A cost-of-living index of 23 and a backpacker budget around USD 16 a day tell you everything about why this trip pays for itself in Old Delhi lanes and Mughlai food alone. Terminal 3 is modern and well-signed, but budget for a 45-60 minute immigration queue on arrival, and know the Metro into town needs a change for most central stops. Sort the e-Visa well before you fly, since 72 hours minimum processing with no guaranteed approval is not something to leave for the departure lounge. Fly from Dubai in 3h 10m for around USD 220, or from Singapore in 5h 30m for USD 310, and you have got two thousand years of empire on the cheap.
