A Complete Guide On Old Delhi Tour

The Old Delhi Tour: What’s the Point?

Old Delhi is a treasure trove of unexpected delights, with one of the best mosques in India, one of the biggest wholesale markets in Asia for spices and wedding necessities, and the ruins of a Mughal fort to explore.

Discover hidden doorways, mansions (Havelis), or elaborate Jain temples as you wind through the maze of narrow streets. Stop at Karim’s for some succulent kebabs. Shop for oil-based perfumes inspired by the Mughal tradition. Or bask in the winter sun while reading a book on the steps of the Rang Mahal or the pleasure pavilion of Shah Jahan in your Old Delhi tour.

Things to Do in Old Delhi

Explore Chandni Chowk on Foot with a Food Walk

Restaurants abound in Delhi, but a culinary tour of Chandni Chowk is essential if you’re in the mood for crispy parathe, rich nihari, and desserts that melt in your mouth.At Parathe Wali Gali, you can find vendors offering thirty distinct varieties of parathas, flatbreads from India filled with various ingredients, most commonly potato. Finish it off with a tall glass of lassi.

Stop at the narrow alleyway next to Jama Masjid if you’re a true-blue meat eater. Various chicken dishes, including kebabs and nihari, are available here. In the winter, you must try the Shahi Tukda. Every Delhiite or tourist worth their salt will tell you that eating Mughlai cuisine is the most popular activity around Jama Masjid.

Red Fort Presents a Light and Sound Extravaganza

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is, without a doubt, the most popular attraction in Old Delhi among tourists all year round. Constructed during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the fort is immediately noticeable due to its 2-kilometre-long perimeter wall.

Continue your exploration of the city’s fascinating past with a magnificent light and sound show after you’ve taken in the fort’s majesty. Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation hosts the show, which offers commentary in both Hindi and English.

Explore Mosques and Temples on Foot

For that occasional spiritual retreat, Delhi is home to a plethora of temples. Except in Old Delhi, you won’t find a mosque, Gurudwara, and Jain temple near one another. Just across from the Red Fort is the Digambar Jain Temple, where you can learn about Jain culture and traditions. Jama Masjid is a must-visit on those tranquil evenings when you all want to sit in a minaret and take in the beautiful view of Old Delhi. Last, on your Old Delhi tour, you must visit the stunning Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib for mouth-watering langar cuisine.

Enjoy All Your Shopping Needs at Chandni Chowk

The residents of Delhi need not worry about wedding shopping because places like Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar have everything a bride could need. Stores in these marketplaces sell various goods, including beautiful knockoffs of designer lehengas (sometimes made famous by a movie star or actress) and fabric for custom-made garments. Just let the store owner know how much money you have, and they will quickly find something that suits your budget. These marketplaces also sell antiques and silver jewellery.

If you’re looking for a wide selection of spices at low prices, you should check out Khari Baoli. If you’re into cycling or photography, you should stop by Cycle Market. In Purani Dilli, you can also find the ‘infamous’ Chor Bazaar. If you are looking for designer wedding attire, spices, antiques, or even just your everyday stuff, shopping in Old Delhi is something you should do.

Spend an Indulgent Day at the Daryaganj Sunday Book Market

Being a voracious reader and book hoarder, we felt obligated to mention the world-renowned Daryaganj Sunday Book Market in this article. On the road’s pavement leading towards the right from Dilli Gate are thousands of books, either neatly scattered or lined up. Get ready to get your hands filthy because this book market differs. Along with hardcover copies of ‘The Mountain Shadow’ by Gregory David Roberts and Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History,’ you might have discovered a few other books that cost a pretty penny.

Also, you can acquire all Harry Potter books from various vendors for less than a few grand. This is the perfect thing to do on a Sunday in Old Delhi if you are a bookworm who doesn’t want to break the bank but still wants more books. The vendors here do not provide bags, so please come prepared. Carrying a water bottle and sturdy footwear are also useful items to have on hand during summertime.

Visit Ghalib ki Haveli for Some peace.

Admire Ghalib’s verses? Visiting his haveli in Old Delhi is a must if you want peace. With its recent renovations and reopening to the public, Ghalib Ki Haveli has kept the memories alive through artifacts that illustrate a part of the life of the beloved Urdu poet.

In addition to this, you can find the inscribed versions of several of his well-known poems. One describes the winding streets of Ballimaran, where the haveli stands. Those interested in poetry and the poet’s life will find this house, which reflects his humble upbringing, one of the most fascinating attractions near Delhi.

Conclusion

Some things to do in Old Delhi include these. Despite your initial apprehension, you will adore this city section after exploring its crowded lanes and alleys and engaging in the abovementioned activities. Before embarking on an Old Delhi tour, you should gather all the necessary information. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

FAQs 

Q1. Have you any knowledge of Old Delhi?

A. A part of Delhi, India, known as Old Delhi, is located in the city’s Central Delhi district. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan chose to relocate the capital from Agra to this walled city in 1648, thus the original name Shahjahanabad.

Q2. So, what makes Old Delhi worth a visit?

A. Its historical importance is unmatched as a living testimony to India’s illustrious past. Marvels of Architecture: Old Delhi is home to some of the world’s most recognisable buildings, such as the Red Fort (Lal Qila), on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its beautiful red sandstone walls and delicate white marble decoration.

Q3. Can you tell me how Old Delhi differs from New Delhi?

A. The oldest section of the city, known as Old Delhi, has been there since the Moghul era. On the other hand, the British colonisers enlisted architect Edwin Lutyens’s services in the 1920s and 1930s to plan New Delhi.

Q4. In Old Delhi, which street is most famous?

New Delhi’s wide, orderly streets starkly contrast to old Delhi’s main street, Chandni Chowk. In addition to animals, pedestrians, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, and cars all jostle for position. It’s utterly enthralling despite its disorder, crumbling, and congestion.

Q5. Are Old Delhi and Delhi Junction interchangeable?

A. This railway station is also known as Old Delhi Railway Station or Delhi Junction Railway Station. If this is your first visit to India and you’re traveling solo, you should familiarise yourself with the train system. Outside of airplanes, trains are the most popular and convenient mode of transportation in India.