New Delhi: 10 Best Ways To Delve Into Indian Culture

New Delhi is the capital of India. It is the most populated city in the country and the second most populated worldwide with a whopping 31 million people calling it home. New Delhi is the capital and Delhi is the surrounding region. Its past being intertwined with the British has resulted in some incredible and distinct architecture. Their buildings and monuments are unique to New Delhi. This city is actually home to the world’s tallest brick building, the Qutub Minar. It stands at an incredible 240 feet tall. One of the city’s most impressive structures has to be the Lotus Temple. It is the only example of  Baha’i architecture in Asia. 

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This incredibly populated city has lots of hidden gems to discover, the suburb of Chandni Chowk alone has hidden street shops and offers incredible street food. There are tons of bustling street markets to explore so make sure you bring your bartering A-game. One of the most unusual attractions in New Delhi is their international museum of toilets. I suppose everyone has to go right so why not see how toilets differ across cultures? 

Vegetarians can rejoice as India has the highest number of vegetarians of any other country on the planet meaning it is easy to find a delicious vegetarian meal. New Delhi makes a great vacation destination and believe it or not, India is the second largest English speaking country on Earth making it incredibly easy for native English speakers to get around. 

Getting around New Delhi is quite easy, in fact, their metro system was voted the 2nd best in the world and the entire public transport system runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Even their rickshaws are automated now. Weather wise, New Delhi experiences quite mild seasons and it stays fairly hot all year. Their seasons are more wet and dry. Over the course of a year, temperatures usually vary from around 46°F to 103°F. The monsoon wet season runs from June to September and May is their hottest month.

10. Chandni Chowk Market, New Delhi

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Coming in at number 10 on Tripio’s custom top 10 is of course a street market. Delhi is famous for its street markets and Chandni Chowk Market is the iconic one. Established in the 17th century, this historical market once housed over 1,500 stalls. It is also known as moonlight square. You can find everything here from spices to clothes, jewelry and food. You can’t miss it! It is one of the oldest markets in the country. Plus what a great place to pick up all the souvenirs for your family and friends back home. I know I always cherish travel souvenirs.

9. Lakhori Mughlai Restaurant, New Delhi

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Lakhori Mughlai Restaurant offers authentic medieval Indo-Persian cuisine in a lavish atmosphere. This restaurant is in the Haveli Dharampura hotel and offers both indoor and courtyard seating. The building was built in the early 1800s and still holds all of its charm. You may even get the chance to enjoy a live Kathak performance during your meal which is a traditional Indian dance. To experience a country’s culture is to eat their food! Even if sometimes it means being a bit more adventurous than usual by trying something spicy. On the Tripio App, you can create your own custom itinerary and select what food options suit your preferences. By selecting your preferences in the app, Tripio will generate a custom top 10 list for you. Take all the stress out of travel because here at Tripio, we have done all the work for you!

8. Safdarjung Tomb

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The tomb of Safdarjung was built in 1754 out of red sandstone and marble. Safdarjung acted as what we could consider today as the Prime Minister of India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur.  This strikingly beautiful red sandstone building adorned with domed roofs and a long fountain is a jewel of Delhi. Don’t forget to visit the grounds garden, library and pavilions. 

7. Go On A Tiger Spotting Safari

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Clawing its way into Tripio’s top 10 is of course a safari in which you can see wild Bengal Tigers. India is the best place on earth to experience these incredible creatives, wild, free and in their natural habitat. Indian Wildlife Adventures organizes jeep safari tours to go tiger and leopard spotting. This is what is called a shooting safari, not with a gun but with a camera. Get up close and personal with these wild animals if you dare. Remember to always follow the instructions of the safari guide and never get out of the jeep when there are wild animals about! 

If this activity catches your eye then why not head over to the Tripio App and give it a heart to add it to your bucket list, even better, why not create your own custom itinerary on the Tripio App to plan your next vacation. Adventure is out there, take a walk, or shall I say, drive, on the wild side.

6. Jama Masjid, New Delhi

Photo by Ḿᴀʏᴜʀ Ȿᴀʙʟᴇ on Unsplash

When we travel, it is so wonderful to be able to experience the biggest and best. Jama Masjid is India’s largest Mosque with a worshiping capacity of 25,000. This red sandstone grand structure was built during the reign of Shah Jahan, he famously also ordered the construction of the nearby Red Fort and the infamous Taj Mahal during the 17th century. This is an active place of worship so please be respectful at all times. Try to remain quiet and to dress modestly, arms and legs must be covered and shoes must be removed upon entry.

5. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

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Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib is a large Sikh temple of worship that houses a pool of water that allegedly contains healing properties. This is a sacred place of worship so please dress modestly and remove your shoes upon entry inside. Its beautiful white marble structure adorned with gold onion domes is striking. It was originally constructed in 1664 as a bungalow, however, most of the grand structure you see today was built in 1947. There are local vendors and stalls selling religious trinkets and street food.

4. Akshardham Temple

Taking the number 4 place on our Tripio top 10 is the largest Hindu temple on earth. Akshardham is a huge Hindu temple, in fact, it is the largest one in the world according to the Guinness book of world records although this is disputed. This striking temple was built in 2005 out of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Taking over 11,000 artisans to intricately decorate this mega structure. Food and drinks can be purchased beside the temple. Please dress modestly as this is a place of worship and remove your shoes upon entry. Stick around for nightfall and enjoy the water and light show at the fountain.

3. Qutub Minar, New Delhi

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The Qutub Minar is a beautiful 240 foot high sandstone victory tower.  In fact, it is the tallest tower in India. It was constructed in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom by the Muslims. Unfortunately, you cannot adventure and climb the floors of the tower anymore due to the structure aging but it is still a fabulous place to visit. 

2. The Red Fort, New Delhi

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The Red Fort comes in at a show stopping number 2 in our top 10. If history and structural magnificence is something that you love then add this place to your custom itinerary on the Tripio App. The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qalʿah was built in the 17th century as a palace home for the 5th Mughal Emperor of India.  It gets its name from its huge walls of red sandstone. This impressive structure was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007. It is a must-see attraction in New Delhi. Today, it serves as a museum and monument to the past. 

1. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

Photo by Tarun Anand Giri on Unsplash

Rounding out our Tripio’s top 10 list is none other than the Humayun’s Tomb, which was built in 1570. Everyone has heard of the Taj Mahal but Humayun’s Tomb was in fact the first garden-tomb in India.  The tomb, built out of a combination of red sandstone and marble for the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Although a wheelchair cannot access the interior of the tomb, you would be able to explore the grounds and take photos of the grand structure. This tomb has been classified as an UNESCO world heritage site.

I hope you have enjoyed our Tripio’s best 10 ways to delve into Indian culture here in New Delhi. We have everything from tombs to both Hindu and Muslim temples/Mosques, street markets, a Bengal tiger safari and even food. One of the best and most fun aspects of traveling in my opinion is really getting to experience new cultures. Here at Tripio, we are all about finding you the very best of the best experiences all across the globe. Download the Tripio App right now and start creating your bucket list, custom itinerary and custom top 10. Your vacation starts now!

Looking for adventure in India? Check out our blog: Mumbai: 10 Ways To Get That Adrenaline Rush

or Kolkata: Top 10 Cultural Sites Not To Be Missed

And The Best City Escapes

Ultimate Guide to Vacationing in New Delhi, India: Tips for American Tourists

-Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

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