D Delhi lh Enjoy a guided food walk to a spice market
India’s capital is brimming with beautiful crafts, delicious cuisine and historic sites
Bespoke Indian craft
1You’ll find crafts, textiles and beautiful homewares aplenty in Delhi. For more upmarket produce, head to Khan Market, meanwhile Dilli Haat (the food and craft market) and Hauz Khas village offer a plethora of produce – but with cheaper price tags. Even if you’re just window shopping, the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi are worth a leisurely browse.
Take a ride on the Metro
2Far from the, sometimes stifling, London Tube, Delhi’s Metro is a breath of fresh air. It’s cheap, clean and orderly, making a very welcome change from the busy, noisy streets overhead.
The art is exquisite
3From the National Museum, which displays armour and ethnic art, to the Exhibit320, which showcases contemporary art from all over India, there’s a wealth of galleries to explore, whatever your artistic tastes. Art Positive is one of the newest galleries to join Delhi’s impressive art scene. It promotes upcoming artists and hosts classes and workshops you can join in with. See galleryartpositive.com.
It’s steeped in history
4Wander around Hauz Khas district to find ancient tombs and interesting architecture, then visit Gandhi’s tomb, situated in one of Delhi’s most peaceful corners. The Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb are also worth a look. If you have enough time and fancy a day out, head to the Qutb Minar, an impressive 73m tall monument built in 1193. Cycle tours will take you around Delhi’s most famous landmarks. Book at delhitourism.gov.in. Birla Mandir temple is a must, where deities of the Hindu Pantheon are illustrated inside. Tourists are allowed entry all year and are able to witness a traditional blessing known as ‘aarti’.
Authentic Indian curry
5Street food and good quality restaurants are everywhere, with something to please every palate. The aromas circling Delhi’s streets will delight lovers of Indian spices. If you’re a foodie, try a themed walk at delhifoodwalks. com. You can sign up as a group or an individual. Their knowledgeable guides make sure you get a comprehensive taste of all that’s on offer – both sweet and savoury – in what is India’s culinary hotbed.
Relax in the Lodi Gardens
6You can while away a relaxing afternoon, or even an entire day, wandering around these beautiful 90-acre grounds, away from the crowds and fast pace of city life. Lodis ruled northern India for over 100 years, and the monuments here are rare examples from this period. Surrounded by calming green landscape is the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb, while the Athpula Bridge over the lake is another spectacular sight.