Historical Sites
No trip to Delhi would be complete without visiting some of the city’s remarkable historical sites. Explore the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site commissioned by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1638, as the seat of the Mughal Empire. A striking sandstone structure, it took ten years to build (1638-48) and was an innovative design for its time. Meanwhile, Humayun's Tomb was commissioned by the widow of Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and is thought to have inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. The tomb is part of a walled complex that incorporates the Lodi Gardens, which were built by the British in 1936.
Religious Monuments
Located in a tranquil setting in the heart of Old Delhi’s bustling streets lies Jama Masjid (meaning Friday Mosque) India’s largest mosque. Built in 1656 by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the building can hold a staggering 25,000 people. Its architecture is equally impressive and highly decorative, boasting plenty of sandstone inlaid with marble and brass. For a much more recent monument, the lotus-shaped Bahai Temple, which was completed in 1986, is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the surrounding pools, gardens and the temple itself are lit up in all their glory.
Shopping
Visit Old Delhi’s historic Chandni Chowk, which has roots dating back to medieval times and is now home to the city's largest marketplace. Especially good for silver jewellery, spices and silk, it’s an excellent place to pick up authentic gifts to take home. Perhaps Khan Market is up your street, hosting Delhi’s most upmarket enclave and a favourite amongst the elites and expats. Wander around its boutiques brimming with fashion, homewares and books, before stopping off for an authentic, flavoursome bite to eat.
Festivals
As the capital of India, festivals are celebrated in a big way in Delhi, and many Indian cultures and traditions can be seen here during this time. Hardly a month goes by without a festival and one of the most interesting, and certainly the most colourful, is the springtime festival of Holi, that falls on the day after the full moon in March. It celebrates good conquering evil and is an opportunity to put differences aside. On the eve of Holi, people make bonfires before, on the actual day, applying colourful powders and pastes and rejoicing with music, food and dancing.
Flight Information
British Airways direct flight from London Heathrow to Delhi.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Delhi: 8 hours, 30 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Visas are required prior to arrival and can be obtained on line at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ Alternatively, you can contact CIBT on 0845 800 4650 or www.uk.cibt.com
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.