Delhi: Your Complete Guide

Following the monsoon, autumn brings comfortable weather with warm days and cool nights, and significantly lower humidity. This transitional season is excellent for outdoor activities and cultural immersion, coinciding with major festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, which illuminate the city with joyous celebrations.

Delhi enjoys pleasant, mild weather with temperatures averaging 20-25°C, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The city blooms with vibrant flowers, especially noticeable in gardens like Lodhi Garden, and is alive with festivals such as Holi, the festival of colors. It's a fantastic time for sightseeing before the intense summer heat sets in.

Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often soaring above 38°C, and occasional 'loo' winds. This period sees fewer crowds and can be more budget-friendly. Focus on indoor attractions like museums, water parks, or plan activities for early mornings and late evenings. The International Mango Festival is a unique culinary highlight.

Winter is Delhi's peak tourist season, offering cool days and cold nights, with average temperatures around 14°C, though some foggy conditions occur. It's perfect for exploring historical sites, enjoying warm street food, and experiencing a range of festivals including Lohri, Christmas carnivals, and the Republic Day Parade.

This historic heart pulsates with chaotic energy, known for its narrow, bustling lanes, ancient bazaars like Chandni Chowk, and iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, offering an immersive cultural and culinary journey.

A grand colonial-era circular market, Connaught Place is New Delhi's commercial and recreational hub, featuring high-end shops, diverse restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites like Jantar Mantar and Agrasen ki Baoli.

Home to Delhi's oldest continuous habitation, Mehrauli is a treasure trove of historical monuments within the sprawling Mehrauli Archaeological Park, including ancient tombs, mosques, stepwells, and the towering Qutub Minar complex.

Characterized by its British-era architecture, Lodhi Colony is renowned for the serene Lodhi Gardens, featuring 15th-century tombs, and as Delhi's first public art district, adorned with vibrant street murals and art installations.

This urban village seamlessly blends medieval ruins with a bohemian atmosphere, offering trendy cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and a buzzing nightlife, all centered around the picturesque Hauz Khas Fort and reservoir.

Cycling infrastructure is limited in Delhi, making it generally unsuitable for city-wide travel for tourists due to dense traffic and safety concerns. However, some parks and specific areas like Lodhi Gardens or parts of New Delhi offer pleasant cycling opportunities. Bike rentals are available in certain tourist hotspots, but a city-wide bike-sharing system for casual tourists is not well-established. It's best reserved for recreational rides in designated green spaces.

While major attractions like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, or parts of Connaught Place and Lodhi Gardens, are best explored on foot, general walkability across the city can be challenging due to heavy traffic, uneven pavements, and a lack of dedicated pedestrian zones. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing streets, and consider safety, particularly after dark in less-trafficked areas.

From Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), the fastest transfer to the city center is via the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) of the Delhi Metro. It costs approximately INR 60-100 and takes around 20-25 minutes to reach New Delhi Metro Station. Prepaid taxis are readily available, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola, which typically cost INR 400-800+ and take 30-60+ minutes depending on traffic and destination.

Delhi boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The Delhi Metro is highly recommended for tourists due to its widespread network, cleanliness, air-conditioning, and reliability. Purchase a 'Smart Card' for convenient, discounted travel, or single-journey tokens. Buses offer a cheaper alternative but can be crowded; many are air-conditioned. For shorter distances, auto-rickshaws are prevalent, where bargaining is often necessary, or use ride-hailing apps for fixed fares.