Four Walking Routes in New Delhi

Four districts suit walking in New Delhi, and each is best done on its own. Every route below lists a start, a finish, a rough time and the main thing to watch for.

Route 1: Old Delhi

  • Start: Lal Quila Metro station.
  • Finish: the southern steps of Jama Masjid.
  • Time: 3 to 4 hours.
  • Path: Chandni Chowk, then Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar, Paranthe Wali Gali and the spice lanes of Khari Baoli, with the haveli of Mirza Ghalib and Fatehpuri Masjid as optional detours.
  • Watch for: carts in the lanes, pickpockets, and the rule that visitors are kept out of Jama Masjid at prayer times and must dress modestly. The Red Fort next door is open daily, as Business Standard reported .

Route 2: Lutyens’ Delhi

  • Start: India Gate.
  • Finish: the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill.
  • Time: about 2 hours.
  • Path: a flat paved line along Kartavya Path, past the National War Memorial and the government secretariat buildings.
  • Watch for: security cordons near government buildings. At the memorial, keep quiet and stay on the paths.

Route 3: Lodhi Colony and Lodhi Garden

  • Start: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro station.
  • Finish: Lodhi Garden’s tombs.
  • Time: about 2 hours, best in late afternoon.
  • Path: street murals by the St+art India Foundation in Lodhi Colony, then the Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad and Sikandar Lodi’s tomb in a free park.
  • Watch for: very little; it is shaded and calm, which suits anyone who finds Old Delhi tiring.

Route 4: Mehrauli Archaeological Park

  • Start: the gate near Qutub Minar.
  • Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Path: Jamali Kamali, Rajon ki Baoli and the tomb of Balban among more than a hundred monuments.
  • Watch for: rough ground and long grass; wear sturdy shoes, and carry water. Entry to the park is generally free, while Qutub Minar next door is ticketed.

Comfort and safety

Walk early in the morning in summer, since May and June are very hot. From mid-October to January check the air quality index and switch to a shorter route if it is poor. Drink only sealed bottled water. Anyone who says your hotel has closed and offers a tour office is a tout; the official India Tourism office is at 88 Janpath.

For a guided option, search GetYourGuide . The Delhi Tourism site, delhitourism.gov.in , lists official parks and sights.

Read more: sightseeing in New Delhi , solo activities in New Delhi and the 3-day itinerary .