Same Day Delhi Tour

Day 1:

Welcome to Delhi, the bustling capital of India! Nestled in northern India along the west bank of the Yamuna River, it’s bordered by Uttar Pradesh to the east and Haryana on the north, west, and south. Covering about 1,483 square kilometers and sitting 216 meters above sea level, Delhi is home to around 14 million people. This city holds a special place in history as the heart of the Mughal Empire, and as the poet Mirza Ghalib famously said, “The world is a body, and Delhi is its soul.” Beyond its rich history, Delhi serves as the political center of India, where all major political activities in the country originate.

As for the name "Delhi," it might come from the Persian word “Dahleez,” which means threshold, or it could be linked to a Mauryan king named Raja Dhillu. Some also believe it was originally called Dhillika.

PLACES TO SEE

QUTUB MINAR- The story behind Qutub Minar is a bit of a mystery. Some say it was built as a victory tower to mark the start of Muslim rule in India, while others think it served as a minaret for muezzins to call people to prayer. Regardless of its purpose, there’s no denying that this tower is one of India’s most stunning monuments and a true global marvel.

RED FORT- Known for its striking red stone, the Red Fort is one of the most impressive palaces you'll ever see. This fort is deeply woven into India’s history; it was here that the British removed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, signaling the end of three centuries of Mughal rule. It's also from this fort that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, announced the country’s independence from colonial rule.

HUMAYUN'S TOMB- The Mughals had a passion for gardens, fountains, and water features. Humayun's Tomb, built in 1565 AD by the emperor's heartbroken widow, Haji Begum, is the first major example of Mughal architecture in India. Made of red sandstone and beautifully adorned, this tomb set the stage for the ornate style that would culminate in the Taj Mahal.

JANTAR MANTAR- At first glance, Jantar Mantar might look like a modern art installation, but it’s actually an observatory. Built by Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, a noble and astronomer in the Mughal court, he was frustrated with the inaccuracies of the existing brass and metal instruments. With the emperor’s support, he took on the challenge of correcting astronomical tables and creating more reliable instruments. Delhi’s Jantar Mantar is the first of five observatories he constructed using large masonry tools.

JAMA MASJID- The Jama Masjid mosque was commissioned in 1650 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort.

INDIA GATE- India Gate is a memorial honoring the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, this impressive arch stands 160 feet tall with a span of 138 feet, located on Rajpath, the road leading to the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan.

RAJGHAT- This serene spot on the west bank of the Yamuna River is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948. Marked by a simple open platform inscribed with his last words, “Hey Ram” (Oh God), it’s set in a peaceful garden with fountains and exotic trees.

After a full day of exploring Delhi, our chauffeur will take you back to your hotel, leaving you with sweet memories of your Same Day Delhi Tour.