Pariat Janice - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Delhi

Clockwise from top: Taj Mahal, Bahai Lotus Temple, Qutb Minar complex, a road in Connaught Place, busy Meena Bazaar, the historical India Gate, detail from the Red Fort

Indias buzzing capital is a metropolis studded with the remains of ancient empires, where exquisite Mughal architecture, grandiose imperial avenues, dazzling modern temples and pretty little mosques jostle for space amid the citys constant bustle, vibrant colours and evocative scents. With Eyewitness Top 10 Delhi, its yours to explore.

At its heart is New Delhi, the British-built imperial city: elegant and spacious, with fine dining and excellent shopping, bisected by the wide, majestic thoroughfare known as the Rajpath. The grandiose 17th-century Mughal city of Old Delhi, by contrast, is a warren of teeming bazaars concealing all manner of fascinating nooks and crannies, but its magnificent constructions the famous Red Fort complex and the utterly flamboyant Jama Masjid mosque among them are just as impressive as those of the new city.

South of the centre, the garden tombs of Humayun and Safdarjung put into context that zenith of Mughal architecture: the Taj Mahal in Agra, an easy excursion from Delhi, along with the long-abandoned but architecturally rich Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Meanwhile, Delhis modern, efficient and ever-expanding metro system puts into easy reach the scattered sights of South Delhi most notably the 12th-century Qutb Minar, which marks the original location of one of the traditional seven cities of Delhi before heading out to the satellite towns of Noida and Gurgaon (Gurugram), burgeoning IT hubs that crackle with the dynamism of an up-and-coming new India.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Delhi has to offer, from the hottest Indian cuisine to the most magnificent monuments. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Delhi.

Exploring Delhi

There are so many sights to see and things to do in Delhi, you could easily spend a couple of weeks here. Whether youre visiting for a weekend or have the luxury of an extra couple of days, these two- and four-day itineraries will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

---

Two Days in Delhi

---

Day 1

Morning

From .

The Red Fort offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the citys former rulers.

Afternoon

Take an auto-rickshaw to the .

Day 2

Morning

Start at .

Safdarjungs Tomb features this beautifully decorated arch just above the main entrance.

Afternoon

Take an auto-rickshaw along complex.

---

Four Days in Delhi

---

Day 1

Morning

See the market.

Afternoon

Take a rickshaw to .

Day 2

Morning

From .

Afternoon

Get an auto-rickshaw to .

Day 3

Morning

Start at the .

Afternoon

Visit for the evenings qawwali session.

Day 4

Morning

Take the morning train to Agra and visit the .

The Taj Mahal, Shah Jahans sublime mausoleum, is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture.

Afternoon

Get a taxi to in time to catch the evening train back to Delhi.

---

Top 10 Delhi Highlights

Visitors at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Top 10 Delhi Highlights

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

RED FORT

In 1638, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (r. 162858) decided to leave Agra, then capital of the empire, and return to Delhi. Here he created Shahjahanabad, or Old Delhi as it is now known, with the Red Fort (Lal Qila) at its heart. The structure was completed in 1648 and surrounded by enormous red sandstone walls, their colour lending the fort its name. It served as home to the emperor and his successors until the 1857 Uprising. Although time has taken its toll, it remains one of Delhis most absorbing sights.

Red Fort

NEED TO KNOW

Chandni Chowk Lal Qila Metro; Chandni Chowk Metro asi.nic.in Open 7am6pm TueSun (last entry 5pm) Adm 600 (Indians 50), video 25, audio guides 100 plus tax and deposit

Google Map

• The sound and light show at the Red Fort is being upgraded. Ask about the status of the show at the entrance.
• Take a break at the caf and visit the muse-ums on the premises.

Naqqar Khana

Google Map

The second of the forts major gateways, the Naqqar (or Naubat) Khana was where all visitors were obliged to dismount from their elephants to enter the inner court. In the gallery above, musicians would perform in welcome.