| 6 mins read
By Jordan Higgins
New Delhi is a traveller’s delight, with attractions to suit everyone from backpackers to retiree tour groups. Nothing can truly prepare you for a visit to India’s capital, but this article hopes to offer you some guidance.
Many travellers have predetermined notions about New Delhi. Forums will tell you that the city is different, dirty, and dangerous. If you can get past these thoughts, be ready be introduced to a rapidly developing metropolis that boasts unique culture, incredible food, complex history, and much more.
Here are ten things you should know before travelling to New Delhi.
1. Arrival
If you are travelling to New Delhi from another country, you will probably arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport. The airport can be quite hectic; it is wise to prepare well before your flight to ensure a smooth arrival.
Firstly, apply for your Indian e-Tourist Visa prior to departure. The visa can usually be obtained online, but that varies from nationality to nationality. You must show a hard-copy of the visa while checking in, so make sure you have it printed. On arrival, you will then notice a specific line for e-Tourist Visas. Finally, bring some rupees with you as there are no currency exchange offices outside of the airport.
2. Transport
After leaving the airport, you will need to find your way into the city, 15km away. Many tourists choose a prepaid taxi for around 400 rupees. You can pay for these taxis at the desk in the airport to avoid haggling with touts outside. If you prefer, you can take the Delhi Airport Metro Express line which runs to the city every 15 minutes between 5 am and 11.30 am. It costs 60 rupees and takes about 20 minutes.
Public transport is frequent and widespread in the city. The metro, local trains, and buses all serve locals and tourists alike for reasonable prices. Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tickets can also be purchased for those wishing to explore the entire city.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation fluctuates massively in terms of price and quality in New Delhi, catering for all sorts of traveller. For backpackers, hostel dorms can cost as little as 250 rupees per night. For family trips, or those looking for something more upmarket, 3-star hotels can be booked for less than 5,500 rupees, with 5-stars costing as little as 8,400 rupees.
4. Local Guides
To the uninitiated, New Delhi is quite chaotic and confusing. The city is difficult to understand and even harder to navigate. In order to make the most of your time in New Delhi, it is often advised that you hire a local guide who can show you around.
The city is famed for its history, cuisine, and fascinating culture. You can find a guide to tailor an experience to your own interests. Hiring a guide can help you make the most of your time in the city and discover all of the best things to see and do.
5. Day Trips
To temporarily escape the chaos of New Delhi, you can organise a day trip away from the city. There are several key attractions and things to do within a day’s travel. The most popular trips from New Delhi include Agra - home to the famous Taj Mahal, Damdama Lake, or the Kuchesar Mud Fort. Most hostels and hotels can plan your travel.
6. Food
New Delhi’s food scene is rapidly growing, with more regional culinary options opening citywide. As workers flock to the city from every corner of India, so do enterprising restaurant owners looking to cater to them.
Most travellers will recommend trying butter chicken, biryani, and nihari. Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi is ideal for street food. Follow your nose to find something delicious!
7. Private Tours
As New Delhi’s tourism industry develops, so do opportunities for unique holidays and trips. Decide what you want to see and do, and tailor your trip to match it. Do not just follow the guidebook recommendations, hire a local guide or join a private tour. If you are interested in food, history, religion, architecture, or even shopping, customise your trip to satiate that desire; New Delhi can accommodate any traveller.
8. Customs and History
There is no better way to establish a connection with New Delhi than to understand its culture and history. Delhi has a culture that may differ from anything you have previously experienced and may be hard to comprehend, initially. However, by speaking to locals, visiting museums, such as the National Museum, and embracing the new experiences, you will develop a connection with the city that many foreign visitors fail to do.
9. Safety
People often have concerns surrounding the security of New Delhi. The city’s customs are quite different from others and may seem unsafe at first glance. As with many developing cities, New Delhi has its fair share of scams and petty crime. Trust your instincts and avoid any unofficial tours, shops, taxis, or other services. Unfortunately, New Delhi also has a reputation for being very unsafe for women. Most international foreign affairs departments recommend that women do not travel alone in the city and avoid interacting with people you do not trust. Thankfully, there are many apps and websites for finding fellow solo travellers to join your trip. Aside from that, crime in New Delhi is relatively low.
The culture shock may be overwhelming and frightening at first, as is the extra attention foreigners may receive, but when embraced, New Delhi is a welcoming and friendly travel destination.
10. Nightlife
New Delhi’s nightlife is famous throughout India. Prepare yourself for some sleepless nights as the city’s combination of clubs, night markets, and bars will keep you occupied long after the sun sets. Party in Hauz Khas, haggle for goods at Dilli Haat or have a quiet drink at one of the many glamorous local bars. Just make sure you remember to experience New Delhi by night!
No traveller will ever truly be ready for their trip to New Delhi. With its mysterious blend of historical sights, modern shops and bars, traditional food, and countless other attractions, the city has something for every traveller. Do not fear the vastly different way of life and New Delhi will bear its unique charm to you.
Jordan is a student journalist and avid traveller. He has a strong interest in Asian countries but will never say no to a European excursion. He is particularly fond of (although not very good at) trying new outdoor activities and adventure sports.