Delhi is a city that completely awakens the senses! A place where ancient history, grand monuments, lively markets and everyday life all create one beautifully chaotic whole! Before my trip, many people told me that India would be “full on,” but what I found instead was a city full of energy, colour and character. The sounds, the aromas, the food and the beautiful chaos quickly grew on me.
Day 1: Mosques & Mughal icons
Our first day was all about exploring the historic side of New Delhi, starting at Mehrauli Archaeological Park. It’s a huge site with over 100 monuments spanning Delhi’s history, from Pre-Islamic ruins to impressive Mughal architecture. Walking through the park felt surprisingly eerie, it was quiet and almost empty, which felt like the total opposite of everything you expect from Delhi. Surrounded by centuries-old tombs and stone ruins, it was easy to see how the architecture has evolved over time, and the calm, timeless atmosphere really made it feel like we’d stepped back into the past.
Within the park, we explored the Jamali Kamali Mosque, built between 1528 and 1529. Constructed from red sandstone with intricate marble embellishments, it is considered a forerunner of Mughal mosque architecture in India. The moment you step inside, the historical significance becomes apparent and it’s easy to appreciate its importance.
Next up was the highlight of the morning: Qutub Minar. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing compares to standing beneath its towering 73-meter structure, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Built in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later completed by his successors, it’s the tallest brick minaret in the world. The intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari script are breathtaking, and the surrounding ruins of ancient mosques and tombs add to the sense of history and grandeur. There’s an almost spiritual atmosphere here, a quiet reminder of Delhi’s rich past. It’s elegant, impressive, and remarkably well preserved, it was one of my favourite places to visit!
We then had lunch with a local Indian family, which was a really enjoyable experience. They welcomed us into their home, shared stories about their lives and prepared a simple, tasty meal. We even helped with some of the cooking before sitting down to enjoy the food together, a lovely, authentic glimpse into everyday life in Delhi.
We rounded out the day with a drive past the iconic India Gate, a grand monument that looked even more striking as the afternoon light hit it.
Day 2: Spice markets, lively lanes & living history
Day two was all about exploring the vibrant heart of Old Delhi, and it couldn’t have been more different from the previous day! Louder, busier and bursting with life.
We began our day at the Red Fort, one of India’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Built between 1638 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan, the fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Its massive red sandstone walls stretch over 2 kilometres and enclose expansive courtyards, beautiful gardens, and intricately designed palaces. Walking through the fort, you get a real sense of the scale, power and grandeur of the empire that once ruled from here, and a sense of the remarkable craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.
From there, we hopped into a rickshaw for a ride through Old Delhi, which turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The narrow lanes were alive with honking horns, vibrant market stalls, vendors calling out and the smell of spices drifting through the air. Our rickshaw driver definitely had his work cut out for him, weaving expertly through the chaos, and we couldn’t help but giggle along the bumpy roads. It was hectic, colourful and noisy, but such an energetic and unforgettable way to experience the heart of the city!
We finished our sightseeing at Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most renowned mosques in India, completed in 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan. Its massive courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers, and the mosque’s striking red sandstone and white marble architecture is both grand and elegant. After the bustling energy of Old Delhi’s markets, stepping into the spacious courtyard felt calm and grounding, giving us a moment to pause, admire the intricate details, and soak in the historic beauty of this remarkable site.
We wrapped up our time in Delhi with a lunch at The Spice Route, located inside the impressive Imperial Hotel, which is an exclusive experience featured on our India In-Style tour and known for its incredible décor. The interiors alone feel like a work of art, and the chefs hail from across Asia, bringing together Indian flavours with Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Malaysian influences. I’m still dreaming of the tuna tartare with Asian mango salad entrée! The whole meal perfectly wrapped up a day of sensory experiences.
Discover Delhi on a Bunnik Tour!
Delhi might be known for its intensity, but that’s exactly what made it so captivating. From peaceful mosques and ancient ruins to buzzing laneways and unforgettable meals, the city is a perfect blend of history, culture and energy. These two days gave me a small but meaningful glimpse into the heart of India and made me eager to see more.
Want to discover the magic for yourself? Jump on a Colours of Rajasthan tour and discover the colourful sights across Rajasthan.
