Planning Your Time

Planning Your Time

The best way to cover a lot of ground in Delhi is to hire a car, especially for those on a limited schedule. Avoid tackling Old Delhi on your first day, especially if you've never been to India before—its chaos can be overwhelming. Starting with New Delhi will also give you a better idea of the aesthetic and cultural dichotomy between the two cities. A drive through the graceful avenues of Lutyens' imperial city will ease you gently into the capital. Depending on your interests, visit some Independence sites (the Nehru Museum or Gandhi Smriti), a museum, or a temple or gurdwara (Sikh temple). When you're ready, plunge into Old Delhi—explore the Lal Qila (Red Fort) and the stunning Jama Masjid, then venture into Chandni Chowk. After a breather, visit Humayun's Tomb and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga, two pockets of Old Delhi in New Delhi. At some point, head south to the Qutub Minar, then check out some museums or galleries, do some shopping, and, before sunset, stroll through the Lodi Garden. Those with a lot of time in Delhi should consider side trips outside the city as part of their plans. An overnight excursion to the Neemrana Fort Palace outside the Shekhavati region of Rajasthan lets you unwind in Rajput splendor. Alternatively, head northwest to Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand (chapter 5), where wildlife (and tiger-spotting tourists) reigns supreme.