Touring Old Delhi

Pulsing with energy and color, Old Delhi is intersected by a maze of narrow lanes, with twists and turns between the buildings. Delhi was intentionally built in narrow alleyways so as to make the city difficult to invade. A bicycle rickshaw ride through the Old Bazaar area is a wonderful way to see the different areas, each of which sell—wholesale and retail—one specific type of product. For instance, the ‘trimmings’ area leads to the ‘sari’ area, which is followed by the ‘musical instruments’ area.

Visit the 17th-century Red Fort, a monument to the city in red sandstone, and the original home of the famously extravagant Peacock Throne. The Jama Masjid, with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes is not to be missed, along with Chandni Chowk square, one of the oldest and busiest markets of India.