Delhi City Day Tour
Delhi is a vast city and even considered a state in itself. To see all of its tourist sights, it is recommended to have at least two days to explore. However, we will attempt to cover the major tourist attractions of both New and Old Delhi in just one day trip. This Delhi city tour is an exciting way to experience the city’s culture, heritage, architecture, and people. As the capital city of India, Delhi boasts numerous man-made wonders dating back to the Mughal and British eras, making it a popular destination for sightseeing tours. Join us as we visit some of the best tourist sights of New and Old Delhi in a day trip around the city.
DELHI CITY TOUR
You will be picked up from your hotel and sightseeing tour of New & Old Delhi start. Before going for a day trip through Delhi. we can start either from New Delhi or an Old Delhi in accordance with the locality of your hotel in the city. Lets start a city day tour in New Delhi.
Qutab Minar is a remarkable 73-meter (240-foot) tall tower with a conical shape. It was built by Qutab-ud-din-Aibak in 1192 to commemorate his victory over Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. The tower has a base diameter of 14.32 meters and tapers to about 2.75 meters at the top. The construction was later completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak, both successors of Qutab-ud-din Aibak. The tower is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also among the tallest stone towers in the world. In the past, Mughal rulers would build such towers to celebrate and commemorate their victories.
Qutab Minar is part of a larger complex called the Qutab Complex, which includes many other significant monuments. Some of the most notable monuments in the complex are the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, the Tomb of Iltutmish, Alai Minar, Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and Tomb, and the Tomb of Imam Zamin.
The construction of Qutab Minar began in 1192 under the reign of Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. However, he was only able to complete the tower’s basement. Iltutmish, his successor, added the first three stories, which were made of red sandstone. Firoz Shah Tughlak added the fourth and fifth stories in 1368, which were made of marble and sandstone. If you plan to visit Qutab Minar during a Delhi city day tour, make sure to check the timings and entrance fees beforehand.
Timings: Opens all days(6:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
Enntrance Fees: Indian : INR 30 Per Person & Foreigner : INR 500 Per Person
The tomb of Humayun, located in New Delhi, was commissioned by his widow Biga Begam (Haiji Begum) in 1569, 14 years after his death, and was the first garden-tomb in India. The design of this architectural wonder was entrusted to a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. The Humayun’s Tomb was built at the cost of 1.5 million rupees and was the first structure in India to use red sandstone at such a scale. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. In recognition of its cultural significance, the Humayun’s Tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
The tomb is located at the center of a garden that follows the Char Bagh style, with four quadrants and pools joined by channels. The centrally located mausoleum is placed on a high terraced platform and is topped by a double dome with arched cells along the sides. The tomb was also used for the burial of various members of the ruling family.
If you plan to visit the Humayun’s Tomb during your one-day city tour in Delhi, it’s important to check the timings and entrance fees in advance.
Timings: Opens all days(7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Enntrance Fees: Indian : INR 30 Per Person & Foreigner : INR 500 Per Person
The India Gate, located at the center of New Delhi, is a war memorial situated across the Rajpath on the eastern end. This impressive monument, made of red stone and standing at 42 meters tall, is designed as a large archway, reminiscent of the Arc-de-Triomphe. Originally named as the All India War Memorial, it was designed by Edwin Lutyens, and its foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921. The India Gate serves as a commemoration to the 82,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in the First World War, from 1914-21, and in the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The names of more than 13,500 Indian and British soldiers are inscribed on the walls of India Gate. Adjacent to the Gate is another memorial known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (The Flame of the Immortal Soldier), erected after India gained independence, where an eternal flame burns 24 hours a day in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. Today, the India Gate is a popular picnic spot for locals, as it is surrounded by lush green lawns. The monument is illuminated every evening, creating a beautiful display with colored light fountains. The Republic Day Parade on 26th January every year begins from the President’s House and passes around India Gate. Before embarking on a tour of Delhi, it is essential to be aware of the India Gate’s timings and entrance fees.
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
Rashtrapati Bhawan, situated in central Delhi, is the official residence of the President of India. This grand Presidential Palace, designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, was formerly known as Viceroys House until 1950. The palace, spread over 320 acres, includes the Presidents official residence, halls, guest rooms, offices, and the beautiful Mughal Garden, which is open to the public in February. With 340 rooms, it is the largest official residence of any head of state in the world.
The Palace’s premises include numerous courtyards and open inner areas, and in front of the Presidents house stands the Jaipur Column, topped by the star of India. A soaring dome structure can be seen at the center of the main part of the Palace, which is more than twice the height of the rest of the building. The dome’s carving is a perfect example of a blend of Indian and British architectural styles, and the Palace was built with hardly any steel.
Timings: Friday, Saturday, Sunday(09 Am to 04 PM)
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
The Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship completed in 1986, is located in New Delhi. The temple’s unique lotus flower-like shape makes it a popular attraction in the city. It is open to people of all religions and promotes the belief of the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Religions, and the Oneness of Mankind, which is central to the Bahai faith.
Constructed from pure white marble and designed by architect Furiburz Sabha, the Lotus Temple welcomes people from all walks of life to visit and meditate. However, visitors are not allowed to bring musical instruments into the hall. The temple’s symmetrical design is enhanced by water pools surrounding the lotus petals, which look particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Be sure to check the temple’s timings and entrance fees before visiting on a full-day tour of Delhi.
Timings: All days of the week except Monday(9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Summer)
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Winter)
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in New Delhi is a monument dedicated to Swaminarayan. Inaugurated on November 6th, 2005, it is a blend of modern technology and traditional architectural style. Spread over 8,000 square meters, the temple complex showcases the grandeur, wisdom, and traditional Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture spanning millennia. The monument was developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, with the assistance of 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans. The complex also features the Gajendra Pith, a plinth at the base of the monument that pays tribute to the elephant’s importance in Hindu culture and India’s history. It is essential to learn about the Akshardham temple complex’s details, such as its history and significance, before visiting this monumental attraction during a full-day Delhi city tour.
Facts about Akshardham Temple Complex
a. The temple has the statue of main shrine of Swaminarayan under the central dome, which is 11 foot high and surrounded by similar statues of grurus of the sect.
b. Opened on 6th November 2005.
c. Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE) & Developed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
d. Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
e.More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex
f. Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it.
g. Temple built from intricately carved Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. It has no support from steel or concrete.
h. Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.
i.Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard
j. The main monument at the center of the complex is 141 foot high, 316 foot wide and 356 foot long and features the carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and deities.
k. It has 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes and 20,000 murtis and statues of Saints and devotees.
l. It also features 148 scale sized elephants in total and weighs a total of 3000 tons.
Highlights of Akshardham Temple
Abhishek Mandap: One can participate or be a part of spiritual ritual and offer holy water to Neelkanth,the teenage Yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Prayer is offered to Neelkanth for peace and fulfillment of wishes.
Exhibitions: Exhibitions are the major attractions of all in this temple complex. Artistically mesmerizing, scientifically stunning, culturally moving, and spiritually elevating, the exhibitions create amazing environments capable of transporting viewers to ancient India. The exhibitions are comprised of three parts.
Sahajanand Darshan : Hall of Values
Neelkanth Darshan : Large Format Film
Sanskruti Darshan : Cultural Boat Ride
Water Show: Sahaj Anand – A breathtaking spiritual multimedia water show. Multi-color lasers, video projects, underwater flames, water jets and surround sound in symphony with lights and live actors produce a captivating and inspiring presentation of an important story from the Kena Upanishad.
Thematic Gardens: A visit to Swaminarayan Akshardhams two thematic gardens is a conversation with nature, history and culture. Learn about inspiring children, men and women from Indian history at the Bharat Upvan. Imbibe the wisdom of great minds from around the world at the Yogihriday Kamal.
Helpful tips :
No electronic items are allowed inside the temple complex.
Do not carry mobile phones or cameras
Frisking of all the visitors is present at the entrance.
Temple is closed on Monday
Huge parking space is available at the premises
Food items are not allowed to carry along inside the monument
Timings: All days of the week except Monday(9:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
Enntrance Fees:
INR 170 per person for adults (Exhibition)
INR 100 per person for children (Exhibition)
INR 125 per person for senior citizens (Exhibition)
INR 80 per person for adults (Musical Fountain)
INR 50 per person for children (Musical Fountain)
INR 80 per person for senior citizens (Musical Fountain)
Gandhi Smriti, which means Gandhi Remembrance, is the location where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Birla House, owned by the renowned Indian business family Birlas, was its previous name. The Indian government purchased this property from the Birlas in 1971 and transformed it into a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. This national memorial was opened to the public in August 1973 and is situated on 30 January Marg, formerly known as Albuquerque Road, in New Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi resided in this house from September 9, 1947, to January 30, 1948.
The museum features a variety of items, such as photographs, sculptures, paintings, frescoes, inscriptions on rocks, and relics associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s last 144 days of life and his assassination. It also preserves the room where Gandhi lived and the spot on the ground where he was assassinated.
Timings: All days of the week except Monday(10:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
National Museum located in Janpath Road, New Delhi is one the largest and the most inimitable amongst all the museums here in Delhi. The national museum of New Delhi was established in 1949 and comes under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Two storeyed palatial building has more than 2,00,000 variety of articles, artifacts and antiquities from pre-historic era (Harappan Civilisation) to Buddhist Era 4th to 5th century BC to the modern civilization. It exhibits countless artifacts and antiquities from seals, silk route, exquisite miniature paintings, pottery, terracotta figurines, woodcarvings, textile, statues and impressive collections of jewellery of pre-historic era. The museum houses various galleries featuring musical instruments, an Arms & Armory of old times and many more artifacts covering nearly 5000 years of history. Please go through the offerings of some prominent galleries of National Museum.
Harappan Gallery: Exhibits several artifacts from Harappan Civilization or Indus Valley Civilization, featuring the advanced technology and sophisticated lifestyle of the Harappan people.
Maurya, Shunga and Satvahana Arts Gallery: Exhibits artifacts & objects from three prominent dynasties, The Mauryas, the Shungas and the Satvahanas dating back to 1st century BCE to 4th Century BCE.
Medieval Arts Gallery: The sculptures from the Medieval Period are divided into two categories: Early and Late. The artifacts from the respective periods are divided into two galleries.
Early Medieval Artifacts: Featuring artifacts & sculptures from 7th to 10th centuries after the fall of Gupta dynasty. Later Indian subcontinent was controlled and Influenced by Palas dynasty in the east, Vardhans & Pratiharas in the north, Pallavas, Cholas & Chlukyas in the South.
Late Medieval Artifacts: Exhibits sculptures from 10th to 13th centuries. Indian subcontinent further divided and controlled by Hoysalas & Nayakas in South, Paramars & Chandelas in the North, Gajapatis and Senas in the East and Chauhans & Chahamanas in the West.
Miniature Paintings Gallery: Showcasing more than 17,000 miniature paintings, divided into three categories according to the places and time where this art was developed. Displaying various art styles such as the first category, the Mughal style where miniature painting flourished during Mughal era of Jahangir & Shahjahan. Second & third category of style belong to Central India and Rajasthani, Pahari miniature paintings from 1000 CE to 1900 CE including the painting on Palm leaf, cloth, wood, Leather etc.
Buddhist Artifacts Gallery: Buddhist art section features the sacred relics of Buddha and superb specimens of Buddhist art which is illustrated through exhibits in Stone, Bronze, Terracotta and Stucco from 4th to 5th Century BC.
Manuscripts Gallery: The rare outstanding collection of manuscripts from 7th to the 19th centuries is on display here, representing the various religions and sects of Indian subcontinent. They are of different types of material such as Parchment, Birch Bark, Palm Leaf, Cloth, Paper and Metals.
Coins Gallery: The entire history of Indian coinage from about 6th century BCE to the beginning of the 21st century is exhibited. It also features the display of Gupta Gold Coins, Mughal Coins and British Indian Coins.
Textiles Gallery: Showcasing Cotton, Silk and Woolen textiles which are woven, printed, dyed and embroidered are exhibited in the gallery from the Indian traditional textiles of Mughal period.
Wood Carving Gallery: Exhibits Indian wooden carving specimens from 17th to 19th centuries. One can find wooden carving styles from other states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orisaa and South India.
Arms and Armour Gallery: This gallery exhibits arms from the Stone Age up to the Modern Age.
Timings: All days of the week except Monday(10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Enntrance Fees:
INR 10 per person for Adults (Indians)
INR 300 per person for Adults (foreigners)
INR 1 per person for Students
INR 100 per person Audio fee for Indians (Hindi Language)
INR 150 per person Audio fee for Indians (Other Languages)
INR 20 per person Camera fee for Indians
INR 300 per person Camera fee for Foreigners
The Birla Mandir, also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, is a 7-acre Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi in New Delhi. It is a popular tourist destination located in the central part of the city. The temple was built on the foundation laid by King Udaybhanu Singh, and was completed through the efforts of B.R. Birla and Jugal Kishor Birla, well-known Indian industrialists and philanthropists. It took six years between 1933 and 1939 to complete the temple. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, under the condition that it be open to people of all castes and not restricted to Hindus. In addition to the main shrines of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, the three-story temple complex also has other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Hanuman, and Buddha.
Timings: All days of the week (04:30 AM to 01:30 PM & 02:30 PM to 09:00 PM)
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
Priority is to preserve our rail heritage of India; the national rail museum is located in New Delhi, spread over an area of 10 acres including both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It has a wide collection of rare and antique old rail coaches, best preserved steam locomotives, carriages, Saloon of Prince of Wales and many other railway artifacts. One can also enjoy a toy train ride running through this site regularly.
The main exhibits featuring such as The Fairy Queen, which is the world’s oldest working steam locomotive, built in 1855, considered one of the best preserved locomotives.
Saloon of Prince of Wales: Especially built in 1875 for Prince of Wales for his visit to India.
Saloon of Maharaja of Mysore: A Personal saloon of Maharaja of Mysore was designed using teak, gold and ivory.
Saloon of Maharaja of Indore: Best preserved personal Saloon of Holkar Maharaja of Indore.
Electric Locomotive Sir Leslie Wilson: This WCG 1 is one of the India’s first generation electric locomotives belonged to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway (presently Central Railway).
Timings: All days of the week except Monday (09:30 AM to 05:30 PM)
Enntrance Fees: INR 20 Per Person
The Red Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Delhi, India, built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan, who also constructed the Taj Mahal in Agra. Shahjahan laid the foundation for Red Fort in 1638 after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. It took nine years to complete the construction of the fort. The Shahjahanabad was formed as a new capital city after his arrival in Delhi in 1638, which is presently known as Old Delhi. The Red Fort was the residence of Mughal emperors until 1857. The walls of the fort are made of red sandstone and were designed under the supervision of the architect Ustad Ahmed Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal.
The walls, gates, and other exteriors of the Red Fort are built of red sandstone, while white marble has been used in the palaces. It is located at the northern end of Delhi on the right bank of the river Yamuna, south of Salimgarh. The important gates of the fort are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kahsmiri, and Delhi gates.
Every year on Independence Day of India, the Prime Minister delivers a speech and hoists the national flag from the rampart of the Red Fort.
The Red Fort houses various attractions inside the citadel such as Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience). Behind it is the painted palace called Rang Mahal, named after its colored interior consisting of the main hall with an arched front. There is also a water channel called Nahr-i-Bihisht (Stream of Paradise). The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) is a beautifully ornamented pillared hall along with the Tasbih Khana (Chamber for counting beads for private prayers). Behind it is the Khwabgah. One more significant addition to the fort is The Hammam (Bath) comprising three apartments divided by corridors built of marble and inlaid with colored stones. The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) commissioned by Aurangzeb was later added to the fort.
Timings: All days of the week except Monday (07:00 AM to 05:30 PM)
Enntrance Fees: INR 30 Per Person for Indian & INR 500 Per Person for foreginer
Jama Mosque, located in Old Delhi in front of the Red Fort, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 1644 and completed in 1658 with the help of 5,000 artisans under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the prime minister of Shahjahan. The mosque was built in red sandstone and marble and is considered to be one of the last architectural works of Shahjahan.
The mosque is highly decorative and has a courtyard with a capacity of holding 25,000 worshippers at one time. It has three gates, four towers, and two 40-meter high minarets built in red sandstone and white marble. A total of 899 black borders are marked on the floor for worshippers.
Timings: All days of the week (07:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 01:30 PM to 06:30 PM)
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and is located on the banks of river Yamuna in Delhi. It is situated on Mahatma Gandhi Ring Road and is a black marble platform that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948, following his assassination on January 30, 1948. His last words, “Hey Ram,” are inscribed on a stone close to the platform, where an eternal flame burns constantly at one end. Foreign celebrities also pay their homage to Gandhi at Raj Ghat by offering flowers or wreaths on the platform, and a prayer is held every Friday in remembrance of the day he died. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled courtyard, and two museums dedicated to Gandhiji can be found here.
Timings: All days of the week(05:30 AM to 07:30 PM)
Enntrance Fees: No entrance
Chandini Chowk is one of the most popular markets of Delhi. It is located in Old Delhi near Old Delhi railway station. Red Fort and Jama mosque are also located in proximity. It was built in 17th century by Mughal emperor Shahjahan and designed by his beloved daughter Jaha Ara. Presently Chandini Chowk is famous for its markets offering pure Indian food, delicacies and profoundly Sarees with chikan & Zari work. The area is basically a hub of wholesalers for books, clothing, shoes and leather goods and electronic goods. It has narrow hives of lanes and by lanes through the whole market. It is absolutely worth to visit Chandini Chowk market when you are here in Delhi.
Chandini Chowk market is closed on Sunday.
