Yeh Shehar Nahi Mehfil Hai: 14 Things To Do If You’re Visiting Delhi For The First Time

If you ever stayed in Delhi for more than a couple of weeks/months, you wouldn’t feel like going anywhere else. Why is that, you ask? Well, for starters, you’ll get to experience the best of both worlds (and all the weathers. hehe) – the big city enthusiasm and the small-town-like serenity. It’ll make you hustle with it’s exciting, fast-paced lifestyle and at the same time, keep you absolutely carefree. In dilwalo ki dilli, you’d find yourself craving for things you never realised you could love so much and stay hooked on to them. From its beautiful architecture and an upbeat nightlife to mouth-watering street food and eye-catching attractions, you won’t be able to get enough of the city once you’re in it.

While it’s impossible to note down the millions of things you’d love about it, we’ve made a list comprising of 14 feel-good experiences that’ll make you fall in love with the capital city. So, for those who never visited Delhi (or in a long time), get ready to pack your bags and book your tickets, now. ‘Cause you’ll surely want to, after reading this. Might as well save some time, don’t you think?

1. Relish The Soulful Street-Food Of Delhi

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Delhites are known to be the biggest foodies. With lip-smacking and irresistible snacks found almost everywhere around the city, what else do you expect? While you may find spicy golgappas, crunchy chaat-papdi and dahi bhalle being sold in abundance by every street vendor, the streets of Chandni Chowk is where the real magic begins. Get ready to ‘foodgasm’ as you dive in the sinful goodness of meat kebabs, malai chaap, chole kulche, kulfi faloodas and freshly cooked, warm and buttery Paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali. You’d call yourself an even bigger foodie once you’re out of it!

Also Read About Local Food In Chennai

2. Marvel The Historic Magnificence Of Forts

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Delhi is home to some of India’s most breathtaking forts and tombs. So, before you enjoy the city of (new) Delhi transformed by our ancestors, make sure you visit these ancient pillars of Mughal beauty. Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of their walls, the iconic spots and the stories of how they became famous. Some of the best forts include Agrasen Ki Baoli, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas Fort, Humayun Tomb and Tughlakabad Fort. Go for a photo walk with your friends or spend some time engaging in conversations as you sit together and admire the serene views from a height.

Also Read Fun Things To Do In Kochi

3. Go Berserk With Affordable Street-Shopping

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When in Delhi, the phrase ‘shop till you drop’ becomes a reality and bargaining skills come handy. Especially when you find an unlimited array of adorable clothes, chunky jewellery and attractive footwear – ALL for extremely low prices. Sounds like a dream? Well, it isn’t. Places like Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Kamla Nagar and Paharganj are known to be every shopaholic’s paradise. And how do we know if you’ve been there? When your hands are full of shopping bags with BIG smiles on your face.

4. Find Your Peace At These Places Of Worship

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When you’re in Delhi, you learn to respect the beauty of not just one religion but of various others as well. Such is the magic of diversity! While the grandeur of temples like Akshardham, ISKCON, Jhandewalan and Lotus (temple) may make you explore spirituality like and never before, there’s also no greater joy in eating at the langar of Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara or in lighting a candle and attending a mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, both located in Connaught Place (CP).

5. Do Dilli Darshan In Quirky Means Of Transport

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The best way to explore the city is to – well, do it a little different. Quit travelling in the same ol’ boring cabs or autos and have some fun. Try the HOHO Bus Tour and ‘hop on, hop off’ a funky, purple coloured bus which takes you to awesome picnic spots, covering almost 19 destinations in Delhi. You can either get off whenever you like or stay on for as long as you want. Another fun way to make your tour even more interesting is to ride on a two-wheeled, electronic Segway and explore all the historic buildings and monuments – starting from India Gate, through all the ministry buildings up till Rashtrapati Bhavan.

6. Have Some Fun At IHC – India Habitat Centre

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India Habitat Centre has been the one-stop destination for everything fun, artistic and inspiring. Being an open-air complex, it helps you enjoy the tranquillity of its perfectly juxtaposed spaces of greenery and beautiful, brick buildings. You can either go through their famous art galleries or catch a play in one of the auditoriums. If you’re lucky, you might even to get to watch street-plays or bands performing live music on one of the main amphitheatres. It also has restaurants like The All American Diner and Eatopia which serve delectable cuisines from all over the world and are perfect for your instant hunger pangs.

Also Read: Explore The Hidden Gems In Daman

7. Explore The Cultural Diversity At Dilli Haat

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Dilli Haat is one of the most famous and fascinating attractions of the city. Known as the ‘mini-India’, it gives you a glimpse of all the cultures under one roof and leaves you mesmerised by our rich diversity. What makes it so unique is its endless variety of colourful stalls with traditional handicrafts, furniture, clothes and jewellery along with eateries serving authentic cuisines from every state. They also have fun activities like Mehandi making, braiding, tarot-card reading and sketch-portrait making. At night, the place seems even more divine with sparkling lights and music and feels perfect for a romantic outing.

8. Feel Like A Queen At The Kingdom Of Dreams

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As India’s first live entertainment theatre and leisure destination, ‘Kingdom of Dreams’ is one spectacular place you’ll want to visit again and again with all your friends and family. While its Culture Gully brings together all the signature flavours and quintessential vibes of India’s states under one roof, the Nautanki Mahal or 835-seated auditorium showcases some of the grandest plays and musicals of the country, the most popular ones being Zangoora – The Gypsy Prince and Jhumroo. At KOD, you’ll have so much to do that you won’t find yourself getting bored even for even a second. What else could you ask for?

9. Spend A Day At These One-Of-A-Kind Museums

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Each museum in Delhi is a wonder in itself and the rarest of its kind. Whatever your interest may be, there is going to be some museum/s catering to your curiosity. Passionate about arts? Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. Have a zeal for history? The National Museum or Nehru / Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is your place to be. To unleash the kid within you, head to Dolls Museum or the National Rail Museum for some fun adventures. My personal favourite is the Nehru Planetarium which lets you escape into space for a little while and experience a starry night with an insight into the world of astronomy. 

10. Escape The City Chaos At These Gardens

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When the world gets too overwhelming, there’s no greater pleasure than in reconnecting with nature. If you’re looking for a place to relax and rewind, a romantic stroll down lush greenery or a great little picnic spot, the serenity of these gardens is exactly what you need. Lodi Garden, Buddha Garden and Garden of Five Senses are three of the most beautiful gardens blooming with an exotic range of flowers, musical fountains and mini tombs to let you escape the heat whilst still enjoying the breeze and sound of birds.

11. Listen To Soul Stirring Sufi Music At Dargahs

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If you’re into deep, soulful lyrics or love listening to traditional Sufi music, then a visit to Hazrat  Nizamuddin Dargah or Jama Masjid should definitely be on your list. As one of the most astounding masjids and dargahs of the country, they attract millions of people from all religions of the world, devotees or those in search of peace. The atmosphere is so inviting and calming that you instantly feel healed. And if you go on a Thursday evening, you’ll be able to hear their beautiful Qawalis! Their heart-churning lyrics and mellifluous rhythms will leave you in a state of trance and wanting for more.

12. ‘Row Your Boat’ With Lights, Stories & More

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I know what you’re thinking. Same ol’ boring, boating experience huh? Well, not at all! The boating at Purana Qila will be a bit different. You won’t just row down your boat and chit-chat along the way. And neither will you get tired in peddling your own boat without enjoying the beauty of this ride. As you cross the Purana Qila lake, you’ll be sat down with one of the people in charge of this activity and reminisce the historic tales of our city, its great rulers, their ruins and of course, the significance of Purana Qila in all of it. He’ll tell you the stories of all that you see – right there and then. And at night, when you’re surrounded by enchanting lights and feel the cool breeze, the experience is pretty mind-blowing!

13. Live Like A Tibetan For A Day At Majnu Ka Tila

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Ever felt like escaping into another country whilst still being in Delhi? Well, that’s exactly what our ‘Little Tibet’ offers for you. From the moment you enter its cute little lanes, you don’t feel like you’re in Delhi anymore. All thanks to the colourful display of Tibetan flags, soft bells and traditional music playing in the markets and the fascinating Holy temples that you can’t resist to visit. Their most loved restaurants include AMA Cafe, Kori’s and Nor-Khyil. You must also try their Tibetan speciality – a spicy, cold flat-noodle dish called Laping. One bite and you’ll find yourself forgetting momos in a jiffy – I mean it!

14. Head To These Shop-&-Dine Worthy Places

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Whether you’re looking for fine dining experiences or the yummiest local eateries, places for brand fanaticism or the funkiest, budget-friendly shopping, these markets/malls will give you the ‘best of the best’ – CP, Khan Market, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Shankar Market, Shahpur Jat, Saket SelectCity Walk, DLF Promenade/Ambience/Emporio, Pacific Mall and The Great India Place Mall.

So, what are you waiting for? Get, Set, Go!

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