New Delhi holidays

How to reach Delhi

• Flight time: Direct flights to Delhi from the UK typically take around 8 to 9 hours, and are available from major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick or Birmingham.

• Transfer time: After landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the journey into central Delhi using the metro’s Airport Express Line is a quick and efficient option, taking about 20 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride into the city centre takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic, including with services like Uber or the local Ola.

• Price: The Airport Express metro costs ₹60 (£0.60) for a one-way ticket, while taxis from the airport to central Delhi range from ₹400–₹800 (£3.75–£7.50).

Best time to visit Delhi

Choosing when to visit Delhi depends largely on how you handle the heat and crowds. The city experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns throughout the year, making it important to pick your travel dates wisely.

• October to March is the best time to visit Delhi, especially the start and end of the season, with pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing. During these months, average temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, with plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall and lower humidity. However, the heart of winter can sometimes get cold or foggy. As it's high season, expect the city to be buzzing.

• April to June sees the onset of the scorching summer, where temperatures are regularly around 35°C and can even top 40°C. Although this is a quieter time for tourism, the heat can be oppressive, especially during the middle of the day. If you do plan holidays to Delhi during this time, excursions in the early morning and evenings are advisable.

• July to September is monsoon season, when Delhi receives the majority of its annual rainfall. While the city becomes lush and green, the humidity can be intense and heavy showers might disrupt your plans. Temperatures during this period are between 25°C and 35°C.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Hindi is the official language in Delhi, with Punjabi and others also spoken. English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business and government, and in most tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: While Western clothing is common, it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as temples, and remove your shoes before entering. Eating is always with the right hand, while the left hand is only used for the bathroom and other unsavoury functions.

• Health and safety: Delhi is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to stay vigilant and be wary of scams. Avoid travelling alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded places. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so always opt for bottled. Be cautious with street food, cheaper restaurants or anything you’re given, unless you’re sure of its hygiene standards. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance before your trip.

• Currency: India's currency is the rupee (₹). ATMs are widely available in cities, and most places accept credit or debit cards. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or markets.

• Getting around: Delhi’s public transport system is varied, busy and often chaotic. A journey on the decent modern metro costs between ₹10–₹60 (£0.10–£0.60), and you can purchase a rechargeable Smart Card that also offers discounts on regular fares. Also, it costs little to use the readily available cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis, but ensure they use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. App-based services like Uber and the local Ola are popular and reliable.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage in Delhi is 220V, and plugs are types C, D or M. UK travellers will need plug adaptors. Power cuts and voltage variations are common, so voltage stabilisers should be used for sensitive equipment.

• Time zone: India operates on India Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers are recommended to get a visa for India in advance of travelling. An e-Tourist Visa (eTV) can be applied for online, and allows stays of up to 30 days or 1 year on a multi-entry visa.

Local dishes in Delhi

One of the most enjoyable aspects of holidays to Delhi is savouring the city’s incredible culinary variety. From street food, thalis and food halls to the upmarket restaurants around Connaught Place, Delhi is a food lover’s paradise. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Some typical dishes

• Butter Chicken: A creamy, tomato-based curry with tender pieces of chicken, Butter Chicken is one of Delhi’s most beloved dishes, originating from the city itself.

• Chole Bhature: A hearty dish of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread, often eaten for breakfast or lunch. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

• Paneer Tikka: Marinated cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled to perfection, offering a delicious vegetarian option that’s full of flavour.

Street food

• Chaat: Delhi is famous for its chaat – a broad category of savoury snacks typically made with ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas and tangy tamarind chutney. Popular versions include Pani Puri (crispy hollow balls filled with spicy water) and Aloo Tikki (spiced potato patties).

• Parathas: Stuffed flatbreads that come with a variety of fillings, such as potatoes, cauliflower or paneer. They can be found at street stalls across the city.

• Kebabs: Delhi’s Mughal heritage shines through in its kebabs, particularly the Seekh Kebabs, which are spiced minced meat skewers, and Galouti Kebabs, known for their melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Sweets and desserts

Delhi’s sweets are as diverse as its savoury offerings. Try Jalebi, deep-fried spirals soaked in sugar syrup, or Gulab Jamun, soft dough balls drenched in rose-scented syrup. For a more indulgent treat, Rabri is a thick, creamy dessert made from sweetened condensed milk, flavoured with cardamom and nuts.

Local drinks

• Masala Chai: A spiced tea brewed with milk and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. It’s the drink of choice for locals and is available everywhere, from street vendors to high-end cafés.

• Lassi: This traditional yoghurt-based drink is a refreshing way to cool down, especially in the summer. It comes in both sweet and savoury versions, often flavoured with fruits like mango or rosewater.

Best things to do in Delhi

India’s capital is mainly split between Old Delhi, a 17th-century Mughal city, and the British-built New Delhi, from the colonial times. These areas offer a real mix of places to explore, from the ancient Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the country's largest mosque, to the best museums and shopping areas around the elegant Connaught Place. Here’s a rundown of the best things to do on Delhi holidays:

Historic monuments

• Red Fort: An emblem of India, the Red Fort is a sprawling complex of red sandstone walls and Mughal architecture where India’s independence was declared in 1947. Walk through its impressive halls and pavilions, and don’t miss the evening sound and light show, which narrates the fort’s rich history.

• Qutb Minar: This towering minaret is part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the beginning of Muslim rule in India. The intricate carvings and surrounding ruins are mesmerising.

• Humayun’s Tomb: Often referred to as the precursor of the Taj Mahal, this stunning Mughal garden-tomb is an architectural masterpiece, set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

The best districts

• Connaught Place: Known as CP, this is the city's CBD and a must-visit for shopping, dining and entertainment. The circular market is filled with colonial-era architecture, high-end stores and lively restaurants, and it’s a great place to get a feel for modern Delhi’s cosmopolitan vibe.

• Chandni Chowk: One of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets, Chandni Chowk is a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells. Navigate its narrow lanes to discover vibrant bazaars, heritage buildings, street food stalls and historic gems like the Jama Masjid.

• Hauz Khas Village: A trendy suburban neighbourhood with some ancient history alongside its contemporary culture, Hauz Khas is known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques and eateries. The area also boasts a serene lake and medieval ruins, making it a perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Jama Masjid: Climb the narrow steps of the southern minaret at Jama Masjid for a breathtaking view of Old Delhi. From here, you can see the chaotic beauty of the city’s labyrinthine streets stretching out below you, with landmarks like the Red Fort visible in the distance.

• Rashtrapati Bhavan: As well as viewing the Presidential Palace from the grounds around it, there are also panoramas of the Rajpath and the surrounding governmental buildings. On clear days, you can catch sight of India Gate framed perfectly at the end of this grand boulevard.

• Lotus Temple: The Bahá'í House of Worship (aka the Lotus Temple) offers not only a serene spiritual retreat but also stunning views of South Delhi from its elevated grounds. The temple itself is an architectural wonder, resembling a giant lotus flower with petals made of marble.

Day trips in the area

• Agra: No visit to Delhi is complete without a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Just a few hours by train or car, this iconic monument of love is a must-see. The other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, are also worth exploring while you’re there.

• Jaipur: Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is part of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Agra. A day trip to Jaipur offers a taste of Rajasthani culture, with visits to the Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal.

Wellness in Delhi

• Traditional body care: Embrace the ancient Indian healing traditions with a visit to a traditional Ayurvedic centre. The Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care Centre in Delhi offers various treatments, including Shirodhara – a deeply relaxing therapy where warm oil is poured on the forehead.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Delhi’s yoga scene is thriving, with many centres offering classes and retreats. Sivananda Yoga and the Isha Yoga Centre are two well-known spots where you can join a class or workshop.