The top tourist attractions in Delhi are dominated by magnificent monuments, forts, and mosques that narrate the glorious saga of the bygone era. Undoubtedly, they are the most amazing and must-visit places in Delhi. But for a true travel aficionado, the beauty of a city does not lie merely in its history and heritage. They also wish to discover the city’s culture, art, lifestyle, and exuberance. Adding to the experience would be a touch of fun or adventure. That’s what makes a place most enchanting for travellers – the ‘unique’ side of the city that usually remains hidden amidst the limelight of popular tourist spots. In this blog with share with you some of those offbeat places in Delhi for visitors.
Offbeat Places In Delhi
At WaytoIndia, we bring you experiences that are offbeat, interesting and fun. Here are the offbeat places in Delhi to visit.
- Love Spices? Visit the Largest Spice Market in Asia
Want to take back home some really good spices that India is popular for? You must start your tour to offbeat places in Delhi with Asia’s largest spice market at Khari Baoli Road in Old Delhi.
The street that runs from Fatehpuri Mosque to the western side of the old city is bustling with the sights and smells of an astounding variety of spices that are native to India.
You would simply love the eye-catching display of everything from whole spices to exotic herbs, rice, dry fruits, lentils, nuts, tea and even giant jars of pickles and chutneys.
Tip: The market is closed on Sundays.
- Fall in Love with the Chaos of Old Delhi
Delhi is not all about majestic forts and monuments or lavish malls, plush hotels and multi-storeyed buildings. There is another side of India’s capital – its chaos and bustling lifestyle that will simply mesmerise you as a true traveller. Next on your trip to offbeat places in Delhi must be Old Delhi.
Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk are the best places that will make you feel the pulse of the city. As you walk through the narrow streets, you would wonder what is so enchanting about these places. But soon, you will fall in love with the liveliness and chaos of this place.
Tip: Do not miss to taste lip-smacking Mutton Burra at Karim’s, visit Chandni Chowk’s Paranthe Wali Gali or take a rickshaw ride through the streets.
If you are a foodie, check out Dahi Bhalla at Natraj, Khasta Kachori at Nai Sarak, Falooda Kulfi at Roshan di Kulfi. All these street eateries are famous and have a history of their own.
- Come Up, Close and Personal with Divinity
When was the last time you experienced divinity? Visit Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah, the tomb of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and let your senses unwind amidst divine spirituality and mysticism of Sufism. Visit the Dargah on Thursday evening when the atmosphere is filled with the aura of spirituality with the melodies of devotional Sufi music, known as Qawwalis. The mesmerizing ambiance will engulf your senses as you readily surrender to sheer peace and divinity.
Tip: Dress decently, remove your shoes and cover your head when you visit the Dargah.
- Dine with a Local Family
Delhi’s intriguing culture is much about its cuisine. And nothing can beat the experience of the savoring delicious cuisine of Delhi with a local family. It is a great way to learn the intricacies of Indian culture and hospitality. Several tours are conducted that give travelers an opportunity to interact with a local family, watch them cook food and even taste it for a unique experience.
Tip: Get a cooking lesson in a local home.
- Discover Talent in Delhi’s Slum
Delhi’s Kathputli Colony is one of the best places to discover the city’s true talent, art and culture. Do not consider it as an ordinary slum dwelling; you can be bowled over by innumerable artists performing Indian folk dances and music. Adding to it are the amazing puppet shows, fire shows and magic shows that will surely catch your fancy. It is undoubtedly one of the best unique experiences in Delhi.
Tip: The tour starts at 09:30 a.m. every day; Duration – 3.5 hours; Cost – USD 50 per person.
- Delhi Bicycle Tour
Go green! Explore Delhi at its best on a bicycle. Delhi By Bicycle is a unique experience, unveiling the wonders of city streets, bustling lifestyle, heritage buildings and much more. The fascinating Delhi bicycle tour gives you glimpses, aromas, colors and sounds of Old Delhi and New Delhi in a way like never seen before.
Tip: The tour starts the early morning at 06:30 a.m. to avoid the traffic.
- The Haunted Delhi!
Not precisely what any ordinary tourist would love to experience, but be witnessing the haunted Delhi is certainly a unique experience that would inspire the ghostbuster in you. There are many alleged haunted places in Delhi such as Lothian Cemetery, BhuliBhatiyarikaMahal, Firoz Shah Kotla and Jamali-Kamali Tomb that are famous for their spine-chilling spooky tales reported by the visitors and locals. For a somewhat weird and offbeat experience, don’t miss these unusual places to visit in Delhi for bizarre memories of your holiday.
Tip: Make sure you hire a local guide and get good information from them before visiting these places. It is not advisable to go to these places after dark. Visit at your own risk.
- Witness how Indian Handicrafts are Being Made
India is renowned globally for its handicrafts. You might have heard and seen a lot of it. How about witnessing how Indian handicrafts are being made? Visit Delhi’s lesser-known Crafts Museum where you can watch artisans demonstrate traditional weaving, embroidery, pottery and carvings. The Museum also hosts a gallery with over 20,000 exhibits of handicrafts from across the country, stalls that sell products at reasonable prices and a cafe where you can dine.
Tips: Opening hours – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Monday. Entrance to the museum is free. However, entry to the gallery cost INR 150 for foreigners and INR 10 for Indians. It is located at PragatiMaidan on Bhairon Road.
- Pottery Village Tour
Pottery is an ancient art and beautifully exhibits India’s culture and lifestyle in some way or the other. Pottery Village Tour conducted by Indomania is a brilliant way to witness the art of pottery in its full glory. The pottery villages are typically located on the outskirts of Delhi where you can indulge in fun and interactive activities with the potters. It would truly be a memorable experience as you lend your hand creating masterpieces, no matter if you get little dirty.
Tip: You can even take back home the memoirs of your pottery village tour.
- See the Change of Guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Despite being one of the most prestigious and astounding ceremonies similar to London’s Buckingham Palace, the Changing of Guard in Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan remains quite unknown and less popular. The ceremony is now held on the forecourt of the President’s residence, accommodating about 200 guests. Recently, a brilliant display by the President’s Body Guard in their ceremonial regalia and on horseback has been added. This also provides the opportunity to witness the architectural grandeur of the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the centerpiece of New Delhi.
Tip: The Changing of Guard ceremony is held every Saturday morning.
- Spot Nilgais in Delhi
Nilgais in Delhi! Isn’t that somewhat unusual? But that’s what you are here, right? Witness the Indian Big Bull, the largest Asian antelope, in the bushes near Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Tughlaqabad Fort, reserve forests of Sanjay Vant, and if you are lucky, you can even see them roaming the streets. Don’t miss to click photos.
Tip: Do not get close too close to these animals as it can disturb them and make them ferocious.
That’s an interesting part of Delhi, unlike what you would usually see. Try including most of these experiences in your tour itinerary and you would take back home truly incredible memories to cherish forever.
If you are planning to visit Delhi, you may book your Delhi Sightseeing Tour with Waytoindia by calling on 8882224422.