Night Tour Of New Delhi

You will be picked up from your hotel driven to the metro station in Connaught Place where you will meet your guide.

From there walk down the horseshoe shaped market of Connaught Place. Named after Prince Arthur, the first Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, this is one of the largest commercial districts of Delhi. It was built between 1929 and 1933 and has several well preserved heritage structures. Some of the shops have been in existence for over 70 years. Do stop at Wenger’s, one of the oldest bakeries in Delhi, to savor some of their delectable pastries and kebabs (beverage excluded).

Next turn in to the road leading to Regal cinema and walk down to Hanuman Mandir, an ancient Hindu temple that is claimed to be one of the five temples dating back to the time of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The present day temple is believed to have been built originally by Maharaja Man Singh I during the reign of Emperor Akbar (1542-1605). It was reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724, around the same time that the Jantar Mantar observatory was built. Since then, the temple has undergone several renovations.

After visiting the temple, stop for tea and refreshments before continuing on to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, built in memory of the 8th Sikh Guru Harkrishan Sahib. It is one of the most prominent Gurdwaras of Delhi and can be recognized from a distance with its golden dome and tall flagpole. The Gurdwara was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh in the 17th century. Guru Harkrishan Sahib resided here during his stay in 1664. During that time there was an outbreak of cholera and smallpox in Delhi. The Sikh Guru tended to the sick from this house. Later he too contracted the disease and died of it. Maharaja Jai Singh built a water tank, Sarovar, on the site of the well in the house. The water of the Sarovar is believed to have healing properties and is revered by Sikhs. The present day Gurdwara comprises the main temple building, the Sarovar, a rest house and a school. The basement houses a hospital, an art gallery and a museum.

Next hop into a tuk-tuk and drive to India Gate. This is an Arc-de-Triomphe like 140 feet high gateway that was constructed as a War Memorial in memory of the 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian army who lost their lives during the First World War. An eternal flame burns night and day at the Gate to commemorate the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the India-Pakistan War of 1971. Stroll up the broad avenue and enjoy the cool evening breeze. This spot remains a favorite place for families and young ones to enjoy an ice cream from the several carts that are lined close by.

Get back in the tuk-tuk to return to your starting point from where you will be driven back to your hotel.