Delhi Tourism
Delhi Tourism is the common name for the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), a Delhi government body that has promoted travel in the capital since 1975. It runs city tours, tourist information offices, Dilli Haat craft markets and cultural festivals. This guide covers what Delhi Tourism offers, the main places to see, how to move around and how to contact the corporation.
Delhi in brief
Delhi has been a seat of power for centuries. Legend links it to Indraprastha of the Mahabharata. Later rulers built a series of cities here, including Lal Kot, Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Ferozabad, Dinpanah and Shahjahanabad. The Tughlaqs, Khiljis and Mughals all ruled from Delhi. The British shifted their capital from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911, and New Delhi became the capital of free India in 1947.
Today, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand in the city: the Qutub Minar complex, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb. Old Delhi keeps its narrow lanes, havelis and old markets, while central New Delhi has wide avenues, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
What Delhi Tourism offers visitors
- City tours: day sightseeing tours by coach, and in the past a hop-on hop-off bus service.
- Dilli Haat: open-air food and craft markets at INA, Pitampura and Janakpuri, with stalls from many Indian states.
- Festivals: events such as the Garden Tourism Festival, Mango Festival and food festivals like Dilli ke Pakwan.
- Tourist offices: information counters at major railway stations, the airport and key tourist spots.
- Projects: DTTDC built the Signature Bridge at Wazirabad over the Yamuna, which opened in 2018.
Famous places to visit in Delhi
Monuments and heritage
- Qutub Minar: the tall stone minaret started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak around 1200.
- Humayun's Tomb: a Mughal garden tomb that inspired later buildings such as the Taj Mahal.
- Purana Qila: the old fort linked with Sher Shah Suri and Humayun.
- Safdarjung Tomb and Lodi Tombs: quiet garden monuments, good for a morning walk.
- Jantar Mantar: an 18th century observatory with large stone instruments.
Places of worship
- Akshardham Temple: a large carved temple complex with exhibitions and an evening water show.
- Lotus Temple: the Bahai house of worship shaped like a lotus flower.
- Jama Masjid: one of the largest mosques in India, built by Shah Jahan.
- Birla Mandir (Laxminarayan Temple): a well-known temple near Connaught Place.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: a Sikh shrine with a holy tank and a free community kitchen.
- ISKCON Temple: the Krishna temple in East of Kailash.
New Delhi landmarks
- India Gate: the war memorial on Kartavya Path, busy in the evenings.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House: seen from outside; the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour needs advance booking.
Parks, markets and memorials
- Dilli Haat (INA, Pitampura, Janakpuri): crafts and regional food in one place.
- Garden of Five Senses: a landscaped park near Saket.
- Azad Hind Gram: a tourist complex on the NH-10 side honouring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial: a memorial park near Singhu in north Delhi.
- Kalam memorial: listed by Delhi Tourism as a place of interest.
For a longer list with tips for each place, read our guide to the best places to visit in Delhi.
Getting around Delhi
- Metro: the Delhi Metro reaches almost every major sight and is the easiest way to avoid traffic.
- Airport Express Line: links Indira Gandhi International Airport with New Delhi station in about 20 minutes.
- Buses, autos and cabs: useful for the last stretch from a metro station.
- Guided day tours: the simplest option for first-time visitors with limited time.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable period. Days are pleasant and nights are cool, though December and January mornings can be foggy. April to June is very hot, and July to September brings monsoon rain.
Food and shopping
Try chaat and parathas in Chandni Chowk, kebabs near Jama Masjid, and regional dishes at Dilli Haat. For shopping, Janpath, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar suit budget buyers, while Dilli Haat is good for handicrafts and handloom.
A simple two-day Delhi plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon and evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Red Fort, Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk | Raj Ghat, India Gate and Kartavya Path at sunset |
| Day 2 | Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple | Humayun's Tomb, then Akshardham with its evening show (closed on Mondays) |
Start early each day. Most monuments open around sunrise, and the first two hours are the least crowded. Keep Monday for markets and temples, as some museums and sites close that day.
Delhi Tourism contact details
- Office: Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, 18-A, DDA SCO Complex, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024
- Phone: 011-24647005, 011-24698431, 011-24618026
- Website: delhitourism.gov.in
Plan your Delhi trip
GoldBox Holidays runs a one day Delhi city darshan tour by AC bus and several Delhi and Agra day tours. Travellers from the south can also look at the Golden Triangle tour from Hyderabad by train.
Frequently asked questions
What is DTTDC?
DTTDC is the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, a Delhi government body set up in 1975 to promote tourism and run visitor services in the capital.
How many days are enough to see Delhi?
Two to three days cover the main monuments, temples and markets. Add a day for Agra if you want to see the Taj Mahal.
Which Delhi sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
The Qutub Minar complex, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb.
Is the Delhi Metro good for sightseeing?
Yes. Most major sights have a metro station within walking distance or a short auto ride.
