Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Delhi (DEL)

About Delhi

Discover Delhi, India’s vibrant capital

Delhi is a city where grand boulevards and leafy avenues meet bustling bazaars and contemporary neighbourhoods. As India’s capital, it brings together centuries of history, striking architecture, and a fast-changing urban energy, giving you many ways to experience its character in a single trip.

In one day you can wander among monumental sandstone gateways, admire landscaped gardens, and then step into lively markets filled with textiles, handicrafts, and fragrant street food. Stylish cafés and rooftop restaurants sit alongside old city lanes, while modern art spaces and museums showcase the creative spirit of today’s Delhi.

Whether you are visiting family, travelling on business, or exploring India for the first time, Delhi is an engaging starting point. Its extensive transport links make it easy to connect onwards to the rest of the country, while its own neighbourhoods reward you with new discoveries every time you step outside.

Top sights in Delhi

Red Fort

Walk through the vast sandstone walls, ornate halls, and peaceful gardens of this iconic Mughal-era fort complex.

India Gate and Rajpath

Stroll along the broad ceremonial avenue and pause at India Gate, a landmark surrounded by lawns and evening crowds.

Qutub Minar

Explore the soaring stone tower and surrounding archaeological complex, known for its intricate carvings and historic structures.

Humayun’s Tomb

Admire the grand domed mausoleum set in symmetrical gardens, a beautiful example of early Mughal architecture.

Chandni Chowk

Experience a lively old-city market filled with shops, eateries, and narrow lanes that give a glimpse of historic Delhi life.

Experience the culture of Delhi

Delhi invites you to experience its culture through its streets, galleries, and green spaces. Join a heritage walk in Old Delhi to learn how the city evolved through different eras, while navigating markets, historic gateways, and grand avenues. In newer districts, you can explore contemporary art galleries, design studios, and performance venues that highlight the city’s creative side.

Outdoor experiences offer a calmer contrast to the busy streets. Early mornings in the city’s parks and gardens are ideal for leisurely walks or jogging among trees and landscaped lawns. You can also take guided food walks, photography tours, or cycling routes that introduce you to lesser-known neighbourhoods, scenic viewpoints, and everyday life in the capital.

Evenings are a good time to discover Delhi’s cultural calendar, with theatres, auditoriums, and cultural centres hosting music, dance, and storytelling events. Many neighbourhoods have lively café and market areas where you can sit outdoors, enjoy local snacks, and watch the city wind down at the end of the day.

A taste of Delhi

Delhi’s dining scene ranges from traditional street stalls to refined restaurants, giving you the chance to try many flavours in one city. Classic local dishes are served at long-established eateries, where generations have perfected recipes that are now part of the city’s food identity.

Across the city you will find busy street corners serving savoury snacks, freshly baked breads, and sweets, especially in older markets and neighbourhoods. In contrast, modern cafés and bistros are popular for relaxed brunches, coffee, and light meals, often with a focus on seasonal and regional ingredients.

For a more formal evening, Delhi’s hotels and standalone restaurants offer carefully curated menus in elegant settings, some with rooftop terraces or garden views. Whether you choose a small family-run spot or a contemporary fine-dining experience, eating out in Delhi is an enjoyable way to explore the city’s history and diversity through food.

Retail therapy in Delhi

Shopping in Delhi ranges from bustling bazaars to polished malls, each with its own atmosphere. Traditional markets are perfect for discovering textiles, handcrafted decor, jewellery, and everyday essentials, often sold by small family businesses that have been part of the area for years.

If you prefer air-conditioned comfort, multi-storey shopping centres bring together international brands, cinema complexes, and dining options under one roof. These are convenient places to combine shopping with a relaxed meal or coffee, especially during the warmer months.

Boutique stores and design studios around the city showcase contemporary Indian fashion, homeware, and accessories, blending local craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Wherever you head, you can take your time browsing, comparing styles, and finding mementoes that reflect your own experience of Delhi.

Best time to visit Delhi

Cool season (November to February, peak season). Days are generally mild, around 12–20°C (54–68°F), with cooler evenings. The pleasant temperatures make it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor walks, and exploring markets, and many cultural events and festivals take place during these months.

Hot season (March to June, shoulder season). Temperatures gradually rise from around 25°C (77°F) to above 35°C (95°F). While afternoons can be very warm, mornings and evenings are suitable for sightseeing, and air-conditioned museums, malls, and restaurants offer comfortable indoor spaces to enjoy the city.

Monsoon and late summer (July to October, low season). Temperatures typically range between 26–32°C (79–90°F), with periods of rainfall that bring a fresher feel to the air. This season gives the city a greener look, and indoor attractions, cafés, and markets remain lively places to spend time between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions