Delhi Dash: A Half-Day Tour of New Delhi's Highlights

There is so much beauty in India, but let's be honest: Delhi, India, can be overwhelming. On our trip to India in January, we only had a few days to see the sites, but we wanted to see the highlights without getting lost in the chaos. To see the most that we could on limited time, we booked a 4-hour tour with Get Your Guide. If you’re planning your own trip, here’s what you can expect on a half day tour around New Delhi!

A Good, Yet Plot Twist of a Start:

We stayed at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi, which is in the center of the action and a key location. We couldn't recommend the hotel enough! If you want to read more about our experience, check out this blog! After waking up early (thanks, jet lag!) and chowing down on a delicious hotel breakfast, our driver for the day was ready to pick us up at our hotel to begin the tour day. 

Compared to our chaotic trip from the Delhi International Airport to our hotel in a beat-up, barely working, yet somehow incredibly speedy Uber ride (yes, there's Uber in Delhi, India!) from the night before, a very lovely, private car with heating and cooling was a welcomed sight. This personalized touch immediately sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Our friendly driver picked us up, and then we went to a metro station to pick up our guide, who would accompany us to each stop and share all of the fun facts about Delhi, including food, culture, and history for the day. 

Because we went in January, we knew our chances of sighting may be pushed back due to the high likelihood of dense smog. Sadly, that is what we found on the day of our tour. Though the first stop was initially supposed to take us to sign the Qutub Minar, this massive tower that towers over everything, unfortunately, it was too smoggy and foggy to be seen that day. The smog was so bad that you literally couldn't see the Qutub Minar! It was okay with us to keep going to the next stop. 

What We Saw On the 4-Hour Tour of New Delhi

We made the short drive to Humayun's Tomb. Because we could visit early in the morning, we had the place practically to ourselves! There was one other pair of travelers with us, so we were very excited to see such an impressive place in a rare way—especially since we were in a place as heavily populated as Delhi! The Humayun's Tomb is a remarkable structure that feels like a sneak peek at the Taj Mahal before you see the real deal.

Then, it was time for some modern sightseeing. On the way to our next stop, we snapped some pics of India Gate from the car, a grand war memorial. As we continued onto our next stop, trying to wait out the densest smog, we stopped for roadside chai. On a surprisingly chilly January morning, this warm, spiced tea in a small clay cup from the comfort of a heated van hit the spot. We slowly enjoyed our cup of milky, spicy goodness as we chatted with our guide and driver about the best Indian foods to try, words to know, and how on earth to wrap our heads around transportation in Delhi. 

Though the fog and smog still hung heavy in the air, we arrived at the incredible Hindu temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham - a destination that just days before we had never even heard of, yet mere moments into visiting, we knew this was a place we would never forget. The intricacies of this Hindu temple, the respect of the hallowed grounds, and the impressive artistry peaking through the intense fog was a feeling and visual that's forever in our minds. If there's one place you must visit in New Delhi, it's Swaminarayan Akshardham!

From one temple to the next, we spent about half an hour visiting Delhi's largest Sikh temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. It's a beautiful temple and an informative visit about the Sikh faith, beliefs, practices, and services they do for others. Head coverings here are required, so while we didn't bring our own, they have plenty to borrow on-site during a visit. 

For one more stop on what seemed to be a temple tour, we visited the iconic Lotus Temple, a Baháʼí house of worship shaped like a giant flower. The grounds were incredibly peaceful. We were grateful to be allowed to enter the temple and experience a collective moment of silent prayer since they welcomed all faiths inside. As the lotus symbolizes unity, clarity, and harmony, the grounds and everyone within reflected these values.

And though not originally on the tour itinerary, our guide took us to taste his favorite local street food - pani puri. Since we're cautious but curious, we were uncertain about what we were eating, but down to try a bit. It was an intense mouth full of tasty, green, slightly spicy liquid and a soft crunch of the shell. We had the experience of pulling up small plastic stools to a plastic table behind a street cart on the side of the busiest roads I could imagine while bikes, cows, dogs, and cars passed us on the street as kind and equally curious locals watched us try their foods felt like a genuinely quintessential Delhi experience. 

After this, it was time for us to head back to our hotel for the afternoon to eat a full buffet of northern Indian dishes until our next adventure. 

Why We Loved This Tour:

It felt like no fuss amid chaos. The private car and driver were a lifesaver. There was no haggling with taxis or navigating confusing streets. Our knowledgeable guide was young and energetic while super informative about the temples and landmarks we saw that day. We saw a ton in just four hours, which was perfect for our short trip to Delhi. 

Tips for Fellow Travelers:

Remember to wear comfy shoes, as you'll be walking around monuments and temples. While you're thinking about shoes, it's convenient to wear easy-on/easy-off shoes, as you have to be barefoot in several of the temples. 

Check the weather before you go! Delhi can be chilly in the winter and swelteringly hot during the summer. Due to changing conditions, be sure to have downloaded WhatsApp to chat with your guide and driver as needed before going on your tour. 

Most of all, remember to respect the culture. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Bring a light headscarf so you don't have to share one with thousands of others when visiting the Sikh temple. Also, come dressed to cover your legs, shoulders, and chest when visiting the temples and important sites. 

The Delhi: Old and New Delhi Private Half-Day Get Your Guide tour provided a fantastic introduction to New Delhi. It was a whirlwind adventure that allowed us to experience the city's historical grandeur, modern marvels, and spiritual serenity. We highly recommend this tour to fellow travelers seeking a memorable and efficient way to explore this incredible city. Book it here!

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