Tips and things to do in and around Delhi

[RooFlyer]

I'll be travelling to Delhi for a business trip and have the opportunity to spend 3 or 4 days in the area. I've never been to India and I'd be grateful for any advice on:

* Day trips away from the city. Agra and the Taj mahal is an obvious one - is it do-able as a day trip, or better to stay overnight in Agra and visit the Taj early? Any hotel recommendations, tours (preferably private). Any other day trips?

* Old Delhi - I'm a bit intimidated about the thought of walking around (crowds etc). Is it practical to walk around the Red Fort etc or does it become oppressive?

* Any small group or private tours/guides recommended in Delhi? Multi-day or single day.

* Other tips/suggestions for visiting.

Thanks in advance.

 

[henleybeach]

I went to India last year and did a tour based out of Delhi. Had a whole day in Dehli. (2 nights) I loved Delhi , the old part and the spice market and the government grounds . We went to Agra and stayed at Hilton garden inn. Recommend that hotel , new and modern. Defiantly do a overnight trip there too much in a day . We went to Jaipur for a night as well and stayed at the fairmont hotel and it was amazing and cost $130 a night . We used India Tour,Travel To India,India Tours,Trip To India - Travelfairindia.com. Highly recommend them and ask for driver Ravi ! Excellent

 

[kpc]

Following with interest. Whilst India is not high up on my "to visit" list, I would like to Visit Delhi one day and then go and see the Taj Mahal

 

[henleybeach]

I found the itinerary I used , I just emailed them the details and how long I wanted to go for and what I wanted to see and I said I'll book my hotels and let them know. It was $350usd for two people for the tour incl, driver , car , water daily , the only extra was any tickets into the sights .

 

[RB]

We have done a couple of trips to India & spent a few days in Delhi. I can highly recommend Magan that we used during the 2 trips. He is listed on Trip Advisor & gets great reviews from peope of many backgrounds. This link should get you to the reviews and a link to his web site. I am sure he can tailor a few days to suit your needs. For a day in Delhi we got driven between sites and also had a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi for the spice markets-got off & walked around in spots with no worries. Don't forget the Taj is closed on Fridays, Red Fort closed on Mondays. http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractio...age_India_Private_Tours-Jaipur_Rajasthan.html
I did a trip report in 2013 that had us finishing in Delhi (we had seen other parts of Delhi on an earlier trip) http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ip-photos/our-driver-said-you-need-55835.html
I am happy to help with any questions

 

[jojen]

Hi RooFlyer,

We had a week in the Golden Triangle in late May. From the time we stepped off the plane till we boarded again we had the most AMAZING time. India was a feast for the senses. The sights, sounds and smells will remain with us forever. Through a contact at QF Sydney we were put in contact with RVentures. They used to run the India division of Intrepid and Gecko before they changed hands.
From the moment Rajesh our guide and Vijay our driver met us at the airport the amazing adventure began. In Delhi we had a rickshaw ride around Old Delhi, an experience that will never be forgotten !! Jama Mosque, Humayuns Tomb, India gate we really enjoyed.
However one of the highlights on our return to Delhi on our last day was Qutab Minar. I even commented to Mr jojen that RooFlyer would enjoy this site !!
There are so many sites to visit in each city that a week was just enough. Strongly recommend a driver and guide, even if only for a few days as the driving conditions are unbelievably horrendous.
If you would like the email addresses pm me.

 

[Boca68]

To answer your question for the Taj Mahal as a day trip from Delhi. Whilst it probably is doable. Not ideal, IMHO.

Best time to visit the Taj is early morning. From Delhi, its a good 4 hours, if your lucky by bus or car. Can be 5+ in bad traffic

I'd stay overnight, Oberoi Amarvilas is exceptional, but $$$. Ask for a late checkout, then get there at sunrise. Can't remember theentrance fee, but it was not much. Maybe $20. (Remembering its closed on Fridays, not sure if that has changed?) .

If you check in the night before, there are some great views of the Taj at sunset from the river banks to the north.

 

[RooFlyer]

Many thanks to all who have replied. I'm following up on the couple of recommended tours; a 'golden triangle' trip over ~6 day looks like it will fit the bill. Great tips re seeing the Taj as well, thanks!

 

[RB]

Many thanks to all who have replied. I'm following up on the couple of recommended tours; a 'golden triangle' trip over ~6 day looks like it will fit the bill. Great tips re seeing the Taj as well, thanks!

Above is from From Agra fort others are from Mehtab Bagh




Should be able to get some Taj photos from Mehtab Bagh (back side) and from the Agra Fort

 

[Fantic125]

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is worth a visit (pic below). We did a Saturday trip from Delhi to Agra and had a driver take up there and back.

We left at 06:00 and were in Agra by 10:30. Visited the Taj Mahal, had some lunch, visited the Red Fort then had a 5 hour drive back to Delhi.

It is do-able but makes for a long day.