Walking Tour of Old Delhi, India

 

Delhi, India’s capital city, and one of the oldest cities in the world, is a paradox of old and new, of British (for many years, India was part of the British Empire) and Indian, of rich and poor. The sights of the city can be conveniently divided into three areas, Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad), a walled enclave with narrow streets now populated principally by Muslims, New Delhi, the more modern part of the city which features the elegant and very pompous architecture erected during the period of British rule, and, finally, South Delhi, the suburbs of the city, which house only one notable attraction, the Qutb Complex, with its 70 meter (235 foot) Victory Tower, begun in the 12th century.

            In Old Delhi, the major attractions are the Red Fort (Lal Qila), a huge complex built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in all of Asia, the colorful Chandni Chowk Bazaar, and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi

            Humayun’s Tomb, in New Delhi, was built by Shah Jahan’s great grandfather and is another great testament to love and its power. Also in the new city is the Qutb Minar Tower. 

     My walk begins at the Lahore Gate, the main entrance into the Red Fort, Old Delhi’s major attraction. Explore the complex before proceeding. Be sure to check out, in particular, the Hamans (Royal Baths), the Audience Hall (Diwan-i-Aam), and the Peacock Throne (Diwan-i-Khas), where Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, met with important persons.

       Exit through the Lahore Gate and walk straight ahead, on Chandni Chowk. The Sisganj Gorudawara, a memorial to one of India’s most famous gurus, is ahead, on the left. Further along is the Golden Mosque, with its three golden domes. At the next intersection, turn left, and then left again, onto Kinari Bazaar. Take a right onto Dariba Kalan, which leads to Jami Masjid (1656), the largest mosque in India. It is a spectacular house of worship.

      Now, head north on Esplanade Road, which leads to Chandni Chowk. Turn right to return to the Lahore Gate, where the walk began.