Balmy mornings with a slight nip in the air makes it a perfect time to visit the national capital this month. Winter has just retreated and summer can wait for some time. Delhi is known for extreme temperatures with very cold winters and scorching summers, compelling some tourists to refrain from visiting this culturally rich capital of the country. But the transition period from spring to summer is one of the best times to visit Delhi. Temperatures remain comfortable with maximum and minimum around 25°C and 15°C, respectively.
The present spell of rain has left a refreshing air of euphoria. Be it partying at Hauz Khas in the evening hours, shopping or visiting Bangla Sahib in the day time, the pleasant weather will definitely make your trip memorable.
Delhi boasts of incredible culture, history and food so we bring you a list of things to do this March in Delhi. Not a Delhiite and have been meaning to visit the place, what time could be better than this March?
Visit places with historical significance
Yes, you might have visited all the Mughal monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Purana Quila, Salimgarh Fort, etc. numerous times but one more time wouldn’t be a bad option, given the pleasant weather conditions in Delhi these days.
The well respected India Gate, standing 42 meter tall, was built in 1931 to honour Indian soldiers as a war memorial.
Shopaholics’ Paradise
You can visit the malls in any season without worrying about the heat or cold outside but this season is best for visiting Latpat Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Janpat, Sarojini and the list goes on. It’s the best time to shop for your friend’s wedding two months later. To-be-brides, visit Chandni Chowk for your dream ‘lahenga’. This area is a dense chaotic center of trade, business, food, spices, and overall life. Here one can get the most beautiful ethnic designer-like couture in affordable prices.
Speaking about Sarojini Nagar market, every time a celebrity visits Delhi, he/she never leaves without a pilgrimage to this economical street fashion destination, so why should you?
Art and Craft
Now that you have visited Chandni Chowk and the Spice Market, get an exact opposite shopping experience at Dilli Haat, located in South Delhi. A one stop destination for traditional food and clothes from all the states of the country, Dilli Haat is organised, calm and clean. It’s an outdoor shopping plaza where vendors sell high quality Indian handicrafts in a friendly, safe environment. But remember to tag along a friend who has mastered the art of bargaining in Delhi.
Each of the states of India gets an opportunity to showcase their authentic cuisine here.
Skymet’s pick- Fried momos, fruit beer (Sikkim Stall); Fish Orly, Daab Chingri (West Bengal Stall) and Rajasthani kulfi ice cream.
Food lover’s Den
Dilwalon ki dilli is the best place to have chole bhature, rajma chawal and chole chawal and the list goes on. And don’t miss the Paranthe Wali Gali, chaat from Natraj in Chandni Chowk and chole bhature from Nagpal Corner. Another must-visit place is the Old Delhi spice market, locally known as the Khari Baoli. It is apparently the largest spice market in Asia, where you can find a colourful array of spices, dried fruits and nuts.
Connect with God
The Lotus Temple or the Bahá’í House of Worship, designed in the shape of the sacred lotus flower, is a beautiful landmark in Delhi. During this season, in fact in most of the seasons, you can walk through the nicely manicured gardens or embrace the purity and serenity of the place.
Located in East Delhi, visit the Akshardham Temple, to soak in age old ethos of Indian cultures and architectural adroitness. Constructed within five years along the river Yamuna, this temple is spread over an area of around 100 acres. Take a stroll around the elaborately ornate temple, amidst beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions.
Don’t miss Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara, Isckon Temple and Jama Masjid Delhi.
Old is Gold
Walking through the narrow ancient lanes looking for aloo chat and dahi bhalle will never get better once you have visited Chawri Bazar in Old Delhi. You can come across some of the most interesting people and businesses in Delhi in this compact district. Stop at the Sikh temple and visit both the Jama Masjid and Red Fort, located around this place.
Photography
Delhi at present is in the midst of its short spring spell with jasmine flowers blossoming all around. Branches of semal trees can be seen covered with thick pulpy red flowers, a photographer can get the best shots this season. Day temperature is cool, not cold and there’s a feeling that summers are around the corner.
Become a Poet
With refreshing, colourful and vivid imagery all around, spring is often considered the most beautiful and inspirational period of the year. So go ahead and wake up the poet in you.
Abhi toh party shuru hui hai
The Hauz Khas village is the new party destination for Delhiites. It’s one village which seems to have been built up and broken down. It’s noisy, clumsy, yet classy! This place resembles a glorified food court full of bobos (bourgeois bohemians), hipsters and party mongers. You could be a visitor or a resident, this not so cheap village, beckons one and all. It has several rooftop restaurants to choose from, if you are bored of the monotonous fine dining set-ups!
Agra, Neemrana, Sariska, Alwar, Jaipur … take your pick
Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, enjoying weekends in the nearby enchanting and awe-inspiring places is certainly a rising trend. People of Delhi often wish to celebrate their weekend in the prominent tourist attractions including Neemrana fort (108 kms away), Sariska ( 215 kms away) Jim Corbett National Park (258 kms away), Mathura (182 kms away), Rishikesh (239 kms away), Agra (230 kms away), Jaipur (275 kms).