Three days through Delhi’s forts, markets, gardens, and South Delhi landmarks
You’ll start with Red Fort and Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib, where old Delhi feels noisy, fragrant, and intensely local. Swaminarayan Akshardham gives day two a calmer, highly organised rhythm before an evening around India Gate. Qutb Minar, Dilli Haat - INA, and Lodhi Garden make the final day easier on the feet and varied.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹13,400-27,500
Weather: Delhi is very hot from April to June, humid during the monsoon, and coolest from December to February; October-November and February-March are usually the easiest sightseeing periods.
Pack:
comfortable walking shoes
reusable water bottle
sun hat and sunscreen
light scarf for religious sites
small crossbody bag
Local tips:
Use the Delhi Metro for Old Delhi and South Delhi whenever practical; road distances are misleading during peak hours.
Use app-based autos or agree on the fare before boarding a street auto-rickshaw.
Booking tips:
Stay near a Delhi Metro station rather than choosing accommodation only by room price.
Reserve a hotel with flexible cancellation because Delhi air quality and traffic can disrupt outdoor plans.
Getting there (from India (major metros)):
flight: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara - 2-3 hours from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Chennai - ₹5,000-12,000 per person return
train: Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express - 4-17 hours depending on origin - ₹2,500-8,000 per person return
For a three-day break, compare a late-evening train with an early flight; arriving before 9:00 AM gives you almost a usable first day.
Old Delhi traffic can make a short distance take 30-45 minutes, so use the metro for Red Fort and Chandni Chowk rather than relying on a car.
Carry a government photo ID for entry checks at major monuments and keep clothing modest for Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib.
Delhi’s winter air can reduce visibility around Qutb Minar and India Gate; keep outdoor sightseeing flexible if air quality is poor.
Day 1: Old Delhi’s Layers
Explore the Red Fort’s imposing walls before visiting Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib and the serene Lotus Temple. Pause for lunch at Karim Hotel, adding a flavorful break to a day filled with striking heritage and architecture.
Red Fort (morning): Reach Red Fort by Delhi Metro to Lal Quila, followed by a short walk costing roughly ₹20-40 in total from central Delhi. Spend time around the red sandstone gateways, audience halls, and broad courtyards; mornings are less punishing and better for photographs. Look closely at the carved details that survive inside the formal spaces. Wear comfortable shoes, keep water handy, and avoid carrying large bags because security screening can slow entry.
Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib (afternoon): Walk or take a cycle rickshaw from Red Fort toward Chandni Chowk; allow 10-20 minutes and ₹30-80 depending on traffic and bargaining. Cover your head, remove shoes, and sit quietly inside the cool prayer hall while the surrounding market presses in outside. The contrast is the memorable detail: bells, traffic horns, and devotional singing overlap within a few steps. Visit the community kitchen respectfully and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.
Lotus Temple (): After visiting the Lotus Temple, enjoy lunch at Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its South Indian dishes. Post-lunch, head to Dilli Haat - INA, a vibrant open-air market where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy local cuisines from different states of India.
Eat: Karim Hotel - Order a mutton or chicken curry with bread if you want a classic Old Delhi meal.
Evening: Unwind with a relaxed evening after lunch at Karim Hotel, reflecting on the Red Fort, Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib, and Lotus Temple.
Budget for the day: ₹2,950-5,150
Day 2: Calm Architecture, Open Skies
Admire the detailed design of Swaminarayan Akshardham, then enjoy the open setting around India Gate. Browse the lively stalls at Janpath Market before settling in for dinner at Haldiram's - Connaught Place.
Swaminarayan Akshardham (morning): Take the Delhi Metro to Akshardham station and walk a few minutes to the complex; expect ₹30-60 each way from central Delhi. Allow three hours for the carved stone architecture, gardens, exhibitions, and the unhurried scale of the grounds. Security is strict, and phones, cameras, food, and large bags may not be allowed inside. Start early, dress respectfully, and check the day’s entry arrangements before leaving your hotel.
India Gate (evening): Stroll around the gardens and take photos. Insider tip: Visit early to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the crowds arrive.
Janpath Market (): Bargain for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Eat: Haldiram's - Connaught Place - It is convenient for a quick North Indian or chaat-style meal after returning toward central Delhi.
Evening: End the day with dinner at Haldiram's - Connaught Place after exploring Janpath Market.
Budget for the day: ₹2,700-4,950
Day 3: South Delhi’s Green Finish
Finish with three contrasting stops: a tall stone monument, a craft market, and a shaded garden where you can slow down before departure.
Qutb Minar (morning): Take the metro toward Qutb Minar and continue by auto-rickshaw for the final stretch; budget ₹50-150 each way depending on your connection. Arrive early for softer light on the tower and more comfortable walking around the surrounding ruins. Study the changing stone textures and the tightly carved columns rather than only taking the standard tower photograph. The site is expansive, so shoes with grip and a water bottle make a genuine difference.
Dilli Haat - INA (afternoon): From Qutb Minar, take the metro and allow roughly 30-45 minutes plus ₹40-80 in fares. Browse state craft stalls, textiles, metalwork, and rotating food counters without the pressure of a single shopping street. Compare prices at two or three stalls before buying, especially for embroidered items. The useful insider move is to visit on a weekday afternoon: you can inspect fabrics and handicrafts more comfortably, then sit down for a regional snack.
Lodhi Garden (late afternoon): Take an auto-rickshaw or app cab from Dilli Haat - INA; the ride is about 15-25 minutes and ₹100-200. Walk beneath the large trees and around the historic tombs while Delhi’s heat begins to ease. This is a good place to stop photographing and simply rest on a bench, with birds and joggers replacing the market noise. Go before dusk, stay on the main paths, and carry mosquito repellent during warmer months.
Eat: Hotel Saravana Bhavan - A practical South Indian stop for dosa, idli, and filter coffee between sightseeing areas.
Evening: Wind down with lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Budget for the day: ₹2,750-5,400
Where to Eat in Delhi
Haldiram's - Connaught Place - ★4.1-6, Connaught Cir, Block L, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Hotel Saravana Bhavan - ★4.3 - P-13/90, Connaught Cir, Block B, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Saravana Bhavan - ★4.4-50, Janpath Rd, Atul Grove Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
McDonald's - ★4.2-10, CONNAUGHT PLACE, near Desi Villagio, Block N, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Haldiram's - Chandni Chowk - ★4 - No 1454/2, Chandni Chowk Rd, near Gurdwara SIS Ganj Sahib, Kucha Mahajani, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India
Sita Ram Diwan Chand - ★4.2-2243, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110055, India
Aslam Chicken - ★4-1129, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Manohar Market, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India
Baljeet's Amritsari Koolcha - ★4.3 - Bg-8, dda market, Jwalaheri Village, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110063, India
Shopping in Delhi
M2K Cinemas Rohini - ★4 - Mangalam Place District Centre, 16, M2K Rd, Sector 3, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India
Palika Bazar Underground Shopping Complex - ★4 - Palika Parking Rd, Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Unity One Rohini - ★4.4 - Bhagwan Mahavir Marg, Swarn Jayanti Park, Sector 10, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India
City Centre Rohini - ★4.3 - P487+QPX, Swarn Jayanti Park, Sector 10, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India
VIJAY SALES - ROHINI - ★4.5 - Plot No 6 & 7 Pocket, F19, Halar Rd, Pocket 19, Sector 8, Rohini, New Delhi, Delhi, 110085, India