The Penthouse Delhi

The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry, ideal for sightseeing. The hottest months are April through June, with intense heat, while July to September brings heavy monsoon rains. Winter months, especially December and January, can be cool but are still comfortable for exploring. The famous Republic Day parade on January 26 is a well-known event during this period.

For first-time visitors, stay in Central Delhi around Connaught Place or Paharganj for easy access to sights and metro lines. Karol Bagh suits those wanting a lively, local market feel, with hotels like Hotel Sunstar Heritage. South Delhi's Greater Kailash offers a quieter, upscale residential vibe, with Bloom Boutique l GK-1. For a more traditional stay, the area near India Gate and Jai Singh Marg, where New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel is, is central and convenient.

India Gate is the iconic war memorial and a central gathering spot. Red Fort showcases Mughal grandeur with its massive red sandstone walls. Qutb Minar is a towering 12th-century minaret and UNESCO site. Swaminarayan Akshardham impresses with intricate carvings and a spiritual atmosphere. Lodhi Garden offers a peaceful escape among historic tombs and lush lawns.

Full-day tours from Delhi go to Agra for the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, and to Jaipur for the Amber Fort and City Palace. You can also take a tour to Rishikesh and Haridwar for the Ganges and temples. If you prefer a shorter trip, Mathura and Vrindavan are well-known for their Krishna temples.

Plan 3 to 4 days for Delhi. In 3 days, you can see India Gate, Red Fort, Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Lodhi Garden, plus a morning at Raj Ghat. Add a fourth day for Swaminarayan Akshardham or the National Zoological Park. If you take a full-day tour outside the city, add one more day.