Delhi: An Architectural Odyssey
From Sultanate ruins to Lutyens' boulevards — 1,000 years of design
Tour Highlights
- Lutyens' New Delhi — the planned imperial capital of the British Raj
- Humayun's Tomb — the Mughal masterpiece that inspired the Taj
- Qutb Minar complex — 12th-century Indo-Islamic architecture at its peak
- Tughlaqabad Fort — the most dramatic medieval fortress in Delhi
- Lotus Temple, Bahá'í House of Worship — a 20th-century architectural marvel
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival — Lutyens' New Delhi
Airport transfer. Afternoon architectural drive through Lutyens' Delhi — designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker between 1911–1931 as the new capital of British India. See the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), Parliament House, India Gate, and the grand ceremonial Rajpath.
Early Medieval — Qutb Minar & Mehrauli
Morning at the Qutb Minar complex (UNESCO) — the earliest surviving example of Indo-Islamic architecture in India, built by Qutb ud-Din Aibak in 1193 AD. The 73-metre minaret, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (India's first mosque), the Iron Pillar, and the Alai Gate are all within this single remarkable enclosure.
Mughal Peak — Humayun's Tomb & Purana Qila
Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO) — a watershed moment in Mughal architecture: the first garden tomb in the subcontinent, built in 1570. Its symmetry, char bagh layout, and white marble dome directly inspired the Taj Mahal. Afternoon at Purana Qila (Old Fort), covering the ancient site of Indraprastha.
Tughlaqabad & Sultanate Forts
Morning at Tughlaqabad Fort — the most dramatic of all Delhi's medieval fortresses, built in 1321 by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq. Massive rubble-filled ramparts stretching 6.5 km. Afternoon: Siri Fort (now an arts complex) and Hauz Khas — a 13th-century reservoir and madrasa complex.
Modern & Contemporary — Lotus Temple & India Habitat Centre
Morning at the Lotus Temple — the Bahá'í House of Worship designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba (1986): 27 marble petals forming a lotus bloom. Afternoon: guided architectural walk through the modernist campus of the India Habitat Centre and then the India International Centre.
Delhi — Departure
Morning: final architectural photo walk in Old Delhi — the layered facades of Shahjahanabad, Shah Jahan's 17th-century walled city. Transfer to airport.
What's Included
Included
- 5 nights in 4–5 star hotels in Delhi
- Daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle + driver throughout
- Licensed architecture-specialist guide throughout
- All monument entrance fees
- All transfers
- Bottled water throughout
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- India visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Essential Travel Tips
A few things to know before you travel to India — our team briefs you on all of this (and anything specific to your trip) once your tour is confirmed.
Visa & Entry
Most foreign nationals can apply for an India e-Visa online — apply at least 4–7 days before departure. Keep a printed and digital copy of your visa approval and passport photo page handy for arrival immigration.
Currency & Payments
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities, but carry some cash for local markets, small vendors, and rural stops. Notify your bank of your travel dates beforehand.
Dress Code
Modest clothing is appreciated at temples, mosques, and religious sites — shoulders and knees covered. Shoes are removed before entering most places of worship, so slip-on footwear is convenient.
Health & Safety
Drink only bottled or filtered water. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies. Check with your doctor about routine vaccinations 4–6 weeks before travel.
Staying Connected
Local SIM cards or eSIMs are available at the airport with your passport. Most hotels and our private vehicles offer complimentary WiFi throughout your journey.
Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping is customary but not mandatory — around 10% for guides and drivers is appreciated for good service. A traditional greeting is placing your palms together and saying "Namaste."
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