One can never truly explore the national capital without getting familiar with the small nooks and corners of the city that hide the untapped culture. Dilli or Delhi is a gold mine for historic relics and authentic street food. It is a land that still holds onto the vestiges in the form of architecture left behind from different invasions and the remnants of a lost age still alive in the smallest villages and lanes.
Getting familiar with the untold stories of communities that have previously lived in the city and understanding the present culture impacted by those very people is a truly exciting journey. If you’re a history buff that has special interest in knowing Delhi beyond the most famous monuments then check out these five organisations conducting offbeat heritage walks around the city.
Karwaan Heritage
With an aim to make academic history engaging, Karwaan Heritage has carved out experiences in the heart of Delhi that are both inclusive and accessible. Founder Eshan Sharma is also a voice in the larger discourse engaging with acclaimed historians on his page for the audience to witness. The educational company has conducted successful heritage walks discovering the forgotten graves of Nizamuddin and also exploring Buddhist art in National Museums. Furthermore special walks tracing the history of courtesans in Old Delhi dissecting tawaif culture in the streets of Chawri Bazaar.
Explore upcoming walks here.
Delhi By Foot
A company that feeds the curious mind with tales from around the city of Delhi, curates a variety of experiences delving into the rich history and culture. Sharing nuggets of information on heritage walks that captures the food, people and festivals of the city as well. Delhi By Foot has conducted walks such as ‘Khusro Se Ghalib Tak’ dissecting the history of Sufi saints in Delhi, as well as walks through the city’s mini Bengal, exploring idol making and a variety of Durga puja celebrations around CR park. Additionally these walks also take people through the forgotten areas of Delhi such as Tughlaqabad with an intensive field visit.
Explore upcoming walks here.
Enroute Indian History
A woman led organisation, Enroute Indian History is trying to make Indian heritage accessible and fun through research and heritage walks. The company has three separate segments to map heritage and initiate public momentum with Ladies Night, Raat Ke Afsane and morning walks. One gets to explore lit up architecture under the moonlight with the Raat Ke Afsane segment, these field visits have taken place at Qutub Minar, Red Fort and the Safdarjung Tomb. Complimented with architectural discussions and special insights about the historic relevance.
Explore upcoming walks here.
Purani Dilli Walley
The largest Delhi based online community have now introduced heritage walks in their exploration of the city’s past. The perfect place for history buffs to get deep insight into the untold stories of the National capital. A lot of their recent walks have been led by Shah Umair also known as Sikka Wala who is a digital archivist. Some of their exciting walks have explored the hidden corners of Delhi such as the Khirki Village and special trips through Old Delhi exploring the pre-Jahanabad period. Beyond being informative these walks are mediums for interactions with the locals and for trying out niche local food found in the smallest lanes of the city.
Explore upcoming walks here.
If you enjoyed reading this, we also suggest: