35 Best Off the Beaten Path Sites in Delhi (2026)
These are hidden gems in Delhi most tourists do not see. Delhi is an extremely historic and spiritual city, but it takes some digging to find many of these off the beaten path sites. Luckily exploring Delhi is my passion, so you’re getting my personal, curated list!
Some of these have become a bit known so you won’t be the only visitor, but generally speaking these are not on a typical itinerary, although many deserve to be.
These are my top 3 off the beaten path sites in Delhi:
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah: fascinating mausoleum of a powerful Sufi saint, revered and visited by all faiths
- Feroz Shah Kotla Fort: part of the fortified city of Firozabad, built in 1354, widely believed to be inhabited by djinns
- Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir (ISKCON Temple Delhi): lively and beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna
The list is eclectic, like Delhi, so don’t feel you have to knock each one off. Choose the ones that most appeal to you and have fun exploring.
Where to Stay in Delhi
These are 3 properties I highly recommend in Delhi. I am very familiar with them. They have ideal locations for seeing the off the beaten path sites of Delhi and are all excellent.
- Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury): 5 star property and considered Delhi’s finest hotel. It’s beautiful and traditional, with exceptional service and comfort. Located in Delhi’s most exclusive neighbourhood near the embassies.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden. Fantastic area near many sites. Breakfast is included.
- Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget): Family run guest house in a very good area of South Delhi, near the metro and easy to visit all the hidden gems. Home-cooked breakfast is included.
35 Best Off the Beaten Path Sites in Delhi
Delhi is a really huge city. If you don’t plan your sight-seeing with this in mind, you can waste a lot of time just in transit. For each of these hidden gems I’ve recommended other nearby sites (and where to eat), to help you make the most of your time.
1. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is the mausoleum of the powerful Sufi saint Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya. It is one of Delhi’s most spiritual and fascinating off the beaten path sites, and a glimpse into Islamic mysticism.
It was built in 1325 by ruler Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who was a devotee of the saint. The dargah is believed to hold great power and thousands of devotees visit every week, of all faiths.
Take a walking tours of Nizamuddin Basti (which includes the dargah) with local NGO Hope Project for only INR 500.
You have to pass through a busy market to reach the dargah, and the vendors may try to get you to remove your shoes. You don’t have to remove them until you reach the dargah. Women must cover their hair.
Make sure to see the stepwell beside the dargah – it is quite something.
Free
- What’s nearby: Chausath Khamba (tomb of Mirza Ghalib also located here)
- Eat: Karim Hotel, Ghalib Kebab Corner
2. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort is part of the fifth historical city of Delhi, Firozabad. It was built in 1354 by ruler Feroz Shah Tughlaq and has extensive ruins including one of the oldest active mosques in the world and a unique circular stepwell.
The fort is widely believed to be inhabited by djinns (supernatural spirits), so much so that locals regularly leave offerings and notes for the djinns. In fact, one of the reasons that Feroz Shah Kotla Fort is so under-visited is because Delhiites are afraid to come here – many Indians are superstitious.
Closed Monday • INR 300
- What’s nearby: Raj Ghat, National Gandhi Museum and Library, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
- Eat: Udupi Cafe
3. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is the former family home and place of assassination of past Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India’s only female prime minister to date.
She was assassinated in her garden by her body guards on October 31, 1984. Her assassination triggered anti-Sikh riots which killed more than 3,000 Sikhs in Delhi alone. Her blood stains are still visible, preserved under a protective glass.
Often referred to as India’s Iron Lady, Indira Gandhi was a beloved and sometimes reviled leader. She was responsible for the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, but also for the Emergency, when civil liberties were suspended in India.
To this day, Indira Gandhi’s family are the most prominent political dynasty in India.
Closed Monday • Free
- What’s nearby: Gandhi Smriti Museum,Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, Safdarjung Tomb
- Eat: Gujarat Bhavan restaurant, Diggin Cafe, Mysore Cafe
4. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Sometimes called India’s most inspiring museum, this little gem is one of those off the beaten path sites in Delhi that is unfairly overlooked by visitors.
The museum displays traditional crafts and art from across India, in a casual setting meant to resemble a small village as opposed to formal exhibitions.
There is an impressive outdoor complex with replicas of village dwellings, courtyards and shrines from different parts of India, all built with regional materials.
The museum restaurant is worth eating at, it’s one of the best cafes in Delhi.
Closed Monday • 300 INR
- What’s nearby: National Gallery of Modern Art, Purana Qila, National Science Centre
- Eat: Cafe Lota (at the museum)
5. Lodhi Art District
Lodhi Art District is India’s first open air art district and the murals are truly amazing. Since 2015 contemporary artists from India and around the world have created art in this unique space.
There are over 50 murals which address many themes such as minority communities, LGBTQ issues, Indian culture and values, and the environment.
The art district is located in the neighbourhood of Lodhi Colony, between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market. St+Art Foundation, the non profit responsible for this project has a map of the murals: St+Art India’s location guide.
Free
- What’s nearby: Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb, Khan Market
- Eat: Jamun, Guppy,Jaatre (ice cream), Devan’s (coffee)
6. Laxminarayan Mandir (Birla Mandir)
Laxminarayan Mandir is one of the largest Hindu temple in Delhi. It is a beautiful and interesting temple with fresco paintings, carvings and marble icons all handcrafted by artisans from Varanasi (one of India’s holiest cities).
There are several smaller temples on the grounds, including a Buddhist mandir and a Lord Shiva temple where you must walk through the gaping mouth of a monster to enter.
The first time I visited this Birla Mandir was on a Hindu religious holiday, and the lineups were down the street – I don’t recommend that!
Free
- What’s nearby: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
- Eat: Saravana Bhavan, Haldiram’s
7. India Habitat Centre
India Habitat Centre is an arts conference centre that promotes new ideas in art while highlighting Indian artists. The centre is membership based, but the public are allowed in the art galleries, open spaces and to attend performances.
The art centre is well known to upper class Delhiites and expats, but tourists don’t know about it. The auditorium, Joseph Stein Auditorium, is one of the best places in Delhi to hear live traditional music.
This is a very active centre and there’s always something going on. You can check the calendar of events on the India Habitat Centre website.
Free
- What’s nearby: Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb, Lodhi Art District
- Eat: Habitat Hub or Habiteria (in India Habitat Centre)
8. Shahpur Jat
Shahpur Jat is a trendy urban village wedged between several upscale South Delhi neighbourhoods. Despite its dilapidated look and tiny lanes, it has become a fashion hub, home to designer studios and famous for its wedding fashion.
Shahpur Jat is also historic, built on the second medieval city of Delhi called Siri. Parts of the ancient wall of Siri and ruins of Tohfe Wala Gumbad built in 1303 are still standing and clearly visible.
It was still a farming village in the 1960s, and whenever farmers dug into the ground they found old walls, tunnels and skeletons. Afraid the Archeological Survey of India would confiscate the land to commence excavations, the farmers kept quiet and built new buildings over the ruins.
Closed Sunday • Free
- What’s nearby: Hauz Khas Market, Mohammad Wali Masjid
- Eat: Potbelly Rooftop Cafe, Big Fat Sandwich, Little Saigon
9. Okhla Bird Sanctuary
This is a little out of the way in the suburb of Noida (easy to reach by metro), but it’s an usual site, and a quiet oasis on the Yamuna River.
You will see quite a few birds, but not the numbers there used to be, as well as butterflies, reptiles and small mammals. The thorny scrub, grassland and wetland is an ideal habitat.
The number of bird species has decreased in recent years due to climate change, pollution, increased construction and noise in the surrounding area.
Bring your own snacks and water – the sanctuary has limited facilities. The last time I was there, there was one toilet by the South entrance, but it wasn’t clean.
INR 350 (extra fee for a camera)
- What’s nearby: DLF Mall of India, Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Eat: Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room, The Big Chill Cafe, Noida Social (all at DLF Mall of India)
10. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
The museum chronicles the history of the toilet from 2500 BC through a bizarre and rare collection of objects, photos and information. But the real mission of the museum is it to educate about the right and need of sanitation for all – a very real problem in India.
The museum is the brainchild of social reformer Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. He has worked tirelessly to remove the social stigma attached to the Dalit caste (the ‘untouchables’) and make toilets accessible to all.
Under the banned caste system, Dalits were social outcasts, destined to handle the excrement of others and jobs such as leather tanning. This made them ‘untouchable’ by members of higher castes and relegated them to the outskirts of society.
The caste system in India was constitutionally abolished in 1950, but discrimination still exists.
Free
- What’s nearby: Indian Air Force Museum
- Eat: Chole Bhature Shop
11. Daryaganj Sunday Book Market
The Daryaganj Sunday Book Market is legendary in Delhi. Known for its huge selection and bargain prices, it is a favourite of bibliophiles and students who come to purchase their course books at a fraction of the cost.
The market sells everything from student text books to literary classics, both new and used. It’s now located in Mahila Haat, across the road from the old location.
The books are just piled up, not in alphabetical order, so you have to look through a lot of titles. But it’s kind of fun, cheap, and you can even buy books by the kilo.
Sunday only • Free
- What’s nearby: Raj Ghat, National Gandhi Museum and Library, Delhi Gate
- Eat: Bhaja Govindam
12. Adilabad Fort
Adilabad Fort is one of the most off the beaten path sites in Delhi, most locals don’t even know it exists. The fort is part of the Tughaq dynasty, and fell into decline shortly after it was completed, leaving it almost completely forgotten.
It was built in 1326 by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, the ruler who built Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. His father built Tughlaqabad Fort, and Muhammad is widely believed to have murdered him.
It’s a little hard to find, but if you walk through Kaya Maya Park you’ll see the entrance.
Free
- What’s nearby: Tughlaqabad Fort
- Eat: Buddy’s Kitchen
13. Tombs of Green Park
This is a group of six 15th century tombs scattered throughout one of Delhi’s quietest and more affluent neighbourhoods, Green Park.
The first time I visited the Dadi and Poti tombs the guard took me up to the roof and pointed at the domed tops of other tombs ‘that was grandma, that was uncle’ etc. This area is like an unofficial necropolis – there used to be hundreds of these tombs.
Locals seem oblivious to the historic structures literally at their doorstep. They’re just part of the landscape. But that’s the thing about Delhi, ancient buildings are everywhere, and you’ll come across them in the most unlikely places.
Choti Gumti, Sakri Gumti and Barah Khamba are easy to spot on the main road, but you’ll need this map to find the others.
Free
- What’s nearby: Jagannath Mandir, Hauz Khas Fort, Deer Park
- Eat: A2B, Evergreen Sweet House, Veg Gulati
14. Ghazipur Phool Mandi (Flower Market)
This is India’s largest wholesale flower market and it’s a dream for photographers. The swaths of blooms are everywhere and make for stunning pictures.
India uses a lot of fresh flowers and 50,000 kg of them are sold at Ghazipur every day.
You’ll probably be the only visitor here – this is one of the most off the beaten path sites in Delhi. I went with my dog and kept him in his carry pouch – everyone was way more interested in him than me.
The market starts early at 4:00 am and is practically shut down by noon, so go early.
Free
- What’s nearby: Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Eat: RBG Bar & Grill (at the Park Inn by Radisson)
15. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir (in Karol Bagh)
This is the unmissable Hanuman temple, now an iconic symbol of Delhi. The temple is a 108 foot high orange Lord Hanuman (the monkey god), and very unusual up close too.
The temple is several stories high and each level contains shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Parvati, Lord Ram, Krishna and Ganesha. Small donations (INR 50) are customary at the shrines, and you’ll receive blessings at each.
Hanuman is a very important deity, representing loyalty, fearlessness and strength.
My Indian landlady told me a sweet myth about why Hanuman is orange. Hanuman asked the goddess Sita why she put an orange dot on her forehead. She told him it was a symbol of her love for Lord Rama (her consort). Hanuman then covered his entire body in orange because his love of Lord Rama was so great.
Free
- What’s nearby: Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Laxminarayan Mandir, Karol Bagh Market
- Eat: Roshan di Kulfi, Haldiram’s
16. Dastkar Nature Bazaar
Dastkar Nature Bazaar is a wonderful outdoor market featuring local handicrafts and cultural items. It’s basically a more authentic version of Dilli Haat INA.
Dastkar has exhibitors all the time, but they host many themed festivals featuring craft demonstrations, workshops, cultural performances and a variety of regional meals and snacks at the food stalls.
Dastkar has had great success keeping artisan traditions alive when many villagers have had to leave for jobs in urban areas or switch to farming. By supporting artisans through education and market access they have managed to protect regional handicraft traditions.
Closed Wednesday (except during festivals) • INR 40
- What’s nearby: Cambodian Monastery of New Delhi, Chhatarpur Temple Complex, Dhan Mill Compound
- Eat: Cafe Dori
17. Sarojini Nagar Market
Sarojini Nagar is Delhi’s most popular and best market for budget shopping. There is a huge selection of clothing, footwear, accessories and home decor items.
There’s lots of branded clothing with small defects or excess stock, as well as knock off items. The prices are fantastic and you can bargain. Most places don’t have change rooms – you have to try things on over your clothing.
Go early because Sarojini Nagar gets very crowded in the afternoons and evenings.
Check out the very old Hanuman temple in the market while you’re there. It’s just off Lane D, which is the street you cross to get into the market from the metro station.
Closed Monday • Free
- What’s nearby: Matka Market, Dilli Haat INA, Nehru Park
- Eat: Mahendra Sweet House & Bakers, Haldiram’s
18. Waste to Wonder Park
This ingenious park features replicas of the 7 wonders of the world and a Jurassic Park section made entirely of scrap material. This is Delhi’s most creative off the beaten path site.
It is the first park in the world to use 100% recycled material. Metal waste like auto and bicycle parts, fans, iron sheets, railings, defunct sewer lines and old appliances have been transformed into miniatures of iconic landmarks.
The park generates its own solar and wind energy, and the washrooms are built from old shipping containers.
Closed Monday • INR 50 (double on Sunday)
- What’s nearby: Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), Sunder Nursery, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
- Eat: food court at the park, Carnatic Cafe (at Sunder Nursery – there is an entrance fee)
19. Champa Gali
Champa Gali is a quirky lane in South Delhi’s urban village of Saidulajab that has become one of the top hang out places in the city. It’s a quiet interlude in busy Delhi and has a rural, bohemian vibe. There’s lots of cafes and one of a kind shops.
Until 2013 Champa Gali was a vacant lot that had been used as a poultry farm and junkyard with empty cow sheds. Then Delhi local Jiten Suchede opened Jugmug Thela, his vision of Parisian cafe meets local chai shop.
After that Blue Tokai opened up (one of Delhi’s best coffee shops), and Bollywood film Love Aaj Kal was filmed there – Champa Gali became famous with young Delhiites.
Free
- What’s nearby: Garden of Five Senses
- Eat: Jugmug Thela, Rose Cafe
20. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir & Bird Hospital
This is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi, and it is located right on Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi. It was built in 1656 and has become an important place of worship for Jains from the capital.
The temple has several beautiful shrines, a library and a bird hospital. You can visit the bird hospital, but it’s kind of dirty and there were some dead birds in cages when I went through.
Jainism is an ancient religion that believes in non-violence to all living things. Jains are strict vegetarians and do not even eat root vegetables since removing the root kills the plant.
When visiting the temple you must remove your shoes and any leather item. Photography is not permitted inside the temple.
Free
- What’s nearby: Chandni Chowk, Red Fort (UNESCO), Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
- Eat: Kake di Hatti, Kanwarji Raj Kumar
21. Kotla Mubarakpur Complex
The urban village of Kotla Mubarakpur and surrounding area is a treasure trove of forgotten monuments from the Lodhi and Sayyid eras (1414 – 1526). These monuments are impressive, but almost completely forgotten.
Some are protected in a park like setting, while others are in the middle of the urban village, practically swallowed up by surrounding construction.
Locating those requires trekking through a warren of back lanes and alleys – use this map to help find them.
Free
- What’s nearby: Dilli Haat INA
- Eat: Mozzo, Amici Cafe, Sagar Ratna
22. Jama Masjid Karimia
Jama Masjid Karimia is an old mosque dating back to the Lodhi period in the 16th century. Very little is known about the mosque, but it’s a large and hidden monument, set back in parkland near Mehrauli Archeological Park.
It’s sites like these that make me realize I’ll never see everything Delhi has to offer. And if it wasn’t for Unfold Delhi I probably still wouldn’t know about it.
Don’t confuse this Jama Masjid (which means Friday mosque), with the famous one in Old Delhi – they are completely different.
I highly recommend walking tours with Unfold Delhi, which are also a bit of an insider secret. Very informative and not expensive at all (I paid INR 600).
Free
- What’s nearby: Jain Mandir Dadarani, Mehrauli Archeological Park
- Eat: Olive Bar & Grill, Grammar Room
23. Kushti Wrestling in Urdu Park
One of the most unusual off the beaten path sites in Delhi are the kushti matches in Urdu Park. Kushti is traditional Indian wrestling, and the matches are between competing clubs.
Besides the wrestling, Urdu Park is known for ustads (experts) that provide services like ear cleaning, body massage and champi (head massage).
Sunday only from 4:00 pm • Free
- What’s nearby: Chor Bazaar, Daryaganj Sunday Book Market, Kathika Cultural Centre
- Eat: Qureshi Kabab Corner, Ebony Cafe, Karim’s
24. Have Langar at a Gurudwara
Langar is the free, vegetarian meal offered at all Sikh gurudwaras worldwide. Any person regardless of faith, gender, nationality or status is welcome in a Sikh gurudwara and langar hall.
In Delhi, I recommend langar at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Old Delhi), or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (near Connaught Place). Both get lots of tourists, but very few have langar. I’m usually the only foreigner in the langar hall, and I have always felt 100% welcomed.
Langar is more than a meal, it is a joyful, community experience. Even if you are not a spiritual person, it is almost impossible to come away not feeling uplifted.
Free
- What’s nearby Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Connaught Place, State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg
- What’s nearby Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: Chandni Chowk, Red Fort (UNESCO), Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir and Bird Hospital
25. Tibet House
Tibet House was built in 1965 to preserve Tibetan culture and create a safe place for Tibetan and Buddhist studies.
There is a museum, gallery, and library and the collection includes valuable art, artifacts, manuscripts and books, including rare manuscripts and 15th century thankas (painted scrolls).
Donations to the collection came in from private collectors worldwide, and many Tibetan refugees donated family heirlooms.
This must be one of the most off the beaten path sites in Delhi, because the security guard was sound asleep in a chair in the middle of the driveway when I visited, and in exactly the same position when I left.
INR 10
- What’s nearby: Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Art District, India Habitat Centre
- Eat: Jamun, Habitat Hub or Habiteria (both at India Habitat Centre)
26. Nicholson Cemetery
Nicholson Cemetery is part of Delhi’s British Raj period. It is the oldest Christian cemetery in Delhi and holds 2,400 graves dating back to 1857, including that of British war hero John Nicholson.
The cemetery is in near shambles, almost completely over-run with vegetation, but you can still make out and read many of the gravestones.
Given its historic nature there have been discussions regarding its protection and restoration – but it’s a contentious issue and so far nothing has been done. The cemetery is a bitter reminder to Indians of their colonization and defeat by the British.
Nicholson’s is the only grave with a protective iron fence, but when I visited the caretaker had unceremoniously draped his laundry over it to dry.
Free
- What’s nearby: Kashmiri Gate, Qudsia Bagh, Partition Museum
- Eat: Sri Hari Sharnam Hotel & Restaurant
27. Qudsia Bagh
Qudsia Bagh a historic garden which was part of the palace of Qudsia Begum, the third wife of Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah Rangeela. Although it is a shadow of what it once was, it is still magnificent and has large gardens, walking paths and lovely ruins.
It’s amazing to find this kind of quiet, green space in one of the noisiest and least attractive parts of Delhi, and it’s very off the beaten path.
Most of the buildings in Qudsia Bagh were destroyed during the rebellion in 1857, but parts of the Shahi Masjid (Royal Mosque), the Hathi Darwaza (Elephant Gate) and two other pavilions survived.
Free
- What’s nearby: Monastery Market, Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, Nicholson Cemetery
- Eat: The Garden Terrace Restaurant, Open Air Ladakh Restaurant
28. Ice Skating in Delhi
Most people don’t think of ice skating as something to do in Delhi, but it’s a great way to keep cool in a city that reaches 45°C in the summer, and you’re almost guaranteed to be the only visitor doing it!
Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your ice skates, skate rental is included with the ticket price. But bring your own socks. There are two indoor rinks in Delhi, both located in large malls in the suburbs of the city, but the best one is iSkate at Ambience Mall in Gurugram.
INR 600
- What’s nearby: PVR Cinema (check movie listings on the PVR website), Museo Camera
- Eat: Roasted (at iSkate), PAUL, Harajuku Tokyo Cafe (both at Ambience Mall Gurugram)
29. Kumhar Colony (Potters Village)
This little pocket in Uttam Nagar is like stepping back in time. Mounds of clay line the lanes, stacks of terra cotta pottery are everywhere, and down the lanes you can see potters at their wheels, and kilns on the rooftops.
Much of the ceramics and pottery you see in Delhi shops comes from here. But you can buy it at a fraction of the price from the little shops some potters have converted their homes into.
Unfortunately, the colony is slowly dying out. With Delhi’s pollution crisis the government has started to crack down on wood burning kilns, forcing potters to convert to gas or electric which most can’t afford.
Come soon, I’m not sure how much longer this colony will be here.
Free
- What’s nearby: Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
- Eat: South Indian Cafe, Dosa Place
30. Begampur Mosque
Begampur Mosque is a huge mosque built in the 14th century. Until the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, it was the largest mosque in the city. It is truly spectacular with 64 domes, a true hidden gem.
The most striking thing about Begampur Mosque is that a monument so large could be so neglected. It is used as a cricket pitch and regularly vandalized by locals who steal masonry for their own building projects.
After historian William Dalrymple complained about the state of the mosque on social media, the Architectural Survey of India (the ASI) committed to protecting and restoring the mosque over several years.
Free
- What’s nearby: Shahpur Jat, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi
- Eat: Bhawna Food Corner, Potbelly Rooftop Cafe
31. Dhan Mill Compound
Dhan Mill Compound is a hip and vibrant space full of designer shops, cafes and galleries. Originally a warehouse and granary, it is a new favourite of Delhi’s upper class.
It’s home to some of Delhi’s best cafes (I really like Cafe Dori and Palette Cafe), and some cool artsy shops.
Free
- What’s nearby: Chhatarpur Temple Complex, Dastkar Nature Bazaar
- Eat: Cafe Dori, Palette Cafe, Bombay Club
32. Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir (ISKCON Temple Delhi)
This was one of my most memorable temple experiences in India. Unlike most temples that are quiet and relatively calm, ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is bursting with energy and joy. It is one of Delhi’s best off the beaten path sites.
I attended the evening aarti (prayer service) with a local friend, and it was a frenzy of believers singing, chanting, twirling and offering flowers and sweets to the priests, who then showered the crowd with rose petals and holy water. The mood was happy, welcoming and a bit crazy!
The ISKCON Delhi centre is beautiful. There are gardens and fountains leading up to the sanctuary, which is full of decorated deities. Paintings depicting scenes from the epic Indian poem the Mahabharata, on which Hindu beliefs are partially based, decorate the walls.
Free
- What’s nearby: Bahai Lotus Temple, Amar Colony Furniture Market, Nehru Place Market
- Eat: Govinda’s (at ISKCON)
33. Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan Tomb
This gorgeous tomb is just down the road from Sunder Nursery, yet barely gets any visitors, a hidden gem of Delhi. It is widely believed to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra (along with Humayun’s Tomb).
Abdul Rahim built the tomb for his beloved wife in 1598. His tomb in also located inside. At one point it was used as a quarry, which is hard to believe looking at it now.
I used to see this tomb under restoration from the highway when I drove into Delhi, and it seemed to take years. I love coming here now that it’s open to the public.
INR 300
- What’s nearby: Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), Sabz Burj, Sunder Nursery
- Eat: Carnatic Cafe (in Sunder Nursery – entrance fee), Indian Accent (the Lodhi Hotel)
34. Devi Prasad Sadan Dhobi Ghat
A dhobi ghat is an open air laundromat, and Delhi has one right in one of its most prominent neighbourhoods. This is where much of the laundry of local officials, families, businesses, hotels and hospitals is done.
Feel free to take a look inside the dhobi ghat – the dhobis (washer men) are some of the most cheerful and friendly people I have ever come across in Delhi. But keep in mind this is their place of business, not a tourist attraction.
It’s on the same lane as Agrasen ki Baoli, and you’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see sheets and towels drying in the sun on the street.
Free
- What’s nearby: Agrasen ki Baoli, Jantar Mantar, Janpath Market
- Eat: The Tin Whistle (at the British Council – you will need to show ID), Saravana Bhavan
35. Mehrauli Urban Village
The urban village of Mehrauli has some of the most impressive off the beaten path sites in Delhi. My favourite sites in the village of Mehrauli are:
- Zafar Mahal: summer palace of the last Mughal emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar
- Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace): Lodhi era palace (1451-1526) built by a sultan to accommodate the women of the royal harem
- Bhool Bhulaiya: tomb of Adham Khan (foster brother to Mughal ruler Akbar)
- Hirjon ka Khanqah: sufi sanctuary with graves of 49 hijras (eunuchs) – hijras were esteemed in royal Mughal households (removes shoes to enter)
Like most urban villages, Mehrauli is busy, congested and dirty so prepare yourself, but it’s very worth it.
Free
- What’s nearby: Qutub Minar, Champa Gali, Garden of Five Senses, Mehrauli Archeological Park
- Eat: Kathi Rolls on Kalka Das Marg
How to Get Around to the Best Off the Beaten Path Sites in Delhi
I always recommend taking the Delhi metro. It’s an excellent system: clean, efficient, inexpensive and the network is massive. It’s extremely easy to use and the best way to get to off the beaten path sites in Delhi.
Here’s a step guide on how to use the Delhi metro.
Uber and Ola are widely used in Delhi, but you need data to use them. You can also arrange for a driver through your guest house or hotel for a day or half day.
Last Words on 35 Best off the Beaten Path Sites in Delhi
Delhi is an eclectic city, where the unexpected becomes the expected. It’s a city trapped in its past, but trying to surge ahead into a modern metropolis.
I urge you to explore these off the beaten path sites in Delhi and discover some of your own too. In this city, you really don’t know what marvel or unbelievable thing you will see around the next corner.
