10 Epic Things To Do In New Delhi India in Just 1 Day

Planning an adventure in New Delhi, India with a limited time? This pulsating metropolis seamlessly blends ancient history with contemporary flair. From awe-inspiring monuments to tantalizing aromas wafting through bustling markets, the dynamic capital promises an unforgettable experience. But where do you even begin and how can you see the epic places when your vacation is short?

Discover the 10 epic things to do in New Delhi, India in just one day, and immerse yourself in the heart of this extraordinary capital. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this article will guide you through the highlights of Delhi and help you plan your next adventure.

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Overview of Epic Things to do in New Delhi

• Delhi Chalo Park
• Delhi Red Fort
• The Jama Masjid
• Riding Bicycle Rickshaw
• Khari Baoli
• Rajghat
• Ugrasen Ki Baoli
• Humayun’s Tomb
• India Gate
• Lotus Temple

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Exploring Old and New Delhi

As soon as you step foot in New Delhi, India, you’ll feel the city’s energy pulsating through your veins. The capital of India is a bustling metropolis, brimming with exotic sights, sounds, and smells. It’s a city that never sleeps, where ancient monuments stand tall amidst modern skyscrapers. But Delhi is not just a city; it’s an experience—a journey through history, culture, and cuisine unlike any other. Today, we’ll uncover the most epic things to do in New Delhi, India. From exploring mesmerizing markets to trying delicious street food, get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Delhi.

This itinerary uses a private and exclusive tour. We used the tour below, and really liked their service. You will not have to figure out the logistics, or rent a car to navigate the busy city to sightsee. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel for an epic trip.

One of the main reasons India has become a popular tourist destination is because of its rich cultural heritage. With a history dating back thousands of years, India boasts a plethora of ancient temples, monuments, and ruins that offer a glimpse into its past. Today, we will drive through notable ruins and interesting places and only explore the top attractions in New Delhi, India.

1. Delhi Chalo Park

Delhi Chalo Park, a project in the heart of India’s capital, is part of an ambitious initiative to revitalize the city’s green spaces. Located behind the iconic Red Fort, the park is being transformed into a Mughal Char Bagh, reminiscent of the historic Persian-style gardens. This redevelopment aligns with the broader Kartavya Path initiative, which aims to provide recreational facilities akin to those at India Gate.

2. Delhi Red Fort

The Red Fort, known as Lal Qila in Hindi, stands as a powerful symbol of India’s history. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it was the residence and center of ceremony and politics for the Mughal Empire. Its architecture is a mix of Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles, showcasing the Mughal’s creativity. The fort’s red sandstone walls were designed to defend and impress, playing a crucial role in Indian history, including being the site of the first raising of the national flag.

Today, it remains a popular attraction, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its historical and architectural importance.

3. The Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid, located in the heart of Old Delhi, is one of India’s largest and most esteemed mosques. Here, it’s shoes off and gowns on if your dress is not conservative enough, for 50 rupees.

Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is made of red sandstone and white marble and features stunning details such as arches, domes, and minarets. It can hold up to 25,000 people in its courtyard and is a popular destination for both religious and tourist purposes.

The Jama Masjid is a prominent mosque in Old Delhi known for its architectural grandeur. The Jama Masjid is not only a place of religious significance but also a cultural symbol attracting many tourists.

4. Riding Bicycle Rickshaw

From Jama Masjid, you would walk a block or two to ride a bicycle rickshaw. A bicycle rickshaw, also known as a cycle rickshaw, is a small-scale, human-powered vehicle designed to carry passengers. Bicycle rickshaws are a common sight in New Delhi, India. They offer an eco-friendly and efficient way to navigate the bustling streets, especially in areas like Old Delhi, providing a glimpse into local life.

There were three adults of us and a child, and I had mixed feelings about this. After the grueling task of transporting us through chaos for what seems a long time, I gave the bike rickshaw driver a generous tip.

5. Khari Baoli

The bike rickshaw ride will bring you to Khari Baoli. Khari Baoli in Old Delhi is known as the largest wholesale spice market in Asia, established in the 17th century.

This bustling market offers a wide variety of spices, herbs, and dry fruits, from everyday staples to exotic varieties. It is also a center for trading dried fruits, nuts, tea, grains, and herbs. Its influence extends to different parts of North India.

The market is not just a trading center but also a sensory delight for visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and aromatic alleys.

6. Rajghat

Raj Ghat in New Delhi, India, is a sacred memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It marks the spot where he was cremated in 1948 after his assassination.

The memorial’s design, with a simple black marble platform and an eternal flame, reflects Gandhi’s simplicity and enduring legacy. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and surrounded by gardens, where many world leaders have planted trees. The complex also includes memorials for other renowned Indian leaders. Raj Ghat is not only a historical site but also a peaceful place for contemplation and honoring the country’s most beloved figure. Visitors are required to remove their footwear as a sign of respect before entering the memorial area.

7. Ugrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli is a historical stepwell in New Delhi, India, believed to have been built during the Mahabharata era and later rebuilt in the 14th century. The stepwell showcases a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles and has 108 steps, divided into three levels. Agrasen Ki Baoli is a popular tourist attraction and has appeared in Bollywood films, including the blockbuster “PK” starring Aamir Khan. It is open to visitors daily with no entry fee.

Ugrasen Ki Baoli stepwell offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient water conservation techniques and architectural styles. Please see this blog post Stepwells In Delhi | A Fascinating Ancient Water Conservation Technique for more details about stepwells, especially in Delhi.

8. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, India, is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb’s construction set a precedent for future Mughal structures. The site not only holds the tomb of Emperor Humayun but also other Mughal rulers and features stunning Persian-style gardens.

It is the first garden-tomb in India and influenced future Mughal structures, such as the Taj Mahal.

Its impressive architecture, surrounded by lush gardens and smaller monuments, has inspired many subsequent structures and is a must-visit for those interested in Indian history and culture.

I really liked it better and I think that it’s more beautiful than the Taj Mahal.

9. India Gate

India Gate, also known as the All India War Memorial, is a prominent landmark in New Delhi, India, built to honor the soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The design of India Gate was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and features a large archway, a shallow domed bowl, and a flame of the immortal soldier. India Gate is not only a war memorial but also a popular spot for tourists and locals, with the surrounding area being a favorite spot for picnics and evening strolls.

Your tour guide might instruct the driver to just pull over the side of the busy road to see this structure, but you can definitely request to stop by and take pictures.

10. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahá’í House of Worship, is a stunning architectural marvel in New Delhi, India. It has won numerous awards for its unique design, symbolizing purity and peace. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction, open to all regardless of religion.

This place closes at 5:00 pm though, so if you get there a minute or so late, this would be about the best picture you could get. So make sure you get there early to be able to see and take picture of the whole structure.

Back to the Hotel

You just had a full day visiting 10 places and experiences in Delhi! This was made possible and easy by having a knowledgeable tour guide and driver.

Your journey through Delhi will come to an end as the skilled driver drops off your guide and expertly navigates through the bustling traffic to return you to your hotel.

As the evening sets in, you will arrive back at your hotel, where your belongings can be conveniently stored until your departure. Simply arrange for their retrieval and hop on the hotel shuttle to the airport.

With ample time before our 1am flight, we comfortably reached the airport by 9pm.

Be sure to have your itinerary or boarding pass evidence of your trip before getting in line to enter the airport. DEL airport has free Wi-Fi that you can use to pull up your itinerary in case you did not have it printed out. Overall, it was a smooth process.

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Conclusion

In just one day, Delhi offers an array of epic experiences that capture the essence of this vibrant city. Start by immersing yourself in its rich history at iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, where stunning architecture tells stories of a bygone era. Next, indulge in the tantalizing flavors of street food at Chandni Chowk, where every bite is a culinary adventure.

Don’t miss the bustling markets, such as Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, or the vibrant lanes of Connaught Place, perfect for shopping and people-watching. Take a moment to unwind in the serene gardens of the Lotus Temple or Raj Ghat, offering a peaceful respite amidst the urban hustle.

As the saying goes, “Delhi is a city of cities, and it has something for everyone.” Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this capital has it all. Plan your trip and discover the magic of Delhi for yourself. Keep an open mind, embrace the city’s diverse energy, and create your unique story in this magnificent metropolis.

Useful Info for Your India Trip

Tourist Visa

Before you can start planning your trip, you have to check the visa requirements to enter India first. You can check it here. United States citizens are required to have visa to visit India. Nowadays, we can get e-visa where you quickly apply online. There is a small fee (about $25 at time of writing). You will get an email in about two days of visa decision, either granted or denied. Denial is a rare case, but overall, they want tourists to visit the country. The process was fast and smooth.

Driving in India

India is a right hand drive country. With this itinerary, you should not have to worry about dealing with driving in whatever side of the road. Traffic is Delhi is heavily congested. People blow their horns normally, where it would be offensive in other countries.

Safety in India

As of November 2024, the population of India is approximately 1.455 billion people. We stayed for only two full days in India. With this itinerary we felt safe and did not experience any concerns at all. One instance at Humayun’s Tomb where one Indian guy wanted to take video or photo of me, but you can just move away or gladly oblige, if not give a picture of their own screen.

Delhi Belly

Food poisoning can be a concern for tourists in India, often referred to as “Delhi Belly.” However, with some precautions, you can minimize the risk and enjoy your trip.

If you do get sick, stay hydrated, rest, and seek medical attention if necessary. Many travelers find that carrying a basic medical kit with rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication can be very helpful.

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India varies depending on the region and desired activities.

Winter, from December to early March, is generally the most favorable time to visit. However, late October also offers mild and pleasant weather suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rains and disrupts travel plans but also offers lush landscapes and vibrant festivals.

Summer months can be extremely hot and visitors should come prepared with items like hats and umbrellas, and Indian rupees or cash as many smaller shops may not accept cards.

Planning a trip to India?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about India.

• 9 Unmissable Things To Do In Agra | Perfect 1 Day Itinerary
• 19 Best Things to Do in India | Ultimate 2 Days Itinerary
• 10 Epic Things To Do In New Delhi India in Just 1 Day
• The Stepwells In Delhi | A Fascinating Ancient Water Conservation Technique