Delhi is often known as the food capital of India. It has many fine restaurants. Start your day  with an array of South Indian delicacies at Saravana Bhawan (Janpath). The restaurant is hygienic and value for money.

Visit the National Museum of History or you may wish to visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. Enjoy the sights of Rajpath and India Gate lawns. India Gate is the majestic memorial to the unknown soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1. There is also the Raj Bhawan perched on the Raisina Hill and the many wide roads converging at India Gate. The National Museum is the largest museum in Delhi with over 200,000 exhibits of exquisite art, both foreign and Indian, miniature paintings, musical instruments, manuscripts, sculptures and a lot more – a history enthusiast’s haven. For those who prefer analysing paintings, a visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art is a must.

Next visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir)  – this modern Orissian styled temple was erected by the industrialist B.D Birla and his renowned family in 1938. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes, especially untouchables, would be allowed in. The temple enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon, the presiding deity being Narayan (Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu trinity) and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and good fortune.

A most popular haunt, with locals and tourists alike, is Dilli Haat, for a variety of handicrafts and cuisines from all parts of India. Lunch on a variety of regional dishes on offer.

Visit Safdarjang Tomb, near Dilli Haat.The monument stands in the middle of an extensive garden, and is referred to as the ‘last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture’ in India. The tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father in 1753. The garden of the tomb is laid down in the pattern of the Mughlai Charbagh style.

Nearby is  Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century by Humayun’s widow. It is the first significant example of Mughal architecture in India. The elements of the building’s design are said to be the basis for many Moghul monuments, including the Taj Mahal.

For more greenery, walk through Lodi Gardens, established in the 15th and 16th centuries by the Sayyids and Lodis. There are several tombs situated in the garden, which belong to the Lodi and Sayyid era, including Muhammad Shah’s and Sikander Lodi’s. This is also very interesting for bird watchers.

Bahai’s House of worship – This was completed in 1986 and was built by followers of the Bahai faith. It is one of the most visited places in India having seen millions of people pass through its door since it was opened. The temple itself is known as “The Lotus Temple” due to its distinctive lotus shaped marble design. The lotus casts themselves look down over far ranging lawns, pool and gardens covering some 26 acres. Adherants of any faith are welcome here to pray or meditate silently according to their own religion.

Lose yourself in the charms of a bygone era and visit  Shahjehanbad or Old Delhi. It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with remains of 17th century Havelis.  You can walk around this area but a rickshaw ride through the incredibly tiny lanes is not to be missed. It is one of India’s most prominent wholesale and retail markets.

Walk to the Red Fort  and enjoy a sound and light show in the evening.This fort is actually known as Lal Qil’ah meaning the ‘Red Fort’. It is one of the most breathtaking pieces of Mughal architecture. It was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, between 1638 and 1648. The fort gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone that  defines its four sides. The wall is roughly 1.5 miles long and varies in height from 60ft on the river side to 110ft on the city side.

Across the road from the Red Fort is the Masjid-i-Jahan Numa  commonly known as Jama Masjid. It was built by the emperor Shah Jehan slightly after the Red Fort in 1656. It is the  most well known and largest open air mosque in India. The courtyard of it alone can hold close to 25,000 people.

Don’t miss out on a sumptuous dinner at Karim Hotel at Jama Masjid, ranked the 2nd best restaurant in Delhi, after Bokhara (at Maurya Sheraton)  which is among one of the top fifty restaurants of the world.

Visit Rajghat –  a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31st January 1948. The memorial is left open to the elements, an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby and the words He Ram are inscribed on the memorial, these are believed to have been his final words.

India’s newest, and probably the largest, temple Akshardham should not be missed. Standing in its own manicured gardens, it is a marvellous piece of architecture. Photography inside the temple and grounds  is not permitted.