Delhi: Old & New City Private Tour with Rickshaw Ride

Summary

Delhi’s layers in one day—mosques, markets, and Mughal echoes

You’ll weave through Old & New Delhi in a private car with your own guide—riding a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, pausing for silence at Lotus Temple, tasting spice-laden air in Khari Baoli, and wandering barefoot across Jama Masjid’s stone floors. Expect laughter, stories from locals, hotel pickup and drop-off—all wrapped into one vivid day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the rickshaw bell cut through the honking and chatter in Chandni Chowk. Our guide, Ritu, waved us onto the narrow seat—she said it’s the only way to really feel Old Delhi’s pulse. The air was thick with cardamom and something frying (I never did find out what), and every corner seemed to have someone selling marigolds or shouting prices. I gripped the side as we dodged cows and scooters; Ritu just laughed and pointed out a tiny doorway where her grandmother used to buy spices. It felt like being inside a story that didn’t pause for tourists.

We’d started earlier at Qutub Minar—honestly, I hadn’t expected the stonework to be so detailed up close. The sunlight caught on ancient carvings, and there was this hush even with schoolkids running around. Later at Lotus Temple, everyone went quiet without being told—it’s just that kind of space. The marble was cool under my hand. Humayun’s Tomb looked different than photos—redder maybe? Or maybe it was just the dust in the afternoon light. Our driver kept handing us cold water bottles; small thing but I appreciated it more as the day got warmer.

I think my favorite moment might’ve been standing barefoot in Jama Masjid while pigeons fluttered overhead. There was incense somewhere nearby and a kid grinned at me when I tried to tie my shoe one-handed (not my best look). We stopped at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib too—the volunteers were serving food inside, and Ritu explained how anyone can eat there regardless of background. That stuck with me longer than any monument honestly.

By the time we passed Red Fort’s walls—the sun low enough to make everything look gold—I realized we’d covered so much ground but somehow hadn’t rushed. Maybe that’s what having a local guide does for you: you get stories instead of just facts. Delhi isn’t tidy or simple; it’s noisy, layered, sometimes overwhelming—and I still think about that rickshaw bell echoing long after we left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New and Old Delhi highlights

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Qutub Minar
• Visit Lotus Temple
• Explore Humayun's Tomb
• Visit India Gate
• Pass by Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• Explore Jama Masjid
• Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
• Visit Khari Baoli spice market
• Pass by Gurudwara Sis Ganj
• Pass by Red Fort
• Drop off at hotel or preferred location

Top questions

How long is this private Delhi tour?

The tour lasts between 4 to 8 hours depending on your preference.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off are included in Delhi.

What are some highlights of this day trip?

You’ll visit Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, Jama Masjid, Khari Baoli spice market, Red Fort (from outside), and two Sikh temples.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No traditional lunch is included but mineral water bottles are provided throughout the day.

Can I customize which sites we visit?

Yes—the itinerary is customizable within Old & New Delhi based on your interests.

Are entrance fees included?

If you select that option during booking, all monument entrance fees are included.

Is this tour suitable for families or wheelchair users?

Yes—the tour is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available upon request.

Will there be a local guide with us all day?

Yes—a knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout the tour in your preferred language.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned car transport with a friendly driver, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Delhi city limits, monument entrance fees if booked as an option, guidance from a local expert at every stop in your chosen language, all parking fees plus fuel and taxes covered by them—not you—a classic rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes (hold on tight!), plenty of bottled mineral water along the way so you won’t go thirsty before heading back to your hotel or wherever you’d like to end up.