What Are the Best Day Trips From New Delhi?

Situated in the northern part of India and home to 18,976,000 people, New Delhi is India’s 2nd most populous city. As the capital of the country, it’s a city rich in culture, history and educational opportunities. Plus, it’s also home to some of India’s most iconic sites and monuments including Akshardham Temple, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.

Despite being one of India’s great metropolises, New Delhi is still close enough to some of India’s most renowned destinations to make them easily accessible on a day trip. Whether you’re based in New Delhi or just passing through, there are plenty of amazing places to see within day-tripping distance – here are some of the best options.

Taj Mahal

Arguably the world’s most incredible monument, the Taj Mahal is so large that it can be hard to appreciate its beauty from afar – but visiting it in person is a truly magical experience. Located in Agra – about 4 hours away from New Delhi – visiting the Taj is something that should be on every traveller’s must-do list for India.

Built as a mausoleum for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved third wife, the Taj was constructed from white marble – which gives it an ethereally beautiful look from all angles. Make sure to take time to walk around the gardens and enjoy the view of the Taj from across the river Yamuna, which will give you the perfect reflection and the ultimate photo opportunity – especially at sunset. To get there, take a train from New Delhi or find a tour group so you don’t miss a thing.

Vrindavan

Vrindavan is an important pilgrimage site according to Hinduism, where Krishna is said to have grown up. Just one hour outside of New Delhi lies this small city filled with temples and many shrines dedicated to different forms of Krishna and Radha. The city has an old-world feel, with ancient temples such as Gokulananda temple and various ghats alongside some great places to grab a bite.
The best time to visit Vrindavan is during the Holi festival in March when vibrant colours and festivities take over. Make sure to join in and experience Holi in its full glory.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is a beautiful palace located in the center of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is believed that this palace was built in 1799 as a summer resort for Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. But today it is a popular tourist spot with visitors coming to soak in its beauty and to marvel at its architecture. From New Delhi, it takes only 2½ hours to get to this captivating place, making it ideal for a day trip.

The palace stands tall amidst the serene backdrop of Man Sagar Lake and affords magnificent views of the setting sun during dusk as well as mesmerizing views during sunrise. One of the most iconic parts of Jal Mahal is its foliage; elegant trees and creepers welcome visitors to this enthralling monument near Jaipur. Unique birds like Peacocks and other water animals like the Indian Skimmer, Eurasian Spoonbill and Woolly Necked Stork can also be spotted if you’re lucky!

Mathura

Mathura is an ancient city located about 1½ hours from New Delhi by car or train. Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura attracts pilgrims from all over India and beyond all year round who come here to explore its numerous temples and other sites associated with Krishna. Among these sites are Kesava Deo Temple from 12th century and Sri Krishna Janmaboomi temple from 1949 – both paying homage to Krishnas birth.

When you visit Mathura you’ll also come across the ancient Kushan-era walls and gates that enclose Vrindavan on one side and Mathura on the other side. Here, at Vishram Ghat locals celebrate with music, ceremony and faith as they take dips while simultaneously observing spiritual rituals in honour of Krishna.

Conclusion

There are plenty of exciting places within day-trippable distances of New Delhi that will give you an insight into Indian culture, history and geography. From breathtaking views of gorgeous monuments such as Taj Mahal to exploring ancient cities like Mathura – no matter your preference, there is something for everyone when you visit New Delhi.
For information about tourist attractions, attractions operating hours and other practical details when visiting any destination from New Delhi, you can check out The Culture Trip website – theculturetrip.com/asia/india.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Hidden Gems Beyond New Delhi

New Delhi has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its rich history, fascinating culture, and bustling urban lifestyle. While many of the well-known attractions, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Lotus Temple, are definitely worth visiting, we’ve got a few insider tips to help you discover the city’s lesser-known gems. Here’s our guide to exploring the offbeat destinations in and around New Delhi.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for local attractions that are less crowded and more authentic, we suggest visiting the following places:

1. Hauz Khas Village – A bohemian neighborhood with street art, narrow lanes, and art galleries.

2. Agrasen ki Baoli – An ancient stepwell that’s steeped in history and mystery.

3. Mehrauli Archaeological Park – A sprawling garden with ancient tombs, monuments, and ruins.

4. Champa Gali – A vibrant lane that’s lined with trendy cafes, boutiques, and bookstores.

Dining Spots

One of the highlights of visiting New Delhi is undoubtedly trying the local cuisine. Here are some of our favorite food spots to explore:

1. Paranthe Wali Gali – A narrow alley in Old Delhi, famous for its variety of stuffed parathas.

2. Andhra Bhavan – A government-run canteen that serves mouth-watering South Indian thalis.

3. Karim’s – A 100-year-old restaurant in Old Delhi that serves the best mutton biryani and kebabs.

4. Gali Paranthe Wali – A street in Old Delhi that has several shops selling famous parathas.

Cultural Experiences

New Delhi is an amalgamation of cultures and traditions. Here are some cultural experiences that should not be missed:

1. Dilli Haat – A crafts market that represents the rich diversity of India’s various states.

2. Holi – The festival of colors is celebrated in New Delhi with great enthusiasm and spirit.

3. Qawwali Nights – Nizamuddin Dargah is a famous Sufi shrine that hosts Qawwali performances on Thursday nights.

4. National Museum – One of the largest museums in India, it houses artifacts and relics from the country’s rich cultural history.

Local History

New Delhi is a city that’s steeped in history and has been witness to many significant events. Here are some of the stories that have shaped the city’s past:

1. The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate has left its mark on the city’s culture, architecture, and food.

2. The British colonial era saw the construction of many iconic buildings such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House.

3. The Partition of India in 1947, where New Delhi became the capital of independent India.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To get off the beaten path, we suggest trying the following experiences:

1. Take a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to see the city from a unique perspective.

2. Try out a Bollywood dance class to get a taste of the glitz and glamour of India’s film industry.

3. Explore street art and graffiti in Lodhi Colony, which has become a hub for urban art and creative expression.

We hope this insider’s guide to exploring New Delhi has given you some inspiration for your next trip. Be sure to share your experience with us and let us know if there are any hidden gems we might have missed. Happy travels!