Found in 1052 by Anangpal Tomar, Delhi is one of the oldest and most ancient cities in India. Many also believe that the history of ancient Delhi goes back to 800 BCE when King Dhilu built it. Further, the tales of Mahabharata present Delhi as the capital of the Pandavas, Indraprastha.
So, exploring the city’s history is one of the best things to do in Delhi for first-time tourists. However, that’s not all! Every nook in Delhi offers you a unique cultural experience through street food and people.
However, as a first-time traveler, you must seek a credible service for Delhi city tours. Despite the availability of public transportation, it will be safer and more convenient for you.
Check for certifications, licenses, and official registration of these service providers and then discuss the itinerary with them.
These Are The Top Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists
Delhi is like a book, and every chapter has amazing stories, twists, and turns. Honestly, the things to do in Delhi can be overwhelming for a first-time tourist.
So, here, I have curated some places that will offer you an eclectic experience. These places will also offer you a slice of the Indian culture. So, you will know what to expect when you come back to this ancient yet modern city.
Visit the elaborate tomb of Humayun
Entry Fee: INR 35 for Indians, INR 550 for Foreigners
Came as a precursor for the Taj Mahal, an inspiration for it as well, the Humayun Tomb ironically mixes the Persian architecture with precision and Indian craftsmanship. The tomb is picturesquely surrounded by symmetrical Mughal Gardens and displays the iconic and grand architectural heritage of the Mughals. For the best photos and scenic views, you should visit the tomb during the sunset when it is complement by the various vibrant colors of the sky.
Explore Indian Art and Ancient Culture
Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 650 for Foreigners, Free for Students up to 12th Standard
The National Museum of Delhi is one of the largest museums in India with a huge collection of ancient Indian artifacts like sculptures, wood carvings, pottery, weapons, seals, coins, idols, archaeological remains, stupas, and many more. The artifacts from various major archeological excavations are preserved and put on display here at the National Museum. Its huge collection of 200000 artworks comprises artifacts of both Indian and foreign origin covering a history of about 5000 years. One of the best things to do in Delhi and India is to take a look at the Harappan Gallery, Maurya, Shunga and Satvahana Art Gallery, Gupta gallery, and Kushana Gallery to name a few popular art collections at the museum.
Travel back in time with a stroll in Old Delhi
Don’t get lost in the bazaars of Old Delhi, instead of travel back in time and take the steps and the path that a 17th-century detective takes in the Eighth Guest and Other Muzaffar Jang Mysteries written by Madhulika Liddle. Old Delhi has a unique mix of ancient structures from the Mughal era, which are almost in ruins while the historic parts stay well preserved, and modern buildings coexisting together.
Taste Delhi’s Mouth-Watering Street Food
Delhi is known for its delicious street food like chaat papri, panipuri (golgappas), parathas, kebabs, chole bhature, and pav bhaji. Some of the sweets that you must try are Dahi Bhalla, jalebis, and kulfi. But if you want to go full street-kid, you should definitely munch on the appetizing and healthy Chanan Zor Garam – something that is exclusively available on the streets. The street food only gets betters during monsoons as the pagodas bring new heat to your body and a delicious taste to your tongue. You can’t leave without trying its delicious food and not mention that it is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Delhi. Also check out the historic British colonial art at the National Gallery of Modern Art, a collection known as “Company Paintings”. They were made by the Indian artists to please the British masters.
Go shopping
No tour is complete without getting souvenirs back for friends and relatives to remind them that you travel but they don’t. All joking aside, buying clothes and other memorabilia which you can only get in the street bazaars of Delhi. From Baba Kharak Singh Marg to Connaught Place, there are many markets, stalls, craft stores, and ethnic wear in Dilli Haat to make for an all-around quick one-day shop stop. For many tourists, it is among the top list of things to do in Delhi.
Experience the life of a prisoner
This is an upcoming tourist attraction that hasn’t opened yet. But soon the largest prison in India, Tihar Jail is opening up its cells for tourism. Yep, you read that right. You will soon be able to pay money to go to jail, live in a prison, eating prison food, and work in the prison just like any other prisoner there. Forget about the costly and five-star resorts that Delhi has to offer and instead stay at the Prison Inn (not an official name). Don’t worry about safety though because the cells are separated from the violent inmates and criminals who “live” in the Jail. Of course, you will also be given prison clothes and will be treated like any other prisoner.
Pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi at his Tomb
M.K. Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, is an important public figure, politician, and freedom fighter who brought peace and independence to India. Is it any wonder that India considers him as the Father of the Nation? He is known as the man who redefined the revolution by not partaking in violent acts and gave courage to the world by living his life according to his philosophy. Visit the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat where a black marble stone was placed where his body’s cremation took place. Among the most peaceful things to do in Delhi, pay respect to the eternal flame and remember everything he did for this great nation. His tomb is made to represent what he was as a man – simple.
Check out Lodi Garden, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort
When you’re in town, you must not miss the historic monuments that the city has to offer. One of the must-do things in Delhi is checking out its historical forts and monuments including Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Lodi Gardens. Lodi gardens are filled with historic monuments belonging to the Islamic Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Meanwhile, Qutub Minar is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site which a monument built by the founder of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud Din Aibak. The Red Fort was the first place where Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian tricolor flag after India got its independence.
Don’t miss any of these amazing things in Delhi and check off all the entries on this list. To get the most of your stay, check out the complete travel guide to Delhi before you book flights or make any plans.
Visit The India Gate
The India Gate, located near the Kartavya Path or the Rajpath, is one of the most prominent memorial sculptures in India. It is like the Arc-de-Triomphe in its architecture.
This iconic arch-like structure commemorates 70,000 soldiers from India sacrificing their lives for the British in World War I.
Further, under the arch, there is Amar Jawan Jyoti or an unextinguishable flame. It remembers the lives of Indian soldiers lost in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
As the Sun sets, the India Gate looks amazing with floodlights. The nearby fountains add to the ambiance. Visiting the India Gate is a somber experience. A visit to the India Gate is essential if you want to share solidarity with the true spirit of the country.
Visit The Hauz Khas
Hauz Khas literally translates to the Water Tank (Hauz) of the Royal (Khas). This quaint village in South Delhi is home to iconic institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.
Amidst the quaint and medieval structures of the place thrives a modern chic culture that began here in the 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs):
Q1: Where can I Spend a Whole Day in Delhi?
Ans: There are many places you can choose to spend an entire day in Delhi, such as • Nehru park • Deer park • India gate lawns • National zoological park • Lodhi gardens • Badhkal lakes
Q2: What are the Things not to do in Delhi?
Ans: There are a few things that you should do and show respect while you are in Delhi. • Don’t break rules, laws. • Don’t disrespect anyone from any community, as Delhi is the capital of India, and there are many people from different cultures. • Don’t fight with anyone unnecessarily.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Viaan Patel from Vadodara, Gujarat, a young boy, aged nine, has made India proud after climbing the 14,000 ft. Gadsar Pass located in the Himalayas. He has now become the youngest in Gujarat to achieve this.
Inspired by his father, who has climbed many mountains like Mount Abu and Pavagadh, Viaan started climbing mountains from a very young age. He started accompanying his father when he was just two years old.
In a conversation with Times of India, Viaan mentioned it was
one of the best experiences I ever had. I had never climbed to such a height, so there were some nervous moments.
It is only natural for a boy of such a young age to be scared about this difficult trek. "But I was confident of reaching the peak and I did it," he added.
This pass is one of the most difficult, as well as the most dreamed of treks. However, only a few people have reached such a high altitude.
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Nowadays, coffee has become one of the prominent necessities for people of India and abroad. If you are an Indian and love drinking coffee, this article can be a fun read. Here you can learn about the five best coffee shops in the country. Consider trying out a few of them in 2022. Nevertheless, for now, you can go through the history of coffee in India.
Well, if you are a coffee lover, these facts would inspire you more to visit the top cafes and taste a cup. Have a read:
Coffee In India: A Classic History
The introduction of coffee in India dates back to the late seventeenth century. According to the lore, Baba Budan, a Mecca pilgrim from India, bought seven coffee beans from Yemen. However, it was a smuggle as taking coffee beans out of Yemen was forbidden.
This Indian Sufi planted the seeds somewhere in the hills of Chikmagalur in Karnataka during the 1670s. So, that is how coffee farming started and developed in India. Even today, the best coffee found in the country is from the plateau hills of the Deccan.
Top Five Coffee Shops Of India
In this part of the article, you can go through the facts of the top five coffee shops in India. However, do not expect to have instant coffee in any of these. All these cafes serve coffee from the best-processed beans.
Even real coffee takes much time to get ready. So, do not consider any of these cafes similar to the “local coffee shops near me” and have patience while placing the order. Remember that the top cafes do not serve instant coffee. Instead, they consider it as a part of the culture. Have a look:
1. Mocha Art Cafe
Location: Kochi, Kerela
Things to Try: French Press, Chocolaty Mochas
The Mocha Art Cafe can top your search results as you look for coffee shops near me, from Kochi. It has a diverse menu and carries a little bit of that history, too. Amazingly, Baba Budan smuggled some coffee from the Mocha city of Yemen. So, many coffee shops have ‘Mocha’ common in their names.
The best things to try at the Mocha Art Cafe in Kochi are French Press, Chocolaty Mochas, and Classic Espresso. Expect to get unique coffee recipes in Mocha Art Cafe under the types above.
This cafe uses the classic brewing technique, and you can enjoy the marvelous smell of roasted coffee beans everywhere. So, next time you are in Kochi, do not forget to spend some time at the Mocha Art Cafe.
Lastly, about the location, Mocha Art Cafe is located in a Jewish Quarter that can give you an old and classic feel.
Tripadvisor Review:
"Came here for lunch. Situated upstairs just along from the synagogue, in a bright covered courtyard. It was empty the day we were there but got busier. The area was quite hot (being enclosed) but the fans helped to create some air movement/cooling. It was good to have some “Western” food for a change - the pineapple pancake and the toasted cheese and tomato sandwich were both very good as were the lassis. Good place for lunch."
-SDSydney693
2. G-Shot Coffee Roastery And Cafe
Location: Assagao, Goa
Things to Try: Vietnamese Coffee, Espressos
If you are a dedicated coffee lover and visit Goa, do not forget to sip a cup at the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe. Expect to find the cafe easily as it has proximity to the Vagator and Anjuna. All you have to do is search for the coffee shops nearby from the aforesaid beaches.
The best part about the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe is its menu. It is pretty outstanding that the makers here use only single-origin beans. Moreover, the menu contains coffee types like cold brews. Espressos and Vietnamese Coffee.
Yet another best thing about the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe is that it provides the customers with a chance to rejuvenate listening to music and meditating. Really, this is unique among all coffee shops.
Tripadvisor Review:
"G Shot, you have my heart. The coffee served over there is excellent. The owners source their coffee directly from farmers all over India ensuring that they get excellent coffee beans and that the farmers get to enjoy the benefits too. We had their Mocha, Iced Latte and Macchiato. The mocha has a nice nutty flavor without being overtly sweet. We also bought a packet of their home-made granola which was again excellent. Will definitely recommend!"
- Krittika M
3. Third Wave Coffee Roasters
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Things to Try: Latte, Espresso
The Third Wave Coffee Roasters is another top-notch cafe based in Bangalore. This is one of the best places to try coffee in India due to many reasons. Apart from its diversified menu, the Third Wave Coffee Roasters ensures that the beans are from individual farms. Moreover, you can get light-roasted coffee that brings out the best flavors.
The Third Wave Coffee is a movement that aims to enhance the love for coffee among drinkers. Some roasters have turned the movement into a cafe, and you get coffee heaven when in Bangalore.
Tripadvisor Review:
"I have visited Third Wave Coffee at Margosa Road, MalleshwaramI have visted during day time morning 9:00 am to 12:00 non range.Both the times the crowd was less and i enjoyed the feel of less crowd.Its 25 seater capacity and ambiance is very good.It has small parking space for 2 wheeler and car.Staff was warm and cordial.Menu for Tea and coffee is sufficient for chit chat and gossip.Rest Room is there. Covid rules were followed.Wheel chair access is possible with the help of support as its in ground floor.Can chill out with Family and friends."
- GangaShankar74
4. United Coffee House
Location: Connaught Place, Delhi
Things to Try: Instant Coffee, Latte, Espresso
The fourth entry in the list of best coffee shops in India is the United Coffee House. It is located in Connaught Place and is a buzz among the coffee enthusiasts of Delhi. It is a 75-year-old organization and can still hold its craze after generations.
The most unique thing about United Coffee House is its blend. It comes from the best beans from Colombia and India. Moreover, the experienced brewers in the UCH execute their work to give you the perfect taste.
Tripadvisor Review:
"For an exceptional dining venture, United Coffee House Rewind is the top recommendation. It’s the epitome of a place to share moments with friends and family. The vibes are incredibly positive, enhancing the overall mood. The staff’s attentiveness and warmth create a welcoming environment. And the food, coupled with their refreshing drinks, forms a delectable combination that’s hard to match."
- Vidur S
5. Brahmin’s Coffee Bar
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Things to Try: Instant Black Coffee and Instant Milk Coffee
The history of Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Bangalore is no less than a fairy tale. As most Bangaloreans are coffee fanatics, this has always been their favorite coffee joint since the 1960s.
This is the place where you can get the best quality instant coffee and some Espresso recipes. Moreover, the Brahmin’s Coffee Bar is also known for the baked cookies that they serve with the coffee. So, when you visit the ‘Garden City of India’ next time, do not forget to visit this place for a hot cup of coffee.
Tripadvisor Review:
"We come back to this place every time we visit Bengaluru finding time for it. Normally it is breakfast or afternoon snacks. There was even a time we used to take parcel home to eaten same day.They serve excellent mouth melting idlis and topped with their vadas. They continue to my favourites and a dish of 3 idlis and 2 vadas really made my day topped with strong coffee.Same traditional outlet. You stand and eat or sip coffee. No parking available so tend to be too far to park."
- NayantSavani
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What Are The Most Popular Coffee Shops?
As people mostly search for new coffee shops for me, they know about the shops like Starbucks, Cafe Du Monde, and Cafe Coffee Day.
Q2. What Is Hot In Kolkata Cafe?
Some of the prominent coffee shops in Kolkata are- the Kookie Jar Cafe, Blue Mug, Calcutta 64, etc.
Q3. What Is In A Coffee Shop?
In the leading coffee shops, you get a lot of coffee recipes like Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte. You can also find ice-coffee, cold drinks, and baked products in a coffee shop.
Q4. What Is The Difference Between A Cafe And A Coffee Shop?
Although both the terms have now turned unanimous, cafes and coffee shops have a slight difference. In cafes, you can get food and beverages, but coffee shops are more into serving only tea and coffee in India.
Final Take Away
The coffee culture in India is quite old, and you can get one or the other cafe/coffee shop in every city. While most people in the country believe that the coffee came with Europeans, it was bought by a Sufi.
If you love drinking coffee, try to consume the instant ones less. Instead, you can order the roasted beans. Well, these cafes can be the right places for you to visit if you desire to have excellent coffee.
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By recent estimates, about 40 people are killed, and many are still missing due to the heavy rain and flash floods. For the past three days, these flash floods are triggered by heavy monsoon clouds.
The flood and rain washed hundreds of villages, mud houses, bridges and roads in places of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
More heavy rain is predicted for the next two days, predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, 36 people were killed, and more than hundreds of people were taken to relief camps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV3wPNQqVpM
In Uttarakhand, after a series of cloud bursts, 4 people died, and more than 13 people went missing. Ranjit Kumar Sinha of Uttarakhand’s disaster management department said,
We have deployed choppers to rescue people who are stuck in remote areas due to rain-related incidents. The rescue operation is in full swing.
Floods and landslides have become common in the Northern part of India during the monsoon months. Last year, during flash floods, at least 200 people were either killed or washed away by the rain in Uttarakhand.
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