In this last article about India’s Golden Triangle , we will get lost in the chaotic and vibrant Delhi . This city, with its rich history and its incessant energy, is a mix of cultures and contrasts.
Delhi 's streets are a whirlwind of life. Traffic, honking horns and crowds of people create a chaos that, paradoxically, is also its charm. Here, the old and the new coexist perfectly. From traditional bazaars to gleaming skyscrapers, Delhi is a collage of eras and styles.
Delhi has witnessed empires, invasions and revolutions. Its monuments tell stories of Mughal emperors, sultans and revolutionary leaders. Humayun's Tomb , India Gate and the Red Fort are just a few examples of its historical legacy.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb is a Mughal architectural complex that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. It houses the main tomb of Emperor Humayun, as well as other tombs, mosques and buildings. Built between 1565 and 1572, the tomb is notable for its octagonal structure, painted ceilings and its influence on the later design of the famous Taj Mahal . It is an impressive testament to Mughal architectural art and one of the best-preserved complexes . In addition, Humayun's Tomb fuses elements of Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions.
Humayun's Tomb is definitely a must-see in Delhi. For me, it has little to envy of the Taj Mahal (always keeping the distance).
Old Delhi
The city of Delhi It is a melting pot of cultures, a mix of the ancient and the modern. But if you want to immerse yourself in authenticity and history, you cannot miss exploring Old Delhi . This part of the city, also known as Shahjahanabad , was founded in 1639 by Emperor Shah Jahan , the same one who built the iconic Taj Mahal . Here, the narrow streets and ancient buildings transport you to a bygone era.
The aromas and flavours of Old Delhi
The aroma of spices floats in the air as you pass by the stalls of chana chaat , jalebi , and samosas . Sweet shops, with their piles of barfi , gulab jamun and sohan halwa , are a feast for the senses. And you can't leave without trying an authentic parantha in Paranthe Wali Gali , where generations have perfected the recipe for this delicious street food. You can't leave Old Delhi without buying spices, although for my taste, they are too spicy.
The hidden treasures
Explore Old Delhi It's like searching for treasures in an ancient trunk. You discover havelis (traditional houses) with carved balconies and latticed windows. You come across Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, each with its own history and devotion. And in the midst of it all, you find small craft shops, where artisans continue to create wonders with their hands.
The hustle and bustle of life
The streets are full of people: street vendors, rickshaws, tuk tuks, bicycles and people in a hurry. The hustle and bustle is constant, but it is also what gives life to Old Delhi . Here, time seems to have stopped, and every corner has a story to tell.
The majesty of Jama Masjid
In the heart of Old Delhi is located Jama Masjid , one of the largest mosques in India. Its white marble domes reach up into the sky, and from its minaret, you can see the entire city spread out before you. The inner courtyard, with its central fountain and worshippers, makes you feel part of something bigger.
So if you ever get a chance to visit Old Delhi , don't hesitate to immerse yourself in its narrow streets, taste its delights and let yourself be carried away by its charm. It is a trip that will transport you to another era and make you feel part of its vibrant history. Of course, I recommend going with a guide, otherwise you can get lost.
The best restaurant in Delhi
In the heart of Pandara Road , a culinary corner of Delhi , lies Gulati Restaurant . Its history began modestly in 1959 as a small dhaba with wooden benches and tables. However, over time, it has transformed into a fine dining restaurant, known for its exquisite North Indian , Mughlai , Hyderabadi and Tandoori cuisine .
Hotels in Delhi
Delhi has a great choice of hotels. We were in Delhi at two different times, so we tried two hotels, one located in a more authentic and chaotic neighborhood and the other in a more residential neighborhood, although it was still authentic.
- Hotel The Singh Empire : Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️
He The Singh Empire Hotel It is located in the heart of New Delhi and offers a variety of amenities for its guests including:
- Room service 24 hours
- Rooms with WiFi
- Restaurant
- Price: 25 € approx.
This is an ideal place for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in Delhi, with easy access to sightseeing and local nightlife. The rooms served their purpose but the bathrooms were Indian toilets, meaning the shower was integrated into the toilet. If you are considering staying there, I recommend checking out their official website for more information and booking a room. However, if you are looking for peace and quiet, this is probably not the place for you as you will be faced with the constant hustle and bustle of the city as soon as you step outside.
- Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar : Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of the worst, if not the worst hotel I have ever been to in my life. The hotel I recommend the least of all those I have been to. I don't understand how the Radisson Blu chain can have such a neglected hotel. Unbearable smells in the hallways, dining rooms and rooms. They wanted to charge me double. It took me more than an hour to check in...
Transportation Tips in India
In India, the two most common options for getting around the country are: hiring a private driver or traveling by train. We were able to experience both methods of transportation, but on this last trip we decided to hire a private driver from the company RAJASTHAN DRIVER TOURS , run by Ranjeet.
The advantages of hiring a private driver include flexibility in planning your trip, freedom from train and/or flight schedules, comfort and safety. The disadvantages may include loss of immersion in Indian culture and higher cost compared to travelling by train.
The truth is that we had no problems with Ranjeet and he advised us and booked all the guided tours, he met all the schedules and welcomed us perfectly.
The trip cost us €155 per person (there were 5 of us) for 7 days with airport transfer. Choosing a private driver is definitely the best option, especially if they make things as easy for you as Ranjeet does.