Delhi: Old & New City Private Tour with Rickshaw Ride & Sikh Kitchen

Summary

Old Delhi chaos to Mughal tombs with street food and Sikh kindness

You’ll ride a rickshaw through Old Delhi’s wildest markets, taste fresh chai among spice sellers, help make roti at a Sikh temple kitchen, and wander Mughal gardens at Humayun’s Tomb—all with your own guide and driver handling every detail. Expect noise, color, kindness—and moments you’ll replay long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day squeezed between two aunties on a rickshaw in Chandni Chowk, but here we were—our guide Rishi grinning as he waved us into the tuk-tuk. The driver shouted something over his shoulder (Rishi translated: “Hold tight!”) and we lurched into the maze. There was this moment when the scent of frying samosas hit me at the same time as someone selling marigolds brushed past—so many layers of sound and smell that I just gave up trying to process it all. Rishi pointed out spice shops older than my country, and I tried saying “mirch” for chili powder. He laughed, so I probably butchered it.

Jama Masjid was quieter than I’d imagined—huge red stones still warm from the sun, even though it was barely noon. People moved slowly across the courtyard, some praying, others just sitting in silence. We wandered through Khari Baoli next; I sneezed twice from all that chili dust in the air. It’s weird how you can feel so anonymous in a crowd like that—nobody cares what you’re doing, everyone’s just busy living their own day. We stopped for chai (Rishi insisted), and honestly, it tasted different here—spicier maybe? Or maybe it was just the context.

The private car felt like a small miracle after that chaos. Air conditioning humming quietly while we zipped past India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan—both grand but somehow less alive than Old Delhi’s streets. At Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a volunteer handed me a dough ball for making roti in the langar kitchen. My circle looked more like Australia than India but nobody minded; there was this gentle patience as they showed me how to flatten it right. The smell of ghee and hundreds of people eating together—it sticks with you.

Humayun’s Tomb was our last big stop before heading back—a calm place with birds flitting around domes and couples taking selfies under arches. Our guide told us stories about empresses and architects that made history feel less distant somehow. By then my feet hurt but I didn’t really want to leave yet—you know that feeling? Delhi’s got this way of making you want five more minutes everywhere you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Old and New Delhi

• Pick up from hotel or location
• Enjoy tuk-tuk ride in Old Delhi bazaars
• Explore Asia’s largest spice market
• Visit Jama Masjid mosque
• Experience street food in Chandni Chowk
• Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and make roti
• Drive past India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan
• Explore Humayun’s Tomb
• Visit Raj Ghat memorial
• Explore Qutub Minar complex
• Visit Lotus Temple
• Drop off at original or preferred location

Top questions

How long does the Old & New Delhi tour take?

The private city tour typically lasts a full day (about 8 hours), depending on your chosen pickup time and pace.

Is hotel pickup included in this Delhi city tour?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup is included from anywhere in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad or Faridabad.

What are the main stops on this private tour?

You’ll visit Jama Masjid, Khari Baoli spice market, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (with kitchen), India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (outside), Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple (if open).

Is food included or do we buy our own?

No set meal is included but you can sample street food in Chandni Chowk or join the free community lunch at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes—the tour can be tailored to your interests if you request changes after booking.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes—it is wheelchair accessible including transportation options and most sites visited.

Are monument entry fees included?

Entry fees are included only if you select the “with tickets” booking option; otherwise you pay separately at each site.

What should I wear for visiting religious sites?

Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees for mosques and temples. Head coverings may be required at some locations like Jama Masjid or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (scarves usually provided).

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned car transport with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Delhi or nearby cities; all monument entrance fees if selected; an expert local guide throughout; bottled water in the vehicle; taxes; plus a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk—and time to try your hand at making roti during lunch service at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib before returning comfortably at day’s end.