For many travellers, the first glimpse of India that they have is when they step off their plane that has just landed in Delhi. Although fatigued from long overseas flights, the weary traveller immediately feels a transformation in their energy level as the vibrancy of Delhi starts to awaken and rejuvenate their senses. Contrary to what many believe, the aromas in India are amazingly beautiful and this is one of the first things the traveler will notice. Scents of sandalwood and other aromas seem to linger in the air without being invasive to your senses.

Another aspect of Delhi that the traveller will notice the moment they leave the airport is the gentleness of the people. Despite the chaos, there is a gentle vibe amongst the people of India, regardless where you go, that seems to tone down the hum of what is going on around you. Their smiles and curiosity of those coming to explore their country is a beautiful expression of India in that they are very happy and proud to be from India and are eager for you to be able to capture some of the magic that India has to offer. What do you need to know about Delhi? This article endeavours to offer a glimpse into what is in store for you in delightful Delhi on an award-winning Explore India tour.

Facts About Delhi vs New Delhi and Old Delhi

The difference between Delhi and New Delhi is that New Delhi is the capital of India and is a territory within Delhi. The seat of the government of India is in New Delhi and on an Explore India tour you will get the opportunity to drive past the massive parliamentary buildings. It was early in the 20^th Century that New Delhi was designed, therefore, although there is not a noticeable boundary between New Delhi and Delhi, one can see the difference because the architecture is quite unique in each part.

Some of the places one will visit in Delhi are the Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb. Mughal architecture and tombs are prominent throughout Delhi whereas the area of New Delhi is quite different. The typically cleaner and slightly greener streets of New Delhi are home to the Secretariat and Parliament buildings as well as the New Delhi features like Connaught Place, Lodhi Gardens, Jantar Mantar, and the famous India Gate. Old Delhi is a walled portion of New Delhi and is an absolute must see for the curious traveller. Explore the lanes of Old Delhi and encounter life in India through the many shops and spice markets. This is a unique and beautiful experience that will create a lasting memory for you.

Food In Delhi

Whether you would like to indulge in the amazing local Indian cuisine or prefer something different, the food in Delhi is fantastic! Lovingly prepared feasts are a part of the Indian culture and can be experienced throughout all of India. Especially fabulous are the breakfasts and lunches that feature all the Indian favourites of both sweet and savoury. Delicious foods are prepared fresh each day and ‘leftovers’ are not a part of the Indian diet because they believe the energy of the food is gone once it has been kept for too long.

Contrary to the perception in the West, Indians do not eat super hot spicy food. Infact, while most of the Indian dishes are rich in spices, they are not hot spices which are used in most dishes. Therefore, Indian food is spicy and delicious but, keeping the foreign traveller in mind as well, the food is typically mild. For many Indians a vegetarian diet is a way of life, therefore, whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, there is lots of choice for every palate and preference. One thing is for certain, you will never go hungry in Delhi.

*to learn more about the cuisine of India, click on this link for Explore India’s article The Mouth Watering Cuisine of India https://www.exploreindia.ca/blog/the-mouth-watering-cuisine-of-india/

Shopping In Delhi

When touring the streets and lanes of Delhi, New Delhi, and the spice markets and shops in Old Delhi, it is not uncommon to see shops selling suitcases in every shape and size. Why you ask? Well, unless you bring an empty suitcase of your own with you, you will need to buy one to get all your treasures of India home. From custom made clothes, spices, jewelry, art, to carpets and dishware, there are so many things to buy in India that you can’t get anywhere else in the world that it is hard to pass up buying all the beautiful treasures you want. The cotton and linen fabrics are especially beautiful, colourful, and of very good quality. Having the experience of picking your fabrics and clothing designs and then receiving them at your hotel the next day is an amazing experience. You will not only fit in with suitable clothing on your Explore India tour, but you will have unique souvenirs of India to wear at home.

Major Attractions In Delhi

Aside from experiencing the best in cuisine, shopping, and accommodations on an Explore India tour of India, here is a glimpse of what you will see in the incredible city of Delhi.

Gandhi’s House/Gandhi Smriti

Mahatma Gandhi, otherwise known as ‘Father Of The Nation’ in India, lead the movement of nonviolent resistance which led to India’s independence from British rule. This house is where Gandhi spent the last days of his life before he was assassinated on January 30^th, 1948. See where Gandhi gave his last speech and his humble room with some of her personal items. You can also walk in the footsteps of this incredible man as he took his last steps before that fateful day of his murder.

Humayun’s Tomb

A stunning feature of Mughal architecture, Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most highly rated stops in Delhi. Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal empire and died in Delhi in 1556. His widow built this tomb that took 14 years and cost 1.5 million rupees. It now houses approximately 150 graves of the ruling family members and has been described as the ‘necropolis’ of the Mughal dynasty.

Red Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort was built as the palace fort for Shahjahanabad which was the new capital of the fifth ruling Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The Red Fort acquired its name due to the massive red sandstone walls of the incredible structure. The Red Fort marks a distinct tone of refinement in Mughal architecture due to Shah Jahan’s creativity in design.

Chandi Chowk

Otherwise known as ‘Moonlight Square’ Chandi Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. The vibrancy as you travel through this square is absolutely amazing as you witness life amongst the locals. An exhilarating experience of intrigue as you walk the ancient streets of this busy market all the while hearing the sounds that iconic Delhi is known for.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and was built by Shah Jahan for approximately 1 million rupees. Built between 1650- 1655, this mosque is another iconic structure demonstrating Shah Jahan’s ability for building extravagant structures as well as demonstrating his fervour for religion. The Jama Masjid was a place of congregation for Friday prayers.

Jantar Mantar

An amazing architectural feat in the heart of Delhi. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical wonder in that it is a piece of architecture in the shape of a sundial. Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Sing II, it is among five observatories, with the largest being in Jaipur.

This is just a glimpse into what is in store for you in Delhi, all this and it’s only the first day of your tour!!

If you would like to speak to an Explore India Travel Specialist to learn more about our award-winning tours call us now at 1-800-515-3808.

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