The Best Ways to Get to the Hidden Gems of Delhi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Delhi is a huge city \u2013 it\u2019s home to 33 million people and traffic can be a nightmare. These are the best ways to get to the hidden gems of Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auto Rickshaw: <\/strong>For short distances (5 km or less) auto rickshaws are very convenient. They\u2019re always waiting outside metro stations, markets, hotels, sites and attractions. A short ride of about 2 km should cost no more than INR 80. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Delhi Metro:<\/strong> For longer distance the Delhi Metro is the best way to get around the city. It\u2019s modern, clean, efficient, cheap and it goes everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though it\u2019s a big system, almost 400 km of track and 12 lines, everything is colour coded so it\u2019s easy to navigate. I wrote a whole article on how to use the Delhi Metro<\/a>. The first carriage in the moving direction is for women only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Uber and Ola: <\/strong>Delhi has two ride share apps, Uber and Ola. Auto rickshaws and the metro are great to use in the day, but after 8 or 9:00 pm it\u2019s safer to use Uber or Ola if you\u2019re alone. They are both very affordable in Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many reasons to visit Delhi<\/a>, and these hidden gems are definitely one of them. Here are some of my favourites: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mehrauli Archeological Park is one of the most impressive but ignored sites in Delhi. It contains the ruins of beautiful buildings from as far back as 1526. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most spectacular are the Rajon ki Baoli (an immense, intricately designed ancient stepwell) and the Jamali Kamali Mosque, but there are over 100 historic structures in the park, including ancient tombs and gates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is about 200 acres of mostly unkempt, scrubby forest and looks completely uninviting, but down the dirt lanes you\u2019ll find ruins that hardly get any visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Considering it\u2019s adjacent to one of Delhi\u2019s most visited sites, the Qutab Minar (UNESCO), it\u2019s remarkable the park sees as few visitors as it does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>24\/7, but go during daylight \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jahaz Mahal means Ship Palace. It was so named because its reflection looked like a ship in the adjacent pool that used to exist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was built during the Lodhi dynasty, 1451-1526 and is on the main road leading into the urban village of Mehrauli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s usually a guard on site and if you give him INR 50 he may let you climb the steep (and slightly treacherous) stairs to the roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s several chhatri on the roof (domed pavilions, typical of Lodhi architecture) and you can get some great photos of the palace from up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>24\/7, but go during daylight \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the summer palace of the last Mughal ruler of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar. It is another monument that has been left to neglect in the middle of the busy urban village Mehrauli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was recently announced the Archeological Survey of India has plans to restore the Zafar Mahal \u2013 it\u2019s an important piece of India\u2019s history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently it\u2019s dilapidated and encroached upon by newer construction. Gamblers and drinkers frequent it at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s obvious it was once splendid. You\u2019ll recognize it by the massive wooden doors, built for an elephant to pass through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: 24\/7, but go during daylight \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the mausoleum of Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya, a very powerful Sufi saint during the early Tughlaq dynasty 1320-1351. It is one of the most revered sites in Delhi, steeped in mysticism and spiritual energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even today thousands visit the dargah every week, some from very far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is believed the dargah holds great power and any sincere wish made to the Sufi saint will be granted, regardless of religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dargah is located in a congested urban village and you may have to ask for directions from local vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dress modestly and wear shoes that can be removed. Women have to cover their heads to enter the dargah and men must cover their heads to enter the shrine (women are not permitted in the shrine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to visit the ancient stepwell beside the dargah. It was the cause of the famous feud between Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (the ruler at the time) and Nizamuddin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a truly mesmerizing experience, visit the dargah just after the evening prayers to hear the qawwali singers (Sufi Islamic devotional singing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same family have sung at the dargah for 700 years and they are legendary. There is no qawwali singing during Ramadan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and Admission: <\/strong>5:00 am to 10:30 pm, daily (qawwali singing is around 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm; timing is based on the evening prayers and the time changes marginally daily) \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same areas as Nizamuddin Dargah is a gorgeous white marble tomb called Chausath Khamba, which means 64 pillars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the final resting place of Mizra Aziz Koka and his family. Many tombs were built in the Nizamuddin Basti in order to be close to the tomb of the revered Sufi saint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To find the Chausath Khamba, enter a courtyard through a massive arched gateway next to the Ghalib Academy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The marble tomb is at the far end of this courtyard. On the north side of Chausath Khamba are the tombs of Delhi\u2019s most beloved poet, Mizra Ghalib and his wife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>24\/7, but do during daylight – free<\/p>\n\n\n\n This fort is not exactly a hidden gem, most locals know about it, but it\u2019s not on any Delhi itineraries and gets few visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a huge fort with massive fortification walls and 13 remaining bastions, though most are hidden from view by dense forest. It was built by the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1321.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ruins of a women\u2019s bazaar, a mosque, the palace, hamam and stepwell are still intact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the fort the Sufi saint Nizamuddin cursed and it seems to have worked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hundreds visit the Sufi saint\u2019s tomb daily, but Tughlaqabad Fort remains desolate.\u00a0Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq\u2019s tomb is right across the street and easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission:<\/strong> 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, daily \u2013 INR 300 (foreigners), children under 15 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n This fort was built by the son of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Mohammad Bin Tughlaq. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because it was built in the same time period, the architecture is similar but Adilabad Fort is smaller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost nobody comes to this fort and even locals don\u2019t know it exists. It\u2019s very close to Tughlaqabad Fort (you can see it from the citadel of Tughlaqabad) and makes sense to visit both at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>9:30 am to 6:00 pm, daily \u2013 free (do not believe anyone who tells you there is a fee for this site, or that it is only free with a ticket to Tughlaqabad Fort, this is a common scam)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunder Nursery is not exactly a hidden gem anymore, but not everyone knows about the organic farmers market held there every weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is definitely the best organic market in Delhi, not just for the items sold but because Sunder Nursery is such a beautiful heritage park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vendors change periodically but you can expect to see fresh produce, preserves, honey and oils, baked goods, artisanal clothing and personal and household items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The market is located just outside the tomb of Mizra Muzaffar Hussain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission:<\/strong> 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday in winter and Sunday only in summer \u2013 INR 200 (foreigners), children under 5 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mahatma Gandhi is still revered in India as the Father of the Nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gandhi Smriti is the house he stayed in for the last 144 days of his life, until he was assassinated in the garden on January 30, 1948. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time the house was owned by the Birla Family but later the government bought the home and turned it into a museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rooms Gandhi lived in have been carefully preserved just as they were, and many people say they can feel his presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors can walk the grounds, including where Gandhi took his last footsteps in the garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note there is also a Gandhi Smriti (were Gandhi was cremated), in a completely different part of Delhi, make sure specify Gandhi Smriti Museum<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n When India gained independence in 1947, several of the former princely states were given small palaces in the centre of British built New Delhi. Bikaner House is one of these palaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s now owned by the government and is a hub for Indian art and culture. There are always several Indian art exhibits, and the grounds and building itself are beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also four restaurants (including one of Delhi\u2019s finest bakeries and cafes \u2013 L\u2019Opera) and often a small bazaar. It\u2019s a lovely oasis in busy Delhi and a great way to see well curated Indian art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>10:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily (hours can vary depending on exhibition) – free<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Delhi\u2019s most beautiful stepwells, this one is very centrally located, close to many sites and attractions. For the best photos, go early in the morning before it gets busy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Agrasen ki Baoli has 3 arched levels and 108 steps leading down to a pool of water, which is rumoured to have mystical powers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The current stepwell was built in the 14th<\/sup> century by the Agrawal community, but is the site of a much older stepwell that dates back to 3000 BC. The ruins of an old stone mosque are there also, beside the entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission:<\/strong> 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will feel like you have stepped back in time when you enter this open air laundry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s right around the corner from Agrasen ki Baoli (just follow the line of white sheets drying on the street) and you\u2019ll find it. The dhobi walas start work very early, so go before the stepwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dhobi walas are welcoming but please be respectful, this is not a tourist site, it is their place of work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission:<\/strong> 5:00 am to 2:00 pm, daily – free<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delhi\u2019s Little Tibet is where you\u2019ll find Tibetan restaurants, cafes, budget shopping, and Tibetan souvenirs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The colony is home to about 3,500 second generation Tibetan refugees who followed the Dalai Lama to India in 1959. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a quaint area in North Delhi with two lovely Buddhist temples and lanes strung with Tibetan prayer flags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try the Tibetan street food laphing when you\u2019re there. It\u2019s a delicious vegetarian noodle like dish \u2013 I like the dry version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>24\/7 but shops are open 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily – free<\/p>\n\n\n\n India\u2019s first open air art district is located in quiet Lodhi Colony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The facades of the British built residential buildings make great canvases for the 50+ murals. And the quiet lanes of the colony make it perfect for walking and mural viewing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most murals have a social or environmental theme and are located between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can see the locations and back story of all the murals at : St+Art India\u2019s location guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lodhi Colony has a great ice cream shop, Jaatre and a fabulous coffee shop, Devan\u2019s. There\u2019s also wonderful restaurants like Jamun, Carnatic Caf\u00e9 and Guppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>24\/7 but go during daylight to see the murals \u2013 free<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dastkar Nature Bazaar is an outdoor, pedestrian only market featuring artisans from around India selling authentic cultural items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bazaar is open all the time, but every month there is a two week fair with even more artisans, cultural performances, demonstrations and regional foods at the food court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bazaar is a joint initiative between NGO Dastkar and Delhi Tourism, and strives to support crafts people by giving them a venue to show case their goods and upgrade their skills. It\u2019s a bazaar with a social conscience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours and admission: <\/strong>11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Thursday to Tuesday (open 7 days a week during monthly 2 week fair) \u2013 INR 30 <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will undoubtedly be the only foreigner in Delhi\u2019s largest wholesale flower market, Ghazipur Phool Mandi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n India uses a lot of fresh flowers, and this is ground zero for the flowers in Delhi. In fact, 50,000 kg of fresh flowers are sold here every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s an endless view of fresh, colourful flowers that makes for fabulous photographs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It also smells divine. It starts early at 3:00 am and is finished before noon so go early, but during daylight hours \u2013 Ghazipur is not the best part of town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to buy flowers, keep in mind most vendors are reluctant to sell less than \u00bd kg. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Hidden Gems of Delhi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Mehrauli Archeological Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Jahaz Mahal <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Zafar Mahal <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-3.-Zafar-Mahal-the-summer-palace-of-the-last-Mughal-ruler-of-India.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Chausath Khamba <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-5.-5.-The-tombs-in-Chausath-Khamba-.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Tughlaqabad Fort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Adilabad Fort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Sunder Nursery Farmers Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Gandhi Smriti Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Bikaner House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Agrasen ki Baoli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-12-One-of-Delhis-few-remaining-tradional-outdoor-laundries-12.-Devi-Prasad-Sadan-Dhobi-Ghat.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n13. Majnu ka Tilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Lodhi Art District <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-14.-A-typical-scene-in-Lodhi-Art-District.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n15. Dastkar Nature Bazaar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Ghazipur Phool Mandi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-16.-The-end-of-the-day-at-Ghazipur-Phool-Mandi-Delhis-largest-wholesale-flower-market.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-The-Tibetan-street-food-laphing-at-Amar-Colony-Street-Food-Market.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-23.-The-mosque-at-Feroz-Shah-Kotla-Fort-the-naughty-djinns-are-purported-to-be-locked-away-under-the-mosque.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"hidden](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Hidden-Gems-of-Delhi-24.-24.-Tomb-of-Abdur-Rahim-Khan-I-Khanan-at-one-time-it-was-used-as-a-quarry.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n