One Day Delhi Sightseeing Trip by Car

A perfect combination of modernity and heritage, Delhi is the capital city of India. It is also the second-largest city by population after Mumbai. Recently placed as the third best capital of the world in terms of a holiday, it is certainly one of the popular tourist destinations in India you must visit. On your one-day sightseeing trip to Delhi, you can explore the incredible wonders of the capital city comfortably in a private rental cab.

This charming city is a hub of commercial and political activities. It lures tourists with its rich art and culture. With vivid marketplaces, commendable history, and delicious varieties of cuisine, there is much more to Delhi than just what meets the eye.

From visiting the majestic historical monuments and structures to purchasing a wide variety of items, you can spend a day full of fun activities in the city. Walk into one of the city’s museums to understand the vibrant character of the city and the spirit of the country. Indulge in lavish meals at the country’s best hotels or gorge on the lip-smacking street food at the local food stalls to tantalize your taste buds.

A quick one-day sightseeing trip to Delhi by a  car will allow you to explore the city at leisure. You can pick from plenty of sightseeing options and spend your day enjoying the best of India’s capital. Moreover, you can drench yourself in the amazing history of the region, enjoy breathtaking views of its magnificent monuments, experience the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle, and experiment with the widest variety of food. Literature festivals, theatrical plays, cultural shows, and food festivals are among the offbeat things to try in Delhi.

1. Red Fort

Having historical significance, the massive Lal Qila or Red Fort is a popular tourist venue in Delhi. It is believed to have been constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century. The Red Fort Complex also includes the old Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546.

You can witness the majestic charm of the Red Fort which once served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. It is the epitome of the magnificent Mughal power and pomp. It is one sightseeing attraction that you should not miss on your Delhi city tour by private car.

In 2007, UNESCO designated it as one of the World Heritage Sites. It has a mix of several architectural styles, like Hindi, Persian, Islamic, and Timurid. The red sandstone walls, standing at a height of 75 feet, earlier kept invaders at bay. Over the years, the fort has been witness to several historical milestones, including the independence of India.

The most famous structures within the Red Fort are Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), made of 60 red sandstone pillars, and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) which is a white marble pavilion. You can also marvel at the Drum House, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths, and the Palace of Colours. One of the emotional and symbolic focal points is the Lahore Gate, which attracts huge crowds on Independence Day.

• Must See / Things to Do: Marvel at the architectural excellence of the era gone by.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week (except Monday) from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Entry Fee: For Indians INR 90 per person and foreigners INR 950 per person
• Recommended Duration: 80 Minutes

2. India Gate

This iconic and majestic arch gate in Delhi commemorates the undivided British army soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I and the 3rd Anglo-Afghan War of 1919. It is a War Memorial situated in the Rajpath area of Delhi. The Republic Day Parade on 26th January each year is held at this place.

The marvelous structure is often compared to the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the Arc de Triomphe in France. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is a 42-meter tall gateway. India Gate has been built of yellow and red sandstones sourced from Bharatpur. Its surface is inscribed with more than 13,300 names of servicemen. It displays the achievements and innovations in the rich cultural heritage and defense technology of India. The empty canopy in front of the monument depicts the British retreat from India.

Right underneath the archway, you can witness the Amar Jawan Jyoti. You can take a stroll around the lawns and enjoy the light show at the fountains. You can even snack on street food and enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.

• Must See / Things to Do: Feel the patriotic vibe as you witness the country’s major landmark.
• Timings: Open throughout the day and on all days of the week
• Entry Fee: Free
• Recommended Duration: 40 Minutes

3. Rashtrapati Bhavan

The President’s Secretariat or Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It has been masterfully created by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. This landmark is a blend of traditional Indian and classical European architectural styles.

It took 17 years to build this place over 330 acres of estate. The construction was completed in 1929. The 4 floored mansion has 340 lavish rooms. It is a colossal building with the famous Mughal Gardens spread over 15 acres. You can spot 159 most-popular varieties of roses, over 60 varieties of bougainvillea, and many other flowers.

The complex also includes a clock tower, garages, and stables. The first Governor-General of Independent India, Chakravarthy Rajagopalachari, was the first occupant of this mansion. It was only in August 2012 that the Museum gate was opened to the public. There is also a library, known as the Daughter of the Durbar Hall. There is a 145-ft tall Jaipur column standing tall in the Forecourt. It is decorated with classic Indian motifs, like regal elephants, jalis, Rajasthani sketches, and the round stone basins.

• Must See / Things to Do: Witness the elegant mansion where the honorable President of India resides.
• Timings: Three circuits that can be visited from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Visiting Days: Central Lawns – Circuit No. 1 – Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex – Circuit No. 2 – All days of the week except Monday | Rashtrapati Bhavan Gardens – Circuit No. 3 – Friday, Saturday & Sunday only during the months from August to March
• Entry Fee: Registration charge of INR 50 per person per circuit payable online
• Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes

4. Qutub Minar

For more than 800 years, this fantastic landmark of Delhi has remained the world’s tallest brick tower. Qutub Minar is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi. The construction of the towering 73-meter monument was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193, immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. The construction of the Minaret was finished by Firoz Shah Tughlak in 1368. It was erected as the tower of victory.

The beautiful minaret displays early Afghan architectural style. It has 5-storeys with bands of inscriptions and projecting balconies with elaborately decorated brackets. The first 3 are made of red sandstones while the last two are of marble and sandstone. Located in the complex is the rust-proof Iron Pillar of Delhi, one of the city’s most curious antiques. The Minaret has a spiral staircase of 379 steps. The decorative shafts are made from minerals from 27 Hindu temples.

If visiting in the month of November, you can witness the 3-day long Qutub Festival with an effervescent crowd and plenty of performances by musicians, dancers, and artists. There are illumination works promoting right, clean, and safe tourism.

• Must See / Things to Do: Dig up the history of the city at the iconic landmark of Delhi.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 07:15 AM to 05:00 PM
• Entry Fee: For Indians INR 40 per person and foreigners INR 600 per person
• Recommended Duration: 50 Minutes