or even enroll in a group meditation session. Don’t miss the highly-rated Ayurveda Kendra, where you can indulge in a number of health, wellness and healing treatments.

10. Talk With Local People

If you haven’t interacted with the locals, you haven’t visited the city. Take a break from your travel plans. Have a chai (tea) with a local and learn about their culture from their own mouths. Most of the time it’s these interactions that really make the trip memorable.

things to do in delhi

About Himanshu Agarwal

He is a travel blogger and blogs infrequently at Pearls India Tour with his friends. Though he is fitness-freak and yoga-doer, he cannot resist having a bite of delicious Indian vegetarian foods. He immensely enjoys watching Hollywood movies and is an ardent fan of Cricket.

Bonus North India Travel Resources:

Traveling Northern India: 12 Things To Do Beyond The Temples & Taj Mahal

The Secret To Finding Peace In India Can Be Found In Bundi

How To Get High (Legally) In Varanasi, India

India’s Unique Karni Mata Temple Is Devoted To Worshipping Rats

Exploring The Culture Of Northern India Through Food

Solo Trip From Delhi: 10 Amazing Places To Visit Near Delhi Alone

20 Best Solo Female Travel Destinations In India

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2 Comments

  1. Rajat Kumar on at 5:44 am

    Brilliant post. Hope that you had a good time in Delhi.

  2. Harshal Rana on at 8:23 am

    What a captivating read! Your article beautifully captures the essence of immersing oneself in Delhi’s rich culture and history. From exploring architectural marvels to indulging in the flavors of local cuisine, each suggestion offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of this dynamic city.

    I was particularly drawn to your emphasis on experiencing the authentic flavors of Delhi through food tours. Food truly has a way of connecting people to a place’s heart and soul, and your recommendation to delve into Delhi’s culinary delights is spot on.

    Moreover, your practical tips on navigating the city’s bustling streets and markets are invaluable for anyone planning a visit. It’s evident that you’ve not only highlighted the must-see attractions but also provided insights into how to make the most of the experience.

    Overall, your article has left me inspired to embark on my own cultural odyssey through Delhi. Thank you for sharing these insightful recommendations and reigniting my wanderlust!

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