Things to Do in Delhi as a Solo Female Traveller — My 5-Day Adventure (Part Two)

Welcome back to the concluding part of the series, things to do in Delhi as a solo female traveller – my 5-day adventure in Delhi, India’s crazy capital. If you haven’t read Part One yet, you can read it HERE. It had been an exciting, scary, and all-around eye-opening experience navigating my first three days here, trying new foods, feeling nervous about being by myself, and stepping well outside my comfort zone. But now I was on my first real jaunt through the city alone, with no one to hold my hand. And what happened? I ran into a doorway and started having a mini panic attack.

As I was meeting my tour group that evening, this was my last opportunity on this trip to India to do something solo. After all, what was I going to do? Get a cab back to the hotel and sit around waiting until 6 o’clock to meet the group? Nope, that’s not my style.

I had been trying to find the Tourist Information Centre before my meltdown, so that’s what I decided to do. I took a few deep breaths to gather myself, grabbed a sari out of my bag and wrapped it around my hair. Then I checked my phone to see which direction I needed to go and set off with a bit more purpose.

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Finding My Feet (and a Friendly Face) 👣

Although I still looked very much like a tourist, even with my blonde hair covered, people didn’t pay me quite as much attention now, which was a nice change. I started to relax a little, and as I was walking along, I was approached by my knight in shining armour. His name was Pentoo, and at first, he tried to sell me some magnets. Not gonna happen, buddy! We chatted for a minute as we walked, and then he asked where I was going. He kind of reminded me of my uncle back in the UK, so although I was wary, I felt I could trust him a little.

I told him I was looking for the Tourist Information Centre. That’s when he told me I was heading in the wrong direction and that it had moved location since Covid. Great, I thought. He’s trying to scam me. And there went the small modicum of trust I’d just started to build.

However, Google Maps had let me down before, so I asked him if he’d take me there, and he happily obliged. I told myself I’d give him five minutes, tops — and I certainly wasn’t going to disappear down any dark alleys or venture off the main road.

After two or three minutes of walking, I asked how far the Tourist Information Centre was, and he pointed right at it. I could literally see it just ahead. What a relief!

As soon as I walked in, I was warmly welcomed. They took me into one of their offices, where I chatted to a helpful staff member at the desk. After some discussion, I decided to hire a private driver for the rest of the day. We agreed on a price of 3,600 rupees, and to my surprise, Pentoo even stayed with me for the whole day to look after me. It really touched my heart.

Now that I was with people from the official tourism board of India — and with Pentoo by my side — I felt safe and began to relax a little, though I still kept my guard up and stayed aware of my surroundings.

The first place Pentoo and my driver took me to was Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan). I’d already visited here on my first day, but this time, I actually went inside, and it was absolutely stunning. The rich reds and yellows of the exterior continue throughout the interior, creating a warm, vibrant space. Inside, it’s much quieter than the noisy streets outside, with no car horns to distract you. And yes, no photos allowed inside – get used to that! Beautiful sculptures and intricate patterns adorned the walls, while the floor gleamed with smooth marble.

A Detour to Humayun’s Tomb 🕌🌤️

When I exited the temple, I spotted Pentoo waving to me from down the street, indicating where they were parked! Awww bless him. Next, we had a bit of a language barrier trying to communicate where I wanted to go. After some back and forth, we ended up at Humayun’s Tomb. I hadn’t planned to visit yet, as I’d be returning here in two days with my tour group. However, I’m so glad I did, as it’s a massive complex and you need several hours to explore the entire site properly. If you’re looking for things to do in Delhi as a solo female traveller, this is one of those incredible spots where you can easily spend a few hours wandering at your own pace.

Pentoo walked me to the gates, and I was taken aback by how busy it was. It was packed. I only had an hour, so I needed to see as much as I could, so off I went.

There was only a slight haze this late in the afternoon, and we even had a patch of blue sky. This was one of the few places in Delhi where I actually saw blue skies.

The first complex I explored was Isa Khan’s Tomb, a hexagonal structure clad in the most beautiful blue, red, and white patterns across the roof. I could only imagine how stunning it must have looked in its original glory.

As I was walking around, I met a guy called Anku, who was visiting from Jaipur for a couple of days. We wandered around together, chatting about life, our families, and what we do for a living. It was a nice encounter. You’ll find this happens a lot in India. People will simply start talking to you and ask quite direct questions. My advice? Just go with the flow.

I did have a quick peek through the main gate leading to Humayun’s Tomb and caught a glimpse of how beautiful it was. But I decided to save that experience for my guided tour in a few days.

First Impressions and a New Tour Phrase: T.I.I.

Later that evening, Pentoo and my driver dropped me back at my hotel. I only had around 30 minutes to settle into my new room and unpack because tonight I would be meeting my tour group for the first time at dinner.

I was nervous, but I shouldn’t have been. They were all wonderful. I’ve made some lifelong friends whom I still keep in contact with and will no doubt travel with again in the future.

I was first introduced to my tour leader, Akilesh, who came across as polite and professional. But after spending a couple of days with him, that impression quickly changed—he turned out to be incredibly funny, warm, and full of good humour.

Our dinner and welcome meeting started at 6 PM, and we were all assigned seats. I sat next to a Canadian guy who was pretty funny and always the last one on the bus buying souvenirs. I also got chatting with an Aussie girl from Sydney, who was very friendly.

While Akilesh was giving us the lowdown on what to expect during the tour, he said something that really stuck with me. He told the group that we were going to experience some crazy things, different cultures, and a different way of life. But if you can’t explain it or don’t understand the logic, just say, “T.I.I.” – which stands for ‘This Is India.’ And honestly, that phrase made so much sense throughout the entire trip.

After a pleasant dinner, someone in our group mentioned that there was a wedding happening right outside our hotel.

We headed over to the dining room balcony to watch the festivities from above. The sound of drums from the wedding party was so infectious, it made us want to get outside and see it up close. So, a bunch of us decided to go check it out. As soon as we stepped out of the hotel, we were hit with the loud beats of drums and Indian music. We couldn’t help but want to start dancing along!

Gatecrashing a Delhi Wedding 💃🥁

We crossed the street to get a closer look and capture some better photos, and within seconds, we were caught up in the melee. Someone from the wedding party grabbed my hand, the other girls were whisked away, and suddenly we were all dancing with complete strangers. Everyone wanted to take photos with us and pose alongside us. I swear, I felt like a celebrity!

It was so much fun, and all this happened right on the street outside our hotel. What a fantastic way to get to know people. Even the bride and groom came over to say hello. Everyone was dressed to the nines, sparkling from head to toe, looking absolutely stunning. Meanwhile, here we were, gatecrashing their wedding, looking completely underdressed, yet they welcomed us like family. I’ll never forget it.

We danced for about half an hour with pretty much everyone in the wedding party. It was phenomenal!

As it got late, we had to sneak away from the dancing because it was getting a bit overwhelming. Plus, after the epic day I’d had — a roller coaster of emotions — I was more than ready for my new bed. I looked back on such an unforgettable day with a full heart.

If you’re planning your own trip and searching for things to do in Delhi as a solo female traveller, embracing spontaneous moments like this will definitely be a highlight.

DAY 4 – From Bustling Streets to Peaceful Reflection: A Day in Old Delhi

The next morning, we were up early with a wake-up call at 6 am. We had breakfast at 7 am and were on the Trafalgar bus by 8 am. That became our daily routine for the next nine days.
Today, I was once again introduced to the famous smog that often blankets Delhi at this time of year. As we made our way to an area called Chandni Chowk, the city was covered in a thick mist. When our coach pulled into the area, even the famous Red Fort was barely visible in the distance.
Since it was a Sunday (which meant nothing to me as I was on holiday), I hadn’t realised that we’d arrived on Market Day, and it seemed like everyone in Delhi had the same idea to descend on Chandni Chowk. LOL 😊

Our first stop of the day was a beautiful mosque called Jama Masjid, right in the heart of Old Delhi. Do you know what was so crazy? The moment we stepped off the bus, touts swarmed us, shoving souvenirs in our faces and trying to get us to buy their wares. At the same time, street kids approached us begging for money, some holding younger siblings in their arms to pull on our heartstrings. However, our tour leader had warned us not to give them money, as it’s illegal and would likely end up in the hands of a gang or organised crime. And this all happened within the first 30 seconds of stepping off the bus and heading towards the entrance.

🕌 Calm Amid the Madness

When we stepped inside, and once we were all accounted for, we made our way up the stairs to enter. All of a sudden, we found ourselves in a small pocket of calm, leaving the madness of the streets behind for a little while.
At the entrance, all of the women were told we had to wear hijabs, which, at first, really annoyed me. Anything that feels like an oppression of women — I’m all for it! #saidnofemaleever. It helped a little that we all had to wear them, and to be honest, once I got over it, I actually found them kind of fun to wear. It added to the special atmosphere of the place, and it made my photos look awesome! Then I noticed that all the men had to wear shawls wrapped around their midriffs too, so I felt silly that I’d jumped to conclusions.

The onion domes on top were so ornate, and the Arabesque scalloped archways were beautifully decorated with intricate Islamic designs. Much of the structure was made with a rich, rusty-red material, a colour so synonymous with many Indian buildings. It was absolutely stunning.
Opposite the main building was a gatehouse, so I decided to wander off on my own and explore through some impressive doors. On the other side of the mosque, the markets were in full swing, and I swear, as I stood there on the steps overlooking the crowds below, I was in awe of how many people were out shopping that day. This was the busiest place I visited during my entire time in India. Check out the crowds below — would you shop here on Market Day?

For a few more minutes, I glided around in my black hijab through the open corridors, looking out over the smoggy, noisy streets below and taking it all in. I was loving the craziness of it all. Yep, I was so happy to be in India right now!

After soaking up the beauty of the mosque, it was time for a quick comfort stop before we moved on. Now, I knew that public toilets in India could be a bit of an adventure in themselves… which led me to the next big question:

To Squat or Not to Squat?

Before moving on, some of us decided to brave the restrooms. I told myself that if I had to, I would force myself to try a squat toilet for the first time. However, if I could avoid it and keep being a wimpy Westerner, I’d rather not tick that experience off my bucket list just yet. So, I headed in, opened the door, and lo and behold, there was a Western-style toilet right in front of me. Hallelujah! Just a heads-up, though: the attendant only hands out one or two sheets of loo roll, so it’s a smart idea to carry some extra with you.

🛺 Tuk-Tuks, Tangled Wires & Monkey Acrobatics 🐒

Next, we rejoined our group and hopped into tuk-tuk cycle rickshaws to explore the back streets of Chandni Chowk. This was such a cool experience, weaving through the narrow, winding lanes of a typical Indian neighbourhood. The buildings were tightly packed like a medieval jumble, with small shops on the ground floor and two or three stories of apartments stacked above. Overhead, a wild tangle of wires crisscrossed the streets, hanging precariously like a chaotic canopy. Monkeys swung and jumped through them effortlessly, adding to the lively scene. Mopeds zipped past us as people strolled leisurely through the madness all around. It was pure chaos, and I absolutely loved every minute of it!
As we got closer to the markets, the crowds started to become really dense as the tuk tuks and cars were literally bumper to bumper, pedestrians were walking right next to each other, and with so many people packed into such a small space, we were back to moving at a snail’s pace again. I remembered last night that Akilesh told us that in India, there is no such thing as personal space – he wasn’t kidding! Eventually, it was time to bid farewell to our rickshaws, as we were taken to a stall to have some delicious chai tea. Most in my group were too afraid to drink it, but the rest of us were like, ‘when in Rome,’ and happily downed our cups!

🔥 Gandhi’s Flame: A Quiet Moment of Reflection

Next, we were driven the short distance to the Raj Ghat Memorial, dedicated to Gandhi. This is the very spot where he was shot in 1948, and since then, a permanent flame has been kept burning here. The memorial features black marble platforms marking this place of remembrance, decorated with delicate floral patterns that add a lovely Indian touch. While there’s not much else to see, it’s a peaceful break from the busy streets and conveniently close to Chandni Chowk.
We also swung by Agrasen Ki Baoli again, and since it was the weekend, it was unbelievably busy. I’m so glad I visited on my own a few days earlier when it was much quieter.

🌸 The Lotus Temple Letdown

As an optional excursion on our Trafalgar tour, most of the group decided to visit the Lotus Temple. It looks stunning in photos, shaped like a giant lotus flower and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Unfortunately, my experience wasn’t the best. Not long after we arrived, I noticed my bag had been opened, even though I’d just zipped it up after putting my wallet away. We’d been warned about pickpockets in these touristy spots, but you never expect it to happen to you. Luckily, nothing was taken, but it made me extra vigilant for the rest of the trip.
We headed through the gardens toward the temple, but when we got to the main path leading up, the gardens were all closed off. Maybe to manage the huge crowds? The queue to get inside was enormous, and with limited time, we couldn’t go in. I would have just been happy to wander around the gardens, but the smog had thickened, and with so much closed off, it limited the photos I could take.

Our last stop was Dilli Haat INA, an upscale craft market that I really enjoyed exploring. If you’re looking for fun and safe markets to explore on your own, Dilli Haat INA is a brilliant addition to your itinerary of things to do in Delhi as a solo female traveller. It was a typical Delhi market, but much less hectic. There were beautiful jewellery, ornaments, clothing, and shoes for sale. I even found myself chatting with two shop owners in a little stall at the back right corner. I taught them some classic Aussie phrases like “Throw a shrimp on the barbie,” and they taught me a few Hindi words. We ended up laughing so hard that everyone around was staring, probably thinking we’d lost the plot. Yep, just another typical day for me!

DAY 5 – Exploring Delhi’s Backstreets, Tombs & Gardens: My Final Day Highlights

The next day was my final day in Delhi, and it brought by far the worst smog I’d witnessed since arriving! Despite this, I was feeling a little sad to leave. I felt like I’d really gotten to know the city and its people over the past four days. But there was no time to dwell on it, as our last day in India’s capital was going to be jam-packed

Winding Through the Backstreets of Karol Bagh

First, we were taken to an area in Delhi called Karol Bagh. If you’re looking for cheap places to stay, you’ll find heaps of accommodation options around here. There are plenty of low-budget hotels and hostels, as well as travel agents, and cows!

We had a guide with us today from an organisation called Salaam Baalak Trust, which helps street kids of Delhi turn their lives around and get an education. We were guided through the very smoggy backstreets, weaving through an intricate maze that kind of reminded me of Venice, with its small businesses tucked away down narrow side streets.

I loved walking around here and seeing a different way of life, but quite a few others didn’t like it at all. Most people in our group felt as though they were on display, with everyone staring at us. But remember, T.I.I. (This Is India)! The only thing I was disappointed about was not seeing any monkeys!

We were taken into a building that housed the Trust and were told a bit about the organisation’s story. We also had the chance to hear how our guide had ended up on the streets. It was a really heartbreaking situation. The people who were supposed to care for her when her father became ill neglected her, and she eventually found herself living on the streets of Delhi. Through the help of the organisation, she was able to get an education, turn her life around, and now works for them. It was such an inspiring story and really puts our so-called first-world problems into perspective. They’re not really problems at all, are they?

🏛️ Revisiting Humayun’s Tomb in a Different Light

From the busy streets of Karol Bagh, our next stop of the day was Humayun’s Tomb. Despite having visited just two days ago, this visit felt totally different. Gone were the throngs of weekend crowds and clear blue skies; in their place were significantly fewer tourists and a thick layer of smog, which was particularly bad that day. In fact, my mum told me that the Delhi smog had even made the BBC News back in the UK.

Built in the 1560s by Empress Begum as a memorial to her husband, the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, this incredible structure might look familiar. Its shape and design were said to inspire that other famous building in India — the Taj Mahal. Over the years, around 150 members of the Mughal family have been buried here.

Our group soon splintered off in several directions. I spotted Lisa and Rachel and made a beeline for them, as they had been my besties for the entire trip. We wandered around, capturing photos of this beautiful tomb and all its intricate details. I loved the deep red colour of the stone — so typical of the buildings I’d seen so far.

As we ascended the stairs to the main mausoleum, we took turns photographing each other. At one point, Lisa passed me her phone, and I accidentally dropped it. It went skidding across the concrete — oh, the utter embarrassment! I thought for sure I’d smashed it. I scrambled after the phone, quickly dusting it off and praying the screen wasn’t shattered. One of India’s many Gods must have been looking out for me — there wasn’t a scratch on it. Other than a raised eyebrow, Lisa never said a word and accepted my apology with grace. What a legend! The gods of smartphones must have been watching over me that day.

Before we left, I needed the loo but was a bit nervous about the possibility of having to use a squat toilet. I told myself I’d brave it if I had to. Luckily, once again, I dodged that bullet!

Upon leaving the tomb, we were taken to a restaurant called Waves. It caters to Western tummies, so we had a nice buffet-style lunch, and I chose anything that looked hot and fresh. Everything was lovely, no complaints.

🏺Surprised by the Ancient Ruins of Qutub Minar

Our next stop was the Qutub Minar Complex, named after its 73-metre-tall minaret, which is over 900 years old. This was one of those places that utterly surprised me. It reminded me so much of the Roman Forum opposite the Colosseum in its namesake city. The site is dotted with ancient ruins that date back to 736 A.D., when Delhi was known as Lal Kot. The complex also houses the first mosque built in India, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam).

All around the complex, every surface is beautifully carved with patterned pillars, and no two are the same. I wandered off on my own to explore and noticed that the smoggy mist still lingered across the site, adding an air of mystique.

As we arrived late in the afternoon, it was very busy, but apparently, it’s much quieter in the mornings.

🪷A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Delhi

Our final stop of the day was Sundar Nursery, a beautiful garden complex with a lovely, small building in the middle that looked like a miniature Taj Mahal.

I was surprised to learn that this is a fairly new attraction, as it was only brought back to life recently. Up until 2007, it had been an overgrown and neglected wasteland. Thankfully, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), along with other authorities, helped to revive these Mughal-era gardens. Sitting on 90 acres next to Humayun’s Tomb, the gardens truly are an escape from Delhi’s madness. We were all in agreement that this was a much-needed calm spot in such a crazy city.

We spent a little time walking among the symmetrically landscaped gardens and tree-lined paths, with lots of water features. I really enjoyed being among nature for a while. Our tour leader suggested we go for a coffee at the lovely café on site. It’s located by a pretty pond, and we all sat around the table, chatting, laughing, and getting to know one another while enjoying the view of the restored lakes and pavilions in the distance. Seriously, don’t leave without visiting this tranquil spot!

Thanks for reading my post today on things to do in Delhi as a solo female traveller Part 2, I hope you enjoyed this post as much as part one, and that hopefully I’ve given you some ideas or inspiration to start planning your own trip. I remember sitting on the coach heading back to the hotel, watching the hazy Delhi streets roll by one last time, I found myself reflecting on just how much I’d gotten out of this trip, not just the incredible sights, but the whole experience of travelling solo in India for the first time.

I’ve always loved the freedom of travelling by myself, but I’ll admit, being part of a tour group this time was an absolute game-changer. I didn’t have to worry about how to get from A to B or second-guess whether the food was safe to eat. All those little stressors were taken care of, and that left me free to just enjoy the adventure.

What surprised me most were the places I hadn’t even planned to visit. If it weren’t for this tour, I probably wouldn’t have discovered the beautiful Jama Masjid, wandered the backstreets of Karol Bagh, or met the amazing guides from the Salaam Baalak Trust, whose stories really touched me. These ended up being some of my favourite moments from the entire trip.

So, would I recommend travelling to India as a solo female traveller? Absolutely! It’s vibrant, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. But if you’re a little nervous about doing it all on your own, don’t hesitate to hire a driver or join a small tour group like I did. It’s a great way to ease into it while still having the freedom to soak up this fascinating country.

Delhi, you’ve well and truly left your mark on me — and I can’t wait to come back.

✨ Quick Tips & FAQ for Things to do in Delhi as a Solo Female Traveller ✨

Is it safe to visit Delhi alone as a female?
Yes, but like any large city, take common-sense precautions. Stick to well-known areas, use trusted transport, dress modestly, and trust your instincts.

What should I wear when visiting religious sites like Jama Masjid or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib?
Cover your shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf is handy for covering your head in places of worship.

How do I get around Delhi safely?
Use trusted taxi apps like Uber or Ola. The Metro is also clean and efficient — just avoid peak times if you’re not a fan of crowds.

Any tips for exploring Chandni Chowk?
Go with a local guide if it’s your first time. The area is a maze of narrow lanes and bustling markets — exciting but overwhelming solo! Keep valuables close and bring cash for small purchases.

Best time of day to visit India Gate?
Visit early morning for fewer crowds and cooler weather, or go in the evening to see it beautifully lit up.

Final tip:
Always tell someone back home your day’s itinerary when travelling solo. And most importantly — soak it all in! Delhi is chaotic, colourful and unforgettable.

I hope this post has helped inspire and prepare you for exploring some of Delhi’s most fascinating spots as a solo traveller. I loved every minute of wandering the colourful lanes of Chandni Chowk, soaking up the atmosphere at Jama Masjid, and standing beneath the glowing India Gate at dusk. Yes, it’s busy and sometimes a little chaotic — but that’s all part of the magic. Embrace the adventure, stay curious, and you’ll come away with memories to last a lifetime.

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