DELHI DAY TOUR

One of the most lasting legacies of the Mughal empire is the grand mausoleums it built to honor its emperors, queens, and notables. These grand exhibits of architecture are typically snuggled in sprawling geometric lawns and green landscapes adorned with fountains and reflecting pools.

Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the grand mausoleum of the Great Emperor Humayun.  It was commissioned by his wife Bega Begum. Constructed in 1575 AD, the tomb is located in the middle of a vast garden.

Visiting this iconic site—which is believed to have paved the path for the construction of the Taj Mahal—is an absolute must.

The Qutb Minar was built under the reign of Qutbuddin Aibak in the 13^th century in what is known as the Delhi Sultanate era. Standing tall at a staggering 72.5 meters, it has remained for almost 800 years, the world’s tallest brick tower.

The Ghurid Dynasty constructed many such landmarks during its reign. Along with the Minaret of Jam in current-day Afghanistan, the Qutb Minar is one of the greatest surviving legacies of the empire.

This important Delhi landmark also gives you sprawling views of the city’s landscape.

It is believed that over 84,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the bloody First World War. The India Gate is a memorial erected in memory of those slain soldiers.

The design of the building was finalized by the chief architect of the new colonial capital (New Delhi), Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is modeled after the Gateway of India and the Arc De Triomphe in Paris.

Today, it stands as one of the city’s most recognizable symbols and a must-visit tourist site.

Built during the reign of Shahjahan—who also built the Taj Mahal—the Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most significant mosques in the world (1650-56 AD).

Over the last four centuries or so, this mosque has been the grand gathering place of the Muslim faith—the chief mosque of the Mughal Empire and the site of Eid and Friday prayers.

It is considered one of the finest exhibits of the Indo-Saracen architectural tradition perfected by the Mughals.

Located right across from the Jama Masjid is Delhi’s most beloved bazaar—Chandni Chowk. With streets and alleys hiding centuries-old legends, stories, and secrets, the famous Chandni Chowk is a great place to get lost in.

You cannot miss it.

The Bahai faith originated in Persia. How it got to India and found a refuge here is a story in and of itself. A story of resilience, struggle, persecution, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.

The Lotus Temple is one of the only seven Baha’i Houses of Worship located on the planet. It is open to people of all faiths, persuasions, colors, races and creeds.

Designed by the legendary Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, its post-modern building comprises 27 free-standing marble structures that look like petals of a rose. Hence the name Lotus Temple.

A visit to the temple is quite an educational and spiritual experience. Put it on your bucket list.

Another important religious and spiritual landmark of Delhi is the “Divine Abode of God” Akshardham Temple.

Built as a homage to the legacy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1731-1830 AD) in 2005, it is a grand complex that houses a spectacular temple, and a small man-made lake and offers cultural boat rides.

The main temple is adorned with sculptures and depictions of deities, dancers, flora, fauna and other creatures and symbols mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures.

A boat ride around the main temple complex is a trip down centuries of the evolution of the Hindu faith, with myths and legends vividly portrayed on its walls— a pure visual delight.

The National Museum of India is a treasure trove for lovers of history and arts. It houses more than 300,000 pieces of arts, crafts, artifacts, and antiques spanning some five millennia of Indian history.

Inaugurated in 1949, a couple of years after the Indian independence, the National Museum was meant to showcase the proud civilization heritage of the nation.

If history and heritage are your jams, do take time out for a visit to this important Indian institution.

Sprawling over 90 acres, the Lodhi Gardens are snuggled in the middle of the city. Dating back to the Delhi Sultanate era, the Lodhi Gardens house the tombs of the great scion of the Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526 AD)—Sikander Lodi.

Perfect for a leisurely stroll, the Lodhi Gardens have served Delhiites for centuries and provide a green escape from a dense and populated city.

Delhi is a food lover’s dream destination. Its culinary heritage has absorbed influences and traditions from as far as Persia, Central Asia, Europe, and mainland India. The Mughals transformed the food scene of the capital with their culinary experience.

Our bespoke street food tour in old Delhi takes you to be best traditional eateries. Feast on the city’s iconic Chole Bhature (spiced-up chickpeas curry), Parantha (flatbread), Chaat, Samosas, Gol Gappas, and kebabs.

The village of Kachpura is a working-class settlement located right across the Yamuna River near the Taj Mahal. It is where the 22,000 or so workers, laborers and artisans who built this magnificent monument were housed.

Now a village that brims with history and lore, the Kachpura is a tremendous place for heritage walks and trails. Join us for our special trails to understand this very unique and special place.

When the British Empire decided to move its capital further up north from Calcutta, the obvious choice was the seat of the Mughal Empire, Delhi.

However, the modern empire needed a new modern metropolitan city to meet its needs. So a new city was commissioned. Sir Edwin Lutyens, then the greatest British architect of the time was commissioned to conceptualize many of the important buildings and avenues of New Delhi.

Such is his influence that much of the new Capital is known as Lutyens Delhi. The Connaught Place and Janpath Markets are two important landmarks of this project.

Named after the First Duke of Connaught and Statearn, Connaught Place is the city’s main financial and business district and major shopping destination. It houses many of Delhi’s finest restaurants and hip nightlife stopovers.

Old Delhi has the old-world Hindustan charm.

Narrow alleys, winding streets, dazzling bazaars swarmed by people, noisy bustle of carts, rickshaws, and other modes of transportation—and cultural allure.

Cycling through the old city in our exclusive “Pedaling Adventure” Tour is one of the best ways to explore Delhi. Stopovers will include Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Spice Market, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, old Havelis, and other important landmarks.

One of the fundamental pills of the Sikh faith is its hospitality. And the Sikhs express their warmth and hospitality to guests and visitors with food—lots of it, free and served with love and care.

Every Sikh Gurudwara (place of worship) has some kind of a “Langar” arrangement. Langar is free food prepared at the establishment to serve visitors.

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib—an important Sikh landmark and place of worship—offers free food (langar) to all devotees and visitors.

In our private behind-the-scene tour, you will witness how Langar is prepared for thousands of visitors every day at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

If cycling is not your thing, a walking tour of old Delhi is a great way to immerse yourself in the allure and charm of Delhi. Nothing is up close and personal and gives you a fundamental taste of Delhi as a good old-fashioned up-and-about walking tour.

You’ll get to interact with and observe Delhiites go about their daily life. You will witness the workers, craftsmen, cooks, waiters, and laborers go about their routines.