Private Guided Walking Tour: Explore historical sites and traditional Havelis in Old Delhi.
Religious Sites: Visit a variety of religious landmarks, including a Hindu Temple, a Mosque, a Jain Temple, and the famous Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, in Chandni Chowk.
Street Food Tasting: Savor authentic Indian street food at various roadside stalls.
Rickshaw Ride: Experience the bustling Chandni Chowk on a traditional rickshaw.
Spice Market Exploration: Wander through Khari Baoli, India’s largest spice market, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas.
Overview: Old Delhi, historically known as Shahjahanabad, was named after the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The city, established in 1648, has preserved its rich cultural heritage through numerous historical and religious monuments. Each street in Old Delhi specializes in different products, offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants.
This 3-hour tour begins at 8:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel, or you can meet your guide at 8:30 AM at the Red Fort Metro Station. The tour includes visits to several important religious buildings, historical markets, and iconic sites.
Itinerary:
Jain Temple (Lal Mandir): The first stop is the Jain Temple, dedicated to the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira and 23rd Tirthankara Parsvanatha. This temple is also home to the largest bird hospital in India, showcasing the Jain community’s commitment to non-violence and compassion for all living beings.
Gauri Shankar Temple: Located next to the Jain Temple, this 800-year-old Shiva temple is a significant site for followers of Shaivism. The temple houses a unique brown lingam encased in a marble representation of a female organ.
Jama Masjid: After walking through the cycle market, you’ll arrive at Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. The mosque is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and a vital religious site.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: Proceed to Chandni Chowk’s bustling jewelry market, leading to the historic Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Built in 1783, this Sikh temple commemorates Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was martyred by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending religious freedom.
Kinari Bazaar and Paranthe Wali Gali: No visit to Old Delhi is complete without exploring Kinari Bazaar. This lively market, filled with wedding accessories, colorful bangles, and traditional garments, is also home to the famous Paranthe Wali Gali, where you can taste delicious Indian parathas.
Khari Baoli Spice Market: The tour then takes you to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. Here, you can experience the vivid colors and rich aromas of various spices and visit historical sites like Fatehpuri Masjid, a 17th-century mosque built from red sandstone.
Old Delhi Havelis: Finally, the walk- through Old Delhi continues as you explore traditional Havelis, including the residence of the famous poet Mirza Ghalib. The tour also passes through the Shoes Market, Bangle Bazaar, and Wedding Saree Market, concluding at the Red Fort.
Meeting Point: Red Fort Metro Station
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or afternoon from 4:00 PM onward.
What to Wear and Carry:
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll need to remove them at religious sites)
A head covering (especially for religious site visits)
Avoid wearing shorts
Carry drinking water
This immersive cultural walk-through Old Delhi offers a deep dive into the rich history, vibrant markets, and diverse religious traditions of the city, providing an unforgettable experience for all participants.
