Delhi: A 5-Day Journey Through History, Culture, and Republic Day

1

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Echoes of South Delhi

Friday, January 23, 2026
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Activities
5

Arrival in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Book a pre-paid taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Ola from the designated airport zones for a safe and fair-priced journey.

Lunch at a South Indian Restaurant

Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place or other outlets
Try their Mini Tiffin or a Masala Dosa for a classic experience.

Explore Qutub Minar Complex

Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Hire an audio guide at the entrance for a self-paced, informative tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Sunset at Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas Village, South Delhi
The sunset view over the lake from the ruins is spectacular. It's a great spot for photography.

Dinner at Hauz Khas Social

Hauz Khas Social, Hauz Khas Village
Try to get a table on the terrace for the best views. It can get crowded, so consider booking in advance.
2

Day 2: Mughal Grandeur and Old Delhi's Soul

Saturday, January 24, 2026
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Activities
6

Humayun's Tomb

Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi
Go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft morning light. The ticket also grants access to other smaller monuments within the complex.

Travel to Old Delhi

Old Delhi
The Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to reach Old Delhi, bypassing the notorious traffic.

Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk Rickshaw Ride

Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Dress modestly to enter the mosque (cover shoulders, legs, and head; scarves are available for rent). The rickshaw ride costs around 300-500 INR per hour; negotiate the price beforehand.

Street Food Lunch in Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Eat from busy stalls where food is cooked fresh. If you have a sensitive stomach, opt for well-known establishments like Karim's or Haldiram's.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Ashok Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Remove your shoes and cover your head before entering (scarves are provided free of charge). Don't miss visiting the 'langar' (community kitchen), which serves free meals to thousands daily.

Dinner in Connaught Place

Connaught Place, New Delhi
Consider 'The Embassy' for classic North Indian food or 'Farzi Cafe' for a modern Indian twist.
3

Day 3: Lutyens' Delhi and Cultural Shopping

Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Activities
6

Drive through Lutyens' Delhi

India Gate Circle, New Delhi
Access will be heavily restricted due to Republic Day rehearsals. You'll see the city in full preparation mode, which is an experience in itself. You won't be able to get very close to the main parade route.

National Museum

Janpath, New Delhi
The museum is large, so focus on a few galleries that interest you most, like the Harappan Gallery or the Miniature Paintings Gallery. Closed on Mondays.

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Janpath or Connaught Place
Janpath has several small eateries and cafes perfect for a casual lunch.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Hailey Road, near Connaught Place, New Delhi
A great spot for photography, but be careful on the steps. It's a quick visit but well worth it.

Shopping and Culture at Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat, INA, South Delhi
The entrance fee is nominal. The market is a great place for dinner, with food stalls representing different states.

Dinner at Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat, INA, South Delhi
It's a safe and hygienic way to try various regional Indian foods. Go with a group to share and sample more dishes.
4

Day 4: Republic Day and Modern Marvels

Monday, January 26, 2026
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Activities
5

Experience the Republic Day Atmosphere

Your Hotel / City-wide
Central Delhi will be under a major security lockdown. Metro services will be curtailed, and roads will be closed. Plan for a relaxed morning. This is a unique cultural experience of modern India.

Lunch near your Hotel

Your Hotel
Check with your hotel concierge about road openings before heading out.

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple Road, Kalkaji, New Delhi
Photography is not allowed inside the main prayer hall. Maintain silence inside. Check for special holiday hours.

Akshardham Temple and Musical Fountain

Noida Mor, New Delhi
Strict security. No phones, cameras, or large bags are allowed inside; you must deposit them in a free locker. The entry to the temple is free, but exhibitions and the show are ticketed.

Dinner at Akshardham Food Court

Akshardham Temple Complex
A convenient option after the musical fountain show before heading back to your hotel.
5

Day 5: Modern Art, Upscale Markets, and Departure

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Activities
4

Lodhi Art District

Lodhi Colony, New Delhi
Best explored on foot or by a slow-moving auto-rickshaw. It's a fantastic location for unique travel photos.

Last-Minute Shopping at Khan Market

Khan Market, New Delhi
Even if you're not shopping, the market has some excellent cafes and bakeries for a break.

Farewell Lunch at Khan Market

Khan Market, New Delhi
Consider 'The Big Chill Cakery' for its famous desserts or 'SodaBottleOpenerWala' for a quirky take on Parsi cuisine.

Departure from Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Allow at least 3-4 hours before your flight departure time for airport check-in and security, plus travel time from the city.
Travel FAQs

Q.What are the must-visit places in Delhi?

Key attractions include the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham Temple. A visit to Old...

Q.What is the best time to visit Delhi?

The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightse...

Q.How to get around Delhi?

The Delhi Metro is a fast, cheap, and efficient way to travel long distances. For shorter trips, auto-rickshaws (negotia...

Q.What are some famous food items to try?

Delhi is a food lover's paradise. Don't miss out on street food like Chaat and Golgappe, stuffed Parathas in Chandni Cho...

Q.Any local tips for traveling in Delhi?

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Always carry a scarf. Bargaining is common in local markets. D...

Q.What should I know about visiting on Republic Day (Jan 26th)?

Expect major security and traffic restrictions in Central Delhi. The main parade is hard to access for tourists. Plan to...

Q.What currency is used and what are the typical costs?

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). A mid-range daily budget would be around 4000-6000 INR per person, covering food...

Q.What should I pack for a trip in late January?

Pack layers. Days can be pleasant and sunny, but mornings and evenings are cool. A light jacket, sweater, or shawl is ne...

Q.Do I need a visa for India?

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which should be app...