Two Day Itinerary for Delhi

Spend Day 1 in Delhi in South Delhi and New Delhi. They are easier to navigate and not that crowded.

Start Day 1 in Delhi at the Qutub Minar, which is one of three world heritage sights in Delhi. Start early. The monument opens at sunrise. You can get there via the Yellow Line. You can also drive and park at the ticket counter. The Entry fee is Rs 500 for Foreigners and Rs.30 for Indian Nationals. They might charge you extra for a camera. The monument was built almost 1000 years ago in 1193 and one of the tallest brick minarets in the world. Many hindu temples were destroyed and their pillars reused to build the mosque at the Qutub Minar. 

Enter and you will see the most magnificent minaret which is the tallest brick Minaret in the world. You can walk around the complex covering the Quwwat-ul-Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab Complex and the Alai Minar followed by the Tomb of Iltutmish.

Exit from the other gate near Simon’s Folly

Next commute by Uber or Ola Cabs to Lotus Temple. It should take between 30-45 Minutes

It is possible to get there by metro too. Get out at the Kalkaji Mandir station on the Violet Line.

Note:

• You have to remove shoes to go inside the Temple.

• Entry is free at the Lotus Temple but it is closed on Mondays 

• No bags or phones or cameras are allowed inside the complex but there is a provision to safely store them

The Lotus temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is one of the seven Bahai’s temples built around the world. People of all faiths are welcome there.

Next, go to the  Greater Kailash-1 N Block Market. It should take25-30 Minutes

You can also get there by metro: Violet Line-Station Kailash Colony Metro Station. Most shops are open throughout the week between 11am-7pm. This is fairly a new modern market which has more upscale retail shops. These shops have fixed price and have a great range of clothing and Home furnishing. My favourite are shops like Anokhi, Kilol and FabIndia. There are many more for fragrances (Kama Ayurveda) and leather (Hidesign). You can spend couple of hours exploring this market.

Next, commute to the Hauz Khas Village. It should take you between 25-35 Minutes to get there. You can also get there by Metro: Yellow Line-Station Hauz Khas Metro Station

Most shops open all days of the week between 11am-7pm

Hauz Khas is named after an ancient water reservoir built as a part of the second city of Delhi. The complex has a mosque and a tomb built from the Tughlaq era. It existed as an urban village at the edge of larger Hauz Khas area and now has most exquisite fashion boutiques. You can find a wide range of fashion clothing to jewelry and other modern items making this market the fashion hub of Delhi. The market also has wide range of restaurants and pubs overlooking the reservoir.

This is where I recommend having Lunch. There are many restaurants in this complex to choose from. Spend time having lunch at leisure.

Next, commute to the India Gate. It should take 30-35 minutes

You can also get there by Metro: Yellow Line to the Central Secratariat Metro Station

Closed: Never

India Gate is a war memorial to thousands of soldiers of the Indian Army who died during the First World War. Located on the far east end of the Rajpath, India gate was designed by Edwind Lutyens and evokes the architectural style of triumphal arch like the Arch of Constantine in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Next, head over to the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace)

Closed: Never

No Parking here but you can briefly stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan for a picture.

Rashtrapati Bhawan is the residence of the President of Indiaand is located on the far west end of the Rajpath. In terms of area, it is one of the largest residences of a head of state in the world. Its covers an area of 200,000 sq ft and took 17 years to build. Edwin Lutyens designed the magnificent structures in classical design taking inspiration from existing Indian architecture. The Mughal Gardens opens for general public viewing in February each year and incorporate both Mughal and English landscaping styles to feature a great variety of flora in Delhi during spring time.

Drive through Lutyen’s Delhi- India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan can take anything between 30 Minutes to an hour depending on places you wish to stop to take pictures.

Next, head over to the Akshardham Temple. It should take 15-20 minutes.

You can only get there by Metro: Blue Line- Akshardham Metro Station

Closed: Monday

Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am to Last Entry: 6:30pm

Dress Code: Upper Wear- Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms. Lower Wear-must be at least below knee-length

Akshardham is a Temple, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture. Opened 6th November 2005. Mandir is built from intricately carved and stone and marble.There are open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard. You can enjoy the evening to watch the water show.

Head back to your hotel or to the Connaught place for dinner