IKAN Destination Guide · 2026 Edition · India Domestic Moves
Delhi
Dilwalon ki DilliIndia's capital, where policy is decided, butter chicken was invented, and seven historic empires lie beneath your morning commute. Your complete intra-India relocation guide.
17M
Population (NCT)
393km
Metro Network
#1
Govt & Policy Hub
3
UNESCO Sites in City
At a glance
Delhi relocation, the essentials
The figures movers ask us for first, pulled straight from the detail below.
City Overview
Why Delhi Changes Everything
Explore Delhi on the map
An intra-India move to Delhi is, for many professionals, the move into the heart of national life. Parliament, the Supreme Court, every ministry, every major think tank, every PSU headquarters, and India's largest concentration of media and legal practices all operate within a 10 km radius. The city is loud, complex, deeply historical, and unparalleled for anyone whose career touches policy, government, media, law, consulting, or education leadership.
17M
NCT Population
Heart of national life
393km
Metro · Largest in India
10 lines plus Airport Express, 288+ stations
3
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Red Fort, Qutub, Humayun's Tomb
~70M
Annual IGI Pax
IGI Airport, best airport in India
India's Capital
Parliament, Supreme Court, every ministry, national decisions concentrate here
Legal & Policy Hub
Supreme Court bar, top law firms, think tanks (ORF, IDSA, CPR), constitutional practice
Media Capital
NDTV, India Today, AajTak, Republic, Hindustan Times, The Hindu Delhi, North India's media gravity
Most Extensive Metro
10 lines plus Airport Express, 288+ stations, 393 km, clean, AC, English-signed throughout
Mughlai & Punjabi Food
Birthplace of butter chicken, dal makhani and tandoori, Karim's has fed Delhi since 1913
Education Heavyweights
DU, JNU, IIT Delhi, AIIMS, NIFT, FMS, India's deepest academic concentration
Best Healthcare in India
AIIMS, Max Saket, Apollo, Sir Ganga Ram, Fortis Escorts, BLK, tertiary referrals from across India
Khan Market & CP
India's most expensive retail per sqft (Khan Market) and the iconic colonial centre at Connaught Place
2,500 Years of Heritage
Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, three UNESCO sites within the city limits
IGI T3 · Asia-class
Best airport in India, direct long-haul to 80+ international cities, 2.5 hours to any Indian metro
Lodhi Gardens
90 acres of Mughal tombs in manicured parkland, the city's most beloved morning routine
Daily Commute
Plan around traffic, peak hours (8.30-11.30am, 5.30-9.30pm) add 30 to 90 min; the extensive Metro often beats the car
Moving from Mumbai, Bangalore or Hyderabad? The biggest adjustments are space (Delhi gives you more, independent floors, large rooms, sometimes terrace gardens) and daily commute times (Delhi traffic is heavy at peak hours, though the Metro is the most extensive in India). What you gain is direct access to India's national-policy network and a city with unmatched cultural and gastronomic depth.
Compare Cities
Delhi vs Mumbai vs Bangalore vs Hyderabad
Every Indian professional considering Delhi asks the same question: is it worth the winter air? Here is an honest comparison across the metrics that matter for intra-India relocations in 2026.
| Category | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | High (82) | Very High (100) | High (72) | Moderate (56) |
| 3 BHK Rent (Premium Floor) | ₹1.2-3L / month | ₹1.5-3.5L / month | ₹80k-1.8L / month | ₹65k-1.5L / month |
| Government & Policy | · Only here | · Limited | · Limited | · Limited |
| Legal & Judiciary | · Supreme Court | · Bombay HC | · Karnataka HC | · Telangana HC |
| Media & Journalism | · National HQ | · Bollywood | · Limited | · Limited |
| Tech / Product Sector | · Growing | · Strong | · Dominant | · HITEC City |
| International School Options | 5+ IB / international | 8+ flagship IB | 6+ IB schools | 4+ IB schools |
| Traffic Severity | Severe (Metro saves) | Severe (rail saves) | Severe (no rail) | Moderate |
| Climate | Extreme (45°C+ / 5°C / smog) | Humid, intense monsoon | Best in India (mild) | Hot summers, dry |
| Air Quality (Oct-Feb) | AQI 200-500 (Severe) | AQI 100-200 | AQI 50-150 | AQI 100-200 |
| Cultural / Heritage Depth | · 2,500 years | · 400 years | · Garden city heritage | · Strong Nizami |
| Weekend Escapes | Agra, Jaipur, Shimla, Rishikesh | Goa 1hr, Lonavala 2hr | Coorg 5hr, Goa 10hr | Lakes, Warangal, Hampi |
| Professional Network · Govt | · Unrivalled | · Limited | · Limited | · Limited |
Choose Delhi if...
Delhi Wins
- Your career touches government, policy, law, media or consulting
- You value heritage, cultural calendar, and the IIC/IHC intellectual scene
- You want larger living space and independent floors over apartment towers
- Your sector HQ is in Delhi (PSUs, INGOs, embassies, think tanks)
Consider Mumbai if...
Mumbai Wins
- Your career is in finance, banking, capital markets or PE
- You work in media production, advertising or Bollywood
- You can manage Mumbai's monsoon and tighter apartment sizes
- You value an Arabian-Sea-side urban lifestyle
Consider Bangalore / Hyderabad if...
South India Wins
- Your role is in deep tech, SaaS, or product engineering
- You prioritise climate comfort (Bangalore) or value-for-money (Hyderabad)
- You want a quieter, milder city pace than Delhi
- Your company's India HQ is in Whitefield, Electronic City or HITEC City
Neighbourhoods
Recommended Neighbourhoods
Delhi is a city of distinct, established neighbourhoods. The right one for you depends on your office location, your family situation, and the trade-off you want between rent, space, and lifestyle. Here is IKAN's view of the seven strongest neighbourhoods for intra-India relocators in 2026.
1
Dwarka
Affordable Planned Sub-City
A large, well-planned sub-city in South-West Delhi with abundant apartment stock across DDA flats and cooperative group-housing societies. The most budget-friendly of the recommended areas, wide roads, parks, and its own metro Blue Line. Close to IGI Airport and the Dwarka Expressway corridor to Gurugram, it is ideal for families on intra-India budgets.
Budget-conscious families, airport & Gurugram commuters
2
Vasant Vihar / Vasant Kunj
Green South-West Apartments
Vasant Vihar is one of South-West Delhi's most established premium residential addresses, leafy, embassy-adjacent and favoured by senior corporate movers. Neighbouring Vasant Kunj and Dwarka are largely budget-segment apartment stock and DDA flats, offering more space for the rupee. The whole corridor is close to the airport, Vasant Square and Ambience Mall, with good schools and hospitals nearby and strong connectivity to central South Delhi.
Families, mid-level corporate, airport-area commuters
3
Saket / Malviya Nagar
Established South Delhi Value
Saket sits beside Max Super Speciality Hospital and Select Citywalk mall, with strong builder-floor and apartment stock and Yellow Line metro access. Adjacent Malviya Nagar offers more affordable rentals with the same metro connectivity and a lively local market. A well-rounded, mid-budget South Delhi choice.
Families with school-age children, mid-budget movers
4
Hauz Khas / Green Park / SDA
Historic & Connected
Built around a 14th-century reservoir and Hauz Khas Village, this enclave draws younger professionals with its restaurants, design studios and proximity to IIT Delhi. Adjacent Green Park and SDA (Safdarjung Development Area) offer quieter residential streets with the same Outer Ring Road and metro access (Magenta & Yellow Lines). A lively, well-connected mid-budget option.
Younger professionals, design / media / tech, couples
5
New Friends Colony / East of Kailash
Leafy South-East Value
Established, tree-lined South-East Delhi neighbourhoods with generous builder floors and apartments at better value than central South Delhi. New Friends Colony is known for its quiet avenues and proximity to the Ashram corridor; East of Kailash offers convenient ring-road and metro access. Good space for the rupee.
Families, value-seeking movers, South-East corridor offices
6
Greater Kailash I & II
South Delhi Prestige Value
M-Block Market (GK-I), N-Block and GK-II's E-Block offer independent floors of generous size, a strong community, and excellent access to Max Saket and the Outer Ring Road. A prestigious South Delhi address that still offers good space-to-rupee value at the upper end of the intra-India budget.
Upper-budget families, established movers, space-seekers
7
Defence Colony / East Nizamuddin
Central South-Delhi Heritage
Defence Colony is a mature, tree-lined enclave of independent builder floors with the lively Defence Colony Market at its heart and AIIMS within easy reach, a long-standing favourite of intra-India relocators. Neighbouring East Nizamuddin offers quieter heritage streets beside Humayun's Tomb and Nizamuddin Dargah, with strong connectivity to central Delhi, the airport and the Ring Road.
Intra-India relocators, central-Delhi office commuters, families
IKAN Tip: As most corporate offices are in Gurugram, Aerocity or Noida, we have suggested affordable housing areas within South Delhi only. There are other areas that can be considered in West Delhi, East Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida as well. One must factor in budget, travel time, etc. when making a selection.
Commute
Vasant Kunj → CP
45 min
Ring Road (off-peak)
Commute
Saket → Gurugram Cybercity
45 min
Outer Ring Road / NH-48
Commute
GK-1 → Noida Sector 18
45 min
DND Flyway / Magenta Line
Commute
Dwarka → Aerocity
30 min
Airport Express / NH-48
Housing Market
Renting in Delhi · 2026 Reality
Delhi's housing market comprises independent floors. You typically get more space than in Mumbai or Bangalore at the same rent, while still paying a meaningful premium over Hyderabad and Pune. Negotiate with IKAN's guidance, Delhi landlords expect it.
HOME
3 BHK Builder Floor
₹1.2-3L
/month (premium S Delhi)
DINE
Restaurant dinner (2)
₹2,000-5,000
mid-range
RIDE
Ola/Uber Saket-CP
₹200-400
one way
SHOP
Monthly Groceries
₹12,000-20,000
family of 4
SCHOOL
CBSE/ICSE Annual
₹2-5L
premium schools
METRO
Monthly Metro Spend
₹500-1,500
smart-card recharge
| Area | 3 BHK / Month | 4 BHK / Month | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka | ₹60k-3L | ₹80k-5L | South-West Delhi premium, independent floors, leafy, airport-proximate |
| Jor Bagh / Sundar Nagar | ₹3-6L | ₹5-12L | Heritage Lutyens-adjacent, Lodhi Gardens at the doorstep, ultra-premium |
| Defence Colony, Nizamuddin | ₹1-3L | ₹2-4L | Mature tree-lined streets, AIIMS proximity, popular intra-India relocator choice |
| Greater Kailash I & II | ₹1-2L | ₹1.5-2.5L | South Delhi prestige, large floors, M-Block Market, best value premium |
| Hauz Khas / Green Park | ₹75k-1.5L | ₹1-2L | Historic enclave, HKV nightlife, IIT Delhi adjacent |
| Saket / Panchsheel Park | ₹50k-1.5L | ₹1.5-2.5L | Max Hospital adjacent, Select Citywalk, established south Delhi |
| East of Kailash / Friends Colony | ₹50k-1L | ₹1-2.5L | Older established residential, larger plots, good value vs central south Delhi |
Rental Rules
Delhi Market Practices
- Security deposit: 3 months rent is standard in Delhi
- Lease duration: 24 / 36-month Leases are standard practice, renewable with 5-10% annual escalation. Lease tenures longer than 1 year must be registered at the Sub-Registrar's Office in Delhi.
- Real estate agent fee: Equivalent to one month's rent, payable at the time of Lease signing.
- Lock-in period: 6-12 months (negotiable). Neither the Lessee nor the Lessor may terminate or break the contract during the lock-in period.
- Furnishing: Semi-furnished accommodation is standard offering with built-in cupboards and kitchen. Fully furnished accommodation is rare and comes at a premium.
- Independent floors: The Delhi norm, floor-wise units (Ground/1st/2nd/3rd) in a four-storey house
- TDS: Under Section 194-IB, Tax Deducted at Source applies at 2% (reduced from 5% with effect from 1 October 2024) where monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000
- Documentation: Aadhaar, PAN. IKAN helps negotiate and prepare your Lease.
2026 Trends
What's Moving in Delhi
- South Delhi appreciation: 12-18% across GK, Saket and the southern corridors over 24 months
- Metro Phase 4 effect: Properties along upcoming Golden Line seeing 8-12% premium creep
- Builder floor refresh: Older floors getting full renovations to compete with new-build supply
- Aerocity expansion: Corporate offices shifting closer to airport, driving Vasant Kunj, Dwarka and Dwarka Expressway demand
- Lutyens & Golf Links: Prime Lutyens' bungalow zone remains India's most expensive postcode, tightly held, near-zero inventory, NRI and promoter buyers paying ₹1.5-2.5 lakh/sq ft for the rare resale
- New premium supply: DLF, Godrej and M3M launches along the Dwarka Expressway and in West Delhi are pulling corporate-lease tenants toward ready-to-move towers with structured maintenance
- Rental yields: South Delhi builder floors yield a modest 2.5-3.5%, but furnished GK / Defence Colony units leased to expats and senior executives push gross yields to 4-5%
- Best value segment: Larger, well-built independent floors in East of Kailash, CR Park and Safdarjung Enclave offer the strongest space-per-rupee, landlords here negotiate 8-12% on a 36-month lease
The IKAN Method
How your move actually works
Every relocation runs on fixed clocks. These are the sequences your IKAN consultant drives for you, from the first viewing to the day you have keys in hand.
Move-in
How your move-in inspection works
Every fixture and meter is photographed, then locked as your baseline.
Lease
From walk-through to keys
Your consultant runs the term sheet, review and registration for you.
Where should you live in Delhi?
A quick route to the right shortlist, built from the neighbourhoods in this guide.
Tap the map to enlarge. Scroll sideways on a phone.
Schools
Delhi Schools · All Options
Delhi has India's deepest concentration of elite CBSE and ICSE schools. For intra-India CBSE-to-CBSE moves, transfers are straightforward, but admission cycles at premium schools are competitive. Moreover, the Delhi government policy of geographic proximity limits the number of school options.
| School | Board | Location | Annual Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GD Goenka Public School | CBSE | Vasant Kunj | ₹2-3L | Modern co-ed CBSE campus in South-West Delhi, popular with intra-India transfer families |
| Laxman Public School | CBSE | Hauz Khas | ₹1.5-2.5L | Long-established South Delhi CBSE school in the Hauz Khas Enclave |
| DPS Vasant Kunj | CBSE | Vasant Kunj | ₹2.5-3L | Premium South-West Delhi DPS campus, popular intra-India transfer destination |
| Apeejay School, Saket | CBSE | Saket | ₹1.5-2.5L | Established co-ed CBSE school in South Delhi, near Select Citywalk |
| Springdales School | ICSE / ISC | Pusa Road & Dhaula Kuan | ₹2.5-4L | Iconic ICSE school. Two co-educational campuses. Strong liberal-arts orientation |
| Mother's International School | CBSE | Aurobindo Marg | ₹1-2L | Sri Aurobindo Ashram-affiliated. Holistic philosophy, strong arts emphasis |
| Vasant Valley School | ICSE / ISC | Vasant Kunj | ₹3-5L | Top-tier ICSE, strong arts, debate, sports. Very competitive admission |
| The Shri Ram School (TSRS) | ICSE / IGCSE | Vasant Vihar / Aravali | ₹4-7L | Progressive ICSE / IGCSE. Strong literature, theatre, music. Highly selective |
| KR Mangalam World School | CBSE | Greater Kailash II | ₹1.5-2.5L | Co-ed CBSE campus in GK-II, convenient for South Delhi relocators |
| Amity International School | CBSE | Saket | ₹1.5-2.5L | Large co-ed CBSE school in Saket, part of the Amity network |
Top CBSE schools typically have waitlists of 3-6 months with stringent admission criteria and mid-term admissions are difficult. Begin applications before your move whenever possible. IKAN recommends schools based on your corridor and curriculum preference. Your IKAN Consultant will guide you through the admission process, as well as connect you with the admissions teams to secure appointments and arrange school tours, if available.
Healthcare
Delhi Healthcare · What to Know
Delhi is home to India's finest medical expertise. All major hospitals below are NABH or JCI accredited, with English-speaking teams and efficient patient management systems. Given Delhi's air pollution months, respiratory specialists are unusually busy from October to February.
8+
Major Hospitals
NABH & JCI multispecialty care across the city
AIIMS
India's Premier Hospital
Tertiary referrals flown in from across India
#1
Cardiac in South Asia
Fortis Escorts runs the region's largest programme
Multispecialty & Transplant
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Apollo Hospital (Indraprastha)
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
BLK-MAX Super Speciality
Moolchand Medcity
Specialist Centres
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
Fortis La Femme
Delhi Emergency Numbers
| Police (National) | 112 |
| Police (Delhi) | 100 |
| Ambulance (CATS) | 102 / 108 |
| Fire Brigade | 101 |
| Women Helpline | 1091 |
| Senior Citizen Helpline | 1291 |
Air Quality & Health
Delhi's AQI runs 200-500 (Severe) October to February, respiratory consultations spike across the city. Practical measures: HEPA air purifier in every bedroom, N95 masks for outdoor commutes, an AQI monitoring app (IQAir/AQI India), and reduced outdoor exercise on AQI 300+ days. Most premium schools close outdoor sport on severe-AQI days.
IKAN Health Support
Every major hospital here runs cashless tie-ups with the national insurers, confirm your policy's network before you arrive, and check waiting-period continuity if you're porting an existing plan. IKAN helps you map your insurer to the best hospital near home and set up the right air-quality protection for your family.
enquiry@ikan.com
enquiry@ikan.com
Dining & Social Life
Life in Delhi · The Real Guide
If you are relocating from Mumbai, Bangalore or Hyderabad, Delhi's culinary depth will be a revelation. The city eats Punjabi at home, Mughlai in Old Delhi, fine-dining at Khan Market, and street food at Chandni Chowk, and treats food culture with the same seriousness it treats politics.
Iconic Food
Delhi Street Food You Must Know
- Paranthe Wali Gali · Chandni Chowk · heritage stuffed parathas
- Chole Bhature · Sita Ram (Paharganj) or Bishan Swaroop (CP)
- Karim's · Jama Masjid · Mughlai institution since 1913
- Daulat ki Chaat · Old Delhi winter speciality · saffron-cardamom milk foam
- Chaap & Rolls · Khan Chacha (Khan Market) · iconic kebab roll
- Galouti Kebab · Pandara Road eateries · melt-in-mouth Lucknowi style
Going Out
Delhi After Office Hours
- Khan Market: Smoke House Deli, Perch, Big Chill, Côte, Delhi's most-loved postcode
- Mehrauli & Qutub: Olive Bar & Kitchen, Dragonfly, Comorin, historic-luxury dining
- Hauz Khas Village: Live music venues, design-led bars, mid-week nightlife
- Lodhi Colony Art District: Street murals + Bo-Tai, Indian Accent (The Lodhi)
- Aerocity: Pluck (Pullman), Maximilian (Andaz), upscale hotel dining
Shopping
Where Delhiites Shop
- Khan Market: Books at Bahrisons, premium boutiques, expensive per sqft
- Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk): Georgian colonnades, theatre district, Janpath
- Select Citywalk, Saket: India's best-curated premium mall
- Sarojini Nagar: Famous export-surplus fashion market
- Dilli Haat (INA): Crafts from every Indian state, fair prices, government-run
- Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road: Boutique furniture stores, plus Home Centre outlets across Delhi for home furnishing
Morning Rituals
Lodhi Gardens at Dawn
90 acres of Mughal tombs in manicured parkland, the city's most-loved morning circuit. Politicians, journalists, joggers, dog walkers and tai chi groups share the same paths. The single best way to feel like a Delhiite is to walk Lodhi at 6:30am.
Festival Calendar
Plan Around Diwali & Republic Day
Diwali (October-November) is North India's biggest festival, gift exchanges with neighbours and Society staff are expected. Republic Day (26 January) closes Kartavya Path. Holi (March) is celebrated with particular exuberance, gymkhana brunches, residential colony parties.
Cultural Calendar
IIC, IHC, Kamani
India International Centre and India Habitat Centre host classical concerts, policy lectures, film festivals and book launches almost daily. NGMA for modern art. Kamani Auditorium for major dance / theatre productions. JLF Delhi events through winter.
Culture & Heritage
Seven Capitals, One City
Relocating intra-India to Delhi means arriving in a city with 2,500 years of continuous capital history, Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Siri, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Shahjahanabad and Lutyens' New Delhi all layered beneath your daily commute. Three of the city's monuments, the Qutub Complex, Humayun's Tomb and the Red Fort, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Oct-Nov
Diwali · Festival of Lights
Delhi's Diwali is North India at its most intense, markets are illuminated, every balcony has diyas, and mithai exchanges with neighbours and Society staff are mandatory. Send dry-fruit and sweet hampers to colleagues, it builds goodwill that lasts the year.
March
Holi · Festival of Colours
Delhi celebrates Holi at urban scale unlike anywhere else in India. Gymkhana clubs host structured Holi brunches; residential colonies do the full water-and-gulaal version on the street. Wear clothes you do not mind losing, and pace the bhang lassi.
26 January
Republic Day Parade
India's annual parade rolls down Kartavya Path from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. The Beating Retreat ceremony three days later, at Vijay Chowk, is a must-attend musical sunset. Public enclosure tickets via government portals; corporate enclosures via employer sponsorship.
Year-round
UNESCO Monuments
Qutub Minar (12th century), Humayun's Tomb (16th century, direct architectural ancestor of the Taj Mahal) and the Red Fort (17th century). Take all three within your first month. The Aga Khan-led restoration of Humayun's Tomb is among the world's great conservation projects.
Local Language Guide
Delhi Hindi & Punjabi Essentials
Even if you are fluent in Hindi, Delhi has its own linguistic culture, a Punjabi-Urdu inflection that signals you belong here. Adding "ji" to anyone's name is the single fastest courtesy. A few Delhi-specific phrases earn enormous goodwill from drivers, shopkeepers, and Society neighbours.
नमस्ते
Greeting
Namaste / Namaskar
Universal Indian greeting, palms together, slight bow. Works with everyone from a minister to your maid. Use it in your first interaction with every household staff member, neighbour and shopkeeper.
जी
Politeness
-ji Suffix
“Sir-ji”, “Madam-ji”, “Sharma-ji”, “Auntyji”, Delhi's most reliable politeness signal. Genuinely affectionate, not sarcastic. Works across class and age. Drivers, vendors and neighbours all use it.
ठीक है जी
Confirmation
Theek hai ji
“OK / fine / agreed.” The single most useful Hindi phrase in Delhi, confirms a price, agrees to a plan, ends a conversation. The “ji” softens it.
भैया / दीदी
Address
Bhaiya / Didi
“Brother / Sister”, used to address an auto-rickshaw driver, vendor, or someone your age. “Bhaiya, kitna lagega?”, “Brother, how much will it cost?” Universally accepted and warm.
यार
Casual
Yaar
“Friend / mate.” Used between friends informally. “Chalo yaar”, “Come on, friend.” When a colleague switches to “yaar” with you, the professional relationship has become personal.
क्या सीन है?
Question
Kya scene hai?
“What is going on?”, Delhi's Hindi-English mash-up for a casual “what's up”. Used by young professionals across the city.
सत श्री अकाल
Punjabi
Sat Sri Akal
Sikh greeting widely used across Delhi. Use it with any Sikh acquaintance, neighbour or shopkeeper. Response: the same phrase back. Immediately warm.
लास्ट प्राइस
Bargaining
Last price
Universal English-Hindi market shorthand. Always start by offering 40-50% of asking. “Bhaiya, last price bata do”, “Brother, just tell me your last price”, is genuinely respected.
चाय पिएँगे?
Hospitality
Chai peeyenge?
“Will you have tea?”, the opening gambit of every Delhi meeting, office visit, and home call. Saying yes is the right answer. Two cups in is the norm.
जुगाड़
Concept
Jugaad
The resourceful Indian improvisation mindset, a workaround, a fix that should not work but does. Delhi's bureaucracy and infrastructure both demand and reward jugaad. Embrace it.
AQI क्या है आज?
Air Quality
AQI kya hai aaj?
“What is the AQI today?”, a genuine Delhi small-talk opener from October to February. Knowing today's number and your home's purifier setting is part of belonging.
सोसाइटी सेक्रेटरी
Building
Society Secretary
The building / colony committee head. Your first call for maintenance, parking, guard issues, and guest passes. Introduce yourself in week one with a box of sweets, it sets the tone for your entire tenancy.
Weekend Escapes
Out of Delhi · Where to Go
Delhi sits at the head of India's most iconic weekend circuit, the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and within driving distance of the Himalayan foothills. From the Taj Mahal to tiger reserves to British-era hill stations, your weekend options from Delhi are unmatched in India.
2hr train / 3.5hr drive
Agra · The Taj Mahal
Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin reaches Agra in under 2 hours; Yamuna Expressway by car is genuinely 3.5 hours door-to-door. Stay overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas for a sunrise Taj view. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri round out a comfortable two-night break.
UNESCO TajDay-trip viable
4.5hr drive
Jaipur · The Pink City
Delhi-Jaipur Expressway puts Jaipur within a 4.5-hour drive. Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and the Jaipur Literature Festival (January). Heritage hotels like Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, and Rajmahal Palace book months ahead for the winter season.
PalacesJLF January
4.5hr drive
Rishikesh & Haridwar
Yoga capital of the world, half-day drive from Delhi. Evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, white-water rafting from Shivpuri, yoga ashrams of Tapovan and Lakshman Jhula. Stay at Ananda in the Himalayas or Glasshouse on the Ganges for the proper version of the escape.
Yoga capital Rafting
7hr drive / overnight
Shimla & Himalayan Foothills
British summer capital. Drive 7 hours via Chandigarh, or take the Kalka Mail overnight then the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway. Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Kasauli and Nainital all sit within similar reach.
Hill stationsToy train
6hr drive
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
India's first national park, named for the conservationist Jim Corbett. 6-hour drive northeast, Dhikala, Bijrani and Jhirna ranges. Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards. Stay at Aahana, Tigerville or The Riverview Retreat. Best season: November-March.
Tiger safariNov-Mar
2.5hr drive
Neemrana Fort-Palace
The original "heritage hotel" experience, a 15th-century fort converted into a 75-room palace, 2.5 hours from Delhi on the Jaipur road. Zipline across the ravines, dinner at the Aravali Baradari, back in South Delhi by Sunday evening. The ideal one-night reset weekend.
Heritage fortOne-night
Domestic & International Flights
Delhi · India's Best-Connected City
IGI T3 is India's busiest airport. For intra-India relocators, Delhi's connectivity is genuinely best-in-class, every major metro within 2.5 hours, direct flights to virtually every Tier 2 city in India, and the highest concentration of international long-haul routes from anywhere in South Asia.
Domestic
Delhi → Mumbai
2h 10m
IndiGo, Air India · 30+ daily flights
Domestic
Delhi → Bangalore
2h 45m
IndiGo, Air India · 25+ daily
Domestic
Delhi → Hyderabad
2h 15m
IndiGo, Air India · 15+ daily
Domestic
Delhi → Goa
2h 30m
IndiGo, SpiceJet, multiple daily
Domestic
Delhi → Chennai
2h 50m
IndiGo, Air India · 12+ daily
Domestic
Delhi → Pune
2h 20m
IndiGo, Air India · 10+ daily
Domestic
Delhi → Ahmedabad
1h 30m
IndiGo, Air India · 12+ daily
Domestic
Delhi → Kolkata
2h 15m
IndiGo, Air India · 10+ daily
IGI T3 · Your Airport
Delhi Airport Essentials
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), T3 is among the world's largest single-terminal buildings and consistently ranks in the Skytrax global top 50. Travel time from Dwarka / Vasant Kunj: 20 to 35 min. From South Delhi (GK, Saket): 35 to 60 min. Domestic check-in: arrive 90 minutes early. The Airport Express Metro (Orange Line) from New Delhi Station is the fastest option, 22 minutes for ₹60, bypassing all NH-48 traffic.
Transport & Metro
Getting Around Delhi
Delhi has the largest urban rail network in India, 10 colour-coded metro lines plus the Airport Express spanning 393 km. The metro is clean, air-conditioned, English-signed, and the single most efficient way to move during peak hours. Most senior professionals nonetheless keep a chauffeured car for evening events, school runs and Old Delhi heritage visits where parking is impossible.
Key Metro Lines (2026)
Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli Millennium City Centre)
The commuter backbone. DU Kashmere Gate New Delhi Station Rajiv Chowk (CP) Central Secretariat AIIMS Hauz Khas Saket MG Road / Sikanderpur. Single most useful line for South Delhi to CP to Gurugram.
Airport Express / Orange Line
Fastest airport link. T3 New Delhi Station in 22 minutes for ₹60. Bypasses every NH-48 traffic bottleneck.
Blue Line (Dwarka Noida / Vaishali)
East-west across the city. Karol Bagh Rajiv Chowk Pragati Maidan Akshardham Mayur Vihar Noida, critical if your office is in Noida.
Magenta Line (Janakpuri West Botanical Garden)
Connects Hauz Khas to Noida directly. The single most useful south-Delhi to Noida link.
Pink, Violet, Red, Green & more
Delhi Metro's 393 km network, 10 lines plus the Airport Express, covers virtually every part of the NCT. Use the official DMRC app for routes, fares and real-time arrivals.
Day-to-Day Transport
Delhi Metro
Fastest at peak hours. Smart card or DMRC app QR. ₹10-₹60 per trip. AC, English signage, women-only coach. Operates ~6am-11pm.
Chauffeured Car
Many senior professionals keep one. Monthly arrangements ₹25,000-₹40,000 for an English-speaking driver.
Uber / Ola
Both reliable. Premium tiers (Uber XL, Ola Prime SUV) for business meetings. Surge during rain, smog days, Diwali week.
Auto / Rapido
Use auto-rickshaws through ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Rapido, etc. Refuse non-metered rides. Rapido Bike for solo commutes during peak traffic, significantly faster than cars.
E-Rickshaw · Last Mile
The cheapest way to cover the gap between a metro station and your colony, ₹10-₹30 a hop. Ubiquitous outside every Delhi metro exit; pay in cash and confirm the fare before boarding.
DTC & Cluster Bus
Delhi's air-conditioned electric bus fleet is large and improving. Tap your metro smart card or the DTC One Delhi app. Women travel free on DTC and cluster buses across the NCT.
Key Tip for Intra-India Relocators: Delhi's peak traffic (8.30-11.30am, 5.30-9.30pm) adds 30 to 90 minutes to any road journey. NH-48 (airport corridor), Outer Ring Road (AIIMS bottleneck) and Mathura Road are the worst-affected. The Metro is faster than any car during peak, and notably, the air inside the metro is much cleaner than any car commute on smog days. IKAN can support with your vehicle RTO paperwork.
Climate
What to Expect Each Month
Delhi has a genuine continental climate, extreme summer heat, a brief but real monsoon, and crisp winter mornings. The single climate adjustment that catches relocators off-guard is not temperature but air quality. October to February brings AQI levels that change daily routines, outdoor exercise, school sport, and sleeping with the window open become decisions, not defaults.
Jan
19°
Cool · AQI
Feb
23°
Spring
Mar
30°
Pleasant
Apr
37°
Hot
May
45°+
Peak Heat
Jun
39°
Pre-Monsoon
Jul
35°
Monsoon
Aug
34°
Wettest
Sep
34°
Retreating
Oct
33°
AQI ↑↑
Nov
27°
Smog Peak
Dec
20°
Cold · AQI
Winter · Cool but Smoggy
December · February
5-20°C, the most comfortable Delhi temperatures of the year, but coinciding with the worst air quality. Crisp blue-sky mornings are rare; smoggy mornings with AQI 250-400 are the norm. Pack a proper winter wardrobe. Dense morning fog regularly delays flights in December and January.
Proper winter coat for Dec/Jan
Air purifiers running 24/7 in every bedroom
Fog delays, buffer morning flights
Hot & Dry Summer
March · June
30°C in March climbing to 45°C+ in May-June. The "loo" (hot dry wind) is a Delhi summer signature. May is genuinely brutal, outdoor activity restricted to early morning or after sunset. Ensure your AC is serviced before March. Coming from Bangalore or Hyderabad? Delhi's summer is significantly hotter and drier.
45°C+ in May/June, dry, dust-heavy
Hydration critical · ORS sachets
Full AC servicing before March
Brief Monsoon
July · September
Delhi's monsoon is far less intense than Mumbai's, roughly 600-800mm total across three months, often arriving in dramatic afternoon bursts. Brief greening of the city and the freshness of evenings are some of Delhi's most beautiful moments. Localised waterlogging on Ring Road and ITO is common.
Umbrella + waterproof bag
Avoid Ring Road / ITO during heavy rain
Lodhi Gardens post-rain is spectacular
Watch Out
What Nobody Tells Intra-India Relocators
Delhi rewards preparation. These are the realities every intra-India relocator deserves to know before signing a Lease or forming firm expectations. We are honest, especially about the air.
Air Pollution · The #1 Adjustment
From October to February Delhi's AQI runs 200-500 (Hazardous / Severe). Schools close outdoor sport, GRAP Stage III-IV bans construction, and respiratory symptoms are common. HEPA air purifiers in every bedroom are basic household equipment, not luxury. Negotiate them into your relocation budget. Coming from Bangalore (AQI 50-150 typically), the adjustment is genuine.
Summer is Extreme
May and June reliably touch 45°C+ with dust storms (loo wind). Outdoor activity is restricted to dawn or post-sunset. If you are arriving from Mumbai or Bangalore, the heat will be unfamiliar. AC failure during May is a household crisis, full servicing before March is essential.
Aggressive Driving Culture
Delhi's driving culture is genuinely more aggressive than Mumbai, Bangalore or Hyderabad. Horn use is constant, lane discipline is loose, and accidents are commonplace. Many senior professionals retain a full-time chauffeur for the first 12 months, quality-of-life and safety decision.
Lease Rules & Negotiation
Delhi uses 24 / 36-month Lease agreements with a 3-month security deposit, 5-10% annual escalation, and semi-furnished standard. Independent floors are the norm, apartment towers are far less common in premium South Delhi. Verbal agreements carry little value in lease discussions, a token amount may need to be paid to block or reserve the apartment. IKAN's legal team reviews all Lease agreements as standard practice; it is also recommended to use your company legal to review any lease drafts. Never transfer a security deposit without a signed Lease in hand.
Water Quality
Delhi's tap water has high TDS, occasional contamination, and is not safe to drink directly. RO + UV filtration is mandatory. Bottled water for guests at minimum. Set up filtered piped water before move-in if possible.
School Admissions · Plan Ahead
Top CBSE schools typically have waitlists of 3-6 months with stringent admission criteria and mid-term admissions are difficult. Begin applications before your move whenever possible. IKAN recommends schools based on your corridor and curriculum preference.
Diwali & Karva Chauth Traffic
In the week before Diwali and on Karva Chauth, South Delhi gridlocks completely. Markets, gift exchanges and shopping concentrate traffic in unmanageable volumes. Schedule no important meetings during these windows. Air quality also peaks at its worst during Diwali week.
Apps & Digital Life
Delhi Digital Toolkit
Delhi's digital infrastructure is excellent. Download these apps before you arrive and your first week will run significantly more smoothly. Most work city-wide with good reliability, and the air-quality apps are genuinely critical during winter.
Transport
Uber / OlaPrimary cab-hailing. Both work well in Delhi. Premium tiers (Uber XL, Ola Prime SUV) for business meetings. Surge pricing during smog days, Diwali week, and rain.
Delhi Metro DMRC AppRoutes, real-time arrivals, smart-card recharge, QR-ticket purchase. Essential for all metro lines including the Airport Express.
Rapido / IRCTC RailRapido Bike for fast solo hops in traffic. IRCTC for Gatimaan / Vande Bharat express trains to Agra and Jaipur.
Google MapsEssential for navigation, live traffic and accurate ETAs across Delhi-NCR, and the most reliable way to share your location with drivers and find metro exits and markets.
Food, Grocery & Delivery
Zomato / SwiggyBoth deliver within 30 minutes across most of Delhi. Zomato Gold for frequent restaurant orders. Swiggy Instamart for instant grocery top-ups.
Blinkit / Zepto / BigBasketBlinkit (10-minute delivery, founded in Gurugram) and Zepto for instant essentials. BigBasket for planned weekly grocery. Modern Bazaar / Le Marché for premium imports.
Air Quality & Health
IQAir / AQI India / SAFARCRITICAL for Delhi. Real-time AQI by neighbourhood. Check daily during Oct-Feb before any outdoor activity, school drop-off, or weekend planning.
Practo / 1mg / Urban CompanyPracto for GP and specialist appointments. 1mg for online pharmacy. Urban Company for home services (cleaning, pest control, salon, plumber).
Utilities & Payments
BSES Rajdhani / Tata Power-DDLDelhi's two main electricity providers, BSES for south Delhi, Tata Power-DDL for north/central. Set up auto-pay immediately on arrival.
ACT Fibernet / Airtel / JioFiberHome broadband, ACT Fibernet, Airtel Xstream and JioFiber all serve South Delhi with 100-300 Mbps plans. Book online; installation is usually within a few days.
IGL Piped Gas / LPG CylinderCooking gas is either piped natural gas (IGL, Indraprastha Gas, billed monthly) or LPG cylinders (Indane / HP / Bharat Gas, booked by app or phone). Confirm which your home has and transfer or open a connection on move-in.
GPay / PhonePe / PaytmIndia's UPI rail, the world's best peer-to-peer payment system. Every street vendor, every shop. Essential for daily life.
Settling In
Your First 30 Days in Delhi
Intra-India moves to Delhi have fewer bureaucratic steps than international moves, but coordination is everything. IKAN manages the sequence so nothing falls through the cracks.
1
Update Your Aadhaar Address
For an intra-India move, update your Aadhaar to your new Delhi address, online via myAadhaar (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) with a Delhi address proof, or at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. This underpins your bank KYC, school admissions, and gas and utility connections, so do it first.
2
Bank Account Transfer or New Account
If your existing bank has Delhi branches (HDFC, Axis, ICICI all do), transfer your account to a branch near your new address. Alternatively open a new account at HDFC, HSBC, or Axis Bank with your updated Aadhaar, PAN, and rental agreement. New accounts typically open within 3-5 working days.
3
Air Quality Kit Setup
Before October, ensure HEPA air purifiers (Dyson, Mi, Philips) are installed in every bedroom. Stock N95 masks for outdoor commutes. Download IQAir or AQI India. Replace filters every 6 months. This is non-optional household preparation in Delhi.
4
Utilities & Building Setup
Set up your water-treatment system (RO + UV) before move-in. Join your building's WhatsApp group on Day 1, this is where maintenance, security, and Society announcements happen.
5
School Admission Process
CBSE-to-CBSE transfers require the Transfer Certificate (TC) from your previous school, mark sheets, and Aadhaar. Apply to your target school as soon as you have a confirmed Delhi address. Premium ICSE schools may require entrance assessments. IKAN's education team connects you with current admissions contacts.
6
Transport Setup · First Week
Download Uber, Ola, Delhi Metro DMRC, and IRCTC apps. Get a metro smart card at any major station. Set up Uber Corporate / Ola Corporate via employer travel desk. Engage an English-speaking chauffeur if your role involves frequent meetings or school runs.
Address Updates
Document Transfers
Vehicle RC transfer: obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your previous state's RTO, re-register the vehicle with the Delhi RTO (new registration number and RC), pay Delhi road tax, and claim a refund of the unused road tax from your origin state, then update your insurance to the new address. IKAN can coordinate the RTO paperwork. Start this in the first 30 days, it unlocks everything else downstream.
Air Quality
Pollution Prep
HEPA air purifier in every bedroom (₹40,000-₹70,000 each) · N95 masks for outdoor commutes · IQAir / AQI India app · Replace filters every 6 months · Avoid outdoor exercise on AQI 300+ days · Plan a winter break somewhere coastal in Jan/Feb.
Community
Get Connected Fast
Join your building / colony WhatsApp group Day 1 · Introduce yourself to the Society Secretary with sweets · Connect with hometown alumni in Delhi · IIC / IHC membership routes (employer or alumni sponsorship) · Lodhi Gardens morning walks build local friendships.
Keep Your Number
Mobile Number Porting
Keep your existing mobile number when you move: SMS PORT <your number> to 1900, get the Unique Porting Code (UPC), and submit it with ID and address proof at a local store. Porting within the same telecom circle is quick; changing circle (e.g. to the Delhi NCR circle) is also supported.
Women's Safety
Staying Safe
Delhi rewards sensible caution, especially after dark. Use app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) or your building's trusted drivers rather than hailing on the street, share trip details, and save the helplines, 112 (all emergencies), 1091 (women) and 1098 (child). Many residents avoid isolated areas late at night.
Key Portals
Essential Links
Aadhaar: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in · PAN: tin-nsdl.com · Delhi RTO: transport.delhi.gov.in · BSES: bsesdelhi.com · Tata Power-DDL: tatapower-ddl.com · DMRC: delhimetrorail.com · CPCB AQI: cpcb.nic.in · Delhi government: delhi.gov.in
Common Questions
Delhi relocation questions
The questions assignees and families ask us most, answered from this guide.
How much security deposit do landlords in Delhi ask for?
Three months' rent is standard in Delhi. Your IKAN consultant negotiates it and gets the figure in writing before you sign.
What is the standard lease length in Delhi?
24 or 36-month leases are standard, renewable with a 5 to 10% annual escalation. Any tenure over a year must be registered at the Sub-Registrar's office. IKAN's Six-Eyes review checks every clause before it reaches you.
Which are the best neighbourhoods in Delhi for a relocating family or professional?
This guide profiles 7 areas. The most requested include Dwarka (affordable planned sub-city); Vasant Vihar / Vasant Kunj (green south-west apartments); Saket / Malviya Nagar (established south delhi value); Hauz Khas / Green Park / SDA (historic & connected). Use the decision map above to match a shortlist to your budget and commute.
How does the IKAN move-in inspection work?
On check-in day your consultant photographs every meter, key and fixture. You get a dated condition report within 24 hours and have 7 days to raise any objection before it is locked as your move-in baseline. That baseline is what protects your deposit at move-out.
Go Deeper · IKAN India Essentials
This Guide Answers Where. These Answer How.
Every step above has a matching IKAN India Essentials deep dive, the practical, form-by-form companion pack your consultant works from. Start with these five.
Renting Your Home
The Leave & License playbook: deposits, clauses and registration.
Read the guide
Lease Registration & Stamp Duty
When a lease must be registered, what stamp duty costs and the Sub-Registrar step-by-step.
Read the guide
Rent & the TDS Rule
When higher rents make you, the tenant, deduct and deposit tax on the landlord's behalf.
Read the guide
Schools & Admissions
Curricula, timelines and the admissions paperwork, board by board.
Read the guide
Healthcare in India
Hospitals, insurance networks, pharmacies and everyday care.
Read the guide
"IKAN, making every relocation seamless."
enquiry@ikan.com
www.ikan.com
The team on the ground in Delhi
Delhi isn't just your next address.
It's your next chapter.
From the first Chandni Chowk parantha to the school run and the move-in at your South Delhi flat, the capital reveals itself one street at a time. IKAN's Delhi team handles the home search, the Society paperwork and the settling-in details on the ground, so you arrive ready to belong.