A striking contrast to its historically and culturally rich sister Old Delhi, New Delhi is a subtle yet perfect blend of traditional and modern culture. A city of great character, of contrasts and convolutions – this is New Delhi, the capital city of India.
A city with antiquity dating back over 2,000 years, it is also a modern metropolis with fast cars and neon light shopping malls. So varied are the shades of the city’s different faces, it is difficult to grasp it in a short span of time. New Delhi ranges from the ruins of the seven historical cities built over time, to the central hub of commerce and government, onwards into the prosperous southern parts and the multitude of villages which have been engulfed by the ever-growing city.
A repository of India’s culture and heritage, New Delhi is popular for its many museums, art galleries and crafts expositions that are a mirror to the entire country. The city with resplendent residential as well as commercial complexes designed with green concept in mind is a traveller’s delight. So travel to Delhi and explore its varied hues yourself.
How to Reach New Delhi?
By Air : With the new swanky T3 Terminal, which caters to international and domestic flights, getting into the city has become easier. The terminal with its two floors buildings ensures a smooth flow of arrivals and departures where in the ground floor caters to arrivals and the top floor is reserved for departures. With 168 checks –in counters and various duty free shops along with fast food outlets is a traveller’s delight.
By Rail : The main station is the New Delhi Railway Station which receives trains from all over the country. The other railway station is the Hazrat Nizammudin Railway Station which serves the north bound trains and is conveniently situated in South Delhi.
By Road : New Delhi is very well connected to most of the major cities of the country with good highway network, driving down to the city is another good option to reach this captivating capital city of the country. Some of the cities that are good driving down options to reach this city are Amritsar, Delhi, Bareilly, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Jhansi and Mathura, in north; Ajmer, Jaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad in the west, and Gwalior in the central India.
Best Time to Visit New Delhi
Ideally the best time to visit this lively city is between October and March when the weather is pleasant with the daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degree Celsius.
The months from April to June are officially the summer months. Summers are usually unbearably hot with temperatures touching 44 degree Celsius. At this time of the year the Loo -- a local hot wind, stirs up dust storms and people prefer to stay indoors. From July to September the city witnesses rain and although temperatures drop down the humidity level rises.
Winters are the time when the city witnesses loads of festivals. Starting from Dussehra and Diwali in October and November, and ending with Holi in March.
December and January are the coldest months in the city and January witnesses a dense fog and smog.
Things to do in New Delhi
New Delhi offers a list of things to do and see for her visitors so varied in range that travellers will be wondering from where to start exploring the charms of this city.
Marvel at the historical monuments that are an architectural delight sprinkled all over the city or go for walks in the manicured lawns of Lodhi Gardens. Pay homage at some of the beautifully designed churches or intricately carved temples.
Shop to your heart’s content in the famous markets or go for bargain shopping at the street markets like Janpath. Check out the various state emporiums from where you can pick up fabrics and other specialities of a particular place.
Relish cuisines from various parts of the country and the world offered at various restaurants in the city. Depending on your choice you can choose from the restaurants that offer fine dining or casual dining options to their guests. Savour a drink or two at some of the popular bars or savour a cup of coffee at the chain of cafés spread in New Delhi.
So if you are looking for fun filled holidays with lots exploring and dining out then a visit to New Delhi is a must.
Places Near New Delhi
Owing to its central location, New Delhi is a gateway for various scenic places which are easily accessible through well maintained roads, and some of these interesting places near New Delhi are mentioned below.
Within the four hours drive one can reach Bharatpur. Just 180km from New Delhi, Bharatpur is famous for Bharatpur Birds’ Sanctuary. Being a home to more than 370 species of birds, this famous bird sanctuary is the only sanctuary which has an honour of being the Siberian Cranes, the highly endangered migratory bird, only wintering ground in India. If bird watching is not your scene then you can visit Lohagarh – an 18th century iron fort and the Palace – a royal structure with elements of Mughal and Rajput architectural style houses a museum that exhibits rare art, sculptures, inscriptions, armoury, and handicrafts.
Located within 240 km from Delhi is Sariska, which is just three hours drive from New Delhi. Sariska is famous for the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Home to a wide variety of carnivores, the park is also famous for its large populace of Rhesus Monkeys.
You can also visit the famous Kankwari Fort where Aurangzeb once imprisoned his elder brother Dara Shikoh, and the ancient ruins of Shiva Temples.
Just 277km from New Delhi is the Pink City of the country – Jaipur. Famous for its opulent palaces, heritage hotels, Jaipur is the thriving capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur with its rich cultural heritage and history is a getaways delight. So get ready to lose yourself in the edifices and sprawling gardens of the city. You can visit Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and Nahargarh to name the few architectural delights of erstwhile Jaipur.
Hotels in New Delhi – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in New Delhi ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.