How to Do a Full Day Sightseeing in Delhi by Taxi? Complete Guide

Delhi is one of the world's great historic cities — a layered metropolis where Mughal monuments, British colonial buildings, ancient temples, and modern India exist side by side. A full day sightseeing circuit by private taxi is the best way to cover the highlights without the hassle of autos, metros, and queues. This guide gives you a complete optimised day plan covering Old Delhi, Central Delhi, and South Delhi.

Book your Delhi sightseeing taxi: EZPZ Taxi offers 8-hour/80km sightseeing packages starting at ₹1,500 — your driver knows all locations, parking spots, and routes. Call +91-9871121217 or book at ezpztaxi.com.

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The Optimised Delhi Sightseeing Circuit

Start: 8:30 AM | End: 7:00 PM | Distance: 60–80 km

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8:30 AM — India Gate & Rajpath

Begin at India Gate — the 42m war memorial built in 1931 honouring 84,000 Indian soldiers. The broad Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) leading from India Gate to the new Parliament House complex is Delhi's grandest boulevard.

New Parliament House (2023) is visible at the far end. The complex includes Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) — you can view the exterior from Vijay Chowk. The Changing of the Guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan happens on Saturday mornings (check schedule).

Central Secretariat buildings on either side of Kartavya Path are magnificent examples of Herbert Baker's colonial architecture.

Entry: Free | Parking: Near India Gate lawns

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9:30 AM — Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Humayun's Tomb (built 1570) is the prototype for the Taj Mahal — the first Mughal garden tomb in India, built by Humayun's widow Haji Begum. The red sandstone and white marble structure surrounded by a Persian charbagh (four-part garden) is extraordinarily beautiful.

Why it matters architecturally: The double dome, the elevated platform, the garden geometry — everything here was perfected 80 years later at the Taj Mahal. Standing inside the tomb chamber, you understand the Taj's spiritual ancestry.

Also on the same ticket: Isa Khan's Tomb (an earlier Afghan noble's octagonal tomb complex adjacent to Humayun's) and the Barber's Tomb.

Entry: Indians ₹35, Foreigners ₹550 | Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

Official ASI: www.asi.nic.in



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11:00 AM — Qutub Minar Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Qutub Minar (73m) is the world's tallest brick minaret and the oldest surviving monument of the Delhi Sultanate period — construction began in 1193 CE. The entire Qutub Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see:
- Qutub Minar itself: Constructed in five stories in red sandstone and marble, with intricate Koranic calligraphy carved into the stone. You cannot climb it (closed since 1981) but circling it is rewarding.
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: India's first mosque, built using columns from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples — the original Hindu and Jain decorative motifs are still visible on many columns.
- Iron Pillar of Delhi: A 1,600-year-old (Gupta period, ~4th–5th century CE) solid iron pillar that has never rusted despite being exposed to the elements for 16 centuries. The metallurgical mystery remains partially unexplained. Tradition says if you can wrap your arms around it from behind with your hands touching, your wish is granted (now roped off).
- Alai Darwaza: A magnificent domed gateway built in 1311 — one of the earliest examples of the true arch in India.
- Iltutmish's Tomb: The tomb of the third Sultan of Delhi.

Entry: Indians ₹40, Foreigners ₹600 | Time needed: 1.5 hours

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12:30 PM — Lunch Break

Near Qutub Minar area:
- Lodi, The Garden Restaurant (near Lodhi Garden) — excellent multi-cuisine in a beautiful garden setting
- Karim's Mehrauli — near Qutub, no-frills but excellent Mughlai food
- Gunpowder (Hauz Khas Village) — 5 km from Qutub, wonderful South Indian and Kerala food with rooftop views

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2:00 PM — Lodhi Garden

Lodhi Garden is Delhi's most beautiful public park — 90 acres of manicured gardens, lakes, and three remarkable 15th-century tombs. The tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi (Delhi Sultanate rulers) rise dramatically from the lawns.

Why visit: The combination of medieval Islamic architecture and beautifully maintained English-style garden is unlike anywhere else in Delhi. Joggers, photographers, couples, and history enthusiasts coexist peacefully.

Entry: Free | Time needed: 45 minutes

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3:00 PM — Red Fort (Lal Qila) — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Red Fort in Old Delhi was the main residence of the Mughal Emperors for 200 years (1648–1857). The massive red sandstone walls (33m high) enclose a complex of palaces, halls, gardens, and museums.

What to see:
- Lahori Gate: The main entrance — the national flag is hoisted here every Independence Day (15 August) by the Prime Minister
- Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audiences): Where the Emperor held public court
- Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences): Marble pavilion with Shah Jahan's famous inscription: "If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here"
- Rang Mahal: The residence of royal ladies with an indoor channel flowing with water
- Chhatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar): A vaulted market lane inside the fort gate, now with handicraft shops
- Museum of Indian Independence: Recently opened museum within the fort campus, excellent

Sound & Light Show: Evening show at Red Fort (Hindi and English, separate timings) — a worthwhile cultural experience.

Entry: Indians ₹35, Foreigners ₹500 | Time needed: 1.5–2 hours



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5:00 PM — Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi's Living Chaos

Chandni Chowk is Old Delhi's main street — a 1.3 km lane lined with India's densest concentration of shops, street food, temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. Built by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara in 1650, it was once the wealthiest market in Mughal Asia.

Must-see and eat in Chandni Chowk:

Jama Masjid (1 km from Red Fort): India's largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan in 1656. The courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Climb the southern minaret for a panoramic view of Old Delhi. Entry: Free (camera fee ₹300) | Dress: Cover head and legs.

Paranthe Wali Gali (Lane of Parathas): A legendary narrow lane where families have been frying parathas stuffed with 20+ fillings since the 19th century. Try at Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan (est. 1875).

Karim's Restaurant (Jama Masjid back gate): Serving Mughlai food since 1913, this is Delhi's most historic restaurant. The mutton seekh kebabs and nihari (slow-cooked meat stew) are iconic.

Fatehpuri Masjid (western end of Chandni Chowk): A beautiful 17th-century mosque with an active spice market (Khari Baoli — Asia's largest spice market) right outside.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib (on Chandni Chowk): One of the most important Sikh gurudwaras in Delhi — built at the site where the 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred by Aurangzeb in 1675.

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7:00 PM — Optional Evening: Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple (east Delhi) is one of the world's largest Hindu temples — opened in 2005, covering 100 acres. No photography allowed inside. The stone carving is extraordinary — every surface covered in hand-carved deities, animals, and scenes from Indian scriptures. The evening boat ride (inside the complex) and the musical fountain show are family favourites.

Entry: Free | Boat ride: ₹170 | Show: ₹80 | Closes: 10 PM

www.akshardham.com

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Other Notable Delhi Sites (for a 2-day extended circuit)

Lotus Temple (Bahai House of Worship): Stunning lotus-shaped marble structure open to all religions, complete silence required. Free entry.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum: The President's estate museum open to public on prior booking — presidentofindia.gov.in

National Museum (Janpath): India's finest collection of ancient art, including Harappan civilisation artifacts, Mughal miniatures, and Buddhist sculpture. Entry ₹20.

Hauz Khas Village: Medieval reservoir complex with a 14th-century madrasa and Feroz Shah Tughlaq's tomb — now surrounded by upscale restaurants and boutiques.

Purana Qila (Old Fort): 16th-century Mughal fort on the banks of the Yamuna — believed to be built on the site of ancient Indraprastha (from Mahabharata). Excellent evening sound & light show.

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Practical Tips

Traffic: Delhi traffic is worst 9–11 AM and 6–9 PM. Plan your circuit to avoid major thoroughfares during peak hours.

Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees for mosques, gurudwaras, and temples. Carry a light scarf.

Cash: Keep some cash for small entries, street food, and tipping guides.

Photography: Always ask before photographing people in Old Delhi. Many craftspeople and shop owners are happy but some are not.

Delhi Tourism: www.delhitourism.gov.in

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Book Your Delhi Sightseeing Taxi

EZPZ Taxi's 8-hour/80km package covers this entire circuit comfortably. Your driver knows every parking spot, traffic shortcut, and alternative entrance.

Call: +91-9871121217 | Book: ezpztaxi.com

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