If you are thinking of traveling to New Delhi, India, you are in the right place. The construction of New Delhi, the capital of India, began in 1911 when the British colonial administration decided to move the capital from Kolkata to Delhi. It took nearly 20 years to complete the construction of New Delhi. Hosting many races, languages and religious beliefs, Delhi is a completely chaotic city with its crowds, traffic and contrasts.
The fact that Delhi has hosted different cultures for centuries is a testament to the historical diversity of this place. Qutub Complex and Humayun Tomb in the city are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Where is New Delhi?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to New Delhi. India is a South Asian country. It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. New Delhi, on the other hand, is located in the northern region of India, of which it is the capital.
When To Go To New Delhi?
New Delhi has a subtropical climate. Summer is very long and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoon rains are also seen in July and August.
Winter is dry. It is appropriate to visit New Delhi in December and March.
Places To Visit In New Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Red Castle
This structure, which has a very important place in the history of India, was built by Shah Jahan in 1648. When they got their independence on August 15, 1947, they planted the first Indian flag on this fort. The first president of India also gave his speech here. Every year, on August 15, prime ministers come here to give speeches. The magnificent castle is also one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. Its popular name is “Lal Qila”.
There are many souvenir shops at the entrance of the castle, which is almost opposite Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, which has the distinction of being the largest mosque in India, was built in 1644 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It has three big gates, four towers and two minarets 40 meters high. There is no entrance fee to this mosque, which is open to tourists outside of prayer hours.
Transportation: It can be easily reached by metro by getting off at Chawri Bazaar station.
Jain Temple
The 16th century temple is a Jain religious place of worship. It is forbidden to take photos and videos inside the temple.
Lotus Temple
The building, which has an impressive architecture, was built in 1986 in the shape of a lotus flower. The reason why it was built in this way is that the Baha’i temples reflect the characteristics of the place they are located in in their architecture. White marble was used in the construction of this temple, which is 70 meters high. Talking inside the temple is strictly prohibited. Entry to the temple is free.
Iskcon (Hare Krishna) Temple
It is a must-see temple for those who believe in Hare Krishna. Every evening, a religious ceremony called “aarti” is held here. The Iskcon Temple is free to enter and is within walking distance of the Lotus Temple.
Transportation: Access by metro can be provided by getting off at Nehru Place station.
Gandhi Museum
This museum contains the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi. Located across the Raj Ghat, the museum is open from 05:30 to 10:00 on all days except Mondays.
Transportation in New Delhi
When you travel to New Delhi, you should also know how to get there. Although the city traffic is mixed and high, there are many different alternatives for transportation in New Delhi. You can reach anywhere you want by rikshas, oto-rikshas, taxis, metro and bus. Bargain before boarding riksha, oto-riksha and taxi, otherwise the trip can be expensive.
Oto-Riksha
Auto-rickshaws, which are yellow-green, have three wheels and can carry a maximum of three people. The pricing of oto-rikshas is as follows; Starting with 25 rupees, the journey continues by increasing 8 rupees per kilometer.
Bus
Bus use is common in the city. However, since the buses are always full, they are the last means of transportation that visitors to the city should use in terms of security.
Taxi
Taxis that can be used for short distances can also be rented on a daily basis. Rental fee is 1600 rupees. There is also a price difference between night and day.
Indian Cuisine
Your trip to New Delhi continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in New Delhi. Indian cuisine, which has a wide range of dishes, draws attention with its abundant spices. Various sauces made with spices are just as famous. Red meat (lamb, sheep, goat), pulses and spices are the main foods consumed in New Delhi.
Some flavors unique to Indian cuisine;
- Tandoori: It is made by grilling chicken meat marinated with spices. It is eaten with special bread called naan bread.
- Served with a spice sauce made with coriander.
- Biryani: It is a type of rice made with chicken or red meat, onions, tomatoes and spicy rice.
- Chana: Spicy chickpea dish.
- Samosa: Hot potato fritters. It is made in the form of frying.
- Aloo Bonda: It is made with potatoes, onions, green peppers.
- Ras Malai: It is made by boiling cheese balls in milk. Sprinkle pistachios on it.
- Kulfi: Indian ice cream.
Shopping In New Delhi
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your New Delhi trip with shopping? There are many places to shop in New Delhi. If you are looking for affordable products, you can go to Dilli Haat. This place is a frequent destination for those looking for ethnic products and souvenirs, with various stands. Dilli Haat, which is open between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm, costs 20 rupees. You can get here by getting off at the INA station of the yellow metro line.
You can also shop at Connaught Place, Janpath, Chandni Chowk. Souvenirs that can be bought; traditional silk-cashmere-made textiles, antiques, handmade products, pottery, spices, tea.
New Delhi Nightlife
In New Delhi, there are no people on the street after 12 pm. In this city, where there is no night life, it can be said that the region with only rich people is colorful. When you travel to New Delhi, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
New Delhi Festivals
- Diwali (Light) Festival: November 13
- Dussehra Festival: 6 October
- Holi Festival: March 17
- International Mango Festival: 3 July
Apart from these festivals in Delhi, there are also religious celebrations called Hindu Festivals. These religious festivals, which are for 12 months, are held according to the position of the Moon.
New Delhi Public Holidays
- New Year – January 1
- Republic Day – 26 January
- Holi – March 6
- Mahavir Jayanti – April 2
- Good Friday – April 3
- Buddha Purnima – May 4
- Eid-al-Adha – September 25
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday – 1 October
- Dussehra – October 22
- Republic Day -28/29 October
- Diwali – November 11
- Guru Nanak’s Birthday – 25 November
- Hz. Muhammad’s Birthday – December 24
- Christmas – 25 December
New Delhi Practical Information
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire Brigade:101
- Traffic Police: 1095
