The Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi Picture: Graeme Israel

For the unprepared traveller, Delhi is an accident waiting to happen.

Corrupt taxi drivers, unforgiving traffic and questionable hygiene standards threaten to make this sprawling city a hellish experience.

Overcome these and Delhi is home to a greater diversity of attractions than you are likely to find anywhere else in India. Throughout history Delhi has been home to a myriad of different empires and each have left their mark, from monumental Islamic ruins to majestic Mughal monuments and the modern bustle of British New Delhi.

Delhi is a central transport hub and you're likely to find yourself here at least once, and the many attractions alone are worthy of a couple of days (but considerably longer if shopping is on the agenda).