Finding respite from noise of New Delhi

India’s capital, New Delhi, is the hub of the country — a huge, sprawling metropolis that sometimes intimidates visitors with its frenetic activity and teeming bazaars.

[...] allow yourself to slow down and include some of the city’s nooks and crannies from Old Delhi to New Delhi and now, South Delhi, to be able to hear the heartbeat of the city, from lush gardens to tombs and ruins dating back centuries to some of the best food in the region.

The arched facade of the tomb is inlaid with bands of red sandstone and white marble, and the building follows rules of Islamic geometry, emphasizing the number eight.

Take your time at this first tomb built by the Mughal dynasty in India — it directly influenced their masterpiece, the Taj Mahal.

The Qutab Minar complex contains the city’s oldest Muslim monument, a soaring victory tower built in the 12th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-din to proclaim his supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora, Delhi’s “first city.”

The New Delhi Lunch Tour blends tradition and modernity and follows the city’s food evolution from Paharganj to Connaught Place ( CP).

Or, considering the variety of Indian teas, follow along on the Tea Trail, where you’ll get a look into the changing tea culture of the city and stop at chai houses and tea stalls for tasting and snacks before winding up the tour with a South Indian lunch.

Shah Jahan founded the fortress between 1638 and 1648 to protect his new capital city of Shahjahanabad, and the looming red sandstone walls remain — but instead of repelling invaders, they now keep out the bustling city’s noise.

The gardens are popular with residents, and as you wander along the paths, you’ll pass power walkers, amorous couples and families taking advantage of the last moments of daylight.

On Thursday nights, as the scent of rose petals mixes with the aroma of grilled kebabs in the narrow lanes of the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah comes to life with Sufi qawwali music.

Named after Sheikh Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the dargah can be visited during the day, as well, but people from all walks of life flock there in huge numbers on Thursday evenings after namaaz (prayers) to be swept up in the magic of the soul-stirring devotional music.

The building is set around a garden that seems to magically hold an air of tranquillity despite the intense, almost insane energy of the crowded urban village outside the stone walls.