India's capital city is famous for many things, from its ancient history and political climate to lip-smacking cuisine and an environment of extremes. Delhiites celebrate every weather with almost festive glee, from the chilling "Dilli ki Sardi" (winters of Delhi) to flowering gardens of spring and searing hot summers to the much-awaited monsoon downpours.

Anticipation levels rise with every darkening hue of the cloud cover. The flavour of the season is rain themed conversations. Until the first spell of the rain sweeps through the city. The delirious joy takes on an infectious quality. Windows swing open, awnings get drawn back, and balconies fill as rain-lovers stop to smell a tantalising earthy aroma or indulge in a spontaneous drench. Wet hair…who cares? Clogged roads or nightmarish traffic, nothing is a show-stopper for the Dilliwallah out to make the best of the romantic weather. Join the frenzy with some of the favourite things to do in Delhi in the monsoons.

Tastebuds, they crave

In monsoon, Delhi shops for raw mangoes to concoct jars full of aromatic, spicy pickles. Carts sell roasted corn on the cob. From trendy cafes to street stalls, every eatery dangles a coveted bait…steaming chai (tea) with Samosas. Delhi food culture in this season revolve around Pakodas, Parathas, Chaats, Kachoris, Jalebis and every sinful calorie-loaded delight…always piping hot and preferably deep fried. Even Chhole Bhature and Kebabs make the cut. Atmosphere trumps creature comfort. Chandni Chowk is a natural destination of choice for Delhi street food.

Nature so fresh

Lush urban spaces of the city become prime prospects for aimless wanderings in the rains. A leisure-ly stroll in the expansive green lawns of Sunder Nursery or Lodi Gardens followed by a post-lunch siesta under the shady trees sounds just about right. Don't forget to carry umbrellas and water-proof picnic mats. Those seeking an offbeat alternative can disappear into one of the many city forests like Jahanpanah Forest, Sanjay Van or Aravali Biodiversity Park, where snaking walking trails lead into depths of the wilderness.

Beauty is everywhere

Washed squeaky-clean in the rains, Delhi's heritage structures take on glamour like never before. Monsoon is one of the best times to photograph the stone and marble monuments of the capital. Capture the graceful contours of the Humayun Tomb in your camera when the clouds create shad-ows. Discover the ravaged remains of the Tughlaqabad Fort when the sun plays hide-and-seek. But also sidetrack from the popular trails to stumble upon lesser-known gems of the Delhi Sultanate hidden away in dozens of residential neighbourhoods. Hauz Khas Enclave and Kotla Mubarakpur in South Delhi are just two areas worth prowling around. Instaworthy shots are guaranteed. A pri-vate tour would be the perfect solution.

Repurposed architectural features

Wandering around the complex, one stumbles upon the remains of the colonnades that surround the mosque’s open courtyard and the prayer hall. These pillars, ceilings and stones in these colonnades are said to have been taken from Hindu and Jain temples. The presence of deities, mythical creatures and typical Hindu decorative elements add an unusual appeal to the architectural potpourri.

Unsolved mystery

The most fascinating object in the complex is a ceremonial iron pillar dating back to the 4th-5th century, inscribed with an ancient Sanskrit eulogy to a revered Hindu ruler. Uprooted from a Hindu temple and installed here by Iltutmish as a symbol of authority, the pillar is shrouded in mystery for being rust-resistant since 2000 years.

A caress of calm grazes the cheek
Happy tears trickle down the pane
Drops splash-dance on puddles
Why isn't a 'just rained' perfume on any shelf out there?

Unfinished business

Capture the inimitable vibe of India’s buzzing capital with our Delhi experiences.