This is Travel Guide is a sequel to Travel Guide: Basics to India, so be sure to also read that for more helpful information on their culture and getting around the country!

New Delhi, India

Overcrowded, highly polluted, fast paced, busy, busy, New Delhi. If there is any city to throw you right into the thick of things, this is the one. I was happy I started out here. I met some people in my hostel who gave me some great advice on traveling throughout the country which helped immensely. The main train station in New Delhi is also one of the easiest places to book train travel as a foreigner, which is another reason why this city is a great place to start. There’s a large tourist office and the booking agents working there are very helpful and speak English. I definitely suggest walking around this city and taking it all in!

Getting Around New Delhi

Subway: Very easy to use and the cheapest. The maps are clear and easy to navigate. It also leads right to the airport.

Tuk Tuks: Easier to negotiate than taxis, but sometimes can over charge.

Taxis: Make sure to ask for meter taxi and show them exactly where you want to go. Sometimes they can pretend to be lost to get the meter higher, just be aware of this and keep track on your google maps.

What to do in New Delhi

Red Fort

The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years and is filled with tons of history and great architecture. It’s conveniently located in the center of Delhi which makes it an easy and must go place! Its’ grounds are beautiful to walk around or if you have a day to kill, you can grab a book, hang out in the grass, and relax!

• What to Wear: No specific dress code required.
• Cost: 250 rupees

Spice Market

The Spice Market is definitely a place to check out in New Delhi. Take in all the colors of the spices, buy some delicious fresh nuts, and don’t forget to try the dried fruit!

Old Delhi

Old Delhi is a great place to wander around and explore. The small, winding, hidden roads will have you lost amongst beautiful fabrics. This is also the area where you will find the the Red Fort and other beautiful mosques

Hauz Khas

Hauz Khas is a small village just outside of the crazy city of Delhi. Easy to get to by subway, it’s filled with great restaurants, bars, and shops. The shops here were by far my favorite, but definitely a bit on the pricey side (for India). There is also a market just outside the village which is good for cheap shopping – found myself an amazing skirt for $2!

• Ladies – if you want to go out, Hauz Khas is the place to be. Thursday nights you get to drink for free in every bar! Not Kidding. Free.

Helpful Tips

• Visa – The Indian tourist visa is very easy to get using the e-tourist visa website. You’ll be able to easily follow along using this website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/  visa/index.html . Visa costs $63 for 6 month multiple entry. Americans are eligible for a 10 year visa, but in order to get this visa you will need to go into the embassy and apply in person.
• Currency: Rupee
• Women should be mindful of what they wear – this will only make you feel more comfortable. In most places aside from Goa, you should wear something that goes down to your knees and covers your shoulders.
• For solo female travelers: Be mindful and use your common sense. If you feel uncomfortable, walk towards a group of people and act like you’re with them. Always walk with confidence as if you know where you’re going, even if you’re completely lost.
• Download the offline map of the city you’re in on the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.