Delhi: A place with a zesty lifestyle  

Be it "Indraprastha" (now Delhi) of Pandavas or "Shah Jaghanbad”(Delhi) of a Mughal Emperor, Delhi remained every person's priority in India. It is said that the heart of India beats in Delhi and that one can know in their heart when they will explore the magnificent Delhi with their own naked eyes. From food to shopping to spirituality, Delhi never fails to surprise people with its magic. As per the record, in the year 2023, approximately 90 lakh tourists from abroad came to visit Delhi. In the past few years, Delhi has emerged as one of the best cities for a traveler who wants to have a unique experience. Travelers who are planning a trip to Delhi must know about the best times, places, foods, and much more. Let's embark on the information that is given below.

1. About City 

Delhi is the national capital territory, a cultural hub, and one of the political centers of India. It has a vibrant culture and astonishing monuments, some of which are eye-catching. Delhi's history dates back to the epic Mahabharata. Still today, Delhi holds the mysteries in its soul that can lead a traveler to the golden past of Delhi. The city never sleeps, and every corner of this astonishing place is picturesque, a perfect place for travelers to spend quality time on their vacation.  

2. The best time to visit (explain Indian climate)  

the time to go to a place depends on a few factors; amidst them, climate plays a pivotal role. The location of the country on the globe is positioned in a way that the climate of India is tropical monsoon region. The best time to visit Delhi is October to March; during this time, the season is pleasant, letting people have their best journey yet. Pack your essentials and land on the majestic land of Delhi as per your suitable time. 

3. Places to visit/nearby places  

Delhi has many famous places where a person can sit and enjoy the pristine view. From the bustling markets to serene insights, Delhi has a different story for each traveler that leaves an imprint as a long-lasting memory. After learning about the best time to visit Delhi, the places where travelers must go on their Delhi visit are also important. Here are the places that should be covered by travelers in Delhi: 

• Swaminarayan Akshardham: The construction of the temple looks like it is coming straight out of a story of mythology. These places hold magnificent importance in the hearts of the devotees. Swaminarayan Akshardham is dedicated to lord Swaminarayan. This temple has a huge significance for the Hindus as it is the world's largest Hindu temple complex, stretched over 100 acres. After 7 PM, a light and sound show is presented inside the temple premises that draws the attention of devotees more.
• Humayun's Tomb: The tomb was constructed in 1570, by the wife of Humayun "Biga Begum."  In the tomb, one can clearly see the Mughal architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Center is built with red stone with white and black inlaid marble borders.
• Qutub Minar:  The beginning of Qatub Minar was by Qutab-ud-Aibak, later on a few additions were done by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughluq. People can see a light show here from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM with entry fees of around 35 INR.
• Lotus Temple: The structure resembles the share of a lotus. 27 freestanding marble petals are the top attraction of this place. Whatever religion a person practices, they can come and pray in the Hall of Lotus Temple. This way, a person can connect with the spirituality.
• India Gate: One of the famous places that is a war memorial. The purpose of constructing India Gate was to pay tribute to the soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. This is the place where plenty of cultural events and celebrations are being held. 

4. Important things to remember (Ex ABOUT TEMPLE/PLACEs’ OPENING, AARTI TIMINGS, ETC.) 

Swaminarayan Akshardham 

Opening time: 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM   

Location: East District, Delhi  

Aarti timings: 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM  

Fees to enter the temple: Free

ISKCON Temple (South Delhi) 

Opening time: From 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM 

Arti timings: 7:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:30 PM.   

Address: East of Kailash, South Delhi  

Entry fees: No fees 

Jagannath Temple 

Opening time: 5:30 AM and 10:00 PM   

Aarti timings: 5:15 AM, 7:30 PM (March to Sept), and 6:15 AM, 6:00 PM (Oct to Feb)  

Entry fees: No charges 

Location: Hauz Khas  

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib 

Location:  Connaught Place 

Opening Time: 24/7 open 

Ardaas time:  4:30 AM to 5:00 AM and around 6:30 PM 

Langar timings: 9:00 AM to 03:00 PM and 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 

Entry fees: No fees 

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir 

Opening Time: 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM (in summer). From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (in winter). 

Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk   

Entry cost: Free of cost 

Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan Temple 

Address: Mandir Marge, Gole Market 

Opening time:  4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, from 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Entry cost: No entry fees  

Aarti timings: 6:00 AM and 6:45 PM. 

Sri Adya Katyayani Shakipeeth Chattarpur Temple 

Aarti timings: 6:00 AM, 7:00 PM 

Opening times: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Location:  Main Chhatarpur Road, Chattarpur  

Entry amount: Free 

Jhandewalan Hanuman Mandir  

Location: Jhandewalan Road, near Karol Bagh

Aarti timings: 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 10:00 PM. 

Opening times: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Entry charges: Free of cost 

NOTE: The timings may change as per the rule of the respected authority of the temple. 

5. Famous food (do not describe only mention the name)  

It is said that food is the common ground and a universal experience. When in Delhi, how can one forget to have their greatest pleasure? Learn about the famous food that Delhi is honored to offer: 

• Gol Gappa
• Nihari
• Chaat
• Kebabs
• Butter Chicken
• Chole Bhature
• Momo
• Jalebis
• Rabri Falooda
• Parathas 

6. Famous Restaurants (along with their specialty. Ex: Dolma Aunty Momos in Lajpat Nagar)   

Delhi is heaven for a foodie; mouthwatering dishes are the essence of Delhi. People normally give their consideration to the best places where they are planning to go; however, without digging into their local cuisines any journey is incomplete. Hence, if you do not want to leave your trip incomplete, names of some of the restaurants that have been handpicked where you can elevate your flavor journey: 

• Dolma Aunty ke Momo: For Momo; in Lajpat Nagar
• Daulat ki chaat: Dessert; Near Parathee wali gali
• Ashok Chahat Bhandar: chaat; in Civil Lines
• Old Famous Jabeli wala: Jalebis; in Dariba Corner, Chandni Chowk
• Sarvana Bhawan: South Indian Foods, Connaught Place
• The Big Chill: Italian Cuisines; in Connaught Place
• Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai: Samosas, Besan Ladoo; in Fathepuri, Chandni Chowk
• AMA Cafe: Dessert; in Majnu Ka teela
• Gangnam Restaurant: Meals; in Majnu Ka Teela
• Amarjyoti restaurants: North Indian Food; in Sarojini Nagar

8. Things to shop   

Delhi is not only famous for its tourist destinations, but it has amazing destinations for shopping as well. Whether a person is looking for traditional textiles, jewelry, paintings, home decor items, or more, all the things can be found in Delhi; a person has to name it. In the below lines, some of the places have been given along with the famous things one can purchase from that place: 

• Cloths: If you are crawling Delhi for sarees, lehngas, skirts, dupattas, embroidered cloths, etc, then your one-stop destination is Dilli Haat, Janpath, Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh Market, Sarojini Nagar Market, and more.
• Jewelry: People who love to own jewelry can find a perfect piece in Delhi. In Delhi, gold, diamond, silver, and platinum jewelry are quite famous. Different brands offer their exquisite services like Dhirsons Jewellers, Kalyan Jewellers, PC Jewellers, and others.
• Handicraft: For several years, things that involve handwork have been appreciated by people. Wooden handicrafts, ceramics, leather crafts, metal crafts, and block printing are the cherry on the cake.
• Spices: Delhi is known as Asia's largest wholesale spice market. From spices to nuts to any food products, one can buy any item they want. 

9. How to reach (by bus, train, air)    

• By Bus: Online taxis or offline provide their service to passengers. In addition, passengers can get on the bus or use the metro.
• By Train: People can take a bus, subway, or taxi from the airport and reach the railway station easily.
• By Air: After arriving at the airport, you can take the metro and DTC buses to reach the city. People can opt for any of the transportation means as per their comfort.