Make It Monumental: Visit New Delhi - Travel Information

New Delhi, part of what is commonly referred to as just Delhi (yes, there is an Old Delhi), is the most ideal base from which to discover the marvels and wonders of India's ancient subcontinent. Travel to New Delhi to discover India's capital city, one of the oldest existing cities in the world, then journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and heighten your senses in the Himalayas on your way back. Find airfare to New Delhi in minutes with cFares and experience the colorful mosaic of east and west cultures in the heart of a Delhi marketplace before you know it!

Not So New Delhi

It is believed that Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt nearly a dozen times since its original establishment sometime close to 5000 years ago; surprisingly, this fact only adds to the incredible historical appeal of the clustered districts, royal edifices and spiritual sanctuaries. The generational layers of history and architecture are apparent in monuments, public art displays, and ancient gardens as New Delhi expanded to the south of the old city, incorporating preexisting communities and infrastructure.

Today, New Delhi is considered the center of the city and also the seat of government. The colossal Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is a magnificent structure originally titled the Viceroy's House under British rule. The 350 room palace displays a well studied blend of classical Greek and Indian architecture. If you are lucky enough to travel to New Delhi in February you will find the blooming red rose gardens open to the public. Make your way to the east side of New Delhi and back into time at the Red Fort, one of the most glorious royal compounds still standing today. Notable buildings include the Jewel Palace, Mumtaz Mahal, which once housed the Sultan's harem and the Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience, which was constructed entirely of marble.

Navigating New Delhi

New Delhi is centered about to major circles: Connaught Place and India Gate. Connaught Place is an excellent place to begin your walking and get acquainted with the pace and lifestyle of India's bustling commercial zones. You will find the largest collection of crafts and trade stores in the comfort of indoor air conditioning as well as excellent bargaining opportunities. To the south, India Gate stands as a monument to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Nearby you will find the National Museum, a must see for comprehensive Indian culture and heritage, and the Tibet House, founded by the Dalai Lama to promote the preservation and perseverance of Tibetan culture. The long wide avenue from India Gate to the President's Palace, Rajpath, provides a wonderful escape for a quieter walk and expanses of grass ideal for a midday picnic.

Remember to take the extremes of weather into account when booking your airfare to New Delhi on cFares. The summer months exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis while late spring offers the rainy season and the winter months drop all the way down to zero. The ideal time to explore the vast and monumental sights of New Delhi is during October-November and February-March when temperatures are more mild on average.