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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
Pashmina Textiles, Antique Lanes and Spice Trails of Old Delhi
A local well versed with the history and the culture of my city. It shall be a pleasure for me to assist those who wish to explore and understand India.
Tour description
In antique Old Delhi, Discover the rare "Pashmina" opulent shawls crafted out of delicate "Kashmiri" threads. Explore hidden neighborhoods thriving since 400 years. Visit Asia’s largest wholesale SPICE MARKET: "Khari Baoli". Walk among the medieval era bazaars functioning since grand "Mughal" era.
Meet our guide outside "Gate no 4" of "Jama Masjid" Metro Station, & we start walking. We will soon walk past the ancient "Meena Bazaar", it is basically a flea market outside the grand "Jama mosque". Erstwhile Mughal emperors had reserved this market for the women entrepreneurs only and NO males were allowed to operate in the market. It was once a lavish market but now it is like a local flea market. We wont go inside the market due to heavy crowds and just walk past the same. Now we walk past "pigeon" market where various birds are sold along with crossbreed pigeons with distinct colors.
Now after a 15 minute walk, we reach a traditional neighborhood existing since the bygone era. Walk past ancient mansions known as "Havelis". Visit a 550 year old temple hidden deep in the by-lanes and usually remain hidden from the hidden world. Be fascinated by the ornamental gateways, decorated stone arches and the immensely beautiful frescoes. The mural on the walls are in perfect shape and have withstood the passage of time. A tip of INR 50 Per person is required to be left for the caretaker of the temple.
Now keep exploring the bylanes and suddenly you will find a place keeping the finest of the opulent "Pashmina" Shawls on display. Pashmina is one of the most treasured textiles ever made by Man. This fine craftsmanship weaves the warm and delicate threads to opulent shawls and impressive scarves. The treasured "Pashminas" has fascinated both the royals and common people with similar allure. You will be allowed to observe and even try covering yourself with a few samples. Get a glimpse of your stunning looks in the mirrors kept over there. You can get an exclusive one for you by negotiating directly with the owner.
Further on you have a chance of visiting the 40 year old Grand "Jama Mosque", its entrance fee is INR 350 Per person, if you wish you can enter by paying the requisite fee OR Simply get few clicks from the outside.
Now we need to proceed to Asia's largest "SPICE MARKET".
Discover the world famous "Spice market". Be amazed to see the merchants selling the same unique stuff since centuries in the same peculiar manner. Be thrilled to note how the chaotic market is hard to negotiate. There are porters, hand trolleys, as well as two-wheelers jostling for space & trying to make their way through, and also other than the surging crowds of shoppers and traders. In the markets you’ll find red chilies from all over the country – byadgi, Guntur, Kashmiri, etc. There are sacks of spices like turmeric, black salt, tamarind, nutmeg lined across the streets.
To conclude, our guide shall accompany you back to the Metro station.
NOTE: I know the different areas of the country. So not only will I be your guide in Old Delhi, I will also serve as a link to plan other tours also for you in different parts of my country.
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Meeting point:1424, Patel Gali Rd, Meena Bazaar, Ja...1424, Patel Gali Rd, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Meet the walk leader outside Gate no 4, of "Jama Masjid" Metro Station
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).