Delhi – The main gateway to India, one third of the Golden Triangle, a heritage city and a vibrant metropolis.
Highlights:
- Two extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar as well as Asia’s largest mosque.
- Wonderful architecture, and the wide-open tree lined avenues of Lutyen’s Delhi (New Delhi).
- The colourful bazaars, spice markets, flower markets, streetfood stalls and chaos of Old Delhi.
- Explore this city of contrasts from old to new to modern!
Overview: Historic, modern, vibrant, chaotic and intense, Delhi is a heady mixture of experiences. Old Delhi, is chaotic with medieval winding alleys, crammed with cycle rickshaws, colourful shops and noisy street traders; New Delhi, has spacious, sweeping boulevards built and magnificent buildings by the British in 1911. Old Delhi is home to the bustling shopping artery of Chandni Chowk, Shah Jahan’s Red Fort (Lal Qila) and India’s largest mosque, the Jami Masjid whereas New Delhi is home to some of the capital’s most distinguished addresses. It has an array of museums, gardens, temples and mausoleums. Delhi’s shopping is unbeatable: from sari silks to contemporary fashion, crafts to jewellery, which can be found anywhere from market stalls to old-world shops to modern luxurious malls. A recent emergence is the thriving nightlife, and an increasing number of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants are also opening up across the city.
Sightseeing: Full Day Tour: Start the day by heading to Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque), take a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys and vibrant shopping bazaars, savour the aromas of the famous spice market and visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Gandhi.
In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. Drive through Lutyen’s Delhi, up to the Presidential Palace and down the impressive boulevard that is Raj Path to India Gate. The last stop of the day is at the world heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, which is wonderful to visit as the sun is beginning to set.
Half Day Tours: Old Delhi – Rickshaw Ride + Mosque New Delhi – Presidential Palace, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb
Red Fort: Marginally older than the Palace of Versailles in France, the Red Fort built between (1638–48), was originally on the banks of the Yamuna River and was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for just over 200 years. Unfortunately, the fort was plundered of its riches by Nadir Shah in 1747 and then the British destroyed most of its fine marble work after the revolt in 1857. It is however still an impressive building and interestingly it was where the British put the last Mughal Emperor on trial before exiling him to Rangoon in 1858!
Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun’s Tomb, having gone through six years of restoration is a stunning piece of architecture and one of the most impressive of all Delhi’s monuments. Constructed from red sandstone with white marble the building follows strict rules of Islamic geometry, with an emphasis on the number eight and many claim it to be the precursor to the Taj Mahal. The surrounding gardens contain the tomb of the emperor’s favourite barber – an entrusted position given the proximity of the razor to the royal throat!
Qutab Minar: Some say that The Qutab Minar constructed in 1193, is a 73 m-high tower of victory, commissioned by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom, others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. Regardless it is an impressive monument. The tower has five distinct storeys, and at the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu
temples’. There are many other monuments housed within the complex and it is worth getting an excellent guide and allowing several hours to explore.
Gandhi – Birla House: The name of Gandhi is synonymous with India and a visit to this museum gives you an insight into the life of this great yet humble man. Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is situated in the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and also where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It is possible to visit the room where Gandhi lived, which remains just as he left it, as well as the prayer ground where he held a mass prayer meeting every evening.
Add Ons: Old Delhi by Rickshaw – When in India: One image that is identifiable to Delhi is its auto-rickshaws or what we call “three wheelers”. A true local’s form of transport, they zip around the town picking people up and dropping people off, weaving in and out of the traffic. It is fun to have a ride in one and so why not do a part of the tour in one of these iconic vehicles?
Birla Temple: Rather than a religion as such, Hinduism follows a series of rituals and beliefs by which a large proportion of Indian’s live their lives. These rituals range from small and personal prayers held in front of a small temple in the family home to large and boisterous affairs held during festival times. However, it is interesting to visit a temple to witness the ceremonies which take place at any time of day. The Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi’s best-known temples and a good place for this. It is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver) and was opened by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes are allowed to enter.
AM Cycling Tour – Spin Monkey / Delhi By Cycle: A truly unique way of seeing Delhi, is to explore the city as it is waking up, by bicycle. Covering more distance than you can on foot but with more freedom than in a car, you cycle through the narrow lanes of the old city, the colonial carriage ways of Lutyen’s Delhi, experiencing the city as it appears through the eyes of the common man. Immerse yourself in the morning rhythms and patterns of the city waking up and coming alive, discover the true character to this city that has been the capital.
Bollywood Musical Show – Kingdom of dreams: The Kingdom of Dreams is a place where Bollywood musicals, stage shows, theatre and performing arts, come together under one roof! Spread across almost 6 acres, it is a unique concept and promises a multi-dimensional experience of India’s performing art, on a scale never quite envisaged before, while incorporating state-of-the-art technological wizardry comparable to the best in the world. It is a depiction of all that is fun about modern India and it definitely worth a visit to experience and joie de vivre that can be missed when just on a visit of ancient sights.
Cooking Class at local home: There is so much to Indian food that would take almost a lifetime to learn, but, as with all cuisines, nothing quite beats a proper home-cooked meal. What better way then to learn how to cook some traditional Indian dishes than with a cooking class in the home of a local? This is a fun and immersive experience and not only that, it comes with dinner too!
Birding – Yamuna Biodiversity Park: The Yamuna Biodiversity Park is a bird watcher’s dream, particularly during the migratory season from November to March. Species include painted storks, the Red-crested Pochard, lithe Cormorants, Pintails and Shovelers. A contrast to the usual city tour, try a bird watching tour through the park or settle near the larger water body to soak in the tranquillity, something that is hard to find in Delhi!
Akshardham Temple: Considered a modern wonder of the world, the temple is spread over 100 acres and built from sandstone and marble, it contains 234 carved pillars, floral exquisitely carved pavilions, nine ornate domes, a spectacular plinth of stone elephants, and 20,000 statues. The Temple draws elements from traditional Orissan, Gujarati,
Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. In addition it has a Monument to World Peace, a restaurant modelled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves and an ayurvedic bazaar. Surrounding this spiritual showpiece is a series of Disneyesque exhibitions, including a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, animatronics telling stories from the life of Swaminarayan, and musical fountains. Allow at least 3 – 4 hours to appreciate the scale and splendour of this flamboyant temple.
Modern Art museum: Delhi’s flagship art gallery, established in 1954, is the best place to see Indian contemporary art and houses an impressive collection of paintings, from colonial-era landscapes and ‘Company Paintings,’ created by Indian artists to suit their new British rulers, to the artworks of Nobel Prize–winner Rabindranath Tagore. You can also see the artworks of other renowned Indian artists, Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher Gill as well as British artists, Thomas Daniell, and his nephew, William. In addition, there is an Art Reference Library, with a good collection of art books, journals and periodicals as well as a sculpture garden.
Heritage Walk: To journey into old Delhi is a journey into a different world, one that is captivating and fun. We invite you to explore the narrow, crowded streets of Old Delhi on foot, where you will see ancient trades still being plied, sample some of the local street food, see the community temples and witness small ceremonies taking place, your guide will be able to explain the intricacies to you. Bargain with the vegetable and fruit sellers, visit the wholesale spice market and revel in the fragrances of their fresh produce.
Santushti Visit: One of the first ‘up market shopping complexes in Delhi, this is still a delight to saunter around, purses at the ready. Charming shops are scattered around serene and pleasant gardens, it is the antithesis of a busy bazaar or sprawling mall. It features many of India’s top designers with stores selling beautiful saris, exclusive teas, woven scarves, shawls and home furnishings.
Adharshila – NGO visit
Sikh Temple Bangla Sahib: One of the largest gurudwaras outside of Amritsar, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib a wonderful place to visit to gain an insight into the Sikh Religion and philosophy’s. It was first built as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, but now stands proud and is easily recognisable by its golden dome and tall flagpole. Volunteers also feed thousands of people here every day and its fun to go an help out in the kitchen!
Presidents Palace: Formerly home to the British Viceroy, the President’s House is the official home of the president and with has 340 rooms, with 2.5km of corridors, is one of the largest residences of a head of state in the world!
National museum: The epitome of a treasure trove, the National Museum, whilst being a little dusty and not brilliantly maintained, nonetheless houses an extraordinary collection; ancient yet sophisticated figurines from the Harappan civilisation (almost 5000 years old, fine ceramics from the even older Nal civilisation, Buddha relics, exquisite jewellery, miniature paintings, medieval woodcarvings, textiles and musical instruments. It helps to have a guide.
Optional Tours: A four hour tour – An introduction to India’s religions: India is a melting pot of different cultures, languages and religions, all of which coexist happily together. The whole country celebrates each religions’ festivals and particularly in the south they can intermingle. It is not uncommon for Christians to stop and offer a puja at a Hindu temple or for Hindu’s to join their friends at a Church Festival. Hinduism has many Gods, Sufism and the Sikhs don’t idolise any. It can be confusing but on this tour, we will introduce you briefly to each religion, take you to the place of worship and give you a crash course in the idiosyncrasies of each one.
Visit the Birla Temple
and be blessed by the priest, stop by the Sacred Heart Cathedral built in 1929. Next visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, where they feed thousands of devotees every day and have the opportunity to volunteer in the kitchens and end the tour at the Nizamuddin Dargah (mausoleum) of one of the most famous Sufi Saints. For lunch, you may wish to visit at Karims, one of the most famous restaurants in Delhi.
A three hour afternoon tour – Hope Project NGO, Nizamuddin & Khan Market: Nizamuddin, is a 14th century village which up grew around the shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Today this predominantly ‘urban village’ with over 20,000 residents is also known for its congested narrow lanes, tombs, pilgrims, cuisine, spiritual music, bustling markets and mosques. Starting at 1630, enjoy a 90 minute walk around this fascinating area, we use as our guide a member of the Hope Project which helps the poor with education and health. You will learn about the history and sights of the basti (community). Visit the stepwell and the tomb of Mirza Ghalib, often referred to as India’s Shakespeare. The walk will end at the main Dargah, the revered tomb of the saint where, on Thursday nights only, the Nizami Bandhu continue their 750 year-old tradition of singing Qawallis which are designed to raise the listener to a state of spiritual trance. Regardless of which day you are there, it is a fascinating place to visit.
From 14th Century to 21st Century markets, Khan Market is the 21st most expensive retail street in the world, and where the well-heeled of Delhi come to shop. We leave you to browse at leisure around some of the famous Indian brands it is a great place to pick up some wonderful (very affordable) Indian themed clothes and books. There are also fun restaurants and cafes here which make a good choice for dinner.
The Railway Museum: The Rail Transport Museum is a must for rail buffs as well as being a great place to take children. It showcases the history of the railways their heritage and depicts their contribution to the industrial and economic progress of the country. Its pride is a model of India’s very first train, a steam engine that made its journey from Mumbai to Thane in 1853. The locomotives here are all displayed in the open although there is a museum as well, which is a storehouse of information on the history of railways in India. Its vintage displays include the oldest locomotive in the world-still working; the Vice regal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon (1886). The royal saloons are definitely worth a look for the elaborate interior design. The star attraction is the Fairy Queen, built in 1855, and considered to be the best preserved steam locomotive engines of her age.
Walk by Salaam Balak Trust – A step towards bringing in awareness of street-children: There are many street children in India and various charities have been set up to assist them in finding a hopeful and positive future. One such NGO is the Salaam Baalak Trust which works together with the children who for various reasons have run away from home and find their way to Delhi Though they now also have a branch in Mumbai). They educate, home and feed these children in order to give them a better start in life and it is these children, who have been rehabilitated by the process who take you on a guided tour of the area. They show you their shelters, the school which has been set up for them, the way in which they have been provided for and share their stories with you. This walk provides a rare insight into the positive effects that the NGO’s are having on India and the children are an inspiration as well as delight to spend time with.
Old Delhi Market Walk (Master Ji Ki Haveli): India is all about its heritage, culture, traditions and culinary experience of home cooked food and walking tours with a local from the area are a wonderful way to experience these first hand.
On this tour, you will explore the narrow, crowded streets of Old Delhi where you will see ancient trades still being plied, sample some of the local street food, see the community temples and witness small ceremonies taking place, your guide
will be able to explain the intricacies to you. Bargain with the vegetable and fruit sellers, try your hand and the ancient sport of pigeon flying, visit the wholesale flower market and spice market and revel in the fragrances of their fresh produce. To journey into old Delhi is a journey into a different world, one that is captivating and fun. End the walk at one of the very few remaining old Havelis in the city and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch.
LEARN, COOK & DINE WITH CELEBRITY CHEF KOMAL TANEJA: Komal Taneja was born in Amritsar and has a real passion in experimenting with traditional spices and unconventional combinations of ingredients in order to innovate & create exquisite recipes. She is also a well known, culinary author with 31 cookery hand books and 3 coffee table books to her name. Spend an evening at her home, learning the finer point of Indian cuisine, with her unconventional twist. Then sit and dine and be entertained by her and her family. This is a wonderful insight into Indian food and culture.
Delhi By Cycle: A truly unique way of seeing Delhi, is to explore the city as it is waking up, by bicycle. Covering more distance than you can on foot but with more freedom than in a car, you cycle through the narrow lanes of the old city, the colonial carriage ways of Lutyen’s Delhi, experiencing the city as it appears through the eyes of the common man. Immerse yourself in the morning rhythms and patterns of the city waking up and coming alive, discover the true character to this city that has been the capital since time immemorial.
Old Delhi food tour: Traditionally the old, walled city of Delhi housed people from Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mughals and Pathans all of whom had their own style of cooking, adapting the local, and imported ingredients to suit their own tastes. On this tour you will discover some of these ancient recipes, still sold from street stalls as well as visit the markets with their sacks of spices and nuts, edible sheets of silver, and local pickles. In the lanes of Khari Baoli you will be introduced to saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, by one of the oldest and largest distributors of this exotic spice.
This is a crowded area and it is also impossible to miss out on the fascinating culture which exudes from every corner and you can’t help but come across small temples, shrines and old mosques. Cows wander the streets, cycle rickshaws, motorbikes, people on foot with old fashioned handcarts all somehow happen to negotiate each other in the melee. End the tour at one of the few remaining havelis of the old city meet with owner his wife, mother and children. Their roof terrace provides a wonderful view over the city you have just explored on foot.
For more information about activities in each destination or to arrange a training session for your teams, contact: Experiences@indianexperiences.com or whatsapp +447966025330.
Are you a city experience provider? Can you offer more in Delhi? We’d love to hear from you. Please contact as above.