Delhi India 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in Delhi: A Taste of History, Culture & Chaos

This itinerary is designed for a traveler who wants to experience the diverse highlights of Delhi. It focuses on exploring historical sites, indulging in local cuisine, and experiencing some of the city’s cultural offerings.

Day 1: Old Delhi Charm

  • Morning: Explore the chaotic yet captivating streets of Old Delhi.
    • Places: Start with a visit to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Then wander through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, experiencing the bustling markets and tasting street food like Paranthe Wali Gali, a haven for delicious, stuffed flatbreads (try the Aloo Paratha at “Parathe Wali Gali”), or savor the famous Karim’s mutton dishes.
    • Activity: Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former Mughal palace. Explore the intricate architecture of this magnificent fortress and imagine life during the Mughal Empire.
    • Tip: Visit Chandni Chowk early in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds and heat.

Day 2: Mughal Grandeur & Delhi’s History

  • Places: Qutub Minar (enjoy a snack from a street vendor), Humayun’s Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb
  • Activity: Explore the historical sites of Delhi with a guided tour to learn about their fascinating history and architecture.
    • Food: Have dinner at Chandni Chowk, experiencing the delicious street food like chaat, kebabs, and parathas.

Day 3: Spiritual Exploration

  • Places: Akshardham Temple (try the “Bhojanalaya” restaurant for vegetarian fare), Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir
  • Activity: In the evening, visit the serene Lotus Temple, a modern architectural marvel and place of worship.

Day 4: History & Food

  • Places: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (explore the history of this iconic building)
  • Activity: Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Day 5: Delhi’s Heritage & Culinary Delights

  • Places: Explore the historical sites and experience the vibrant culture.
    • Activity: Visit the National Museum, delve into India’s rich past, or take a cooking class to learn the secrets of local cuisine.

Day 6: Modern Architecture & Contemporary Art

  • Places: Akshardham Temple (for a “Bhojanalaya” meal), Humayun’s Tomb
  • Activity: Enjoy a delicious meal at Dilli Haat, a craft market with a wide variety of traditional crafts and food stalls.

Food:

  • Old Delhi Food: Delhi is renowned for its culinary diversity. For a true taste of the city, explore the street food scene in Chandni Chowk, Chandni Chowk
  • Delhi Street Food: Experience the delicious chaos of street food markets, enjoying classic dishes like chaat, paratha rolls, and kebabs while you learn about the local culture.

Things to Consider:

  • Weather: Delhi experiences extreme weather conditions. Be prepared for hot summers (April-June) and cold winters (December-January).
  • Transportation: Traffic in Delhi can be overwhelming. Consider using the metro system or app-based taxis for efficient travel.

Delhi Travel Tips:

  • Learn basic Hindi phrases: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Hindi phrases like “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyavaad” (thank you) can be helpful and enhance your interactions with locals.

  • Dress for the weather: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing during the summer months and layers for the winter. Remember to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites like temples or mosques.

  • Be aware of scams: Like any major city, Delhi has its share of tourist traps. Stick to reputable restaurants and shops and always negotiate prices with rickshaw drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers before getting in.

  • Embrace the chaos: Delhi is known for its chaotic traffic, but it’s all part of the charm! Be prepared for a sensory experience and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.

Food:

  • Stay hydrated: Delhi can be incredibly hot and dry. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

  • Try local delicacies:

    • Street food: Don’t miss out on the incredible variety of street food available in Chandni Chowk, from savory chaat and spicy kebabs to delicious parathas filled with a variety of ingredients.

Things to do in Delhi for Foodies:

  • Chandni Chowk:

    • Eat at a “dhaba” (roadside restaurant): Enjoy authentic and affordable North Indian cuisine, including the famous Paratha Wali Gali (street known for its parathas).

  • Explore street food markets:

    • Paranthe Wali Gali: Visit this bustling market for a taste of its delicious street food.
    • The Spice Market (Khori Bazaar):

Experience the aroma and flavors of spices at this vibrant market, but be sure to try some of the street snacks they offer! * Khan Market: Enjoy a variety of cuisines in a more upscale setting.

  • Dilli Haat: This open-air craft market features traditional crafts and food from all over India.

Things to see and do at a “dhaba” (roadside restaurant):

  • Enjoy the cultural ambiance: Experience the authentic flavors and lively atmosphere of Delhi’s street food scene.
  • Taste a variety of dishes:

Sample different types of North Indian cuisine, such as Paratha (a delicious flatbread with various fillings), Chaat (spicy savory snacks) or try a “Dhaba Crawl” - experiencing several different “dhabas” in one night.

  • Try an authentic “thali” meal:

Enjoy a traditional platter that features dishes from a specific region of India.

Getting around:

  • Delhi Metro:

Efficient, affordable, and safe, the Delhi Metro is the best way to navigate the city, especially for tourists.

  • Auto-rickshaws:

Negotiate the fare before entering.

  • Taxis: App-based taxis are safer and more reliable than hailing a cab on the street.
  • Avoid driving in traffic: Traffic can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming in Delhi, so opt for public transport whenever possible.

Things to do in Delhi’s Culture:

  • Experience the chaos of Old Delhi: Explore the vibrant streets and markets of Chandni Chowk, a renowned market area known for its diverse offerings, from spices and textiles to jewelry and street food.

Note: This is just a starting point. You can tailor this itinerary to your own interests and time constraints. For example, you could spend more time exploring Old Delhi’s historical sites or add in some other activities like:

  • Visiting a “dhaba” (roadside restaurant) and experiencing the deliciousness of an authentic “Dali” dish:

Try the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for its variety of traditional Indian breads.

Things to Consider:

  • Language: English is widely spoken in Delhi’s tourist areas, but learning a few basic Hindi phrases will enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.

  • Weather:

Delhi has extreme weather conditions, so plan your activities accordingly.

  • Transportation:

Plan for transportation time as the traffic can be unpredictable.

  • Culture: Respect local customs and traditions while visiting Delhi. Dress modestly, especially when entering religious sites.

Things to do in Delhi’s Culture:

  • Clothing: It’s a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites or religious areas.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider using the Delhi Metro for safe and affordable transportation around the city.

  • Bargaining:

    • Be prepared to bargain while shopping for souvenirs and goods, especially in markets outside of the main tourist areas.

Things to do in a “Dhaba”:

  • Eat at a “Dhaba”:

Experience the authentic flavors of India by dining at a “dhaba”.

  • Enjoy a traditional Indian meal: Try the “Dosa” (a savory crepe) or “Idli” (steamed rice cakes) with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

Important Note:

This is just a sample itinerary.

You can adjust it based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.

Things to do in Delhi:

  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to make some of the delicious dishes you’ll find at the “Dhaba”
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

Delhi has a thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants offering late-night entertainment.

  • Explore the historical sites: Delhi is home to many historic monuments and landmarks.

Here are some examples of traditional markets in Delhi:

  • Dilli Haat:

A unique marketplace that showcases traditional crafts and cuisine from all over India.

  • Chandni Chowk: The heart of Old Delhi, filled with shops selling everything from jewelry to spices to textiles.

Transportation:

  • Remember that traffic is a constant in Delhi, so plan for extra time.

**Getting around: **

  • Dilli Haat: Located in the heart of Delhi’s cultural landscape, this market offers a wide variety of traditional crafts and food from all over India.
  • Khan Market: A popular marketplace known for its upscale shops and restaurants.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Red Fort: Explore the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Experience the bustling streets and markets:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and unique shopping opportunities in the historic city.

  • Enjoy the local culture: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Delhi’s traditions.

For Transportation:

  • Explore the metro system: Learn about the different lines and stations.

  • Consider a “Dhaba Crawl”: A fun way to experience the culinary diversity of Delhi’s street food scene.