Here’s What You Need to Keep in Mind When You’re Travelling to Delhi

Delhi, the capital territory of India, is so immense that it is divided into 6 main zones- East, West, North, South, Central and Old Delhi. It has a unique history of being built and destroyed countless times that left its mark in the form of various landmarks dotting the city.

This city of Djinns has an overwhelmingly infamous online reputation, so keep an open mind if you’re planning a trip to Delhi. Don’t let assumptions based on people’s opinions ruin any chances of enjoying your surroundings while you are there. Many ask whether it’s safe to visit, or if there’s something you’d want to remember.

Here are a few travel tips when you’re visiting Delhi to make your vacation memorable.

1) Visit Delhi in the months of February, March, October and November. It isn’t unbearably hot or cold in Delhi in these seasons and you can comfortable go out and sightsee what the city has to offer.

2) Forget all negative stereotypes about Delhi and see it from a fresh perspective. Yes, you need to be careful about your safety and belongings, eating food from roadside stalls doesn’t make you ill, and most of time you’ll have the aroma of spices and incense surrounding you.

3) Always dress appropriately. This is for the ladies, if you want to avoid being stared at, targeted for theft or look like a tourist. Cover your legs and shoulders and wear a scarf at all times, if you want to visit mosques or temples or you won’t be allowed entry unless they offer cover up robes.

For the guys, don’t wear hat or shorts if you’re planning to visit the mosques and temples. Remember to avoid looking like a tourist or you’ll be the target of people who’ll try to overcharge you or sell you stuff.

4) Keep your belongings like your carry on, purse and phone secure at all times. Bag snatching is a thing so guard them closely. Since Delhi is one of the most crowded cities of India, it will be crowded.

5) Language isn’t a barrier most of the time as people usually speak English. However, it’d be better if you learned a few Hindi words and phrases like bhaiya, bhai, didi, haan, nahi, kitne ka h,  aap kaise hai and mai theek hoon. You’ll be using them frequently while you’re out on the roads of Delhi.

6) Taxis and rickshaws will always try and overcharge you so always know where you’re going and calculate a fair amount for the distance. You’ll need to bargain a lot. Or you can use cab booking services like Ola or Uber.

7) Try not to travel alone in Delhi at night. Regardless of gender, you might face hassles when you take a taxi or are out experiencing the nightlife Delhi offers.

8) Ensure you have cash and change with you at all times because most places don’t accept cards. Also take some time to understand the rates of travel or items to buy.

9) Don’t feel weird when people ask for permission to take selfies with you. Again, regardless of gender, you will be asked by one and/or many to take pictures with them. 

10) Try all the Indian food as much as you want. There’s so much Delhi has to offer since people from all cultures in India can be found there. Balance out the spice and rich taste with lassi, a yogurt drink that’s available everywhere since it serves as a natural probiotic.

11) Get a sim card locally and recharge it so you can have calling and internet facilities. You’ll need it when you’re travelling.

12) Visit popular sightseeing spots in Delhi as early as possible. That way you can avoid huge crowds and also street peddlers who will undoubtedly try and sell you stuff.

13) Stay in a hotel that’s central to everything in Delhi. You will be saving on countless cab fares and travel only a short distance to get to where you want, including markets, restaurants and tourist attractions.

14) Plan your visit around popular festival in Delhi like Holi or Diwali and try and find a local friend or family you can celebrate it with. Holi is a festival of colors, and Diwali is a festival of lights. 

You can expect a lot of fun- filled parties, great food and sweets, card games, fireworks, beautifully decorated houses and so much more.