City of Empires – A travelogue on Delhi
✈️ Transport
Tourists from across India and abroad flock to Delhi by air, rail, or bus.
Strategically located among the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, Delhi is easily accessible and incredibly well-connected.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is among the busiest in the country, while the Delhi Metro offers a clean, fast, and affordable way to explore every corner of the city. 🚇
For shorter trips, auto-rickshaws, cabs, and e-bikes are popular; perfect for spontaneous street food runs or market hopping.
🛍️ Shopping
Just as Delhi represents a blend of states, religions, and cultures, its shopping scene is a true kaleidoscope of creativity.
You’ll find everything, from magnificent textiles and brassware to handcrafted leather, woodwork, scented candles, and silver jewellery.
Popular shopping destinations include:
- 🧵 Dilli Haat: for handmade crafts and regional food stalls.
- 👜 Janpath & Connaught Place: street shopping meets colonial charm.
- 👗 Khan Market: designer boutiques and bookshops.
- 💎 Sarojini Nagar & Lajpat Nagar: bargain-hunter’s paradise.
- 🕯️ Emporiums at Baba Kharak Singh Marg: showcasing traditional Indian artistry.
✨ Pro tip: Don’t forget to explore DLF Avenue (Saket) and Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj) for international brands and fusion restaurants.
🏨 Places to Stay in Delhi
The ideal time to visit Delhi is between September and March, when the weather is crisp and pleasant; perfect for sightseeing or sipping masala chai outdoors.
The city offers accommodation for every budget:
💸 Budget Options: Zostel Delhi, Joey’s Hostel, and several Airbnb stays in South Delhi.
🏰 Luxury Hotels: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Le Meridien, ITC Maurya, The Lodhi, The Imperial.
🏡 Mid-range & Boutique Stays: Bloom Boutique, The Roseate House, Haveli Dharampura (Old Delhi).
🍴 Food
Delhi’s food culture is a crash course in history, sociology, and anthropology; all on a single plate. 🍛 From Mughlai kebabs to fusion tacos, Delhi is a culinary map of India.
Famous spots include:
- Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk) – crispy, stuffed parathas since the Mughal era.
- Karim’s – the legendary Mughlai restaurant near Jama Masjid.
- Connaught Place – for cafés, international cuisine, and Delhi’s nightlife.
- Rajouri Garden & Hudson Lane – student-friendly hubs with quirky cafés.
- Indian Accent (The Lodhi) – for fine dining with an innovative twist.
- Social, Olive Bar & Kitchen, Bo Tai, and Fig & Maple – top modern eateries that combine atmosphere with artful plating.
Don’t miss the street food: golgappas, kebabs, kathi rolls, momos, and kulfi falooda; Delhi’s true “edible heritage.”
🗣️ Language
Hindi is the official language, but English, Urdu, and Punjabi are widely spoken.
In a single day, you’ll hear at least five different accents and that’s Delhi’s charm.
🏰 Popular Places to Visit in Delhi
Delhi’s charm lies in its contrasts. The ancient and the ultramodern exist side by side.
🕍 Historical Monuments
- India Gate – a national symbol of sacrifice and pride.
- Red Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage marvel from the Mughal era.
- Qutub Minar – the world’s tallest brick minaret.
- Jantar Mantar – an architectural ode to astronomy.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan – the presidential palace, grand and timeless.
🛕 Religious & Spiritual Sites
- Jama Masjid – one of India’s largest mosques.
- ISKCON Temple & Akshardham Temple – visual masterpieces of devotion.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – serene, golden, and deeply spiritual.
- Lotus Temple – symbol of peace and unity.
🖼️ Museums & Cultural Spaces
- National Museum – tracing 5,000 years of Indian heritage.
- National Rail Museum & Doll Museum – favourites among families.
- Kiran Nadar Museum of Art – for contemporary art lovers.
🛍️ Shopping & Leisure
- Dilli Haat, Khan Market, Ansal Plaza, Emporiums, and Connaught Place remain iconic.
But Delhi’s 2025 updates include: - 🛋️ Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj – for luxe retail.
- 🏙️ DLF CyberHub (Gurugram) – restaurants, breweries, and live music.
- 🕺 Saket Social, Summer House Café, and The Piano Man Jazz Club – the city’s favourite nightlife spots.
🌳 Tourist Activities
Activities in Delhi are as diverse as its culture.
🪂 Adventure Options: Paintball, rock climbing, and motorized paragliding at nearby resorts.
🏰 Old Delhi Heritage Walks – explore Chandni Chowk’s havelis and bazaars.
🚴 Shah Jahan Bicycle Tour – a glimpse into Mughal lanes at sunrise.
🌸 Lodhi Gardens & Sunder Nursery – serene green escapes.
🎨 Street Art Tour (Lodhi Art District) – India’s first public art neighbourhood.
☕ Café Crawls in Hauz Khas Village or Mehrauli – for those who love heritage and cappuccinos equally.
For the only Union Territory with an entire chapter in history books, Delhi: the City of Empires; truly lives up to its name.
Whether you come for business, education, or exploration, Delhi will welcome you with open arms and endless stories.
✨ It isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that evolves with every visit.
Visit http://www.delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/index.jsp in order to convert your desire into reality and book tickets to Delhi right now !