Itinerary
The 3-3.5 hr tour begins and ends at Parade Ground. The distance covered is 12-15 km and the tour is well-suited for beginners and families, or simply travelers (or locals) looking for an exciting half-day trip and a new perspective on New Delhi, where the historical and contemporary blend to create a unique paradox.
Start: Parade Ground
We start the tour from Parade Ground. In the early morning sunlight, Parade Ground assumes an aura of tranquility.
Stop 1: Connaught Place
Modelled on the Royal Crescent at Bath, Connaught Place is arguably Delhi most well known meeting point. Built in Georgian style, the two storied Connaught Place makes a complete circle intended to house commercial establishments on the ground with residential space on the first floor. Early in the morning, the crowds are thin and one can get a better look at the beautiful white structures.
Stop 2: Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Jai Singh II commissioned the Jantar Mantar in Delhi and 4 other cities. It comprises of 13 architectural astronomy instruments used to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.
Stop 3: India Gate
India Gate is a war memorial honouring the 82,000 soldiers martyred in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It stands astride the Rajpath and offers an excellent view of Raisina Hill.
Stop 4: Rashtrapati Bhavan
The decision to build a new residence for the Viceroy came in 1910 after the capital was shifted from Calcutta to New Delhi. The 320 acres premises includes the President's official residence, halls, guest rooms and offices and the lush Mughal Gardens. Gracing the top of Raisina Hill, the palatial mansion was the largest residence, in terms of area, for a Head of State till 2014. Lutyens' original design was starkly classical European and borrowed from motifs prevalent during the Edwardian Baroque period. Indo-Saracenic motifs were added later.
Stop 5: Agrasen ki Baoli
Concealed by the tall buildings of Connaught Place, Agrasen ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical stepwell on Hailey Road. Legend says that it was built by Maharaja Agrasen of the Mahabharata period. It was possibly reconstructed by the wealthy Agarwal clan in the 14th century. It is protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
Stop 6: Dhobi Ghat
Tucked in a corner of Hailey Road, Dhobi Ghat is best translated as an open-air laundromat. Early morning, the place comes alive with the sound of clothes beaten against concrete slabs. Rows and rows of clothes can by seen drip-drying in the hot sun. Since the Yamuna is far, the ghat relies on borewell water, chilamchis (cement tubs), hauds (tanks), naandis (pools) and hydras, electric machines that soak out water.
Stop 7: Breakfast at Bengali Sweet House
Breakfast at Bengali Sweet House is always a treat! Dig into the traditional Bengali Khasta Kochuri with Aloo Sabzi before tucking into an array of sweetmeats.
End: Parade Grounds
The tour ends at Parade Grounds.