Unconventional Delhi: Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail
Whoever wants to experience the true essence of India would love to visit its ever-so-bustling city, Delhi. This is the capital city of one of the most populous countries in the world, which means that this is the true definition of chaotic city life. Tourists visit Delhi from around the globe for its iconic historical landmarks. No doubt, these tourist-friendly places are worth exploring, but you will also not regret exploring the unconventional Delhi. It is always surprising to explore lesser-known attractions in famous destinations.
If you want your trip to Delhi to be much more than a repeated itinerary where every traveller visits the most iconic sites of the city, you have come to the right place. Our goal is to help you explore Delhi on a deeper level and away from the chaos of all the tourists. If you have started planning your trip to Delhi and are looking for flights to Delhi from London, it is also time that you begin assembling your itinerary to explore Delhi beyond the tourist trail.
Hidden Gems to Explore in Delhi
Here are some incredible, lesser-known attractions in Delhi that you must add to your itinerary.
Sanjay Van
Did you know that there is a wild forest within the chaotic city of Delhi? Sanjay Van is a dense forest located near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli. Even though this forest offers a slice of wilderness amidst the chaotic city, it is often overlooked by tourists because it lacks popularity. But once you visit, you will surely be surprised that this haven hasn’t yet caught the attention of nature lovers and tourists.
The forest spreads over 780 acres and has beautiful walking trails. It also provides exceptional bird-watching opportunities, and you might even spot some jackals, peacocks, and nilgai. And let’s not forget about the crumbling tombs and forgotten walls here that add to its rustic charm and make it a haven for both nature lovers and history buffs.
Majnu ka Tilla
You might not have expected it, but you get a little slice of Tibet here in Majnu ka Tilla in Delhi. While you are here, you get a glimpse of the rich Tibetan culture that is truly a sight to behold. This refugee colony along the Yamuna promises an unmatched experience. Imagine vibrant cafes, Buddhist temples, thangka shops, and delicious Tibetan fare. You get it all here.
There is no denying that you will have an unforgettable experience here that is genuinely different from the typical North Indian experience. Exploring Majnu ka Tilla will make you feel like you have entered a different side of India. You will also have the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local treats here, including momos, thukpa, and butter tea.
Agrasen ki Baoli
This 14th-century stepwell is a true delight for all the history buffs. Agrasen Ki Baoli, located near Connaught Place, is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists. However, it remains less popular than many of the city’s other iconic historic landmarks. And whoever visits it for the first time is stunned by the hauntingly symmetrical arches, hidden legends, and eerie silence of this stepwell, which intrigues all the visitors.
Get ready to be stunned by the ancient architecture and the modern high-rises of this glorious landmark. You will want to grab your camera and capture beautiful photos of this landmark. Also, listening to the legends here will provide a glimpse into this stepwell’s fascinating history.
Champa Gali
All the art lovers and literature geeks would not want to miss out on the most well-kept secret of South Delhi. What used to be a dingy lane is now a chic, creative hub, a haven for all creatives. You will witness indie cafes, concept stores, art spaces, and literary corners all over this lane.
Young locals love to hang out on this street and look for a creative outlet here. If you want to interact with these art and literature lovers, you are more than welcome. While you sit and see the art scenes here, you can sip on Vietnamese coffee and attend poetry readings. You can also shop for handmade journals while you are here.
Tughlaqabad Fort
As there are many famous historical forts in Delhi, Tughlaqabad is often overlooked. This beautiful fort is the perfect representation of the history of the country. You will surely fall in love with this fort that sprawls over 6.5km and eerie ruins that tell ancient, fascinating historical tales.
Tughlaqabad Fort was built in the 14th century by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. It is one of the most prominent landmarks that takes you back to the medieval past of the city. You will gain insight into the intriguing history of Delhi, which features ambition, decline, and curses. It is a true delight for the history buffs who want to explore more history in India than its famous historic landmarks promise.
Summing Up
Delhi is the city of dreams, chaos, lively lifestyle, bustling markets, and spectacular historical landmarks. But when you explore the city beyond the tourist trail, you will get a chance to see a different side of this chaotic city that is still waiting to be explored by the tourists. So, if you have decided to explore unconventional Delhi during your holidays in India this year, you are in for a lot of surprises. It is time to book London to India flights and discover the lesser-known destinations of Delhi, which will change your perspective on this incredible city.
