Accommodation

• Stay at: Taj Palace, ITC Maurya, or Imperial Hotel for authentic Delhi hospitality

Day 1: Historical Delhi + Local Markets

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM):

PLACE 1

• Qutub Minar - UNESCO World Heritage site (early to avoid crowds)

• Mehrauli Archaeological Park - explore nearby ancient ruins

• Famous Indian designer outlets near Qutub Minar/Mehrauli:

  • Anokhi - traditional Indian block prints and designer wear
  • Fabindia - ethnic Indian clothing and home decor
  • Good Earth - contemporary Indian design and lifestyle products
  • Jaypore - curated Indian crafts and designer wear
  • Ritu Kumar - renowned Indian designer ethnic wear
  • Anita Dongre - contemporary Indian fashion
  • Tarun Tahiliani - high-end Indian couture
  • Rohit Bal - luxury Indian designer wear
  • Local Mehrauli village shops - authentic handicrafts and traditional wear

• Famous restaurants at Mehrauli (all on Kalka Das Marg) - Lunch Available:

  TOP PICKS FOR LUNCH:

  • Olive Bar & Kitchen (6-8, Kalka Das Marg) - Mediterranean, Italian (4.3-4.6) USP: Wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean ambiance | Must-try: Wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean salads, seafood

  • Rooh (Ambawatta One, Kalka Das Marg) - Indian, Contemporary (4.3-4.6) USP: Innovative Indian fine dining | Must-try: Modern Indian tasting menus, craft cocktails

  • Miso Sexy (H 5/3, H 5/4, 2nd Floor, Kalka Das Marg) - Japanese, Asian (4.2-4.5) USP: Authentic Japanese cuisine | Must-try: Sushi, ramen, Asian fusion dishes

  SCENIC DINING:

  • Thai High (109/1, Ambawatta Complex, Kalka Das Marg) - Thai (4.1-4.4) USP: Rooftop with Qutub Minar views | Must-try: Authentic Thai curries, stir-fries, street-style dishes

  • Bo-Tai (6/4, Kalka Das Marg, Behind Qutub Minar) - Thai, Asian (4.2-4.5) USP: Thai street food experience | Must-try: Thai street food, seafood, cocktails

  MODERN INDIAN:

  • Qla (4-A, Seven Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg) - Modern Indian (4.2-4.5) USP: Elegant modern Indian dining | Must-try: Modern Indian dishes, tasting menus

  • Bougie (2nd Floor, Ambawatta One, Kalka Das Marg) - Modern Indian, Bar (4.0-4.3) USP: Fusion Indian concepts | Must-try: Fusion Indian dishes, cocktails, desserts

  MEDITERRANEAN & FUSION:

  • Diablo (Qutab Garden, H-05, 12, Kalka Das Marg) - Mediterranean, Bar (4.1-4.4) USP: Mediterranean tapas experience | Must-try: Mediterranean platters, cocktails, tapas-style dishes

  • CHO (H5/1, FF LHS, Kalka Das Marg) - Asian Fusion, Bar (4.1-4.4) USP: Asian fusion bar dining | Must-try: Asian fusion dishes, cocktails, bar snacks

  CASUAL DINING & BARS:

  • The Grammar Room (One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg) - Contemporary, Bar & Grill (4.0-4.3) USP: Craft cocktails and wood-fired pizzas | Must-try: Wood-fired pizzas, innovative small plates

  • Kakapo (House 5/5, 2nd Floor, Ambawatta One Complex) - Contemporary, Bar (4.1-4.4) USP: Eclectic menu and craft cocktails | Must-try: Craft cocktails, bar bites

PLACE 2

Afternoon (1 PM - 4 PM): 3-Hour Vasant Kunj Mall Experience 

1:00-2:00 PM - DLF Promenade (1 hour):

• Focus: Premium brands and department stores
• Must-visit stores: Zara, H&M, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop
• Indian brands: W, Aurelia, Global Desi
• Tea break: Chayoos - perfect timing for afternoon tea

2:00-3:15 PM - Ambience Mall (1 hour 15 minutes):

• Focus: Extensive shopping + entertainment
• Must-visit stores: Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer, Pantaloons, Max Fashion
• Indian designer section: Fabindia, Biba, AND, W for Woman
• Entertainment: Quick browse through games zone/kids' area
• Food options: PVR cinema complex food court, multiple restaurants

3:15-4:00 PM - DLF Emporio (45 minutes):

• Focus: Luxury shopping and window shopping
• Luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada (window shopping)
• Accessible luxury: Coach, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss
• Indian luxury: Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar
• Final purchases: Duty-free style luxury goods
• Experience: Enjoy the upscale ambiance and architecture

Smart Shopping Strategy:

• Start heavy at Promenade (affordable finds)
• Relax at Ambience (tea + moderate shopping)
• End luxurious at Emporio (high-end experience)
• Transport: All three malls are connected to each other - easy walking between them

Evening (4 PM - 8 PM):

PLACE 3

• Dilli Haat - one hour stop for handicrafts and regional food while coming back

PLACE 4

• Lodhi Gardens - few minutes peaceful walk while going to Khan Market

PLACE 5

• Khan Market - upscale local market for shopping and dining
• Browse books, handicrafts, and enjoy café culture
• Dinner at one of Khan Market's renowned restaurants

Day 2: Spiritual Delhi + Central Landmarks

Morning (8 AM - 11 AM):

PLACE 1

• Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - morning prayers, community feast (langar), and blessings

PLACE 2

• Connaught Place - explore central Delhi, mix with locals
• State/Government Emporiums nearby for authentic handicrafts and traditional shopping

Afternoon (11 AM - 4 PM):

PLACE 3

• India Gate and surrounding area
• Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) - external viewing

PLACE 4

• Humayun's Tomb - beautiful Mughal garden tomb

PLACE 5

• Lunch at Chicken Inn, Pandara Road for authentic local flavors

Evening (4 PM - 8 PM):

PLACE 6

1. Janpath Market - 50+ years, government-established handicrafts market
   • Traditional handicrafts from across India
   • Tibetan refugees' shops - authentic Tibetan items
   • Bargaining culture - experience traditional Delhi shopping

PLACE 7 [WALKING DISTANCE FROM JANPATH MARKET]

1. Palika Bazaar (underground market) - established 1970s
   • Electronics and gadgets at competitive prices
   • Unique underground shopping experience

PLACE 8 [WALKING DISTANCE FROM PALIKA BAZAAR]

1. Imperial Hotel high tea → royal hospitality experience
   • High tea at Atrium - classic British-style afternoon tea
   • The Spice Route - fine dining Southeast Asian cuisine
   • Daniell's Tavern - colonial-style bar and grill

PLACE 9  [WALKING DISTANCE FROM IMPERIAL HOTEL]

1. Evening strolling at Janpath → browse local shops and street vendors

PLACE 10 [AUTO OR CAB TO BE TAKEN FROM JANPATH FOR KALEVA]

1. Kaleva, Gol Market → authentic local street-type dining experience but hygienic

PLACE 11 [AUTO OR CAB TO BE TAKEN FROM KALEVA]

1. Dinner: Heritage restaurants at Connaught Place:
   • United Coffee House (1942), Embassy Restaurant (1948), Gaylord (1952)
     
     • Browse books, handicrafts, and enjoy café culture
2. Evening return to hotel → reflect on spiritual and cultural Delhi experiences

Great flexibility with evening options:

• Lodhi Gardens for peaceful nature time with locals
• Khan Market for upscale local shopping and café culture
• Imperial Hotel for royal dining experience
• Janpath for evening shopping stroll
• Multiple dining options - Kaleva for authentic local food, Malcha Marg for additional choices

Day 3: Old Delhi Historic Experience + South Delhi Modern Experience

MORNING: OLD DELHI HERITAGE WALK

PLACE 1

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Lal Qila (Red Fort)

• Mughal architecture and history
• Early entry to avoid crowds

PLACE 2

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Walk to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib

• 15-minute walk from Red Fort

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM | Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib

• 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom site
• Beautiful white marble gurdwara
• Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds

PLACE 3

11:15 AM - 1:30 PM | Chandni Chowk Markets

• Jama Masjid - view from outside
• Markets to visit:
  • Dariba Kalan (silver jewelry)
  • Kinari Bazaar (wedding items)
  • Nai Sarak (books/stationery)
  • Chawri Bazaar (brass items)
• AVOID street food - hygiene concerns
• Stick to main lanes only

AFTERNOON: SOUTH DELHI TRANSITION

1:30 PM | Leave Old Delhi → Reach Defence Colony by 2:00 PM Approx 30-minute travel time

PLACE 4

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lunch in Defence Colony Choose one:

• Swagat - South/North Indian cuisine
• Aka Saka - Chinese restaurant
• Sagar Ratna - South Indian chain

3:00 PM | Leave Defence Colony → Reach Lajpat Nagar by 3:30 PM Approx 15-30 minutes depending on traffic

PLACE 5

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Lajpat Nagar Central Market

• 1950s heritage market
• Traditional wear, shoes, handicrafts
• Wholesale prices - bargain hard!
• Mix with local Delhi families

EVENING: SPIRITUAL & MODERN DELHI

4:30 PM | Leave Lajpat Nagar → Reach Lotus Temple by 5:00 PM Approx 15-30 minute travel time

PLACE 6

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Lotus Temple

• Lotus-shaped Baháʼí House of Worship
• Silent meditation mandatory
• Perfect lighting for photos

5:30 PM | Leave Lotus Temple → Reach Select City Walk by 6:00 PM Approx 30-minute travel time

PLACE 7

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Select City Walk Mall, Saket

• Modern Delhi shopping experience
• International brands + Indian designers
• Coffee break and people-watching

PLACE 8

8:00 PM | Leave Select City Walk → Reach Chanakya Puri by 8:30 PM Approx 30-minute travel time

PLACE 9

8:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Dinner at MKT Chanakya Puri. Trendy restaurant in a mall, offering global fare, including Chinese, Japanese & Mexican plates.
Address: Lower Ground Floor, The Chanakya Mall, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021

• Upscale dining in diplomatic area
• International cuisine options
• Trendy restaurants with global fare

9:30 PM | Leave Chanakya Puri → Reach Hotel by 10:00 PM Approx 15-30 minute travel time

IMPORTANT TIPS

3rd DAY EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

•  Historic Old Delhi walking tour - Red Fort to Sikh heritage site
•  Traditional market shopping - 1950s heritage Lajpat Nagar
•  Spiritual pause - Architectural marvel Lotus Temple
•  Modern Delhi lifestyle - Select City Walk shopping
•  Upscale dining finale - Chanakya Puri restaurants

Perfect balance: Mughal history → Sikh heritage → Traditional markets → Contemporary urban culture

Heritage Shopping & Local Experience:

• Traditional shopping at 1950s heritage Lajpat Nagar market with wholesale prices
• Authentic local dining - South Indian at Swagat/Sagar Ratna, Chinese at Aka Saka
• Spiritual experience at architectural marvel Lotus Temple
• Modern Delhi culture at Select City Walk and upscale Chanakya Puri dining
• Bargaining skills essential at traditional markets
• Mix with locals doing their authentic shopping and dining
• Balanced experience - heritage markets to contemporary urban lifestyle

Local Integration Priorities:

• Defence Colony & Lajpat Nagar- essential for mixing with Delhiites.
• Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib langar - must-do authentic experience.
• Local eateries - Swagat/Aka Saka/Sagar Ratna for real Delhi flavors.
• Traditional markets - Lajpat Nagar for authentic wholesale shopping experience.
• Modern Delhi culture - Select City Walk and Chanakya Puri dining scene.

What to Skip:

• Crowded Old Delhi markets.
• Multiple temples/museums - focus on key experiences.
• Far-flung attractions that eat up travel time.

Food Strategy:

• Balance hotel hospitality (Taj Palace or ITC Maurya) with street-level authenticity.
• Try different local spots each day - Mehrauli fine dining, Chicken Inn authentic, Swagat/Aka Saka/Sagar Ratna local favorites, Chanakya Puri upscale.
• Don't miss the community feast at Bangla Sahib or Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
• Experience range from traditional markets to modern dining destinations.

Transportation:

• Stay central to minimize travel time.
• Use hotel cars.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Please read carefully before using this itinerary. All information contained in this Delhi travel guide is based on available data as of May 2025 and reflects local insights and experiences. However, Delhi is a rapidly changing city where restaurant locations, business hours, menus, prices, and availability can change frequently without notice. Some establishments mentioned may close temporarily or permanently, relocate, or alter their offerings significantly. Travelers are therefore solely responsible for verifying all information independently before visiting any location, including confirming restaurant reservations, market hours, temple timings, transportation schedules, and current prices.

This itinerary includes recommendations for street food and local eateries that reflect authentic Delhi experiences but may not meet international hygiene standards or suit all dietary preferences and restrictions. Travelers should exercise personal judgment regarding food safety, carry necessary medications, and maintain travel insurance. Delhi's air quality, weather conditions, and crowded market environments may affect some visitors, so awareness of surroundings and personal health considerations are essential. The city's notorious traffic conditions mean that travel times provided are estimates only - peak hours between 8-10 AM and 6-9 PM can easily double journey times, and weather, festivals, or political events may further disrupt transportation.

All price indicators such as ₹₹₹₹ symbols, mentions of "wholesale prices," and "budget options" are relative estimates subject to significant variation due to bargaining culture, currency fluctuations, and inflation. Final prices may differ substantially from any ranges suggested. When visiting religious sites and cultural locations, travelers must dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs as required, and respect local customs, photography restrictions, and potential entry limitations based on various factors. Some locations may require advance booking or have specific visiting hours that change seasonally.

This itinerary assumes average fitness levels and mobility, as many locations involve walking, stairs, or crowded conditions. Individual travelers should adapt all recommendations based on their personal interests, health conditions, comfort levels, age, and special needs. The suggestions reflect specific local perspectives that may not align with all travelers' preferences or expectations. The authors of this itinerary assume no responsibility whatsoever for any loss, injury, expense, inconvenience, or other issues that may arise from using this information. This guide is not professional travel, legal, or medical advice, and travelers should consult appropriate professionals for specific concerns.

We strongly recommend using this itinerary as a flexible starting framework rather than a rigid schedule. Verify all current information before your trip, book key accommodations and reservations in advance, consider hiring experienced local guides for personalized experiences, and maintain flexibility as Delhi often rewards the adventurous and patient traveler while challenging the unprepared. Most importantly, travel responsibly, respect local culture and customs, and enjoy discovering the incredible diversity and energy that makes Delhi one of the world's most fascinating cities.