Start your Old Delhi experience by meeting your guide outside the walled city's main attraction, the Red Fort, around which Shahjahanabad was planned.
After completing your tour of the fort palace, the former home of Mughal emperors, you'll see the red-colored Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir across the street─a Jain temple known for its bird hospital. Continuing along Chandni Chowk, pass by Gauri Shankar Temple, and stop outside Begum Samru's Palace to listen to the story of this Nautch (dancing) girl who became the ruler of a small principality in the 18th century.
Then you can either walk or take a rickshaw ride (own expense) to Dariba Kalan, a lane know for its silver jewelry, before continuing to one of the most colorful streets in all of Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, which never fails to mesmerize any shopping enthusiast with its beautiful laces and wedding items. The bazaar is also where well-known Indian designers purchase goods. Amid this hustle and bustle lies a quiet lane called Naughara, lined with havelis (mansions) of beautiful architecture. The highlight is the Jain temple at the end of the lane.
Next, you can try a bite of the famous deep-fried stuffed breads known as parathas at the Paranthe Wali Gali, and then follow your guide through Malliwara, a street known for Indian ethnic wear; ladies are welcome to try wrapping themselves up in an authentic sari. Then continue to the Nai Sarak, meaning 'New Street,' a lane known for its stationery and bookshops. As you come out onto the main street of Chandni Chowk, you'll see an imposing colonial building in front of you. Listen to commentary about this former palace, and then walk down the street to see Fatehpuri Mosque and visit Asia's biggest wholesale spice market, Khari Baoli, where huge quantities of spices are loaded, carried, and unloaded simultaneously in the shops.
Next, take a rickshaw ride (own cost) down to Jama Masjid, the largest congregational mosque in India, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s and known for its architectural grandeur.
Throughout your tour, your guide will help you taste authentic Indian snacks (own cost) as you experience a bit of the lifestyle of Old Delhi.