Highlights of Edwin Lutyens's New Delhi
Edwin Lutyens’s New Delhi was created by the British as a counterpart to the medieval sprawl of Old Delhi. After India’s independence, its stately buildings were immediately taken over by the Indian government. Here are the places to see in this colonial part of India’s capital city, home to India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Delhi is a city built on cities. The Indian capital rises over layer upon layer of ruins from vanished empires. Historians talk about the seven cities of Delhi, from the ancient Hindu city of Qila Rai Pithora to the sprawling Mughal alleyways of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), but there are eight if you include New Delhi, the orderly enclave built by the British to consolidate their control over the subcontinent.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Stretching south from Old Delhi in a tidy network of grand boulevards, New Delhi was built as a symbol of British power. On 12 December 1911, the capital of India was shifted to Delhi from the restive Calcutta (now Kolkata) to cement British control over the centre of the country, and architect Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to create a new British city as a counterpoint to the medieval sprawl of Old Delhi.
Lutyens imagined his new Delhi as a celebration of colonial ambition, a planned grid of civic precincts and public spaces, gleaming white arcades and grand monuments fusing Hindu, Muslim and Gothic Christian architectural styles. Delhi’s Indian residents were less than impressed, and New Delhi saw just a few short decades as the capital of British India before its stately buildings were taken over by the government of the newly independent India.
Connaught Place
Market
India Gate
Memorial
Rajpath/Rashtrapati Bhavan
Market, Indian
National Museum
Museum
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Museum
The Teen Murti Bhavan, former home of the first prime minister of India, was built for the British commander in chief, but it feels more like a family home today. Jawaharlal Nehru’s bedroom, study and drawing room are very much as he left them when he passed away in 1964. The walls are covered in photographs documenting the independence movement, and the expansive gardens include a hunting lodge built for the 14th-century sultan Feroz Shah. The house takes its name from the Teen Murti (Three Statues) memorial in the grounds, commemorating the cavalrymen from Mysore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur who died serving the British Army in World War I.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Memorial, Museum
National Gallery of Modern Art
Art Gallery
India’s most important art gallery showcases the work of great Indian artists, displayed inside a former palace (one of many) of the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in a curious fusion of Indian and Art Deco styles. Galleries chart the progress of Indian art from the Raj era to the modern day, with works by such luminaries as Rabindranath Tagore and Jamini Roy, and so-called ‘company paintings’ created by Indian artists to appeal to the tastes of India’s colonial rulers.
Gandhi Smriti
Museum
Delhi will be forever linked with the name of Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian independence leader was assassinated by a Hindu extremist in the grounds of Birla House in New Delhi on 30 January 1948, after campaigning against violence between Hindus and Muslims. The home where he spent his last hours is now a moving museum, displaying the Mahatma’s modest personal effects and dioramas of key moments in India’s struggle for independence. Gandhi’s dignified funeral memorial – marking the spot where the great leader was cremated, watched by millions of mourners – is further north at Raj Ghat, on the edge of the old city.
The Imperial Spa and Salon
Beauty Salon, Spa
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
Art
Experience India’s Diverse Arts and Crafts at these Places in New Delhi
Guides & Tips
Top Practical Tips for Visiting Delhi for the First Time
Food & Drink
The Best Cafes in Khan Market, New Delhi
See & Do
Photos to Make You Fall in Love With India's Capital City, New Delhi
Food & Drink
The Best Vegan Restaurants in New Delhi
Guides & Tips
Uniquely Indian Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them in New Delhi
Art
New Delhi's Best Contemporary Art Galleries
See & Do
The Top 9 Things To Do In India Gate, New Delhi
Restaurants
New Delhi's 9 Stunning Restaurants You Should Experience
Restaurants
Best Restaurants in New Delhi, India
Food & Drink
New Delhi’s Best Weekend Brunches And Breakfasts
