There are many ways to travel around India, from old world trains to rickshaws. However, one of the most exciting ways to explore India’s urban areas and their surroundings is on foot. The following are a few of the most interesting guided walking tours that allow you to see a different side of the country than the main tourist sights allow.
Rock Walk in Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s skyline may be composed of modern high rises, but if you get off the beaten path you can walk amongst the ancient stony formations that make up the foundation of this region. Get out and explore the unique geological formations of the Deccan Plateau on a trek along the rocky trails. These granite formations date back 2,500 million years, and are still home to local wildlife hidden in this unique ecosystem. To learn all about the legends and history behind these massive stones, you can take a guided walk with the Save the Rocks Foundation, which operates regular day tours.
Old Delhi Bazaar and Food Walk
Delhi’s bazaars are a must-see for any traveller to the area, but navigating the narrow stalls can be a dizzying experience. Fortunately, there are several tour companies operating guided walks, including Delhi Magic and Masterji Kee Haveli. These food-focused tours will take you on a fascinating walk through Delhi’s most colourful markets, where you can try the vegetarian “Baniya” street food at the Sitaram Bazaar and even view a cooking demonstration in a restored old mansion. You’ll also travel through the silver and wedding markets, selling everything from jewellery to gadgets for making . You’ll learn about the city’s culture and history as you eat your way through the various bazaars.
Mumbai Heritage Tour
Conducted by Bombay Heritage Walks, this tour was created by local architects and showcases the city’s classic and Victorian styled buildings. The itineraries vary throughout the year, but locations to explore include the leafy district of old Colaba, the vibrant Kala Ghoda Art District, and the Victorian houses juxtaposed with bustling bazaars along D.N. Road. The company also arranges custom tours if there’s a particular type of architecture or area of the city you’re interested in viewing.
Cemetery Lanes Walk, Shimla
If you’re looking for something new after you’ve already exhausted the tourist sites of Shimla, sign up for this spooky tour. The Cemetery Lanes Walk is quite popular with history buffs, along with British families looking for their ancestors buried in the Kanlog cemetery. Many retain links with this area from abroad, making to friends and family. Yet learning more about this heritage in person is a fulfilling experience, and interesting even to those who have no ties here. The walk lasts a full day, passing through three of the city’s cemeteries with a bevy of historic sites along the way. You can learn about Shimla’s colonial past and hear ghost stories from throughout the centuries.
Mylapore Walk, Chennai
Venture deep into the heart of Chennai to one of the city’s oldest districts, Mylapore. There is a heavy Portuguese influence on the historic architecture and culture in this region, as they entered Mylapore in 1523 and stayed until 1749. One of the highlights of this day-long walking tour is a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is 300 years old and the central hub of Mylapore. In addition to a visit to this ornate temple, visitors can browse through the diverse shops and markets in this vibrant district.
