A walk from the 13th century to 21st in Old Delhi

Walk with a passionate Delhi historian who will take you back centuries in time with the rich heritage of the medieval era of Delhi. Lose yourself in the history of the city over different centuries starting from as early as the 13th century.

Delhi’s rich culture and heritage have always been a wonder, the architectural excellence portrayed by the different monument being unparalleled across the world. Numerous dynasties that ruled the kingdom with Delhi as their capital have left their marks on the city with monuments, palaces, courts, religious places and gardens. Your insightful host will relay the history and legends related to every monument. 

This fascinating trail starts at the Adham’s tomb located near the Qutub Complex. This monument holds a unique octagonal structure unseen in any Mughal buildings of that time. It is assumed that the design is designated to traitors.

Further during the walk, you will see the Gandhak ki Baoli and the Rajon ki Baoli, which are the step-wells from the 13th and 16th centuries respectively. The latter was popularly known as the step-well of ‘Masons’. The trail also involves numerous mausoleums that include Quli Khan’s mausoleum, the Jamali Kamali mausoleum, the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban as well as an unnamed mausoleum that dates back to the late 15th or early 16th century.

The Metcalf’s bridge built in the 19th century leads to Mohammed Quli Khan’s tomb. This tomb was later converted into a 19th-century Colonial style summer house by a British resident – Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe and is now known as Metcalfe's Folly. Further along, you will see the mosque and mausoleum of Sheikh Fazi-Ullah which is more popularly known as the Jamali Kamali mosque and mausoleum. They display a beautiful combination of glazed tiles and stucco work that is spectacular.

The last venue of this walking tour will be the splendid mausoleum of Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban which claims the earliest use of true arch and dome. The trail ends with a jump back into the 21st century. Return home with a treasure trove of information, experience and rustic images of medieval Delhi to cherish for a lifetime.