Discover New Delhi

New Delhi is the planned capital at the centre of a much older metropolis. Its ceremonial avenues, government buildings and garden districts sit beside the layered histories of Delhi: Sultanate towers, Mughal tomb gardens, Sufi shrines, markets and neighbourhoods that predate the twentieth-century capital. Visitors come for this contrast as much as for any single monument.

This guide uses New Delhi as a base for the wider urban area because its attractions cross municipal boundaries. The practical unit is therefore a set of corridors rather than one centre: Kartavya Path and India Gate, Nizamuddin, Mehrauli, south Delhi and Old Delhi. Metro lines solve many long journeys, but the final approach often needs walking or road transport. Selective days work better than a rapid checklist.

Are New Delhi and Delhi the same place? New Delhi is the planned capital district within the larger National Capital Territory and metropolis of Delhi. Visitor itineraries routinely cross the boundary, so this guide covers both while naming the distinction.

How many days do I need? Four days allow one ceremonial-centre day, one Nizamuddin day, one Mehrauli or southern-monuments day and one Old Delhi or museum day. Three work only with strict geographic grouping.

When is the best time? February, March and October usually offer the strongest balance for outdoor sightseeing. Winter is cooler but can bring fog and poor air; May and June can be extremely hot; July through September is wetter.

Is Rajpath still the correct name? The official name has been Kartavya Path since September 2022. Goparoo's legacy attraction URL still uses Rajpath, so the content names both for clarity.

Do I need a car? No for a normal visit. Metro plus walking within districts and an occasional auto-rickshaw or taxi is usually more practical. A private car does not remove congestion or security diversions.

Which railway station is “Delhi”? There is no single visitor terminal. New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar serve different trains. Use the exact station name and code on the ticket.

Is the city step-free? The airport and many Metro facilities provide assistance, but the final footway and monument entrance vary. Check each station exit and site rather than assuming an accessible train guarantees an accessible route.

Should I worry about air quality? Check the official AQI, especially from autumn through winter. Conditions vary day to day; follow current health advice and shorten strenuous outdoor activity when guidance recommends it.