Here is a curated 4-night, 5-day Delhi tour plan starting and ending in Kolkata.
This itinerary focuses on exploring Delhi in-depth while maintaining a relaxed pace suitable for families or couples.
Overview
- Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Mode of Travel: Flight from Kolkata (CCU) to Delhi (DEL) is recommended for maximum time; alternatively, the Rajdhani Express.
- Stay: Central Delhi or South Delhi (Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, or Saket) for easy access.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Evening at India Gate
- Morning: Arrive at Delhi Airport/Railway Station from Kolkata. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship, known for its serene pool (Sarovar).
- Evening: Head to India Gate and Kartavya Path. Enjoy the evening lights, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, and a walk near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) for photos.
- Dinner: Explore the food joints at Connaught Place (CP).
Day 2: Old Delhi’s Heritage & Flavors
- Morning: Explore the Red Fort (Lal Qila), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Mid-day: Visit Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques.
- Afternoon: Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. Don't miss the famous Paranthe Wali Gali for lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Evening: Leisure time or shopping at Palika Bazaar or Janpath.
Day 3: Architectural Wonders of South Delhi
- Morning: Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal.
- Afternoon: Head to the Qutub Minar complex to see the world’s tallest brick minaret and ancient ruins.
- Late Afternoon: Relax at Lotus Temple, famous for its flower-like architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- Evening: Visit Hauz Khas Village for its historic fort overlooking a lake, followed by dinner at one of its trendy lakeside cafes.
Day 4: Spiritual Grandeur & Cultural Shopping
- Morning: Visit the grand Akshardham Temple. (Note: This usually takes 3-4 hours to see the exhibitions and water show).
- Afternoon: Visit Dilli Haat (INA), an open-air food and craft bazaar where you can find handicrafts and authentic cuisines from every Indian state.
- Evening: Optional visit to Lodhi Garden for a sunset walk among 15th-century tombs.
Day 5: Last Minute Shopping & Departure
- Morning: Visit National Museum or Crafts Museum if you enjoy history. Alternatively, head to Sarojini Nagar or Karol Bagh for budget-friendly shopping.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local favorite like Andhra Bhavan or Pandara Road.
- Evening: Transfer to Delhi Airport/Railway Station for your return journey to Kolkata.
Travel Tips for Kolkatans
- Food: While Delhi is famous for Mughlai and street food, if you crave Bengali food, head to Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), often called the "Kolkata of Delhi."
- Commute: The Delhi Metro is the most efficient way to travel and avoid traffic. Use the Yellow and Violet lines for most tourist spots.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (the winter months are pleasant, though December/January can be very cold).
- Booking: For Rashtrapati Bhavan, remember to book your visit slot online in advance on their official website.