Hidden Havelis & Bazaars Walk: Uncovering Old Delhi’s Secrets – A Review

Old Delhi, you see, it’s almost like stepping back in time, that really is how it feels, just crammed with stories etched into its very walls. It’s a place where the aroma of spices hangs heavy in the air, that definitely can hit you the second you get there and the sounds of a thousand conversations create this constant background buzz. To truly soak up all the character, I reckon a walking tour, like the ‘Hidden Havelis & Bazaars Walk’, is possibly the best way. I gave one a go recently and I’m going to break down what I thought, alright? Let’s have a look, like your friend would, and tell you if it’s possibly worth the time and cash, and, just maybe, offer you some pointers if you fancy trying it yourself.

First Impressions: Meeting Your Guide

So, the tour kicked off right outside the Chawri Bazaar metro station, really easy to find, it actually is. My guide, whose name was Omar, was really easy to spot, and actually he had this really warm smile and seemed genuinely pumped to show us around, you know? Right away, I could tell Omar wasn’t just churning out facts, no, definitely not; you see, he appeared to have a proper connection to the city and all its histories. To be fair though, and I really mean this, a good guide makes or breaks a walking tour, that’s very true isn’t it? It’s nice to feel that warmth, I suppose.

Stepping into the Havelis: A Peek into History

Right, the highlight of the tour, certainly for me anyway, and just maybe other people too, that was wandering through the havelis. Now, havelis, for those not familiar, are these old, grand mansions, and yes, they are just really beautiful. That, that much I can tell you now. You get transported back to another era as you duck down the narrow side streets to find them. Actually, what I thought was particularly great about this experience was that it wasn’t just about looking at the structure of them from the outside. To tell you the truth I half thought it would be. We were very privileged, like your posh aunt who has keys to all sorts of places, to get to poke about inside a few, too, like proper sticky beaks, if you get me, like when you see something cool at your friends and you just want to know all about it? It gives you like this fantastic insight into the families who once lived there, and how they actually lived. Like peeking at something very secretive that really comes to life. Omar regaled us with yarns of the former inhabitants, bringing the faded walls really back to life, really and truly he did. I even think he showed us some images. It certainly brought it to life for us anyway!

The Bazaars: A Sensory Overload

The tour also winds through the heart of Old Delhi’s bazaars, alright. I’m talking about Kinari Bazaar (for wedding stuff), Dariba Kalan (for silver jewelry), and the spice market, that actually smelled amazing. Be aware, you see, these places can get seriously crowded, more or less the type of places that I generally find quite stressful at times, but actually Omar helped to navigate the chaos. Which was handy because there’s quite a lot of people, like your Saturday morning shop but probably much more busy if I was to guess. He had some really neat tips on things such as how to barter (although I’m still rubbish at that!) and how to spot the best quality stuff, too it’s almost like I came back knowing how to shop, in a way! I managed to bag myself some beautiful spices and, I have to say, some very pretty earrings at really good prices. One thing, just maybe, is to watch your bags, because it gets so packed. Maybe just stick to what Omar says, as he knows the place! But the atmosphere is electric; you really won’t have seen or smelt anything like it, alright!

Food, Glorious Food!

Now, what tour of Old Delhi is complete without a sample of its legendary street food? You wouldn’t think, well maybe you would, that this would be factored into the tour, but you would be right. Omar took us to a few of his trusted vendors, you see. Now this is what I want when I get to some place like this. Trying a variety of snacks that possibly you might not normally go for. You can get all the tastes of Old Delhi this way! We chomped on gol gappe (burst-in-your-mouth, hollow fried bread with tangy water) and some really lovely, possibly slightly spicy, jalebis (those swirly, syrupy sweets), you know? Obviously, because he has done it so much, he really knew the places where the hygiene was, to be fair, quite good-ish! Which is very helpful. Street food isn’t always for the faint of heart! You know?

Things to keep in your thoughts

Alright, you know it would be nice to offer up some advice if you actually do decide to give it a whirl? Let’s think about this for a moment.

Wear comfy shoes: Like really, do wear good footwear, because you’ll be on your feet a fair bit, probably more or less the whole time. It would be sensible if they were possibly waterproof as well.
Dress appropriately: It’s best to dress modestly, you know, out of respect for local customs. You actually do get to see the place more respectfully anyway, don’t you think?
Stay hydrated: Possibly pack a bottle of water, it will make you feel a million dollars. Old Delhi can get super-hot, and, what’s more, very hectic. This way you actually can sip as you go!
Listen to your guide: What is important to understand is that these individuals know this place inside out, and can definitely make your experience better, and, furthermore, keep you away from danger.
Be open to new things: This is maybe something important in day-to-day life anyway, but also it really does make travel what it should be. Really make the most of it! Be that interesting street food or places that actually challenge your outlook.

Well it sounds alright, if you think of these things anyway.

Is It Worth It? My Overall Thoughts

This walking tour, you see, it’s much more than a sightseeing trip. To tell the truth that’s what I thought it was at first! It’s an experience. To summarise the whole tour, what I thought was fantastic, arguably even the best, was being plunged into the history, what’s more into the atmosphere, by what was arguably a proper guide. Being whisked away into what is such a different part of the world. Ok, possibly India. But I have to say what Omar did was special, and it really felt unique. So you get your steps in, experience history and culture that actually goes back centuries, try different tastes, maybe challenge your senses. In general, I reckon, if you’re in Delhi and fancy something authentic, well then, this ‘Hidden Havelis & Bazaars Walk’ probably will tick the boxes! Give it a go! You have the review now anyway.