Delhi Travel Guide Travel Guides > India > Delhi Suzi SiegelDelhi stuns and Delhi shatters. And then it puts you back together again. The city is an assault on the senses, but does that have to be a bad thing? If you’re feeling like it’s time to take a trip that takes you out of your comfort zone, India’s tumultuous and wondrous capital city might be just what the doctor ordered. For every fetid smell, there will be a beautiful one. For every blast of heat and cacophonous racket, there will be a moment of peace and wonder. Despite its headlong rush into the future, this ancient land remains family-centric and deeply conservative. As far as the gay scene goes, it can perhaps best be described as “budding.” Antiquated colonial-era anti-sodomy laws remain on the dusty books, but still, the community continues to grow, with annual gay pride parades, straight clubs that hold gay nights and a healthy underground scene mostly tapped into by social networks. Looking for the ultimate Delhi gay guide? Mr Hudson has got you covered. Fancy a trip? Save yourself days of research by having us plan it for you. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in DelhiLet’s start this gay Delhi travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels in Delhi. The Leela Palace is simply put, perfect. Whereas other top-tier hotels overdo the whole “Raj era” thing to the point of kitsch, the Leela has mastered Indian grandeur with a light touch. The technology and service are impeccable, as is the location. (Insider tip: Book a Club floor and enjoy free cocktails, evening snacks and high teas. The extra cost pays for itself.) Have we mentioned it gets hot in Delhi? Most room options at The Lodhi come with private plunge pools, not to mention expansive balconies.It’s still slim pickings when it comes to boutique hotels in Delhi. The Manor is a lovely four-star villa with landscaped gardens you’ll be thankful to return to after a day of sightseeing in hectic Delhi. Another economical choice is Haveli Hauz Khas. With just five bohemian styled rooms and homemade breakfast, this sweet little B&B is like staying at your auntie’s. An added bonus is its location in Delhi’s trendiest neighbourhood, buzzing with artists, coffee houses and music venues. If you’re a classic gent who prefers tradition over the shiny new thing, try the stately Maidens Hotel. The colonial façade is white, the lifts wood-panelled, and the garden inhabited by a pair of peacocks. This century-old property seethes Old World charm. The Leela PalaceiRecommended hotels in Delhi Hotels - Delhi The Leela Palace The Leela Palace New Delhi is a blend of Lutyen’s architecture and the royal Indian culture. A pampering spa, 4 dining options and free parking are available. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi The Manor Manor is a stylish boutique hotel offering Ayurvedic massage service, as well as free parking and internet in rooms. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi Haveli Hauz Khas Haveli Hauz Khas offers a terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Housed in a building dating from 1960, this bed and breakfast is 6 km from Lodhi Gardens and 7 km from Gandhi Smriti. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi The Lodhi The Lodhi boasts of a salon, fitness centre, spa and massage centre, steam and sauna room, a library, a cigar lounge and a business centre on premises. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi Maidens Hotel Built in 1903, Maidens Hotel showcases 19th-century colonial charm and architecture. It has an outdoor pool, fitness centre and features a coffee shop which extends into a charming, open courtyard. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi Andaz Delhi Aerocity Offering an outdoor pool, Andaz Delhi is situated in the Aerocity district in New Delhi. The hotel offers views of the outdoor pool and garden, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Delhi The Roseate Set amongst 8-acres of luscious greens encompassed by over a thousand trees and water bodies, The Roseate offers a spa and wellness centre, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Book on Booking.com Explore more hotels like this in Delhi View on Booking.comPowered by Booking.com A Small Group Slum Tour done respectfully and responsibly will help you understand Delhi in a way that zipping around historic sights will notThings to do in DelhiAdmit it. You’ve always wanted to dance in a Bollywood musical. The Delhi Dance Academy offers a two-hour foreigner-friendly workshop. Take home a souvenir video of you in full Bollywood regalia banging out some fierce Bhangra moves. Since there is not much in the way of gay clubs or neighbourhoods, a spa is one way to be amongst the like-minded. The Mykonos Spa is nothing special as far as the facility goes, but it is the most famous gay spa in the city. Some disparage it as poverty tourism, but a Small Group Slum Tour done respectfully and responsibly will help you understand Delhi in a way that zipping around its historic sights will not. A bulk of the fee for the three-hour walking tour goes back to the community. The groups are kept small and photography is prohibited so as not to be intrusive. Dilli Haat is a cool concept. It’s a pay-to-enter open-air bazaar set up by the government. Craftspeople from across India pay a nominal fee to showcase their wares to an international audience they would otherwise never have access to. Food stalls offer cuisine from all over the subcontinent. For all its magic, Delhi can take a bit of a toll on the mind and body. If you’re feeling overstimulated, reset at Kaya Kalp, The Spa in the ITC Maurya Hotel. Try the ancient Ayurvedic ritual experience. Kaya Kalp - The Spa Photo: Aravind KumariRecommended experiences in Delhi Experiences - Delhi Full Day Old & New Delhi Private City Tour 8 hours Experiences - Delhi Old Delhi Street Food Tasting Tour 4 hours Experiences - Delhi From Delhi: Private 4-Day Golden Triangle Luxury Tour 4 days Experiences - Delhi From Delhi: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Express Train 13 hours Experiences - Delhi Day Trip to Jaipur from Delhi by Train 18 hours Explore more experiences like this in Delhi Book on GetYourGuide.comPowered by GetYourGuide Photo: Siddhant Singh Visit the site where one of the greatest men of the 20th century not only spent his final few days but where he was assassinatedThings to see in DelhiThe massive red sandstone structure known as the Red Fort dates back to the 1600s. Take time to aimlessly wander the UNESCO heritage site, former residence of the royal Mughal emperor. Take in the massive encircling walls, turrets, bastions, floral motifs and ornate stonework. With so much ancient to explore, it would be a mistake to overlook India’s contemporary art scene. Stop by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art whose magnificent collection showcases 20th-century painters as well as the up-and-coming generation. If you thought you knew what busy, hectic and overwhelming meant, you’ll be humbled by Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. The narrow lanes of one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets are crammed with street peddlers, vendors, street food and shops. It’s impossible to navigate, which is part of the fun (and madness). Don’t miss Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, where shops pile curries of every hue in pyramid shapes. This is what you came to India to see (and smell!) Before your trip, read Gandhi’s autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” to make your experience at the Gandhi Smriti museum even more meaningful. This is the site where one of the greatest men of the 20th century not only spent his final few days but where he was assassinated. His pocket watch, which came to a halt at 5:17 pm, the hour and minute of his death, is on display. Red Fort Going to Delhi? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect tripWhere to eat in DelhiYou probably didn’t come to India to eat Mediterranean food, but if you need a break from local cuisine’s vibrant flavours, the rustic Amour is one of the most romantic places in town. Stop off for a lunch break on the outdoor patio after shopping in the trendy Hauz Khas sector, considered “the national capital of ethnic chic.” A bar that is older than the nation of India itself, Patiala Peg embodies the British Raj style. Sink into a leather chair and sip a whiskey. Peruse the wooden walls for a history lesson; the bar’s collection of antique photographs from the Maharaja days of WWII is extraordinary. According to legend, the Patiala is where the agreement was made to divide India and Pakistan. Bukhara has been around forever and it’s where they brought Bill Clinton (and Hillary and Chelsea) when each of them was in town. Please do your best to ignore that as well as the overwrought 1970s decor and just enjoy the Tandoori, kebabs and oversized naan. They might be the best you ever have. Bukhara RestaurantDum Pukht, located in the same luxury hotel as Bukhara, is its opulent chandeliered alter ego. Dum Pukht specializes in slow cooking meats in a sealed pot, out of which emerges aromatic, complex and elegant dishes. Jamawar in the Leela Palace hotel delivers on its claim to offer a “royal Indian dining experience.” With a high ceiling, low lighting and an extensive wine list, the setting is romantic and the food noteworthy. For a more cutting edge take on Indian cuisine, the award-winning Varq applies experimental cooking techniques to street food staples. Similarly, the winner of a litany of restaurant awards, the inventive Indian Accent parlayed its success in Delhi to go on to open outlets in New York and London. Try the pork belly tikka, Punjabi lobhia (black-eyed peas) curry, smoked papad dish. Indian Accent Photo: Akhil Chandran Gentlemen, please go clothes shopping in Delhi. We beg of youShopping in DelhiGentlemen, please go clothes shopping in Delhi. We beg of you. What other country has such a storied tradition of textile-making and block-printing that can produce unique handmade pieces that are also affordable? The opposite of fast fashion is Kardo, whose hand-woven fabrics are cut by hand and sewn by a single tailor who hand finishes them. The prints from the menswear brand Sprezz range from straightforward to downright fruity and we love them all. India’s top designers have outposts in the upscale shopping district of Mehrauli in southwest Delhi. Indian designer labels that make menswear include Falguni & Shane Peacock, Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani and Sabyasachi. If you’ve never felt like you had to have a leather trunk before or you’ll die it’s because you haven’t been to Nappa Dori. The leather accessories and luggage shop makes simple, utilitarian pieces that still have flair. Their Ikat satchel bags are heaven-sent. Also, you’re going to need one of their handmade steamer trunks to transport home all your loot. Since we should probably list one destination for shopping that isn’t fashion, here it is: Good Earth. Bring back lasting trip memories in the form of housewares, bedspreads, cushions and dining ware. Kardo Nappa Dori Because of the country’s conservative culture, the gay scene is Delhi is underdeveloped, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t existDelhi nightlifeAnd now for Mr Hudson’s Delhi gay scene guide. Because of the country’s conservative culture, the gay scene is Delhi is underdeveloped. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. The elite gay scene is under the radar, accessed only by friends and friends of friends. So, the best advice we can give is to start asking around before you go. Leverage your network and Facebook to find a friend with a gay friend in Delhi; this will be the key that unlocks a magical door that otherwise will likely remain closed to you. Also, try the Facebook pages of Delhi Gay Party and Delhi Gay Events & Parties for parties going on while you’re there. They’re often held at straight clubs on designated nights. Kitty Su, a nightclub at LaLiT hotel in Delhi is an all-inclusive gay hotspot where Mr Gay World India was crowned. The rooftop Q Café is Delhi’s first LGBTQ café and has given the city’s queer community a rainbow-coloured ray of hope that one day there will be scads of places like this in the capital. In the same building as the Mykonos spa, you can stop by any time of day. In the evenings, you might encounter a talk on queer issues or a drag show. Go at sunset and catch the lovely view at of the minaret tower of nearby Qutub Minar, a UNESCO Heritage site. Photo: Aditya SaxenaWith locations in London, Dubai, Mykonos and São Paulo, the Toy Room is an option if you want to go dancing and check out Delhi’s straight nightlife scene. Another more upscale option is the China-themed Hong Kong Club in the Andaz Hotel. If the straight club scene is not your scene, consider an atmospheric heritage drinkery filled with Raj era ephemera like the 1911 Bar. The military buffs amongst you will enjoy the army regalia and medals on display while the rest of the civilians can just enjoy a classic cocktail or two (or three) and call it a night. In a town not known for its trendy cocktails, a cocktail bar getting a ton of buzz is Dear Donna. The high-energy place is where Delhi’s glitterati have been known to kick off their nights. Photo: Karan Thakkar Custom Trip PlanningGo on that fabulous vacation you deserve even when you lack time to plan it yourselfFrom $35 Plan my trip Special SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Book share Lodhi Kardo Photo: Dancycrave The Leela Palace Photo: Jose Aragones Photo: Ravi SharmaDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? The same team that curates our content designs your perfect trip Explore more Gay India - Earth’s most exciting gay destination right nowGay India is so excited right now it’s like a bubble about to pop. In 2018, the world’s largest democracy struck down its notorious anti-gay law. Big, fat gay changes are finally on the horizon in India. Read story > Things to do in RajasthanTravel to Rajasthan, and you’ll immediately see why many consider it to be the crown jewel of India. The second largest state in the country, Rajasthan is a place of swirling turbans, swaying camels, sweeping forts and opulent palaces. Read story > Check out our list of the dream places to visit in IndiaCapturing hearts and minds with its diversity of tea-strewn landscapes, key religious sites and dizzying cities, India has long been a bucket-list destination for courageous globetrotters. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. CookiesWe use cookies to offer you a better experience. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.Accept