Old Delhi heritage tour by rickshaw and car

Shah Jahan's walled city up close — the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, a cycle-rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk and the spice market, with a private car waiting at each end.

At a glance

Duration

About 5 hours

Start

Your hotel in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon

Transport

Private AC car and cycle-rickshaw

Tour type

Private

Guide

Licensed, English speaking

Best time

8:30 am start, before the lanes fill

What makes this one worth it

• Cycle-rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Delhi's oldest market
• Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan
• The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Khari Baoli spice market and the lanes of Kinari Bazaar
• Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi

Your tour schedule

1. 8:30 AM

   Pickup from your hotel

   Your driver and guide collect you from your hotel in an air-conditioned car.

2. 9:15 AM

   Red Fort

   A guided walk through the Lahori Gate, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas of the Mughal emperors' palace-fortress.

3. 10:30 AM

   Rickshaw through Chandni Chowk

   Swap the car for a cycle-rickshaw: Chandni Chowk, Kinari Bazaar's wedding stalls and the spice sacks of Khari Baoli.

4. 11:30 AM

   Jama Masjid

   The great Friday mosque of Shah Jahan, with views over the old city from its courtyard.

5. 12:30 PM

   Raj Ghat, then back to your hotel

   A quiet stop at Gandhi's memorial on the Yamuna, then the drive back to your hotel.

What the price covers

• Private AC car and driver
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• Cycle-rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Bottled water
• Parking, fuel and taxes

What it does not cover

• Monument entry tickets
• Food and drinks
• Camera fees
• Tips

Questions people ask

Is the Red Fort open every day?

It is closed on Mondays. On Mondays we swap it for Humayun's Tomb.

Is the rickshaw ride safe?

Yes. The rickshaw pullers work with us regularly and your guide rides alongside you.

What should we wear to Jama Masjid?

Covered shoulders and knees. Robes are provided at the gate if needed, and shoes are left at the entrance.

Can you pick us up from Gurgaon or Noida?

Yes, from any hotel in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon. From Gurgaon or Noida we may collect you a little earlier to stay ahead of the traffic into Old Delhi.

Can we try street food in Chandni Chowk?

Yes. Food is not included, but your guide knows the well-known, busy stalls where everything is cooked fresh in front of you, and can suggest gentler choices if you are new to Indian food.

Can we visit Jama Masjid on a Friday?

Yes, but visitors are not allowed in during the midday Friday prayers. On Fridays we change the order and visit the mosque earlier in the morning.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travellers?

Mostly, yes. The rickshaw does the work in the lanes, but the Red Fort involves some walking and Jama Masjid has a long flight of steps, so tell us and your guide will set an easy pace.

Is it safe for a solo woman traveller?

Yes. It is a private tour with your own guide beside you throughout, and our team has been running it for years. The lanes are crowded, so keep your bag in front of you as you would in any busy market.

How much should we tip?

Tips are not included and are entirely up to you. Many guests give something to the guide, the driver and the rickshaw puller if they have enjoyed the morning.

On the route