Delhi is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world. Bursting at the seams, it teems with sights, sounds and smells; its vibrancy and cultural diversity radiate from every street scene. There are architectural marvels, colorful shops, delicious food, wonderful people and the ever-present throng intermingled with sacred cows and stray dogs. It is a place rich in history and steeped in contrasts: old and new, aromatic and smelly, pristine and grimy.
New Delhi, India’s capital, lies at the center of the metropolis of Delhi. The best way to get around New Delhi is by rickshaw or tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw). The passenger experience can be a little hair-raising, but it’s richer than being sealed up in a car. Even if you’re not an architecture or history nut, a tour of the city’s buildings is a must.
The Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, the temples of Akshardham and Laxminarayan, and the India Gate are not to be missed, but Delhi’s architectural jewel is the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Sanskrit for presidential house), the largest chief-of-state residence in the world. Flanked by Parliament House and the Secretariat, the complex is enormous. Just up the street is the Bungalow Zone: street after street of British Raj-era mini palaces with magnicent gardens.
For high-end shopping and dining, visit Connaught Place, where aficionados of art and history will nd several world-class museums and galleries among the international shops and restaurants. Just north of New Delhi is the walled city of Old Delhi. Although much of the wall has been lost, the magnicent entry gates still stand. At the centre of Old Delhi is the Red Fort, a 17th-century palace fortress. Don’t miss the nearby Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Wander the street bazaars of Old Delhi on foot for a rich shopping experience.
Not only are there plenty of things to see and do in Delhi, there are many interesting cities in close proximity that are definately worth exploring. The best way to plan your trip is through a tour operator such as InjaPink or Pink Flights, ready to showcase Delhi and the rest of India to LGBT travelers.
For the most up-to-date travel information on gay New Delhi, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.
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