It is your first time in India and you are lost in New Delhi. Maybe you are wondering what to see or what to do or maybe you are concerned of what to eat. This is my Delhi itinerary for two perfect days in New Delhi.

Pre-Trip Preparation

If you have not read Part I to this itinerary guide, please do check it out here. I covered important tips you should be aware of especially when travelling in India during summer.

I also covered one pretty cool trick here on how to determine what is a reasonable price to pay if you are taking auto rickshaws while in Delhi and are trying avoid being ripped off.

Do note that this itinerary should not be done on a Monday as a number of attractions are closed. I found this out the hard way.

Delhi Itinerary Part Two

If you started off day 1 and you felt as though you had not really gone down to what “real” India is, fret not. Today’s itinerary will showcase attractions that really bring to mind what I felt was the more romanticised version of India.

First up, Qutb Minar! This complex houses the tallest minaret in the world made up of bricks. Originally constructed as a four storey tower, a fifth storey was eventually added between 1351-1388. Each storey is clearly demarcated by the different architecture. The Minar is surrounded by other significant monuments, including Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was built at the same time as the Minar, and the much older Iron Pillar of Delhi. The pillar is now blocked off by a fence due to the excessive corrosion caused by the sweat of people hugging the pillar for superstitious reasons.

The 5 storeys (in ascending order):

 

 

 

 

If you thought the minaret itself is impressive, the Indians had originally intended to construct another minaret that is double in size. The works were never completed and upon the death of Ala-ud Din Khalji, the building’s foundation was left abandoned:

Head over to Tughlaqabad Fort. The fort although in ruins appear more spectacular than the Red Fort in Delhi. It was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, of the Delhi Sultanate of India in 1321 and it still retains its splendour. Give yourself perhaps 30 minutes or so to explore the ruins and look out for perfect photo spots while there. While, my research indicated that the area is dangerous, I did not notice anything abnormal while there.

 

 

 

When you are done exploring the ruins, head over to the Lotus Temple. The temple offers a good respite from the historic element of this itinerary. The temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986 and features a rather eye catching flowerlike shape:

 

I unfortunately did not get the opportunity to enter the complex as it is closed on Mondays. So do take note when planning your visit!

Next up is Humayun’s Tomb. This tomb is that of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and is built using red sandstone. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and as a result benefitted from the massive restoration works carried out. This structure predates the Taj Mahal and in part contributed to the architecture and style of the latter building. The tomb complex is large and is surrounded by other smaller monuments. So take some time to explore the complex.

 

 

 

Last up is Akshardham. Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu temple in Delhi. The main attraction is the Akshardham Mandir which was constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble. I had originally intended to visit given the reviews and also the pictures I saw whilst planning this itinerary. However, as with the Lotus Temple, this complex is also closed on Mondays! So beware of Mondays! What a pity that I didn’t get to visit.

Have you been to the Lotus Temple or Akshardham? Let me know in the comments.

If you enjoyed reading this or found this to be useful, please remember to like and also subscribe for more.