First impressions of this hectic town could put some people off, but scratching below the surface more than guarantees an adventure. Any Indian holiday would not be complete without at least one-night's stay at a cheerful cheap hotel in Delhi.

The second-largest metropolis in India after Mumbai, Delhi is home to the Indian capital of New Delhi and is packed to the rafters with historic sights, modern bars and more holy cows than it's possible to shake a stick at.

Traditions and Culture in Delhi

Present day New Delhi is a cosmopolitan destination bursting at the seams with culture, cash and economic growth. The commercial and financial centre of Connaught Place is pioneering modern day consumerism and by night the city is awash with trendy young professionals.

Like any capital city, Delhi has had its ups and downs and has an interesting past. Traces of civilization have been found in Delhi that date back to the second millennium BC.

The city was also a key part of the Mughal Empire which ruled northern India in the 16th century. It became the capital of British India in 1911 and officially became the governmental seat of modern-day India in 1947.

As in the rest of India, cows are sacred animals and can often be spotted mingling down streets and mixing with traffic on the roads of Delhi.

Hindu and Muslim culture has had a strong influence in Delhi, as has the city's time in the British Empire, this means several religious festivals are celebrated throughout the year and cuisine is varied.

Recommended in Delhi

Delhi is a hotbed of exciting sights and unmissable monuments, from the majestic Jamma Masjid mosque to the Red Fort via India Gate.

One of the best places to start an exploration of the capital is in Old Delhi. Home to the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and one of the oldest and biggest markets in the world, the Chandi Chowk, the area is full of interesting, sights, smells and sounds.

Connaught Place is where to head for a taste of the other side of Delhi. In this shopper's paradise, visitors can get their fair share of skinny lattes and pick up the latest designer clothes.

Weather in Delhi

Delhi can be stifling in the summer, mainly due to its semi-arid climate. The time just before monsoon is when the city is at its hottest, though respite from the weather comes with the rain.

Summer runs from April to October and winter starts to set in during November. A hazy fog usually drowns the city during January, which can disrupt travel plans.

Autumn is possible the bet time to visit, when transport links into and out of the city should be free from the adverse effects of the weather.

Destination checklist for Delhi

Legal tender in Delhi is the Indian Rupee (INR) and the official language is Hindi. However, Britons can rest easy as English is widely spoken throughout India. Expect to hear lot of Urdu and Punjabi in Delhi.

A holiday guide can provide a quick reference for a few key phrases – which always go down well with locals.

The international dialling code for India is +91 and those dialling the Delhi area will need to add +011.