Delhi

Almost every journey through north India begins in Delhi, and the capital deserves far more than a transit stop. So two cities share one name: the spice-scented lanes of Old Delhi and the grand avenues of Lutyens’ New Delhi. Eight centuries of empire have left tombs, forts and bazaars at every turn. We know the city’s quiet corners as well as its icons, so we make arrival days count. Every one of our tailor-made holidays is private and built around you. As a result, Delhi becomes a highlight rather than a stopover.

Why Spend Time in Delhi

Delhi rewards the curious like few capitals. So Mughal monuments, colonial pomp and modern India collide in a single day. Meanwhile, the food runs from street-side parathas to refined tasting menus. The city also eases you gently into India’s rhythms. As a result, a day or two here sets up the whole journey.

Old Delhi: Lanes and Legends

Shahjahanabad, today’s Old Delhi, is gloriously alive. So an immersive walking tour dives into Chandni Chowk’s spice and silver lanes. Rickshaws weave past the great Jama Masjid to the walls of the Red Fort. Street food stops punctuate the wandering. As a result, the old city delivers India at full volume.

New Delhi: Lutyens’ Capital

South of the walls, the mood changes completely. So New Delhi’s leafy avenues sweep from India Gate to the presidential palace. A colonial-era tour traces the Raj’s grand designs. Meanwhile, Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring Qutb Minar anchor the Mughal and Sultanate story. The contrast with the old city could not be greater.

Deeper into the City

Beyond the landmarks, Delhi opens up beautifully. So a day across both cities stitches the story together. The energetic can join a dawn cycling tour before the traffic wakes. Equally moving, a walk led by former street children shows the city through different eyes. As a result, every interest finds its Delhi.

Where to Stay

Delhi’s hotels are destinations in themselves. So the art-deco Imperial drips with Raj-era glamour, while the Oberoi New Delhi sets the modern benchmark. The leafy Claridges remains a quietly elegant favourite. Near the airport, the Oberoi Gurgaon smooths late arrivals and early departures. Of course, we match the hotel to your route.

The Gateway to North India

From Delhi, the classics radiate in every direction. So the Taj Mahal at Agra and the palaces of Rajasthan form the famous Golden Triangle. Our Golden Triangle and Tigers adds a safari, while the Golden Triangle with a Twist swaps in surprises. For the full sweep, Maharajas and Mughals and our Best of the Best tour both begin here. Families, meanwhile, start the Family Holiday to India in the capital.

When to Travel

Generally, October to March brings Delhi’s loveliest weather. By contrast, May and June swelter before the monsoon. Winter mornings, meanwhile, can be foggy but atmospheric. So we tailor the timing to your wider route. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

Plan Your Trip

Give Delhi a proper day or two and it will repay you richly. So we weave the capital into the start, middle or end of your journey. When you are ready, simply get in touch with our specialists. We will then craft a private itinerary around your interests. As ever, every detail is arranged for you.

Food: From Street to Stately

Delhi may be India’s greatest eating city. So Old Delhi’s parathas and kebabs share the day with refined Mughlai dining. Your guide knows which stalls are legendary and which are merely loud. Meanwhile, the capital’s modern restaurants now rank with Asia’s best. As a result, every meal becomes part of the sightseeing.

Gardens, Tombs and Quiet Corners

Between the headline sights, Delhi hides green calm. So Lodhi Gardens scatters sultanate tombs among joggers and parakeets. Humayun’s garden-tomb previews the Taj in miniature, while Mehrauli’s woods wrap centuries of ruins. Meanwhile, the city’s galleries and boutiques reward an unhurried afternoon. As a result, the capital balances bustle with breathing space.

Travelling with Millis Potter

Everything we arrange in Delhi is private and hand-built. So airport meet-and-greet, the right hotel and the right guide are all in place before you land. We pace arrival days gently around jet lag. Meanwhile, our partners in the city are on call throughout. As a result, India begins smoothly from the very first hour.

A Capital That Surprises

In the end, Delhi converts its sceptics. So travellers who planned to pass through end up wishing for another day. The layers reveal themselves to those who walk slowly. Meanwhile, each empire left the city a different gift. As a result, the capital rewards genuine curiosity.

Day Trips and Easy Add-Ons

The city also makes a superb base. So the Taj Mahal sits two hours away by express train. Neemrana’s fort-palace breaks the road to Rajasthan in style. Meanwhile, early flights reach Varanasi and the Himalayan foothills. As a result, Delhi opens every door in the north.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I stay?

Two nights suits most journeys. So you can see both cities without rushing. Jet lag also settles before the road begins.

Is Delhi overwhelming?

Not with the right guide. Our private tours pace the city gently. So the chaos becomes colour rather than stress.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. Every itinerary is private and shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.