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The capital city of India, New Delhi, sees thousands of leisure tourists disembarking flights here. While most book flights and travel to the city to experience the gloriously diverse and culturally enriching nation, many who book tickets to Delhi for business are often seen to spare at least a day or two for a quick tour of the city. However, brimming with endless tourist draws, it is also quite common to see even the leisure travellers who have enough time at hand facing the problem of plenty in this historically and culturally rich city. The article attempts to help people who book flights tickets for leisure or business travel and have got no more than a day to spend exploring the fascinating capital of India.
Explore Delhi’s Parks and Gardens
Delhi is known for its rapidly growing urbanization, yet the thriving metropolis has made conscientious efforts to preserve its expansive parks and gardens. Take an excursion during the early hours to explore Lodi Garden, Indraprastha Park or the Garden of Five Senses.
A whiff of freshest morning air complemented by melodious chirping of thousands of birds (Delhi is World’s second most bird-rich city) amidst the tranquil environs will for sure detox and de-stress your mind, body and soul like nothing else. So if you have either arrived on long haul flights or have a flight one to board for departure the following day, Delhi’s fair share of parks and garden can offer you a wonderful respite.
A leisurely walk around, bird watching and admiring the verdant panoramic beauty of these parks and gardens encourages all sorts of morning activities and enhances the appetite which can only be satiated with a hearty breakfast.
A Hearty Breakfast
There are innumerous choices in Delhi when it comes to breakfast that leave visitors wanting for more. Epicureans can head straight to the Old Delhi’s famous eateries for an indelible experience relishing delicious local fare. Karim’s, located just steps from the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque is a popular choice for lip smacking food.
Eating out is perhaps one of the most sought after things to do at Old Delhi apart from exploring culture and history and most tourists booking tickets on flights bound for Delhi have the Walled City and its unmatched culinary experience on their minds.
Alternatively, there are several choices if you are looking for a regular English breakfast, and that includes fine dining restaurants at many lavish Delhi hotels.
The All American Diner at India Habitat Centre located close to Lodi Garden is an ideal choice for many tourists. Delhi is also peppered with renowned international chains that dish out an interesting breakfast menu for those looking to grab a quick bite. As the food lifts up the spirit, the heart craves for action- and it is time to go sightseeing!
Discover Heritage and Culture
Visits to some of its beautifully restored remnants of an ancient culture, preserved in the form of impeccable architectural feats invariably tops anyone’s sightseeing list in Delhi. While Delhi sightseeing in a single day could be rather challenging, time pressed travellers can make the most of their time with good planning.
Many historical edifices in Delhi are concentrated around Central Delhi and Old Delhi area, so places like Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb can be easily explored until evening. Some other locations of tourist interest include Qutab Minar, Akshardham Temple and Bahai Temple which are scattered farther away and while these may demand more time and effort to explore, the end result is pure satisfaction.
All these places are recommended if you are not on a whirlwind tour of Delhi and have some more time before you leave the city or board your flights. Some of these sites may require you to purchase tickets which may be priced higher for foreigner.
Shopping and Dining
Come evening and you may find it irresistible to indulge in some souvenir shopping before boarding flights back home or move further on. Delhi teems with countless shopping venues and features world-class malls. Many foreigners keen on souvenir shopping land up at Dilli Haat. The place features shops and restaurants representing different states of the country; entry tickets have to be purchased.
Connaught Place at the heart of the metropolis is undoubtedly the first choice of most foreign travellers for some quick souvenir or elaborate shopping experience. Being the city centre, the place is quite touristy and brims with lively activity throughout the day.
A good thing would be to plan your day in Delhi such that you are placed at CP in the evening when the city centre is at its liveliest best. And there is no dearth of upscale as well as affordable places for the best of dining experiences.
Savouring the lip smacking Indian Mughlai cuisine at CP restaurants such as Q’BA, Pind Balluchi or Parikrama – the revolving restaurant, is a great way to end one’s tryst with Delhi before boarding return flights.