DilliAtlas — a digital journey through the unseen side of Delhi. We’re not your typical travel blog or guidebook. We’re a visual and narrative diary of the city’s forgotten ruins, untold street stories, neighborhood characters, cultural oddities, and hidden beauty. Our mission is straightforward: to help you see Delhi in a new light. 

Delhi is often portrayed through its grand monuments and historical landmarks — the Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. But those are just the headlines of the city’s story. What about the narrow alleyways behind the monuments? The families running century-old shops? The artists turning public walls into canvases? The parks where no tourists go, but locals live their lives in full color? 

That’s where DilliAtlas comes in. We bring a light on the unknown, the ignored, and the very small geographical community. Our platform blends exploration, storytelling, photography, and community contributions to document a Delhi that’s raw, real, and richly layered. 

The Philosophy Behind DilliAtlas 

At the heart of DilliAtlas is a belief: The best parts of a city aren’t in the guidebooks. Our goal is not to offer a list of “top ten places to visit” as most of the websites already do that. Rather, we aim to share experiences. We want you to feel the morning light as it hits a forgotten tomb. Hear the rhythm of a Sufi qawwali echoing through narrow lanes. Smell the street food smelling beside centuries-old architecture.  

We value slow travel, original discovery, and the art of paying attention. Through stories, photographs, and personal reflections, we celebrate what most people miss in their rush to cover “the main spots.” 

What You’ll Find on the Website 

Here’s how DilliAtlas is organized and what kind of content you can explore. 

1. Hidden Places 

From rejected baolis (stepwells) and forgotten forts to peaceful forests and unknown rooftop temples, we uncover locations that don’t make it into popular travel paths. Each article offers historical context, travel tips, and photographic documentation — so you’re not just visiting a spot, you’re understanding it. 

Examples: 

• Agrasen ki Baoli: Old stories and secrets hidden in Connaught Place. 

• Sanjay Van: A hidden forest in urban Delhi 

• Mehrauli Archaeological Park: The thousand-year history no one talks about 

2. Real Street Stories 

Delhi is nothing without its people. We spend time talking to shopkeepers, street artists, rickshaw drivers, and local change-makers who have seen the city evolve in years. 

These human stories bring roots to the street names and faces to the neighborhoods. Through interviews, photo essays, and audio piece, we’re building a living archive of personal histories and love. 

Featured Stories: 

• 40 Years at the Spice Shop: A conversation in Khari Baoli 

• The Mehendi Artist of Lajpat Nagar 

• View from Nizamuddin Basti: Community, faith, and food 

3. Visual Diaries 

Photography is the main content of our storytelling. Every piece is accompanied by a considered selection of high-resolution images that capture the textures, colors, contrasts, and moods of Delhi’s Street life. 

We also publish themed visual series: 

• Textures of Delhi – close-ups of aging doors, cracked walls, and market disorder 

• Faces of the City – portraits of everyday people who give Delhi its personality 

• Street Symmetry – architecture, shadows, and accidental patterns 

4. Practical Offbeat Guides 

We offer selected, experience-based travel advice that’s designed for curious explorers, not checklist tourists. Our guides help you: 

• Navigate using local transport (metro, rickshaws, walking) 

• Choose the best times and seasons to explore 

• Stay safe and respectful while photographing or engaging with local communities 

• Discover off-the-path eateries, tea stalls, and pop-up art corners 

These aren’t generic travel tips — they’re local solutions learned by walking the streets. 

5. Photography and Behind-the-Scenes Insights 

For creators, travelers, and photographers, we share behind-the-scenes notes on how our photographs are made: 

• What time of day offers the best light at a location 

• How to take respectful portraits of strangers 

• The ethics of urban photography 

• Gear and camera settings we use (mostly lightweight, mobile-friendly kits) 

We also accept guest submissions from photographers who want to showcase their perspective on Delhi. 

6. Community Contributions 

One of our most exciting sections is “Your Delhi Story.” We invite readers to contribute: 

• Stories 

• Hidden location tips 

• Photo essays 

• Video snippets 

• Interviews or personal essays 

You don’t have to be a professional writer or photographer — just someone who loves the city and wants to share something real. 

Our submission platform is easy to use, and we give full credit to every contributor. We believe the city is best seen through many lenses, and this section ensures we remain a truly collaborative atlas. 

Who Is This For? 

DilliAtlas is for you if: 

• You live in Delhi but want to discover parts of it you’ve never noticed 

• You’re visiting and looking for original, meaningful experiences 

• You’re a photographer, traveler, or storyteller drawn to places with feelings 

• You’re interested in culture, history, urban life, and the beauty of small things 

Why DilliAtlas, and Why Now? 

In an era where algorithms push us toward the most popular, most reviewed, and most Instagrammed spots, DilliAtlas is a quiet uprising. We slow down. We walk more than we drive. We talk to people instead of reading Google reviews. We trust that curiosity, kindness, and a camera can take you deeper into a city than any guidebook ever will. 

Delhi, in all its confusion and magic, deserves to be seen beyond headlines. And so do its people. 

Join the Atlas 

DilliAtlas isn’t just a site. It’s a community of explorers who want to see things differently. 

You can: 

• Follow us on Instagram and YouTube for daily visual stories and reels 

• Subscribe to our newsletter for appropriate routes and interviews 

• Submit your own story or photo diary 

• Collaborate with us as a photographer, researcher, or storyteller 

We’re just getting started. And the more voices we add, the more complete our atlas becomes. 

Come walk with us. 
Discover the city beyond its monuments. 
This is Delhi, offbeat and unforgettable. 

Welcome to DilliAtlas