New Delhi Travel Guide

Historically significant, politically dominant and culturally vibrant, Delhi is not an easy city to bracket. As India’s capital it enjoys the privileges of power. Its continuous thread of rich history is a mother lode that throws up riches wherever you go. Delhi can be thought of as a layer of successive cites that followed one-another in the wake of time. A simpler way to look at modern Delhi is to follow the nine-district division of 1997. These districts are: Central, North, South, East, West, North-East, South-East, North-West, and South-West District.

Central/New Delhi: When the British decided to shift the capital from Kolkotta to Delhi in 1912 they envisioned a capital city that would be a true reflection of British imperial power. Thus were conceived buildings to project imposing grandeur. Today, in this part of Delhi you can view the results of this vision. The President’s House, the India Gate, the Parliament House, Connaught Place are a few examples. This area of Delhi is characterized by wide-open boulevards and a generally low skyline.

North Delhi: The moment you head north of Connaught Place, the city seems to close upon itself. The streets become narrower, the roads winding, the traffic chaotic. This is the part of the city whre you will find Shahjahahnabad or the ‘Old City’. With the Chandani Chowk, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort as your focal points you can launch into walks that take you through narrow winding lanes and throw up surprises at almost every turn. Paharganj- the backpacker paradise and the University further north are the other significant areas.

South Delhi/South-East Delhi: Full of high-end stores, happening nightspots, plush residences, specialty restaurants and a bevy of 5-Star hotels this is the hip part of town. The roads are generally wide, you get a sense of green almost everywhere you go. This part of town also boasts of the Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad Fort, the Lotus Temple, the Hauz Khas ruins and the Lodhi Gardens.

West Delhi/North-West Delhi: Primarily residential, this area does have a few points of interest. There is a new Delhi Haat at Pritampura that’s next to the Netaji Subhash Place Metro station. This area has also recently seen a number of swank new malls come up, especially in the Rajouri Garden area. Even the Hilton has opened recently in Janakpuri.

East Delhi/North-East: Primarily residential till recently, this area has seen a spurt of building activity recently. With the Akshardham Temple built on the banks of the Yamuna and the Commonwealth games Village next door, East Delhi is certainly on the tourist map.  

Where to Go in New Delhi