A day in south Delhi

Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas

Published on 2021-08-11

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple

Destination

urban

Best time to visit

October to April

  • South Delhi is one of the posh localities in Delhi which boasts of elite schools and universities, malls, a rich lifestyle and vibrant nightlife.
  • The area is also home to some of the famous historical monuments such as the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Hauz Khas complex, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Purana Quila to name a few. It also boasts of beautiful and well-kept gardens like the ‘Garden of five senses’ and Buddha Park.
  • South Delhi is also known for its fashion trends that one will witness among the youngsters as well as the older crowd that hangs out in the Shopping arcades and restaurants during weekends.
  • This region is also known as the best place to live in and homes rich and famous businessmen.

| Highlights

  • Turn pages of history at Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb
  • Enjoy the panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities at Dilli Haat, INA.
  • Savour peaceful moments at Lotus Temple and at ISCKON.
  • Get a feel of the modern lifestyle and robust cuisine at Hauz Khas Village.

How to reach South Delhi?

  • Railhead - Nearest Railway Station - Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station.
  • Airport - Takes less time to reach the Indra Gandhi Airport from South Delhi. (T3 International + Domestic Airport: 25 Km) (T1, T2 Domestic Airport – 20 Km).
  • South Delhi is well connected from all parts of Delhi-NCR. (Faridabad – 30 Km, Noida – 35 Km, Gurugram – 25 Km, Ghaziabad – 45 Km).

Itinerary

Heritage Walk, Temple & Mughlai Food

The Historic Qutub Minar was built during the 13th century by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Located in Mehrauli, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts thousands of tourists every year. (Duration – 2 Hours)

  • Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar, Entry Fee: Rs 40 
Height of Qutub Minar - 73 m
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Height of Qutub Minar - 73 m

Garden of Five Senses – At a distance of just 4 km, you can take a cab/metro to reach there. The place is modelled along the lines of the Mughal Gardens. This lush garden is dotted with vibrant flowers and also boasts water channels that bestow coolness to the environment. The place is an excellent site for taking photos for Instagram and relaxing. (Duration – 1 Hour)

  • Nearest Metro Station: Saket, Entry Fees: Adult Rs 35, Children Rs 15

 DLF Mall, Saket – indulge in some quality shopping (optional). The mall is considered one of the best shopping centers in North India. You like to play games, you can enjoy indoor cricket, car race at Smaaash. You can also enjoy Motion Ride Theatre at Hangout. (2 Hours)

Lunch you can visit the food court at the mall. There you can enjoy different varieties of cuisine.

  • Pind Balluchi – where you can savour quality north Indian delicacies.
  • Burma Burma – if you want to try Authentic Burmese food.

Lotus Temple – (10km distance from DLF Saket) build in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai temples built around the world. Completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens. (Duration – 1 Hour)

The temple is open from 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm till 5 pm except for Sundays.

  • Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir/ Nehru Place; Entry Fees: Nil.
Night View of Lotus Temple
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Night View of Lotus Temple

ISKCON Temple – (around 2 km walking distance from lotus Temple) This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna which boasts of housing the world’s largest Gita. You can enjoy vegetarian food at the Govinda restaurant. There are also several sweet shops within the premises.

Hauz Khas village – (10 km from ISKCON Temple) You can then head to this place which is around 8 km. A popular spot among youngsters for its vibrant nightlife, bars, and restaurants. You can also explore the Hauz Khas fort located in the village. Surround by a lake, this place is a perfect spot to enjoy with loved ones.

Hauz Khas Village, Delhi
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Hauz Khas Village, Delhi

Food Option at Hauz Khas Village

  • Yeti-The Himalayan Kitchen – There you can snack around or even try a full meal. The restaurant is popular for its Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine.  You can try the Yeti special Kothe chicken
  • Naivedyam – Authentic South Indian Food 

Humayun’s Tomb – (At around 7 km from Iskcon,) was built-in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure, the most notable features are the garden squares (Chahar bagh).

  • Nearest Metro Station: JLN stadium, Entry Fee: Adult Rs 40, Timings: Sunrise till Sunset.

Food option

  • Masala House is just 1 km from Humayun’s Tomb. Though a bit on the higher side, the food is fresh and overall tasty with a good ambience with a lot of options. Recommended – Kesari Pulao and Mutton Tariwala

Waste to Wonder Theme Park – which is just 5 km from Humayun’s Tomb. There you can witness the 7 wonders of the world made of waste. Around 150 tonnes of industrial and other waste were used to erect the wonders. Timings – 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday Closed)

  • Nearest Metro Station: Nizamuddin; Entry fees: Adult: Rs 50; Children: Rs 25

Dinner Veg & Non-Veg Option

  • Dastarkhwan-E-Karim – Mughlai Food
    • Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti Near Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West.
  • Moti Mahal – at Greater Kailash –  Fine dining restaurant, famous for its Butter chicken & Tandoori Chicken. (10 km from Waste to Wonder Theme park)
  • Rajender da dhaba –  Popular for its Non-Veg Food – Galauti kebab, Chicken shawarma. (10 km from Waste to wonder theme park)
  • Al-Bake – Popular for Juicy Delicacy – Shawarma – New Friends colony (7 km from waste to wonder theme park)

There are many other options at Pandora Road – 5 km

Though the above itinerary may not be possible in 1 day, we have given you options, the basis on your interest you may pick & skip any of the places. 

 

Things to Buy/Popular shopping Location

  • If you are inclined towards shopping then you will have to drop some of the sightseeing mentioned above or club one more day for this activities. Following are the key shopping markets of south Delhi.
  • South Ex Market: The South Extension Market is divided into two blocks, South Extension I and South Extension II. Both the markets of South Extensions have some of the biggest Indian and international brands’ store outlets and there is not a single clothing item you won’t find here.
  • Sarojini Market: Favourite shopping destination for the budget traveller and those who can bargain. Famous for its roadside shops, you will find all kinds of fancy clothes, shoes, home decor, sunglasses etc at a low price. The market is usually very crowded but is worth the experience. You can also enjoy street food in the market. You can try chaat, golgappas and aloo Tikki at Khatta Meetha. The market is closed on Mondays.
  • Lajpat Nagar Market: Similar to Sarojini Market, it’s one of the oldest markets in India and is abuzz with middle-class Indian shoppers, all swarming around its roadside stalls and showrooms. However, the cost of items at the Lajpat Nagar market is considered to be a little lower than the Sarojini market.  You can also try a lot of street food out there. One of my favourite momo joints here is Dolma Aunty Momo.