Travel through the super metropolis of Delhi to shop at the markets, visit museums, and to admire architectural masterpieces found throughout Old Dehli. Set aside time to indulge in a little retail therapy by shopping for opulent gold jewellery accented by colourful gemstones, aromatic teas, vibrant silk saris, and exotic spices at ancient Chadni Chowk Market. Traverse the elaborate marble floors of sandstone fortress, Red Fort before exploring the enchanted gardens and awe-inspiring interior of Jama Masjid. Check out the following guide to Old Dehli to enhance your visit to this historically rich yet modern bustling district of Dehli before arriving in India’s northern capital.
Things to do/Highlights
The historically rich district of Old Delhi spans 4 miles (6 kilometres) filled with magnificent monuments, bazaars, and mosques. Wander through the crowded streets to explore amazing sights such as the opulent mosque Jama Masjid and the red brick citadel, Red Fort.
Red Fort
Escape from the blazing sun of Dehli by venturing into the cool halls of nearly four-centuries-old Red Fort. Wander along the smooth marble floor while admiring the seashell-shaped arches with ornate patterns carved into them. After admiring the beautiful floral panels, opulent dome, throne of King Akhbar, and colourful tilework, make your way outside to enjoy the fountains.
Jama Masjid
Wander through the labyrinth of corridors filled with vaulted ceilings, scalloped archways, chandeliers, marble floors, and vibrantly coloured mosaics accented with gold and mirrored tiles. After exploring the interior, head outside to stroll across the immense marble-floored courtyard with floral design en route to the sprawling gardens filled with fountains, trees, and a large pool to relax next to. Before departing by descending the steep staircase, take one last glimpse of the towering minarets and the red sandstone exterior of the historic mosque.
Khari Baoli Road
Wander through Asia’s largest wholesale spice market where you can purchase sacs full of exotic spices such as cardamom, chili, and cinnamon. Purchase warm Chai, Ceylon, and jasmine teas alongside basmati, jasmine, and other types of rice at the centuries-old markets and stands located along Khari Baoli Road.
Chandni Chowk
Take your time wandering through the cramped streets of famed shopping area Chandni Chowk in search of dried fruit, ornate silver jewellery, and saris available in all colours of the rainbow. Sample traditional Indian sweets while trying to find the best bargain on silky smooth scarves and delicate golden chandelier earrings.
Deer Park Hauz Khas
Take the family out for a picnic at this sprawling park where you can row across the serene ponds while enjoying nature in the middle of bustling Delhi. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by being able to have up-close and personal moments with Bambi and the other spotted deer as they roam freely in their large enclosure. Enjoy interacting with the rabbits and feeding the ducks before heading over to enjoy resting on the massive lawn.
Traveler's tips
If you're going to Red Fort, you can opt for a guided tour to learn more about the iconic monument! Need recommendations? Check out Enroute Indian History's night walks. Usually conducted over the weekends, these walks are led by someone from the company's team. You'll get to see photos from the past and learn more about the history of the place.
What to eat
In between scoping the numerous markets found throughout Old Delhi and exploring historically significant buildings, stop in at one of the many restaurants to indulge in tantalizing traditional Indian cuisine. Taste some of the most enticing delicacies prepared by some of India’s top culinary wizards at the following restaurants below.
- Shakahari Restaurant (North Indian)
- Chor Bizarre (Kashmiri)
- Rehmatullah Hotel (Mughlai)
- Moti Mahal Restaurant (North Indian)
Chor Bizarre
Enjoy dining at Chor Bizarre to have your senses stimulated while indulging in smokey chicken tikka, savoury butter chicken, and succulent tandoori chicken. Savour every bite of tongue-tingling Kashmiri Rogan josh with its red chili peppers before cooling off with a refreshing glass of mango lassi.
Chicken Korma Mughlai Restaurant
Chicken Korma Mughlai Restaurant offers delicacies fit for a king with centuries-old recipes from the Mughlai empire’s kitchens. Indulge in a bowl of aromatic chicken korma or an overflowing plate of biryani rice with spices including cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, and tender pieces of meat.
Things to buy
As you make your way through the narrow overcrowded streets of Old Dehli, stop in at Chadni Chowk, Connaught Place, or Sarojini Market. Get ready for some retail therapy, extensive bartering, and exotic goods and spices traded at centuries-old markets located along the historic Spice Road of centuries past.
Silver products
Browse through the stands for deals on delicate silver jewellery dripping with gemstones, ornate vases, and even swords. Admire the craftsmanship that went into creating the common housewares including intricate serving spoons and bowls, platters, teapots, and water carafes.
Spices
Purchase petite sachets or large sacs full of exotic spices such as cardamom, red and green chilis, cinnamon, and more. Take home souvenirs of coveted spices from the days of the Spice Road for your own culinary aficionado.
Colourful fabric, laces, buttons
Scour the stands in search of Assam silk fabric used for saris and scarves while admiring the amazing variety of delicate laces. Choose from a wide array of decorating accessories such as buttons, ribbons, metallic threads, and more.
Travelers tips
While the streets of Old Delhi transport visitors to days of old-world charm, they can be exacerbating to try to traverse at times. Common thieves are aware of this fact and use it to their advantage. Below are some tips to ensure visitors have a memorable and safe journey while strolling through Old Dehli’s meandering maze of crowded streets.
Pickpocketing
With streets and buses being overcrowded at times, it is best to remain alert to the possibility of petty crime. Keep your valuables close by purchasing money belts, neck sachets, and other discreet travel accessories. Backpacks may be convenient to pack lightly, however, they make visitors an easy target to pickpockets and others looking to take advantage of tourists.
Congested roads
Since the roads are filled with taxis, rickshaws, and people, it’s best to exercise caution when crossing them. It’s advisable when walking along narrow lanes without footpaths to beware of traffic due to the possibility of danger.
Keep hydrated
Due to the intense humid weather, it’s wise to purchase bottles of water, coconut milk, and other refreshing drinks to keep hydrated. Pack them along before heading out for a day of sightseeing. If you happen to forget, markets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and others sell cool refreshments throughout Old Dehli.
Dress comfortably
On sweltering hot days prepare by dressing in light attire before venturing out to explore historical sites, markets, museums, etc. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good support as you would when in any metropolitan centre.
Wild animals
Due to Delhi’s nearness to nature, it should serve as no surprise that monkeys can be seen wandering the streets. Beware of monkeys and stray dogs since they can be dangerous alone but especially so when in groups.
How to get there
Navigating the sprawling metropolis of Dehli can be challenging at times. To make your adventure focus more on the destination and less on getting lost, try commuting by various modes of transportation including metro, bus, taxi, and autorickshaw.
Metro
With the new addition of the metro system, commuting to points of interest such as Old Delhi and historic sandstone citadel Red Fort can be reached in a short amount of time inexpensively. Remember to check out the metro schedule for fares and schedules. Hop aboard Line 51901 to journey from New Dehli Station to Old Dehli.
Bus
Buses are the most inexpensive way to get around Dehli’s maze of winding streets to reach popular destinations. Be aware that only some offer air conditioning which can be brutal for summer commuting. Overcrowding found on buses can heighten the possibility of crime such as theft and physical harassment or assault at times. Remember to check out bus routes and fares including 753 Down which commutes from New Dehli Station to Old Dehli.
Taxi
Hire or hail a taxi to explore exciting historical sites found throughout Delhi while having a local do the navigating. Enjoy the comfort, air conditioning, and safe door-to-door service provided by respectable companies.
Uber
Download the app to hire a car to commute to noteworthy mosques, markets, and parks. Enjoy a comfortable, airconditioned journey while a local driver traverses the bustling streets en route to your chosen destination.
How to get tickets
To be able to gain access to the historical sites and museums found throughout Old Delhi refer to the tourism board’s website. Book organized tours through renowned tour operators to see the most popular Old Delhi destinations in the least amount of time at reasonable prices.
Old Delhi information
Old Delhi
Address: New Delhi, Delhi, India
Official website: Old Delhi
Tourism website: Ministry of Tourism
Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tour With Rickshaw Ride
Duration: 3 hours
History
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