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48 Hours in Delhi

Nidhi Dhingra

Last updated: Sep 24, 2018

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Delhi has an immensely rich history, built and rebuilt as it was seven times over as the capital of various dynasties and empires. 48 hours in Delhi for a first-timer is like getting a cupful from a bucket of water! This mammoth capital city has options for all ages, moods and seasons. From monuments, religious structures, museums and art galleries to traditional markets, high-end malls, chic restaurants and green escapes, Delhi has it all!

Here is an itinerary to help you make the most of your precious two days in this dazzling city:

Welcome to saadi dilli!

Day 1

Morning

qutb-delhi — The Qutb complex, with its towering minar amid lush greens is a must-visit for any visitor to Delhi

Begin your day at the Qutb Complex, one of the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites the city boasts, and the site of the oldest of Delhi’s seven cities. Set in lush green lawns, the complex houses several architectural gems, and towering from amidst them all, the Qutb Minar.

If you’re a history-buff head to the adjacent Mehrauli Archaeological Park, strewn with over 40 monuments – including, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Rajon ki Baoli and Madhi Masjid – in an area extending over 200 acres.

Brunch/Lunch

It is time to attend to those hunger pangs! About 15 minutes by car is Hauz Khas Village, Delhi’s ‘urban village’ – perfect for a hearty brunch. Once a part of Siri, the second medieval city of Delhi, HKV as it is popularly known today is one of the hippest parts of the city. From boutiques, funky shops, cafes and restaurants packed into narrow winding lanes and up winding staircases, you’ll find it all here.

Post your meal, go say hello to the deer in the adjoining Deer Park, and take a walk around its charming lake. You can saunter up the Hauz Khas Fort too if you like!

Evening

Later in the evening head to Dilli Haat. Colourful and vibrant, with crafts, music and food from across the country, this place will leave you wide-eyed. Some of the dishes worth trying here are momos at the Nagaland Stall, theplas at the Gujarat stall and fish fry at the Kerala stall.

About 20 minutes from here, the striking Lotus Temple, the Baha’i house of worship, is worth seeing if you can make time. The ISKCON Temple is not far from it.

Night

Let your hair down at Delhi’s famous Khan Market. Grab a beer at one of the many pubs or cosy up in a restaurant with a scrumptious dinner.

You might catch a live band performing or find yourself singing away at a karaoke. Check in advance if that’s how you’d like to wrap your day.

Day 2

Morning

An early morning stroll in the Lodhi Gardens is a perfect start to the day! The sprawling greens are laid out around beautiful Lodhi-period monuments, with well-marked walking trails and a pond – a favourite with both joggers and picnickers.

From here, head over to the grand Mughal monument, Humayun’s Tomb, known to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal in Agra. Built on the same design, though much smaller, is the elegant Safdarjung’s Tomb, barely 3 kms away.

Brunch/Lunch

48-hours-in-delhi-dargah — Prayer threads tied in the jaalis at Nizammudin dargah by the devout. Photo Courtesy: Nidhi Dhingra

Just across from Humanyun’s Tomb complex is the much-revered, white-domed Nizammudin dargah. The narrow lanes leading to the dargah are a haven for meat eaters, with tiny little local restaurants serving succulent kebabs and biryanis as well as sweet-meats. There’s also the legendary Karim’s famous for their delicious Mughlai style curries, like nihari and korma.

Or, you may (please do!) head over to Café Lota in the National Crafts Museum for its delightful ambience and a lip-smacking, innovative menu giving a twist to traditional Indian recipies! It stands just across from the Purana Qila (Old Fort).

Also close by are Shankar’s International Doll Museum and the Delhi Zoo.

Late Afternoon

No visit to the capital city can be complete without a drive around Lutyen’s Delhi. Jump into the car and enjoy the broad tree-lined avenues around Rashtrapati Bhavan, Central Secretariat and India Gate. Soak in the city’s heritage at the National Gallery of Modern Art, National Museum, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in the vicinity.

Head over to Connaught Place (or CP), the stately, columned market that served as the most important business and shopping centre of the city for several years after independence. Today, it has everything from branded stores to pavement stalls, street-food and stylish eateries. For a real roadside shopping experience head to Janpath.

Not surprisingly, the area around Connaught Place is dotted with significant historical landmarks – Agrasen ki Baoli, Jantar Mantar, Hanuman Mandir, Gole Dak Khana, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Mandi House and Birla Temple, to name a few.

The Central Park with the tall flag mast stands as a cheerful green oasis in the middle.

Evening

Head over to Chandni Chowk for a brush with the chaotic-yet-exciting old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow galis, crossing lively markets – Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazar, Nai Sadak – and landmarks – Bagirath Palace, Jain Mandir, Sisganj Gurdwara, Sunehri Masjid, Town Hall, St Stephens Church, Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi Gate, etc. Indulge in the mouth-watering street food like the famous Daulat ki Chaat, kachoris and dahi bhalla.

Climb up the steps of the Jama Masjid and feel the breeze through its many arches. Catch the Sound and Light Show at Lal Qila (Red Fort) and delve in stories of this ever-changing city. Bid farewell to the city with some unforgettable paranthas at the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali.

Until next time!

Best Time to Visit

Winter (Oct-March) is the best time to visit, with crisp mornings and pleasant days. This is also when the city is abuzz with some great festivals in music, theatre, and food. That said, if you are culturally inclined, check in advance and you are sure to find something in one of the many venues, regardless of the time of the year.

Getting Around

Like any big city, the traffic is often heavy and chaotic. The metro is a great option, if you can acquaint yourself with its route. Else, just rent a per-day cab and keep abreast of busy stretches at peak office hours.

Also, be sure to check on the opening days and timings for the museums and monuments before you head out.

Book your Delhi Holiday Now! Book your Flight to Delhi here!

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