Delhi Tour Packages

1. About Delhi
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Delhi
4. Delhi At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Delhi
6. Best Time To Visit Delhi
7. Top Things To Do In Delhi
8. Shopping In Delhi
9. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Delhi
10. Foods To Try Out In Delhi
11. Best Quick Getaways From Delhi
12. Art And Culture In Delhi

In the ancient era, Delhi was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Pallavas, and Guptas. From the 13th to 15th centuries, Delhi was majorly ruled by a series of Turkic and Afghan dynasties collectively known as the Delhi Sultanate. The reign of the Mughals in Delhi started in the 16th century. The British gained control of Delhi in 1803 after defeating the Marathas in the Battle of Delhi. This initiated British rule in Delhi and the city came under the control of the British East India Company. The capital of British India was officially changed from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911, and the shift was announced by King George V.

The service sector is the most significant part of Delhi’s economy. Manufacturing is an important component as well, and has been so since the 1980s. Although agriculture once contributed majorly to the economy of the city, its importance has now dwindled. Some of the sectors that employ the working population of Delhi include public administration, finance, trade, professional services, and numerous social, personal, and community services. Old Delhi, in fact, has been a vital commercial and trading centre in the northern region of India for several centuries. Due to its infrastructure, history, and geographical location, Delhi eventually became a major distribution centre. Gurugram (previously known as Gurgaon) has emerged as a commercial hub in the 21st century, playing home to some of the biggest multinational corporations in India.

• New Delhi and Delhi are two different places. While Delhi is a city and a union territory, New Delhi is an urban district located within Delhi and is the country’s capital.
• The Red Fort was originally white and made up of limestone. However, when the colour started chipping away, the British painted it red.
• Delhi is home to Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, Khari Baoli.
• The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is the world’s largest CNG-powered bus service operator.
• The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in Delhi was included in Time magazine’s ‘10 Museums Around the World that are Anything But Mundane’.
• The Azadpur Mandi in Delhi is Asia’s largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables.
• Delhi’s Lotus Temple is the only Baha’i house of worship in Asia.
• The city has one of the most expensive office spaces in the world, the Connaught Place.
• Delhi hosted the most expensive Commonwealth Games in 2010.
• As of 2024, Delhi is the second most populated city in the world.
• New Delhi became the capital of India in 1931.
• Delhi’s Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
• The Delhi Metro is the longest and busiest metro system in India.
• Delhi is India’s largest city by area.
• New Delhi is also known as Lutyens’ Delhi since the British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed quite a bit of the capital city.

• Stick to bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious institutions.
• When you visit during the summer season, make sure to wear light and comfortable clothes with breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton.
• Don’t travel alone at night, especially if you’re a solo female traveller.
• Wear N-95 or N-99 masks to shield yourself from Delhi’s pollution.
• Beware of pickpockets in the markets and other crowded areas of Delhi. Keep your belongings safe and close to you.
• The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is connected to most of the destinations across the country.
• Some of the best options for public transportation in Delhi are the Delhi Metro, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis.
• There are plenty of ATMs available throughout the city, and most of the stores accept debit cards, credit cards, and UPI payments.

While there are multiple reasons to book our Delhi tour packages, listed below are the major reasons that make Delhi an attractive tourist destination:

Delhi is the ideal potpourri of rich ancient heritage and delightful modernity. The numerous dynasties that ruled Delhi in the past are reflected through its diverse customs and traditions. The royal past of India can be easily seen through ancient monuments such as the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and so on. The spirituality of Delhi is a part of the city’s culture, as is evident through the presence of religious structures such as the Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple.

Delhi is often called the street food capital of India. When you’re in the city, experiencing its diverse cuisines is a part of embracing Delhi’s charm. From street food to lush eateries, the range of foods available in the city is enough to satiate everyone’s taste buds. Be it the paranthas in Old Delhi, the golgappas in Chittaranjan Park, or the hot plates of rajma chawal available in several corners of the city, your tummy and heart will both be full at the end of your holiday.

If there is one reason that’s among the top three for tourists to visit Delhi, it has to be its alluring shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for authentic Indian souvenirs such as spices and tea or are hoping to splurge on designer items, Delhi has every option available. Exploring the markets and bazaars of Delhi is an experience that you should devote ample time to, as it’s a part of the city’s culture. Shop for bangles and lehengas at Chandni Chowk, get your hands on splendid artificial jewellery at Janpath, and browse through an impressive collection of books at Khan Market.

Depending on when you visit Delhi, you will probably get to encounter one fun event or festival. There are, of course, the traditional Indian festivals of Holi and Diwali, but Delhi also hosts various events throughout the year. This includes literary festivals, events with standup comedians and slam poets, and also music and food festivals.

We would suggest you to set aside about three days simply to visit every architectural wonder in Delhi, especially if you wish to pace yourself. The glory of the past dynasties stands proud in the form of multiple monuments. Some of the architectural marvels that are a must-visit in the city are Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, India Gate, and Humayun’s Tomb.

Delhi has a continental climate because of its distance from the sea. The city has three distinct seasons, namely summer, monsoon, and winter. It has a short-lived autumn season, too, which lasts from the end of September to November. During the monsoon season, the oceanic air makes its way to Delhi, thereby causing rainfall, more humidity, and cloudiness. Let’s take a look at what every season in Delhi is like so you can accordingly decide when to grab our Delhi tour packages:

The temperature during the summer season in Delhi ranges between 24 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. The summers in Delhi are quite uncomfortable and muggy due to the additional layers of humidity. This is what makes sightseeing pretty difficult at this time. Make sure to carry water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protect yourself, Tourists can opt for indoor activities instead, such as visiting pools, spas, rooftop restaurants, and the trendy clubs that Delhi is home to. You can also indulge in adventurous activities such as paintball and indoor ice skating. The heat waves in the capital city can be pretty strong, often leading to heat cramps, heat strokes, and immense exhaustion. Therefore, staying indoors during the summer days in Delhi is a wise decision. Make sure to carry light and comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear.

During the monsoon season, the temperature in Delhi oscillates between 26 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. As the rainy season descends upon Delhi, the air becomes fresher, and the temperature goes down. There is the risk of overflowing rivers, storms, and flooding during Delhi’s monsoon season. Also, beware of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue since the city becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to the rains. This is a low season in terms of tourism, and you can get good discounts on flights and accommodations at this time. The necessary things to pack if you visit Delhi during the monsoon season are light clothes, umbrellas, mosquito repellent, and rubber footwear. Stay away from street food stalls as they could increase the risk of infections.

If you visit Delhi during the winter season, you will find out that the temperature fluctuates between 8 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. In case you belong to a place in India that doesn’t experience harsh winters, the winter days in Delhi will surely surprise you with their intensity. The city experiences smog during these months. History buffs will enjoy exploring Delhi at this time as it’s the ideal weather to explore the gardens, museums, monuments, and more. It’s also the perfect time to visit all the famous shopping spots in the city. Remember to pack plenty of woollen clothes and winter gear, including sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, and boots. Other necessary items to pack include body lotion, moisturiser, and lip balm.

Visiting Delhi is like experiencing a tapestry rich in history, culture, and architecture. With GT Holidays’ Delhi tour packages, you get to witness the historical monuments of the city and partake in thrilling adventures. Here are some of the places to visit in Delhi and the activities you can participate in:

India Gate is an archway that was built to honour the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I while fighting for the British Army. Standing at a height of 42 metres, the construction of the India Gate was ordered by the Imperial War Graves Commission, which was later renamed to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The structure looks similar to the Arc de Triomphe in France. It was previously known as All-India War Memorial. The cornerstone for India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921.

The Red Fort was built during the Mughal era in the mid-17th century. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. Also known as Lal Qila, this historic fort is enclosed by walls of massive red sandstone, which stand at a height of 23 metres. The Red Fort complex is home to entertainment halls, baths and indoor canals, projecting balconies, palaces, and a mosque. The structure serves as a brilliant example of Mughal architecture, along with traces of Persian, Timurid, Islamic, and Hindu influences. The location hosts a light and sound show every evening expect on Mondays, offering an insight into the history of the fort.

The Qutub Minar (also spelled as Qutb Minar and Qutab Minar) was built using red and buff sandstone and marble. It stands 72.5 metres tall and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The monument is located in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak in 1192. It is made up of five storeys, of which the fourth and fifth storeys were built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who served as the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388.

The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship located in the southern region of Delhi. It was designed by Fariborz Sahba, an Iranian-American architect, and the structure has received several awards for its marvellous design and architecture. The temple was opened to the public in December 1986, and it’s named so because of its design. 27 independent marble petals make up this temple complex, which are grouped into three clusters to create nine sides. Standing at over 40 metres, the central hall within the temple can accommodate 2,500 people.

Humayun’s Tomb is both a mausoleum and a monument located in the Nizamuddin East area of Delhi. The monument is especially famous as it’s the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and also the final resting place of Humayun, the Mughal emperor. The tomb is 47 metres in height and was commissioned in 1558 by Empress Bega Begum, who was the chief consort of Humayun and also his first wife. This architectural marvel inspired the design of various architectural wonders, including the Taj Mahal. Situated close to Delhi’s Old Fort or Purana Qila, this monument offers visitors an insight into Mughal architecture and history.

The Akshardham Temple, which is also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is a temple devoted to Lord Swaminarayan. It’s registered as the ‘world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple’ in the Guinness Book of World Records. The name of the temple is derived from two words, namely ‘akshar’ and ‘dham’, which mean ‘eternal’ and ‘abode’ respectively, thereby translating to ‘abode of the divine or eternal’. The temple consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, 20 quadrangled spires, nine elaborate domes, and 20,000 spiritual personalities from Hinduism. The Akshardham Temple houses the largest step well in the country, which organises an enchanting water show known as the Sahaj Anand Water Show.

The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is known for its association with Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru who stayed at this Sikh house of worship in 1664. During his stay, the city was suffering from an outbreak of smallpox and cholera. Guru Har Krishan came to the aid of the patients by serving them fresh water from the well at the location. The gurdwara was built by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783. It stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The daily timings of the langar (free communal meal) are from 9 am to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm.

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in the country. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the construction of this monument was completed in 1656. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the mosque on the occasion of Eid to participate in the special morning prayers. Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari inaugurated the Jama Masjid, which is located in Chandni Chowk. It’s also known as Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, translating to ‘world-reflecting mosque’. Standing at an impressive height of 261 feet, it is home to a massive courtyard which can accommodate 25,000 people. Red sandstone and white marble were utilised to build this feat of architecture.

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory which was built by Maharaja Jai ​​Singh II of Jaipur in 1724. It’s a part of a group of five observatories built by the Maharaja, the rest of which are located in Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura. Jantar Mantar is open throughout the week from 6 am to 6 pm. The monument is 723 feet tall and is located in Connaught Place. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments and was built using brick and rubble, after which it was plastered with lime. The four main instruments at the Jantar Mantar are the Rama Yantra, Misra Yantra, Samrat Yantra, and Jai Prakash Yantra.

The Lodhi Garden is a public park that’s known for its lush greenery and peaceful walking trails. Spread over 90 acres, the garden houses various historical monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries, including mosques and tombs. Tourists can find the tombs of Muhammad Shah and Sikandar Lodi at this location. The park was called Lady Willingdon Park during the British colonial rule. This is because in 1936, a woman named Lady Willingdon, who was the wife of the then Viceroy of India, redesigned the place as a landscaped setting that could house ancient monuments. The name of the park was officially changed to Lodhi Garden after India’s independence in 1947.

• Power paragliding in Gurgaon
• Go-karting in Gurgaon
• Rock climbing at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation
• Paintball at Lock n Load
• Bungee jumping at Wanderlust Xtreme Adventures
• Ziplining in Gurgaon
• Wall climbing in Gurgaon

Delhi is a paradise for shopaholics, which is something you will notice during your trip with our Delhi tour packages. From bustling bazaars to modern malls, Delhi’s shopping options are endless. Witnessing the joy of street shopping in Delhi is something everyone should experience. Here are some of the things you can buy from the various markets in the city and the best places to shop from:

Looking for something beautiful that can adorn the walls of your home? If yes, then look for Madhubani paintings in Delhi. Having nature-related and religious motifs, the themes of these paintings usually revolve around Hindu deities.

The people of Delhi absolutely love their chai. You will find it being served at the several streetside stalls and tea vendors in the city. Masala chai, in particular, is something you must try when in Delhi. Many tourists carry this masala chai back home as well to serve it for themselves and their loved ones. Some of the different kinds of tea you can check out in Delhi are black tea, white tea, and Assam tea.

If you like to use Indian spices in your food, then you must check out the wide variety of spices available in Delhi. Right from red chilli powder and saffron to herbs and garam masala, Delhi has everything you need to make your meals more flavourful. Delhi is also home to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. This is where you can shop for all kinds of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and so on.

Pickles or achaar are common in several Indian households. The people of Delhi make use of pickles as a part of their meals to add that extra zing. Whether you want sweet pickles or spicy ones, you can get them all in Delhi. Some of the ones you can grab during your trip are mango pickles, lemon pickles, and chilli pickles.

Delhi has eclectic kinds of jewellery available at its vibrant markets. If you’re a lover of artificial jewellery, you must check out Janpath, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, and Sarojini Nagar. Make sure to also look out for exquisite and unique meenakari and kundan jewellery that you can pair with your ethnic outfits.

Attars are concentrated perfumes that are made using essential oils which are usually extracted from spices, herbs, and flowers. If you’re interested in attars, do visit the Gulabsingh Johrimal store in Delhi, which was established back in 1816. It’s one of the oldest perfume shops in India, selling attars, essential oils, and much more.

Embroidered handbags are some of the most beloved souvenirs to grab from Delhi. You will find colourful handbags with intricate threadwork in markets like Dilli Haat. The artisans create these handbags using a variety of items, such as pearls, beads, and laces.

• Sarojini Nagar: For clothes, handicrafts, footwear, cosmetics, accessories.
• Janpath: For junk jewellery, carpets, Tibetan masks, embroidered handbags, leather goods, ethnic clothes.
• Chandni Chowk: For jewellery, clothes, electronics, candles, perfumes.
• Dilli Haat: For jewellery, handicrafts, traditional textiles, pottery, footwear.
• Khan Market: For books, jewellery, ethnic clothes, homeware.
• Lajpat Nagar: For western apparel, ethnic clothes, electronics, jewellery.
• Connaught Place: For clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, electronics.
• Karol Bagh: For books, shoes, cosmetics, apparel, electronics, accessories.

• Most of the markets in Delhi are open all days of the week, with some being closed on Sundays.
• The markets in Delhi are usually open anywhere between 10 am and 11 am.
• If you’re looking for exotic and imported vegetables, head to the INA Market.
• Bargaining is very common in the markets of Delhi.

• Don’t take photographs of people without asking for their permission.
• Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Don’t point your fingers or feet at people since it is thought to be disrespectful.
• Don’t use your left hand while passing an object to someone.
• Don’t directly decline a request or invitation, as it’s considered disrespectful.
• Stay away from public displays of affection.
• Avoid giving money to beggars on the street.

There are numerous reasons to visit Delhi indeed, and if you’re a foodie, then your priorities will be set pretty straight as soon as you land in the capital city. Delhi is truly a gastronomic heaven for anyone hoping to get the best of both worlds in terms of food. Whether it’s the street food of Old Delhi or the more modern choices available in the lanes of Connaught Place, the food choices in Delhi are endless. The famous foods of Delhi are a blend of traditional dishes and street food, all of which combine to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city. Delhi cuisine is quite influenced by the cuisines of several North Indian states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

Traces of Mughal cuisine are heavily evident in the foods of Delhi since the Mughals made Delhi the capital of India. During the Mughal period, Delhi’s cuisine was influenced by Central Asian and Persian foods. The Mughals were known for their passion for food, and they brought in the use of spices, nuts, and dry fruits, along with their inclination towards elegant dining. As you roam around the city with our Delhi tour packages, these are some of the dishes you absolutely must try out:

Chole bhature is particularly popular across North India, and its roots can be traced back to the 1940s when it was invented in Delhi. While ‘bhature’ refers to a soft, fluffy, and deep-fried bread made using maida flour, ‘chole’ refers to a spicy chickpea curry. The chickpea gravy is often garnished with coriander and onion. Chole bhature is usually served alongside onions, pickles, and mint chutney. The ingredients that go into making chole include coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Although chole bhature is consumed throughout the day, it’s also a popular breakfast dish in Delhi. The bhaturas are often filled with cottage cheese or potatoes, making it a filling meal.

Butter chicken is a common and beloved dish across most Indian restaurants around the world. The dish originated in the 1950s in Delhi in a restaurant called Moti Mahal, which was founded by Kundan Lal Gujral. Also known as murgh makhani, this dish was actually created by accident. The cooks at the restaurant combined leftover marinade juices with butter and tomato and then tossed some pieces of tandoori chicken into the mix, without knowing that the concoction would one day gain such popularity. The combination of the rich gravy along with the soft and succulent pieces of chicken makes this a heavenly delight for non-vegetarians everywhere. It can be eaten with rice or naan.

Paranthas, or stuffed flatbreads, are an integral part of the city’s culinary heritage. In fact, there is an entire area in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk called Paranthe Wali Gali, which is famous for its eclectic types of paranthas. The fried flatbreads can contain various kinds of fillings, such as potatoes, onions, paneer, lentils, and cauliflower. Once the stuffed dough is rolled out, it’s cooked till the exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Paranthas are usually served alongside yoghurt, butter, pickles, and chutney. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for paranthas, including aloo paranthas, gobi paranthas, paneer paranthas, keema paranthas, and chicken paranthas.

Daulat ki chaat is one of the most popular and unique desserts in Delhi. In order to make this dish, milk and cream are whipped together to create a frothy and light texture, after which it is garnished with powdered sugar, nuts, and saffron. The dessert just melts in your mouth and is usually sold only during the winter season.

Aloo tikki is one of the most popular snacks in North India, including Delhi. It is made using potatoes and onions, which are combined and transformed into tikkis or croquettes. They are mixed with numerous spices and then deep-fried. You will usually find aloo tikkis being garnished with coriander, pomegranate seeds, and onions. They are often served along with yoghurt or chutney.

Golgappas are a street food snack you just can’t miss out on when you’re in Delhi. Also known as pani puri or phuchka in different parts of India, golgappas consist of hollow and crispy puris. The puris are filled with a mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, green chillies, tamarind chutney, and tangy and spicy water. You can also ask for extra green chillies based on your spice tolerance.

Nihari is a traditional Mughal dish that is considered to have originated in Old Delhi. The dish is also connected to Pakistan because nihari was brought in to Karachi when several Delhi immigrants settled in Pakistan after the country gained independence. This meat stew can be cooked using mutton, beef, or chicken. Consisting of tender pieces of meat, this slow-cooked stew is simmered in a delicious gravy made up of herbs and spices. In the lanes of Old Delhi, nihari is usually enjoyed during breakfast time. It’s commonly served with naan.

The hearty and filling dish known as rajma chawal is common in Delhi both during lunch and dinner. While rajma refers to red kidney beans, chawal refers to cooked rice. The red kidney beans or rajma is made using onions and tomato puree, thereby creating a rich and flavourful gravy. A variety of spices go into making this gravy, such as garlic, ginger, cinnamon, chilli peppers, cumin, and coriander.

Must-see attractions: Jakhu Temple, Mall Road, Kufri, Kali Bari Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church

Must-see attractions: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Gita Bhawan

Must-see attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Must-see attractions: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort

Must-see attractions: Rock Garden, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Gardens, Terraced Garden, ISKCON Temple

Must-see attractions: Har Ki Pauri, Shantikunj Ashram, Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Rajaji National Park, Maya Devi Temple

Delhi is known for its traditional arts and crafts. Some of the craft forms you will notice in Delhi include carpet weaving, bamboo work, and ivory carving. Meenakari and kundan jewellery, too, form a part of Delhi’s deep artistic heritage. The art of meenakari jewellery was brought in to Delhi from Lahore. During the Mughal era, Mughal miniature paintings gained popularity in Delhi. The city’s National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy houses more than 30,000 exquisite and unique pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings, cane and bamboo crafts, metal lamps, utensils, and clay and terracotta figures.