“To truly know Delhi, one must be touring Delhi off the beaten path. Join Arjun and Yadram, a curious photographer and an enigmatic storyteller, as they journey through the city’s hidden treasures, unveiling the magic of touring Delhi.”
Some facts, some storytelling, and then the disclaimer comes at the last.
A Meeting of Curiosity and Wisdom while Touring Delhi
The narrow lanes of Old Delhi hummed with life as Arjun adjusted his camera to capture a rickshaw framed by crumbling haveli walls. A raspy voice broke his concentration.
“Trying to trap time, are we?”
Startled, he turned to see an elderly man leaning on a cane, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Call me Yadram,” the man said. “I’ve spent decades with Delhi’s stories. If you want to see its soul, follow me. The best treasures aren’t in the guidebooks.”
1. Begumpur Masjid: The Forgotten Mosque
Yadram’s first stop was this serene mosque, hidden amidst modern-day Hauz Khas. Its vast courtyard, framed by weathered arches, seemed to breathe tranquillity.
Fun Fact: Begumpur Masjid was a key religious site in Jahanpanah, one of the seven historical cities of Delhi, envisioned as a refuge from invaders.
Travel Tip: Visit at sunrise for golden-hour shots. Be mindful of its sanctity—dress modestly and avoid loud conversations.
2. Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal: A Lodge of Legends
“Do you feel the chill?” Yadram teased as they approached this desolate lodge in Karol Bagh. Its eerie silence was almost palpable.
Fun Fact: Its name, translating to “the palace of the forgotten woman,” fuels speculation about ghostly sightings and mysterious happenings.
Travel Tip: Stick to daylight visits. The mahal is not for the faint-hearted but perfect for thrill-seekers or moody photography.
“Through every lane and fading hue,
Lies Delhi’s charm, both old and new.”
3. Jamali Kamali Tomb and Mosque: Poetry in Stone
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park housed their next stop. The tomb of Jamali, a revered Sufi poet, and Kamali, his enigmatic companion, oozed mystique.
Fun Fact: Jamali’s poetry, carved within the tomb, offers a glimpse into the spiritual richness of the Mughal era.
Travel Tip: Carry a picnic and explore nearby ruins after your visit. The golden light at dusk is a photographer’s dream.
4. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort: Whispering Walls
“Careful,” Yadram murmured, lighting incense at a dark corner of the fort. “The djinns here listen closely.” Arjun’s curiosity deepened as he explored the crumbling ruins.
Fun Fact: This fort is home to an Ashokan pillar, proving the brilliance of Mauryan engineering centuries before the fort was built.
Travel Tip: Join a guided tour to uncover its layered history and avoid getting lost in its maze-like passages.
“In Delhi’s heart, whispers persist,
Of kings and djinns and mists untwist.”
5. Tughlaqabad Fort: A Cursed Citadel
Once a symbol of power, Tughlaqabad Fort now stands as a vast, eerie reminder of its builder’s ambition and a Sufi saint’s wrath.
Fun Fact: Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq ordered a baoli (stepwell) for the fort, but it was destroyed before completion—a result of the saint’s curse, they say.
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars to spot birds that inhabit the surrounding wilderness.
6. Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli: A Poet’s Abode
The lanes of Ballimaran led them to the haveli of Urdu’s finest poet, Mirza Ghalib. Arjun could almost hear the echoes of his verses.
Fun Fact: The haveli houses Ghalib’s handwritten letters, giving rare insight into his musings.
Travel Tip: Pair your visit with a culinary adventure in Old Delhi, sampling kebabs and jalebis.
7. Adham Khan’s Tomb: An Octagonal Enigma
This imposing tomb near Mehrauli held the tragic tale of Akbar’s foster brother, Adham Khan.
Fun Fact: Its octagonal design deviates from typical Mughal tombs, reflecting its builder’s rebellious nature.
Travel Tip: Visit during winter afternoons for serene views and fewer crowds.
“From Mughal hearts and Sufi songs,
Delhi sings where it belongs.”
8. Zafar Mahal: The Last Emperor’s Longing
This crumbling palace whispered stories of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the poet-emperor whose final wish—to rest here—was unfulfilled.
Fun Fact: The annual Phool Walon Ki Sair festival celebrates unity, a tradition revived by Zafar himself.
Travel Tip: Coordinate your visit with the festival to enjoy vibrant processions and cultural events.
9. Agrasen Ki Baoli: Steps Through Time
This iconic stepwell, hidden amidst Connaught Place’s chaos, held Arjun spellbound. “Imagine,” Yadram mused, “lovers once met here under the stars.”
Fun Fact: Its acoustics amplify sounds, creating an eerie effect as you descend its steps.
Travel Tip: Avoid weekends to experience its haunting serenity without crowds.
10. Chor Minar: The Tower of Thieves
Their journey ended at Hauz Khas, where Chor Minar stood as a grim yet fascinating piece of medieval justice.
Fun Fact: Legend says its holes displayed impaled heads to deter crime during Alauddin Khalji’s reign.
Travel Tip: Enjoy contrasting the minar’s dark history with the lively Hauz Khas Village nearby.
Conclusion: Finding Stories in Silence
As their journey ended, Arjun felt Delhi’s layers revealing themselves. “Yadram,” he said, “you’ve shown me a city I never knew existed.”
Yadram chuckled. “That’s Delhi. It hides its gems for those who dare to look.”
“Through timeless ruins and whispers low,
Delhi’s hidden gems in glory glow.”
Bonus Tip: Discover Mughal Flavours
Arjun’s favourite moment? Savouring Nihari, a slow-cooked stew of meat, spices, and bone marrow. Yadram chuckled, “Now that’s a dish worthy of emperors.” Curious travellers can learn how to prepare this dish through culinary courses in Delhi designed to immerse you in Mughal culinary artistry.
Plan Your Adventure: Start your journey with our touring Delhi tours.
To capture the hidden gems of Delhi, you might consider joining a photography workshop in India that focuses on exploring lesser-known spots
Disclaimer Text
The characters and scenarios depicted in this blog post are fictional and created for storytelling purposes. However, the historical context and significance mentioned, along with the experiences described, are based on real events and traditions. I do not intend to offend any beliefs or sentiments; if any content is found to be inappropriate or offensive, please let me know, and I will make the necessary adjustments. As an aspiring author, I am experimenting with various formats to enhance my storytelling skills. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
