Delhi in One Day: Old Delhi, Humayun's Tomb and India Gate

A one-day Delhi itinerary: Old Delhi and the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar or Lotus Temple and India Gate at dusk, with timings, closed days and tips.

By the Lux India Tours Team·Oct 19, 2026

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Humayun's Tomb seen across a fountain and water channel of its charbagh garden, Delhi

Delhi is a huge city, so one day needs choices. The simplest approach is to pick one old and one new Delhi, and group the sights that sit near each other.

This plan covers Old Delhi in the morning, a Mughal tomb in the afternoon and India Gate at dusk, which suits a layover or a first day.

Humayun's Tomb.

Time	Plan
Morning	Red Fort and Old Delhi lanes, Jama Masjid
Lunch	Old Delhi food or Connaught Place
Afternoon	Humayun's Tomb
Late afternoon	Qutub Minar or the Lotus Temple
Dusk	India Gate

The Red Fort is closed on Mondays, and the Lotus Temple is closed on Mondays too. Check before you go.

Morning: Old Delhi

Start at the Red Fort when it opens. See the Red Fort guide. Then walk or ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk to the Jama Masjid. See the Jama Masjid guide and the Old Delhi food walk.

Lunch

Eat in Old Delhi for a famous street-food stop, or head to Connaught Place for a calmer meal. See the Connaught Place guide.

Afternoon: Humayun's Tomb

The tomb of the second Mughal emperor sits in a calm garden and is a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. See the Humayun's Tomb guide. Allow about 90 minutes.

Late afternoon: one more sight

Qutub Minar: a 13th-century tower and ruins, in south Delhi. See the Qutub Minar guide.
Lotus Temple: a quiet modern temple. See the Lotus Temple guide.

Choose one. They are in the same part of town, but doing both is too much for a single day.

Dusk: India Gate

End at India Gate, the war memorial, when the lights come on and the crowds gather. See the India Gate guide.

Getting around

A car with a driver is the easiest way. The Metro is fast for some legs, particularly between Old Delhi and Connaught Place. Autos and cabs are everywhere.

Practical points

Mondays: several major sights are closed.
Heat: carry water, and rest in the afternoon in summer.
Traffic: Delhi traffic is heavy at peak hours, so allow extra time.
Security: bring ID and carry little.
Dress: modest clothes for mosques and temples.

If you have more time

Two days let you add the Akshardham temple, Bangla Sahib and a slower pace. See the Delhi in two days guide, the Akshardham guide and the Bangla Sahib guide.