Choose from 64 Fun Things to Do in New Delhi
ShowingFilter 61-64 of 64 listings.
National Museum
Thousands of historic artifacts covering 5,000 years of both Indian and world history are on display in the spacious galleries of the excellent National Museum. Exhibits include rare relics from the Harappan Civilization, Central Asian antiquities (including silk paintings from the 1st century AD), Indian textiles, tribal masks, sculptures, musical instruments, old coins (Portuguese, Dutch and Danish), miniature paintings and weapons (including a battle-axe from 1739 AD). It is the largest museum in India so give yourself at least a few hours - preferably a half-day - to explore this museum.
As well as the displays over 3 floors, the museum has an active conservation and education program. Since it came into existence in 1983 the National Museum Institute of Art, Conservation and Museology has become a university and now trains people to preserve the rich heritage of India.
Practical Info
The museum is located in central Delhi not far from Connaught Place. Catch the train to New Delhi Railway Station, head through Connaught Place and on down Janpath until you reach the museum. The ticket price includes an audio guide.
Address: Janpath, New Delhi, India
Hours: Tues - Sun 10am - 5pm. Closed Mondays
Admission: Rs 300
From $ 35
National Zoological Park of Delhi
Delhi Zoo opened its gates in 1959, changing its name to the National Zoological Park of Delhi in 1982. Located near India Gate in the heart of New Delhi, the zoo is spread out across more than 170 acres and is home to almost 130 species of animals and birds from around the world.
The National Zoological Park aims to house animals in a similar way to which they would live in their natural environments. It houses a number of endangered species, which it helps to breed in captivity with the aim of eventually releasing them to thrive again in the wild.
The grounds can be explored either on foot or by using one of the zoo's electric buggies. Just some of the larger mammals visitors can expect to encounter include chimpanzees, lions, hippopotamus, African buffalo, Indian elephants, giraffes, spider monkeys, and zebras. There are also a number of migratory bird species of note, along with water birds, crocodiles, hyenas, macaques, and jaguars. An underground reptile house is located at the center of the zoo.
Practical Info
The nearest stations to the zoo are Pragati Maidan and CGO Complex on the metro, which are both two kilometers away. It's open from 9am until 4:30pm from April 1st to October 15th, and 9am until 4pm from October 16th to March 31st. No food or drink is allowed to be taken into the zoo, except from bottled water.
Address: Mathura Road, New Dehli, India
Hours: 9am until 4:30pm from April 1st to October 15th, and 9am until 4pm from October 16th to March 31st.
Admission: Rs. 40/- per head
From $ 72
Jantar Mantar
What appears to be a bizarre sculpture garden in the middle of central New Delhi is in fact a rudimentary astronomical observatory dating back to 1724. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur took a great interest in astronomy. He believed that the small observational tools of the time were inaccurate, so he constructed a series of 13 terracotta-colored instruments in a large, open-air observatory, the first of five he'd build during his lifetime.
Jantar Mantar is dominated by a large sundial, called Samrat Jantar, shooting 90 feet (27 meters) into the air. Other instruments in the park were used to predict the monsoons, show the sun's position during the equinox, determine the shortest and longest days of the year and measure the altitude of the stars.
Jantar Mantar is dominated by a large sundial, called Samrat Jantar, shooting 90 feet (27 meters) into the air. Other instruments in the park were used to predict the monsoons, show the sun's position during the equinox, determine the shortest and longest days of the year and measure the altitude of the stars.
Practical Info
If you're planning to travel on to Jaipur, it's better to save your visit for the larger and better preserved Jantar Mantar Jai Singh II built in his home land. Otherwise, the historic site is well worth a visit during your explorations of Delhi's new town.
Address: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, DL, India
From $ 20
Yogmaya Temple
This off-the-beaten track temple is located in Mehrauli, near the famous Qutub Minar. It's dedicated to the pure goddess Yogmaya (aka Jogmaya), the sister of Lord Krishna's (an incarnation of Vishnu). Although the temple in its present state dates back to the 19th century, there have been ancient temples here for many centuries prior.
The Basics
With its roof of white domes and beautifully carved exteriors, this Hindu temple—also known as the Jogmaya Temple—is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture alone. Devotees regularly offer flowers and other gifts to the main idol, particularly during the twice-annual Navratri celebrations, dedicated to the goddess Devi in her many forms.
While devout Indian Hindus often come to this part of town specifically for the temple, most international visitors stop by as part of a larger tour of Mehrauli’s temples, or tick it off after a visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for local tradition.
- It’s customary, but not required, to leave a small donation at temples, so bring some change.
- Be prepared to remove your footwear before entering the temple.
How to Get There
The Yogmaya Mandir is located in the South Delhi village of Mehrauli, due east of the Qutub Minar. The nearest metro station is at Saket, but it's still around a half-hour walk away, and it's generally easier to visit this temple by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Yogmaya Temple is open throughout the year, though it’s always more pleasant to visit New Delhi attractions during the cooler winter months. If you happen to be in town during the hottest months of May and June, you may wish to visit early in the day or around sunset, just before the temple closes for daily aarti prayer ceremonies.
Phoolwalon-Ki-Sair Festival
Held every autumn since 1812, Phool Walon Ki Sair is a secular festival in which flower sellers (Hindus and Muslims alike) join together in a procession from Yogmaya Temple, through Mehrauli, to the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki. The incumbent prime minister usually joins in the festivities, and the government has taken an active role in its promotion, inviting musicians and performers from across India to showcase their regional traditions.
Address: Qutub-Mehrauli Road, Mehrauli, New Delhi, India
From $ 50