See and Do in Delhi

Delhi is daunting but delightful - built on seven ancient cities, the present day metropolis takes in all of them and a lot more. The city is vast and the mantra for expats looking for ways to spend a weekend in Delhi, which works well both for those on a short-term stay and for those settling, is try to plan one major outing every day.

Take advantage of outdoor pursuits from October to April; May and June tend to be very hot and July and August make up the monsoon season.

Realise that traffic doesn't always flow in the direction you are expecting, and the Metro is an efficient way of travelling in the city. Alternatively, there are plenty of yellow and black Ambassador Taxis and auto rickshaws which offer inexpensive transport.
 

Delhi is a shopper’s paradise. Colours and patterns are designed to attract your eye and lure you in for some lively bargaining and good service. Indians haggle over everything, and you can too. Expats can spend the entirety of a weekend in Delhi wandering through the markets, picking up some real bargains and experimenting with some tasty snacks en route.

 Go to INA (Indian National Army market) for fresh fruit and vegetables (INA Metro station); or peruse Sunder Nagar for antiques and bric-a-brac. Visit Sarojini market, Dilli Haat (INA Metro Station) and Hauz Khas village, (Hauz Khas Metro Station) – all great options for inexpensive trendy clothes, handicrafts and a true glimpse of some real hustle and bustle.

Old Delhi is not for the fainthearted, but if you fancy a sense of the old city go to Chandni Chowk (Lal Qila Metro Station).The roads are narrow and crowded so the best way to get around is on foot or in a cycle rickshaw. Go with a guide and agree on a price beforehand. Visit the Spice Market, the Silver Market and the Wedding Market for an unforgettable experience.
 

Sampling street food in India is must. While in Chandni Chowk, go to Karim’s, dating from 1913, for an authentic North Indian kebab and tandoor. If looking for something a little more relaxing try the great value buffet brunches offered by restaurants and hotels on Sundays.

For the more energetic, a walk or run in Lodi gardens among over 100 species of trees, and a meal  or a snack in the adjacent restaurant is a delightful way to pass a few hours.

Those expats keen to tickle their taste buds with more variety, should make an effort to visit any of the “Bhavans”, or state houses in Delhi. Most of these canteen-style eateries are huddled around the leafy streets of Chanakyapuri, and each features authentic regional cuisine. Prices are unbeatable and walk-ins are generally welcome.  
 

Ancient tombs and modern blocks are often found side by side in the city, and discovering the juxtaposition is one great way to spend a weekend in Delhi.

History buffs will certainly want to walk around the towering Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Village, which unravels below. Look for the “Baoli”, a well in the village, often missed, and stroll through the archaeological park and the flower market. (Qutub Minar Metro Stop). Stop off at the nearby Olive Bar and Restaurant in One Mile High for a delicious brunch or a fresh lemon drink.

 Visit Safdarjung’s Tomb (Jor Bagh Metro stop) and admire the Mughal tiling and marble tomb. Otherwise, catch Sufi music in Nizammudin and visit the tombs there.

There are various museums in the city, but Sanskriti Kendra, a private initiative in South Delhi is an oasis of calm specialising in Indian terracotta, ancient artefacts and textiles. You can organise tours, lunches and pottery workshops there.

Finally, take an auto rickshaw around the Rashtrapati Bhavan (The Presidential Palace) and Raisina Hill to gain an appreciation for how comprehensively the city was redesigned by Lutyens, and admire the uninterrupted view to India Gate.

►Qutub Minar
www.qutubminar
This gigantic tower soars 238ft (72m) into Delhi’s skyline and was built between 1193 and 1369 as a symbol of Islamic rule in Delhi. The tower is inscribed with calligraphy verses from the Koran and vantage points where breathtaking views can be enjoyed.

►Red Fort
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One of Delhi’s most famous attractions is the Red Fort, or Lal Quila as it is locally known. The red stone structure is a reminder of the wealth and rule of the Mogul Empire who presided over the area during the 17th century. Delhi residents can only imagine the beauty of the fort at the height of the empire’s rule when the walls were dotted with precious stones.

►Humayun’s Tomb
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A fine example of Mogul architecture, Humayun’s Tomb is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal and houses the remains of Humayun, the second Moghul emperor. The grounds are also worth a visit as they include monuments such as the Tomb of Isa Khan.
 

Take advantage of the perfect weather to explore some of Delhi’s parks and forests, like the Deer Park and the Ridge. Hire a bicycle and enjoy the city’s tree lined avenues and quaint neighbourhoods with Delhibycycle.com. Book a heritage walk or take the children to an aqua park.

Up early? Join one of the Bird watching groups.
 

Check out nightly events for Indian music and dances held in parks around the city. Otherwise, Delhi has more than its fair share of museums, each liable to keep the whole family entertained.

►The Gandhi Museum
A modern and interactive museum featuring various memorabilia connected to Gandhi.
Tel: (011)233 11793

►National Gallery of Modern Art
For art lovers, a museum that features works from the 1850s and onwards. An impressive permanent collection, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions on show.
Tel: (011) 233 84640

►Kiran Nadar Museum
A space devoted to showcasing modern and contemporary work from India and the surrounding sub-continent.
 

While it’s easy to spend a weekend in Delhi unwinding from the mania of the city, at some point it’s always worthwhile to take some time to be with those who are less fortunate; becoming part of a process to help the organisations that do such valuable work here is incredibly rewarding.
 

An intimate look at the backstreets of Delhi’s inner city, as guided by a child who was formerly living and “working” in the area.
 Tel: (011) 235 84164
 

A shop initiative that markets handicrafts made by disabled and leprosy-effected persons.
Tel: (011) 269 65039
 

Visit one of the educational centres created by Project Why to see the schooling offered to slum children.
Tel: (098) 114 24877