Is Delhi safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, with precautions. Use women-only metro compartments, avoid isolated areas at night, dress conservatively, and rely on app-based cabs.

What is the best way to experience local food safely?

Try popular street food stalls with high turnover (like Paranthe Wali Gali), avoid raw salads/water, and opt for cooked items. Many restaurants also serve excellent regional cuisine.

Do I need a visa to visit Delhi?

Yes, most foreign nationals require an Indian visa. Apply for an e-Visa online before travel, valid for tourism.

What should I wear in Delhi?

Light, breathable cotton in summer; layers in winter. Modest clothing is recommended—avoid shorts, sleeveless tops in religious sites.

Can I use credit cards widely?

Yes, in hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. However, carry cash (Indian Rupees) for markets, auto-rickshaws, and small vendors.

Yes, most nationalities require an e-Visa or regular visa. Apply online at least 4 days before travel.

What currency is used?

Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs widely available, but carry cash for small vendors.

Is tap water safe to drink?

No, stick to bottled or filtered water.

What language is spoken?

Hindi and English are widely spoken; English is common in tourist areas.

How do I get from the airport?

Delhi Airport (DEL) has prepaid taxis, app cabs, and Airport Express Metro to city center.

Light cotton clothes in summer, layers in winter. Modest attire recommended, especially at religious sites.

Can I use credit cards?

Yes, in hotels, malls, and restaurants. Small shops and street vendors prefer cash.

What is the tipping etiquette?

10% at restaurants, small tips for hotel staff and guides.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid touching people with feet, pointing feet at deities, and public affection.

What is the best way to see the city?

Combine metro, auto-rickshaws, and walking tours for a comprehensive experience.

Is photography allowed at monuments?

Yes, but some sites charge extra for cameras; no flash inside tombs.

Delhi

StateIndia, Asia

Delhi is a STATE in India, Asia.

Delhi, India's vibrant capital territory, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and modern dynamism that has served as the political and cultural heart of the subcontinent for centuries. Travelers are immediately captivated by the city's dramatic contrasts, where medieval monuments stand alongside gleaming skyscrapers, and bustling bazaars coexist with serene spiritual spaces. Must-visit landmarks include the magnificent Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that whispers tales of Mughal emperors; the towering Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret; and the iconic India Gate, a solemn war memorial. For spiritual solace, the lotus-shaped Bahá'í House of Worship and the Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib offer profound tranquility. Chandni Chowk, one of Asia's oldest and busiest markets, provides an unforgettable sensory overload with its narrow lanes filled with spices, textiles, and street food. Delhi's culinary scene is legendary, from sizzling street kebabs in Old Delhi to upscale restaurants in Hauz Khas Village. The city's green lungs, including Lodhi Gardens and the Delhi Ridge, offer peaceful escapes. As a living museum of empires, a gastronomic paradise, and a thriving contemporary metropolis, Delhi promises an endlessly fascinating journey through time and culture.

Best time to visit Delhi

October to March is ideal, with pleasant weather (15-25°C). Key festivals include Diwali (Oct-Nov), a spectacle of lights, and Republic Day (Jan 26) with a grand parade. Avoid peak summer (April-June) due to extreme heat (40-45°C) and the monsoon (July-Sept) with heavy rainfall and humidity.

October

Now Best time

Typical for October

Weather: Pleasant 18-30°C, clear

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Best time to visit; festivals like Diwali

Know before you go

Getting there

DEL

Indira Gandhi International Airport

International

15 km away

AGR

Agra Airport

Domestic

230 km away

JAI

Jaipur International Airport

International

260 km away

Getting around

"Delhi Metro is efficient, affordable, and connects most tourist areas. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common for short trips; negotiate fares or use meters. App-based taxis (Uboer, Ola) are reliable. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs extensive bus routes. For heritage sites, consider hop-on-hop-off tourist buses. Prepaid taxi booths are available at the airport and major stations. Driving is challenging due to heavy traffic; hiring a car with a driver is recommended."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $3 (e.g., Airtel, Jio)

Calling code

+91

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Scams targeting tourists are common; stay alert in crowded areas.

Night safety

6/10

Scams targeting tourists are common; stay alert in crowded areas.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Exercise normal precautions. Use registered taxis or app-based rides (Uber, Ola) rather than unmarked cabs. Avoid isolated areas after dark, especially for solo travelers. Be vigilant in crowded markets (Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar) for pickpockets. Common scams include inflated prices for tourists, fake tour guides, and taxi meter tampering. Agree on fares beforehand for auto-rickshaws. Women should dress conservatively and consider women-only metro compartments. Generally safe neighborhoods include South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony) and Central Delhi (Connaught Place)."

Police

100

Ambulance

102

Fire

101

Tourist Police

1363

Entry and health

Health information

"Delhi has excellent private hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Max Healthcare, which offer international standards. Common health concerns include air pollution (especially Oct-Feb), waterborne diseases, and heat exhaustion in summer. Drink only bottled or purified water. Recommended vaccinations: Routine, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and possibly Japanese Encephalitis. Carry pollution masks (N95) during high AQI periods. Pharmacies are widely available, and many doctors speak English. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly, especially at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Bargaining is expected in markets. Tipping is appreciated: 10% in restaurants (if no service charge), small change for porters and drivers. Avoid public displays of affection. Seek permission before photographing people, particularly in rural or religious contexts."

HindiEnglishPunjabiUrdu

Costs and practicals

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR) · ₹

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$3-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $3-5

Hotels

$30-80 | budget hotels range $30-80/night

Local transport

$0.50 | local bus ride ~$0.50

Cost notes

Luxury hotels can exceed $200/night; street food is very cheap.

Timezone

Asia/Kolkata +05:30 (GMT)

More facts

Population

32,900,000

Area

1,484 km²

Government

Union Territory with a Lieutenant Governor and an elected Legislative Assembly

ISO code

IN-07

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Nòva Delhi, Nov-Delhi, Њу Делхи, Ню Делхи, Delhi Noa, Nové Dillí, نٔو دِل, یئنی دهلی, Novi Deli, Нью-Делі, Nīƿe Delhi, Նյու Դելի, นิวเดลี, புது தில்லி, ញូវដេលី, Neuva Delhi, ಹೊಸ ದೆಹಲಿ, නව දිල්ලිය, Ndéli Pyahu, Neu-Delhi, Nove Delhi, ਨਵੀਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ, नयाँ दिल्ली, Nuova Delhi, Nyu-Dehli, Naujasės Delės, নতুন দিল্লী, Nowe Delhi, Nij Delly, نئين دھلي, Nai Dilli, نویں دلی, New Delhi, Delhiyo Newe, న్యూఢిల్లీ, نیودلھی, Delhi Newydd, नवदेहली, نئی دہلی, Шинэ Дели, Нью-Дэлі, Νέο Δελχί, ניו דלהי, Нью-Дели, নুৱা দিল্লী, နယူးဒေလီမြို့, ニューデリー, Νεοδελίς, Nova-Delhi, Nova Delhi, Delhiya Nû, ނިއުދިއްލީ, Nieu-Delhi, Nei-Delhi, New Delhi District, نٔو دلھی, Nýja Delí, Yeni Dehli, Ņūdeli, Nua-Deilí, 뉴델리, Yeni Delhi, Yancuīc Deli, يېڭى دېھلى, ന്യൂ ഡെൽഹി, Dellium Novum, ନୂଆ ଦିଲ୍ଲୀ, न्यु दिल्ली, Niou Deli, Yaña Dähli, Sin Delhi, Újdelhi, ნიუ-დელი, Noa Delhi, ᱱᱟᱶᱟ ᱫᱤᱞᱞᱤ, Nov-Delhio, نو دهلی, ནེའུ་དིལ་ལི།, Delhi, نيودلهي, Tân Delhi, Nyu Deli, دلهي الجديدة, Naí Dillí, Musuq Dilhi, ኒው ዴሊ, Ню-Дели, క్రొత్త ఢిల్లీ, নতুন দিল্লি, Nova Deli, Moq Dwzlij, Նիւ Տելհի, نئی دلی, دهلی نو, نوی ډیلي, 新德里, ضلع نویں دلی, Саҥа Дели, नवी दिल्ली, नई दिल्ली, Bagong Delhi, Naujasis Delis, ນິວເດລີ, ניי דעלי, Nueva Delhi, DEL, Daehli, Dehli, Dehlī, Delchi, Delhio, Delhí, Delhî, Deli, Delis, Delkhi, Dellium, Delí, Dilhi, Dilli, Dillí, Dillī, Dähli, Déhli, Faritani Delhi, Old Delhi, Sahdzahanabad, Stare Deli, de li, dehali, deli, delli, deri, dhilli, dhly, dhly qdym, dil'hi, dili, dilli, dlhy, dly, dlھy, dylhy, na'i dilli, prany dہly, tilli, Šáhdžahanabád, Δελχί, Дели, Делхи, Делі, Деҳли, Дэлі, Старе Делі, Դելի, דלהי, דעלהי, دلهي, دلھی, دلی, دهلي, دهلی قدیم, ديلهى, دہلی, دێھلی, پرانی دہلی, ډېلي, ދިއްލީ, दिल्ली, देहली, দিল্লি, দিল্লী, ਦਿੱਲੀ, દિલ્હી, ଦିଲ୍ଲୀ, தில்லி, ఢిల్లీ, ದೆಹಲಿ, ഡെൽഹി, เดลี, დელი, デリー, 德里, 델리

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