Call 01306 744 656 or
Call 01306 744 656 or
First time visitors generally assume that Old Delhi is the oldest part of the city but that’s not the case…
Most people use Delhi as a transit to other places but in fact, there’s so much the capital has to offer that one would be crazy to ignore. With a diverse population of around 25 million, it’s a hub for Indian politics, delicious food and boasts the country’s largest wholesale markets. Did you know there are 128 monuments to visit? I’ve been a guide for 13 years and haven’t yet seen them all!
First time visitors generally assume that Old Delhi is the oldest part of the city but that’s not the case. The oldest part is in fact located in New Delhi and around 1,200 years old. Old Delhi was the 5th walled city out of Delhi’s seven medieval cities. Shahjahanbad, as it was originally called, was founded by the Mughal Emperor in 1648 who when he moved the Mughal capital from Agra built landmarks such as the resplendent Red Fort.
So, we start in Old Delhi at 9am visiting Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and then explore on a cycle rickshaw the famous Chandni Chowk bazaar much the same as it was 370 years ago jam packed with jewellery, spices, textiles and glass. Then it’s onto Raj Ghat, a beautiful memorial to Mahatama Gandhi before venturing to New Delhi driving by the government buildings including Parliament and the old Viceroy’s House built by the British. With 340 rooms and 320 acres this was prime real estate at that time.
We break for lunch afterwards visiting Humayun’s tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal and costing an eye watering million and a half rupees in the 16th century. The final stop is the UNESCO-credited Qutab Minar especially stunning when illuminated in the evening. This is personally my favourite part of the tour because we get to discuss ancient and medieval history as well as the differences between Islamic and Indian culture. It’s a lovely moment.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
