Sights Overview

Except for Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, where lanes are too narrow for cars, Delhi is not a walker's city. But even in Chandni Chowk, watch out for fast-moving carts and overloaded humans who plow through whatever is in their way. The city has few sidewalks, and even these are subject to open manholes, dangling electric wires, and excrement. To make it easier on yourself, hire a car, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to get around.

The geographic center of Delhi is Connaught Place. South of Old Delhi, this was the commercial hub of the British Raj. Every attempt to spruce up this district seems to grind to a halt; the old buildings that ring the green traffic circle are getting a face-lift, but there's still plenty of trash and not a single trash basket. Connaught Place is also a haunt of beggars, unlicensed money changers, and others engaged in dubious pursuits.

About 2 km (1 mi) south of Connaught Place is the Imperial City. Designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), it includes Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), the North and South Secretariats, and the Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House). Just southwest of here is the Diplomatic Enclave; to the east is India Gate, a monument to British Indian Army soldiers killed in World War I and the Afghan wars. Southeast of India Gate and not far from the Oberoi hotel are the Purana Qila (Old Fort) and Humayun's Tomb; almost due south of India Gate is Lodi Gardens. The entire area surrounding these landmarks is filled with tree-lined boulevards, lovely old bungalows, and affluent residential neighborhoods.

Be prepared to remove your shoes when visiting religious institutions, including the Charity Birds Hospital. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Shorts are not appropriate for adults of either gender.