Delhi Heritage Walk with My Tour to India

 Ghar Firdaus bar Roo-i-Zameen Ast, Hamin Ast, Hamin Ast … (If there is paradise on earth it is here; It is here; It is here.) Amir Khusro, a Persian poet.

All about the Delhi Heritage Walk

This is one of the most iconic walks in the city. It traces the path of the Mughal maharajas, baadshahs and their begums (kings and queens) of the bygone era. This is from where the British ruled India, making the historical Red Fort their bastion.

History of Delhi: Delhi or Dilli has been historic and political capital of India. The city has seen both the glory and destruction in its long and chequered history. Delhi has been blessed with resilient and enduring culture. Its heritage has withstood the test of time and city continues to thrive. No city reflects the human drama on a large scale better than Delhi.

Delhi’s history goes back to the times of Mahabharatha. The city was known as Indraprastha then. It started growing from about 1450 BC. The heart of that old, historic Delhi can be found in Old Delhi. It is three hundred and fifty years old, yet strong and pulsating. The City of Delhi became prominent, when the Fort at Agra fell out of favor due to its agonizing heat, insufficient accommodation and space for Shahjahan’s lavish life-style and his grand ceremonial processions. The emperor chose a site south of Salimgarh after consulting Hindu astrologers and Muslim hakims (physicians). The foundation of the city of Shahjahanabad (as Delhi was known then) was laid by Jahan Ara, the favorite daughter of Shahjahan around 1639.

Lahore Gate of Red Fort: Facing the Chandni Chowk Bazaar, is the Lahore Gate of the red Fort. It was known as Victoria Gate in the British times. Today it is the most significant and frequented gates of the Red Fort. The Prime Minister addresses the Nation from here on 15^th August, Indian’s Independence Day.

Chandni Chowk: The famous Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square) is one of the famous bazaars in Old Delhi. The hustle and bustle of the area is not for the faint hearted. Shah Jehan was one of the most majestic monarchs of the Mughal Kingdom. He shifted his grand capital from Agra to Delhi and built this lively city of Shahjehanbad between 1648 and 1660 AD. Whatever the king did he did it in style. After all he is the one who got the incomparable Taj Mahal built. His daughter Jahan-Ara got Chandni Chowk constructed which is now a busy marketplace.

Interesting Places to visit in Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk

Jama Masjid (Jama Mosque):  It is said that the Mosque is adobe of Allah, so the mosque commands more prestige than the emperor’s throne at the Red Fort. Located near the famous Red Fort is the Jama Masjid or Jumma Masjid. It is a congregational Mosque built by emperor Shahjahan. It is also one of the largest Mosques in India. The foundation of the Mosque was laid on 06 Oct 1650. The cost of the building Mosque was one Million rupees excluding the valuable marble and sand-stone. Five thousand workers worked continuously for six years to complete it.

Dariba Kalan (The Silver Market): Mughal emperor Shahjahan’s daughters were extremely fond of jewelry. The emperor commissioned an entire market- Dariba Kalan for her! The shops in Dariba Kalan displayed wide array of pearls and precious stones apart from silver. It also become famous for halwais (sweetmeat-sellers). Here one can enjoy the best delicious Indian sweets in town. And we assure you that Indian sweets are truly lip smacking. Please leave behind your calorie counter for the day to enjoy the sweets.

Kinari Bazar (Wedding Market): It has shops for people who wish to buy their wedding trousseau, be it the bride or the groom. It caters to the colorful ornate Indian wedding market of all communities and religions.

Naughar Heritage Haveli: Located in Kinari Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, and built in the early nineteenth century, this haveli is of immense architectural merit. It reflects superior craftsmanship in its sandstone facades and doorways. The haveli still maintains much of its traditional charm. Built around a central courtyard, the haveli in Naughar (Nine Houses) have rooms with high ceilings, arched ornamental gateways and exquisite glass work.

Parathe Wali Gali (Street of Parathas): This Street is famous for making specialized stuffed delicious parathas. Praatha is stuffed Indian flat bread eaten with lot of pickles and curd. This lane is still renowned for the traditional North Indian cuisine. Other than parathas there are many other dishes to be tried- Nagauri halwa, kachoris, chole chawal and more!

Khari Baoli (The Well of Brackish Water): Khari Baoli is one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia. It has the busiest and most aromatic streets you will ever walk through, be prepared for sneezing a bit! The dry fruit and spice shops found here are a gourmet’s delight. Heaped with almonds, cashews, turmeric, cardamom and much more, this street is also famous for thandai (milk based cold drink topped with rose petal).

Lal Quila (Red Fort): The Red Fort symbolizes the apex of the Mughal era. It is easily one of the most sophisticated forts built in the world for the unfolding dreams of the Mughal Court. Built with local stones and in simple design, Shahjahanabad had fourteen gates. It took nine years and three months to build the Red Fort. The cost was astonishing six million rupees.

Diwan-I-Khas: There are two courtyards within the Red Fort, one in front and other in west enclosed by arched columns built between 1639 and 1648.This was also known as Shahi Mahal where the nobles of high ranks waited on the emperor when he granted them private audience. Over the corner arches of north and south walls under cornice, the much quoted verse is inscribed: If there is a paradise on earth- It is this, It is this … which is a befitting tribute to splendors of Shahjahanabad.

The hall is 27.4 meters long, 20.4 meters wide standing on 1.4 meter high plinth. The Pietra Dura work on lower level arches is magnificent. The marble water channel Nahr-I-Behisht runs through center of the hall. The Diwan-e-Khas was a spot from where in the 1857 mutiny, sepoys proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Emperor of India. The British deposed him seven months later though. He was tried at same spot for 1857 mutiny and exiled.

Total Walking Time required: Two to Three hours depending upon interest

Mode of Commuting: Walk / Rickshaw

PS: Rickshaw ride provided between Parathe wali Gali to Khari Bowli and Khari Bowli to Shwetamber Jain Temple.

Registration Details: Contribute Rs. 1500/- per person, minimum 2 Persons for conducting the tour.

The Tour Cost Includes

The Guide Cost

Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi.

Tour Cost Excludes

Any Monument Entrance Charges.

Please pre-register.

Contact Pankaj Kumar +91 9811911823

mytourtoindia@gmail.com ; Mobile : +91 9811911823

The Guide Cost

Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi.

Tour Cost Excludes:

Any Monument Entrance Charges.

Please pre-register.

Contact Pankaj Kumar /09811911823

mytourtoindia@gmail.com ; Mobile : 9811911823