Delhi is a very interesting city when it comes to all that it has to offer. It has this old-world charm while successfully embracing modernity. The country’s capital is historically intriguing and architecturally stunning which makes it a perfect place for a walking tour. You will have plenty of places to get mesmerized by and the best part? A lot of it can be covered just in a day. If you don’t believe us, simply read on to know what you can cover on a 1-day walking tour of Old Delhi.
Places To Visit On A 1 Day Walking Tour Of Old Delhi
Route: Digambar Jain Lal Temple – Chandni Chowk Market – Sunehri Masjid – Town Hall – Gurudhwara Sis Ganj Sahib – Jama Masjid
Delhi Walking Tour Distance: 6.1 km
Tour Duration: Around 8 – 9 hours
Digambar Jain Lal Temple
Digambar Jain Lal Temple is the best place to start a walking tour in old Delhi because it is one of the oldest Jain temples in Delhi. It is located right across from Red Fort which makes it easily accessible. The temple closes around after noon so it’s best to start here and move forward!
The “lal” in the temple’s name stands for its bright red color due to which the temple can be witnessed the moment you enter the area. The right part of the temple is made of red sandstone which is the same material used in the Red Fort. What makes this temple stand out from many temples is the fact that it is also known for its avian veterinary hospital. The hospital is located in the second building behind the main temple and is called the Jain Birds Hospital.
Once you enter the main temple, you’ll witness the ancient carvings. The place will offer you the right vibes and atmosphere so you can move forward on your journey. Visiting this temple will be like a history and spirituality splash so take it all in before you move towards the more chaotic parts of your tour.
Things to do here: The temple in itself has multiple layers for you to experience. From the lower portion to its aesthetic yet religiously significant balcony and helpful bird hospital, take time to admire the royal Mughal architecture.
How much time to spend here: 25 to 35 minutes
Chandni Chowk Market
After admiring the peaceful temple, you will now head to the most buzzing part of your tour, Chandi Chowk! It is like an insane dreamland made of narrow streets, glitters, and clothes. It is also known as Moonlight Square and is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Delhi is any shopaholic’s dream and Chandni Chowk is one of the best places to make it come true.
It is a historically important market that was established in 1650 CE by Princess Jahanara Begum, (Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter). There are many shops on the narrow streets and plenty of food options. Chandni Chowk is a bustling area filled with many small monuments too so you can spend a lot of time here, simply walking, and exploring.
If you have the right bargaining skills, we will advise you to take a bag with you because you will most likely shop a lot. Keep in mind that Chandni Chowk is endless and is often pretty crowded so stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothes.
Things to do here: It is a living piece of history to admire. Chandni Chowk is one of the biggest shopping hubs so shop! You will also find the superior Delhi street food served at almost every corner. Do try the paranthas and chaat here which are known to be iconic!
How much time to spend here: 1 hour
Sunehri Masjid
Once you are done shopping and exploring the madness of Chandni Chowk Market, it is time to let your legs rest for a while. Also known as Golden Mosque, Sunehri Masjid is hardly a kilometer away from the market. Once you reach the mosque, you will be astonished by its old heritage beauty. The mosque has plenty of interesting origin tales surrounding it.
If you are wondering whether it’s made of gold or not, let us clear that out first. The mosque got its name because it has three very distinctive domes constructed of copper that give an illusion of Gold. The Masjid is a one-of-a-kind architectural beauty with green flower-shaped patterns on the pillars and a mesh wire-covered roof.
One standout part of the mosque is its marble courtyards where you will find serenity amidst the chaos of Old Delhi. The mosque has three prayer chambers with carvings on both internal and external walls. There is no entry fee and the mosque is always open. Take some time to let the heritage glory sink in, it certainly will be a sight to behold and experience
Things to do here: Simply sit in the prayer room and admire the unique architecture. The marbles of the mosque tend to land a calming effect and we all can use that.
How much time to spend here: 20-30 minutes
Town Hall
A must-visit political and historical site, Town Hall will be your next stop. After exploring the Mughal history at Suneshri Masjid, you will now be looking at one of the most important buildings of British rule. Town Hall used to be the seat of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from 1866 during British rule.
It was only in the year 2009 when the offices shifted. Initially known as Lawrence Institute, the town hall building used to house government offices, a library, a museum, and a European club. Town Hall was constructed around 1860 and the victorian influences are still prominent in its architecture.
During your tour, you will be able to notice the yellow-painted brick and stones along with carved white stone trim. The town hall is now set to become a heritage hotel and museum so do visit to witness the old charm before modernity takes over.
Things to do here: It’s a magnanimous building that will transfer you into Victorian times. Wander around the building and gardens to experience superior victorian art and architecture.
How much time to spend here: 30 minutes
Gurudhwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Delhi is known for its Gurudwaras and their impeccable beauty. Any walking tour will feel incomplete without a tour of the soulful Gurudwaras and Sis Ganj Sahib is exactly that. It is a place that stands to tell the tale of brave martyr Guru Teg Bahadur.
The Gurudwara is located in Chandini Chowk and was built at the spot where Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded. He refused to convert to Islam and was beheaded by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1783 to honor the bravery and courage of the guru.
The thing about this place is that you will feel the valor and pride in its walls. Along with the goosebump-giving story, the place is a historical asset and an active site of worship for the Sikhs. Some kirtans and langars happen every day which contributes to the philosophy of kindness.
Things to do here: Roam around the Gurudwara and admire the carvings and intricacies of vintage designs. If you visit around the evening, do sit for the kirtan and langar.
How much time to spend here: 20-25 minutes
Jama Masjid
After experiencing all the hustle bustle and chaos in your walking tour, your final point will be Jama Masjid. It is ideal to end your trip on a soulful note where you can simply soak into the beauty and spirituality and let go of all the exhaustion. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and it was built by the famous Shah Jaha between 1650 to 1656.
It used to be regarded as the symbol of Islamic power across India and remains one of the most important historical monuments in India. The Masjid has been an important site during British rule too and still today it embodies the spirit of Old Delhi.
Muslims from every corner visit the mosque to fo namaaz every Friday and visitors across the world come to admire the serene beauty. There is plenty of greenery around the mosque and the red sandstone and marble make it stand out. You will be able to see the Mughal architecture finesse in every corner of the mosque in all its glory.
Things to do here: Jama Masjid is one living example of India’s diverse history. It is a huge building so take your time exploring. There are plenty of antique stores if you are looking to bring a souvenir home. If you are a fan of chicken, the chicken meals around Jama Masjid are known to be one of the best in the country.
How much time to spend here: 30-35 minutes
Here Are A Few Tips For Your Walking Tour Of Old Delhi
- Delhi can get insanely hot and polluted so, keep a water bottle and scarf with you.
- It is not one of the safest cities, so, take safety precautions and avoid any isolated or shady areas.
- We will advise you to plan your walking tour with a group you trust, it will be more fun.
- Once you are done with your tour, take a cab instead of a rickshaw/auto, it is safer.
Summing Up
Delhi is a delicate city and deserves to be admired for its intricacies. It has some of the prettiest lanes and a walking tour is the best way to absorb all the beauty. We hope that our 1 day walking tour of Delhi will help you have the best time exploring its old charms.
FAQs
Is 1 Day Enough In Delhi?
Delhi is a big city with a lot to offer. One day certainly will not be enough for you to cover all the tourist attractions. You can simply pick a specific area with a good number of tourist attractions and explore those in a day.
Is Delhi Worth Visiting?
One of the best food scenes and cultural attractions, Delhi certainly is worth visiting. From old-world charm to modern finesse, Delhi will offer you the best of both worlds. So, plan your trip and make sure you least stay there for a week to enjoy it thoroughly.
What Is Famous Delhi Food?
Delhi is known for its street food. Momos, chicken tikka, chole bhature, paranthas, chaat, kebabs, samosas, and biryani are some of the most popular foods in Delhi.
Which City Is Nearest To Delhi?
Kolkata is the nearest city to Delhi. There are many trains that run between both the cities and they have a travel time that’s less than 18 hours.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Delhi?
October to March is the best time to visit Delhi. Keep in mind that Delhi winters aren’t for the faint hearts, so do pack a lot of woolen clothes if you visit around that time.
How Far Is Nainital From Delhi?
Nainital is 315 km from Delhi by road.
How Far Is Shimla From Delhi?
Shimla is 355 km away from Delhi by road.
How Far Is Ladakh From Delhi?
Ladakh is 1023 km away from Delhi by road.
