Architecture

Have you ever wondered what the first City of Delhi looked like? How rich is the past of Delhi and who were the people that ruled this place? If you want to find your answers, join  Delhi Walks® for an interesting Heritage Walk in the first city of Delhi – Mehrauli.

 Delve into a realm where mighty empires rose and fell, where love stories were etched in sandstone, and where the echoes of bygone eras still whisper through winding alleyways. Unlock the secrets of Delhi’s primordial crown jewel – Mehrauli, the first city that spawned an epic tapestry of dynasties, intrigues, and architectural marvels. Go back with us to a time when Delhi first saw any urban settlement.

Mehrauli literally derives its name from the word ‘Mehr‘ or the blessing of Allah. However, this city was not established by the first Muslim rulers but by the first ruler of Delhi, Anangpal Tomar. It was later extended by Prithviraj Chauhan and got the name Qila Rai Pithora. It was only under the later rulers that the city got its name Mehrauli. Our Mai Mehrauli Hoo signature experience will transport you to an age when the Tomars and Chauhans ruled supreme, leaving behind a trail of wonders waiting to be rediscovered by the modern wanderer’s eye.

As you stride through the ancient Mehrauli Archaeological Park, prepare to be spellbound by the ethereal tomb of Balban’s son. Behold its weathered cenotaph, once enchanted to release enticing fragrances befitting a fallen sultan’s final resting place. Let your imagination soar as our walk leaders® weave tales of Balban’s dramatic rise and decline, breathing vibrant life into stone facades.

But that’s merely a whisper of the marvels awaiting you. Around the next corner, an architectural gem captures the boundless depths of human affection – the iconic blue-tiled Jamali Kamali tomb and mosque. This breathtaking complex immortalizes the legendary romance between two brave souls, Jamali and Kamali, whose love for one another defied societal norms. As you gaze upon exquisite jali lattices and lotus motifs and unravel the symbolism behind them with our walk leaders® , you’ll be transported into a world where love knows no boundaries and architecture was used to physically manifest this beautiful human emotion.

As our journey unfolds, you’ll encounter an open-air museum of Delhi’s dynastic legacies. From the majestic Lodhi Tombs to the ancient stepwells of Rajon Ki Baoli and Daulat Khan’s mausoleum, remnants of mighty Tomar, Chauhan, and Mughal empires emerge from every crevice. All around, exotic bird calls and lush flora create a verdant paradise lost to the modern concrete jungle.

Be ready to notice the perfect picturesque spot at Rajon ki Baoli. If you are a person fascinated by water bodies, this is the perfect place for you.

But the show stealer  awaits at the exquisite Dilkhusha palace and boat house complex. Once a Mughal nobleman’s final repose, this sandstone marvel was ingeniously transformed into a lavish honeymoon retreat by the English aristocrat Thomas Metcalfe. As you wander amidst shimmering fountains and ornate lattice archways, let our impassioned narrators sweep you into the era when love conquered all boundaries – even death itself. It won’t be an exaggeration to say one is often transferred to a charming English town at Dilkusha.

On this multi-sensory odyssey, you won’t just bear witness to Mehrauli’s captivating history – you’ll become fully immersed within its beating heart and soul. Our  walk leaders® will regale you with priceless anecdotes, ancient legends, and vivid tales that blur the lines between past and present. From the grand visions of Tomar kings to the opulent indulgences of Mughal nobles and cunning colonial reconfigurations, every brick and turret will whisper secrets into your spellbound senses.

When you finally emerge from this transcendent time-warp, the modern Delhi sprawl will feel like a mere afterthought. For you’ll have experienced the true genesis of this great empire – a saga of passion, conquest, and resplendent grandeur that few are privileged to witness firsthand.

Today, Mehrauli is overshadowed by the mighty Qutub Minar. But Mehrauli is one of the most historically rich complexes of Delhi. It is now used by early-morning joggers and students who want to enjoy the newly built cafe in the complex. But, after this experience, you would have seen the time travel that Mehrauli Archaeological Park is.

Indulge your thirst for discovery and ignite your wanderlust! Secure your place on the “Mai Mehrauli Hoo” heritage trail by joining India City Walks® and Delhi Walks®. Let us peel back the velvet curtains of history and whisk you into a world where love, art, and power converge in breathtaking symbiosis. An experience simply unmatched by any “sights and bites” tour, this is your gateway into the primordial soul of Delhi.

Walk with us® to get whisked away into a realm where passion defies mortality, where grandiose visions are etched in stone, and where every crevice holds the promise of rediscovering lost eras. Join us in an odyssey that will forever intertwine your spirit with the magnificent genesis of Delhi’s great saga.

You can reach us on +91 989 969 2790 or email share@delhiwalks.in

 If you’re familiar with the magnificent Red Fort of Delhi, you know it’s the place where the Prime Ministers of India hoist the national flag to celebrate the country’s independence. It’s the very spot where the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, stood and delivered his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech. However, how many of us truly understand the rich history that lies within the walls of this iconic structure?

Walk with us® on an incredible journey to explore the majestic beauty of the Red Fort’s architecture.  Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of its past that will certainly leave you awe-struck and gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs that echo within its walls. With India City Walks and Delhi Walks, you’ll embark on an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For centuries, the imposing sandstone walls of Delhi’s magnificent Red Fort have stood witness to the epic saga of royal dynasties, struggles for power, and India’s historic march towards independence. It appears as if it has survived the whims of cruel time. Our walk in this historic structure also known as Qila-e-Mubarak takes place in a chronological order wherein stories of establishment of the Mughal dynasty mark the beginning of the walk. The saga of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, naturally, marks the end of this experience. Owing to this nature of the walk, one gains deeper insights into how Mughal history unfolded in the Indian subcontinent thus making the experience of history and culture enthusiasts, tourists trying to understand roots of India, and individuals part of the educational ecosystem.

Our tales from the Red Fort signature experience will immerse you in the triumphs, intrigues, and extravagant lifestyles of Shah Jahan’s mighty citadel like no other. One will be amazed to notice the precision of courtly etiquettes practiced in the royal court. If you are someone who spends hours watching period pieces, this is an experience designed especially  for you! Ofcourse, there is drama on one hand and extraordinary beauty of human relationships on the other.

Crossing the imperial moat, you’ll enter through the Delhi Gate – the same regal passage once graced by the emperor himself. Then marvel at the grand Lahore Gate, whose arches have borne witness to colonial subjugation and India’s defiant struggle for freedom.

Within the mighty sandstone ramparts, a dazzling new world awaits. Lose yourself in the buzzing Chatta Chowk bazaars, where vibrant awnings and fragrant delicacies conjure visions of royal opulence. Gaze upwards at the incredibly carved ceilings that once shaded Mughal princes and princesses alike. This pitstop is nothing less than a testament to the vibrancy of Indian markets. From embroidered shawls to Mughal handicrafts, you name it, they have it! Shopkeepers of the market claim to have been here since no less than a century.

From ancient stepping stones emerges a breathtaking panorama of Shah Jahan’s grand creations. Ever thought about the relationship that music shared with the Mughal court? Did you know that it was a love affair that was responsible for the deterioration of this relationship? Detailed answers to these questions will be woven into stories at the regal drum house of the palace- Naubat Khana.

Stand in awe before the vacant throne of the Diwan-i-Aam, envisioning the Peacock masterpiece that once embodied Mughal grandeur. Stories about this structure will certainly give one a sneak-peak into a day in the Mughal court.

The stunning Mumtaz Mahal palace named for the emperor’s cherished wife, the intricately tiled Rang Mahal with its mesmerizing cascade – all unfurl before you in timeless glory.  Glimpse the hammam baths to uncover long-forgotten bathing rituals with our expert storytelling. The structures, carved in white marble, convey flavours of royalty. These structures look no less than a set for a movie in their full glory.

 As you meander through ornate pleasure pavilions and private bedchambers, our passionate walk leaders® will bring tales of royal romance, political machinations, and hard-won freedom struggles alive in the most authentic way possible. From peak political drama to the beauty of human relationships, our heritage walk in Red Fort covers finest stories of portrayal of human emotions.

As you pass through lush, sculpted gardens and opulent palace pavilions, prepare to be regaled with thrilling accounts of some of the strongest women that Indian history has ever seen – the influential Jahanara and the defiant Zebunnisa -dotting the palace structure with their individual assertions of love and desire. Ever wondered about royal suitors  risking everything to indulge in forbidden romances? Our walk leaders® got your back with the finest soul-stirring stories about it!

And just when you thought you’ve experienced it all, prepare to be dazzled! From the exquisite marble domes of Moti Masjid to Sawan-Bhadon’s ornamental ode to nature’s cycles – every turn reveals another magnificent bygone jewel.

The experience will end at the Zafar Mahal which awaits to reveal sagas of pain, suffering, and regrets. How did such a mighty dynasty of Mughals decline? Was it because of internal or external reasons? To know more on similar lines, join our experience in the magnificent Qila-e-Mubarak.

This isn’t just any heritage tour – it’s an all-encompassing sensory odyssey transporting you into the heart of Shah Jahan’s epic rule. So don’t just visit Old Delhi’s crown glory – immerse yourself in its very essence- See Delhi from the Eye of Delhite®!

Be among the select few to experience tales of Qila-e-Mubarak with Delhi Walks® this season. Our limited-batch journeys grant you exclusive access to revel in the fort’s mysteries as few ever can. Walk With Us® into a realm where Mughal opulence still lives and breathes! This experience is no less than a time travel, do not delay!

You can reach us on +91 989 969 2790 or email share@delhiwalks.in