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This article is an itinerary.

Footloose in Old Delhi is a half-day walking tour in the Walled City of Delhi, India.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Prepare

The trip is best done on any day except Sunday, as many shops are closed then. Saturdays, on the other hand, tend to be particularly busy.

Bring a bottle of water and your camera, but leave any other valuables at home — the Old City is crowded and there are pickpockets lurking about.

[edit] Get in

The starting point of the tour is Chawri Bazaar station on Delhi Metro Line 2 (Red), and the endpoint is Chandni Chowk, the next station on the line.

[edit] Walk

The Chawri Bazaar station has two unconnected exits, so take the north one to Chawri Bazaar, not the south one towards Ajmeri Gate.

As you clamber to the surface, you'll find yourself in the middle of a bustling bazaar — this is Chawri Bazaar. Hail a cyclerickshaw and ask him to take you to Jama Masjid, which shouldn't cost more than 20 rupees. It's not far in terms of distance, but it'll take a while, as the bazaar here is always packed to the hilt, but this just gives you a good chance to look around. Many shops on Chawri Bazaar and adjoining Nai Sarak are devoted to stationery, and in particular the colorful, handmade and exquisite invitations that are a prerequisite for any Indian wedding.

Soon you'll see the great dome of Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, looming ahead. The cyclerickshaw will drop you off at one of the gates, so take off your shoes and head in. Entry is free, but a photo permit is Rs.200 and the gatekeeper will want a little baksheesh if he keeps your shoes for you. Don't miss the climb to the minaret (an extra Rs.20) for great views of the city.

• To add: Karim's

Eastward from Jama Masjid, you'll Meena Bazar, a popular flea market with antiques (and not-so-antiques) — it's also known as Chor Bazar or "Thieves' Market", so hold onto your wallet and don't believe every claim you hear.

Head out from the mosque's north gate and follow the curving road, then turn left. Many shops here specialize in fireworks, another Indian wedding staple, but right up the road is Cycle Market, which deals not just in bicycles, but in cameras.

You've now reached Chandni Chowk, the central street of the area. It was built by Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, as a tree-lined, half-moon shaped promenade (hence the name, "Moon Market"), but little but the name remains. To the east is Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, a major Jain temple, and behind it is the Lahore Gate entrance to the Red Fort (Lal Qila), but that's worth half a day in itself and best left for another day.

To add:

• Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib
• Gali Paranthewali
• Jalebis
• Ghantewala (sohan halwa)
• Haldiram
• Bhagirath Palace (largest electrical goods market in Asia)
• Kinari Bazaar (wedding stuff)
• St. James Church (Skinner's church)

[edit] Stay safe

Old Delhi is full of pickpockets, so don't take any more than you need and keep an eye on your cameras and bags. Though the chances of losing things is high, those of finding them are too, on the same day if luck favours. This is because most of the stolen articles reach the Chor Bazaar, or Thieves Market, where you can buy your own articles back rather cheaply!

[edit] Get out

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