Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” And, he was probably right. Walking tours are one of the best ways to discover something unique and distinct. Customised walking tours are now one of the most sought modes of recreation in the country. You can choose where you want to ‘walk’ that is in its literal sense.
Moreover, you will be able to relate to the place better as you are on your feet rather than being confined to a metal chassis that goes with the wind. If walking really appeals to you, then why not try some walking tours in India?
Besides, rejuvenating yourself as you walk in the streets, it will also allow you to witness the beauty that India carries in its domicile. There are over ten beautiful destinations made for walking tours in the country, read on, to take a tour of the best places for walking tours in India.
Best Places for Walking Tours in India:
1. Hop on the rocky terrain in Hyderabad
The beauty of the Deccan Plateau is impeccable. The rocks shine amidst the greenery and the hillocks where they rest. There are amazing rock formations in this region each of which grabs the sight of eyes towards itself.
The part of the plateau that falls at Hyderabad is quite eye catchy for the rocks found in this region are granite that reflect the rays of the sun and apparently these rocks are older than the Himalayas, that would make them around 2,500 million years old.
As you walk by the rocky patch, you have an amazing opportunity to discover the history behind the formations, a whole new world of birds, hidden rivers trickling down the lane. With insane names like Hamburger, Mushroom as per their shapes, the rocks will get your imagination run wild.
This walk tour is conducted on every third Sunday of the month and your imagination can dwell deeper in them every time you visit the place. The tour is free of cost, but the experience will definitely take you a long way.
2. When the divine spirits visit Kolkata
The best time to visit Kolkata is during Durga Pooja, but the real fun is when you see the off stage preparations on the auspicious day. All you have to do is take a walk in the by lanes of the old Kumartuli’s road, which is also called the Potter’s Town. You will be greeted with some of the most beautiful craftsmen’s works where the different kinds Durga idols adore the streets. Besides witnessing the strongest of Goddesses standing tall, you will also be a part of the lifestyle of the tender hands that mold these idols with utmost care and worship.
You can start off at around 6 am in the morning from the Armenian Ghat where you can catch a glimpse of early morning wrestling followed by the natives of the city. The next stop would be the flower market. This place is more or less like a bouquet of rainbows filled with the most vibrant colors while the fragrance of fresh flowers refreshes your mind and body. Then comes the Howrah Bridge followed by the Old Mint and the Nimtala burning ghat. This walking tour is free of cost.
3. Food and more food, a walk in the streets of Old Delhi
If you are an Indian, you are a foodie by default. If you are done relishing the juicy and tender chunks of meat and seafood roasted in the most aromatic of spices, then why not try going vegetarian for a short period. Test your tastebuds on the unique ‘Baniya’ vegetarian street food at Sitaram Bazar, Old Delhi. As you walk by the street, you can also have a look at different spices that go into an Indian cooking bowl as you treat yourself to a sumptuous meal.
In any case, if you wondering about the variety of the food here, then this could be an apt example for food for thought. From savoury Gol-gappas to the Nagori halwa with small puris with a hint of sweetness to Kucha Chole and Baniya rotis, the list is endless.
If your taste buds have been satisfied, you can go ahead to treat your eyes to the Havelis of the yesteryears where you could participate in a cooking a vegetarian meal or just enjoy the aroma of oil blending in with the spices. The tour is free of charge but the refreshments would cost a small amount which would be negligible compared to the experience.
4. City walk in Mumbai
The Glamour town of the country, Mumbai also has a subtle side to add to its glory. If you would want to the enjoy the simplicity of this beautiful city of Maharashtra embark on one of the famed walking tours in India. From the streets of Dariya Mahal, Radhabai Chawl in Jogeshwari to the Brabourne restaurant. These places are jewels on the crowning glory of the state capital.
You could also try the popular snack, Vada pav -- a yummy crispy ball of potatoes boiled to perfection mixed with spices and sandwiched between the soft layers of wheat bun with tangy green chutney and a chilly to add to the spice. You could then quench your thirst at Sikkanagar with the tastiest of the sherbets.
You could also top this up with Babbanji Bihari’s Bombay tour, where you come face to face with the lifestyle of a typical Bihari, the migrants from the far north end of the country.
5. Passing by the lit up streets of Mylapore in Chennai
Walking by the cities of the North India must have been enjoyable, but the South is no less impeccable. Every part of the Incredible India is incredible, so are the streets of the cultural hub of the Chennai, Mylapore. Tamil Nadu is known for its rich cultural ethics. The state has managed to keep its authenticity intact with the most beautiful temples capturing grabbing your attention, this walk would take you to the 3,000-year-old Kapaleeswarar Temple.
The carvings on the temple stones are so intricate that it make you ponder if it has been sculpted with a needle. As you take a few steps further you will come across shopkeepers trying to sell everything from wares, jewellery and silk to puja items, fruits and vegetables. Once you feel famished you can complete your walking tour with snacks and steaming hot coffee from the popular Saravana Bhavan. Again, the snacks may fleece your pockets, not the tour.
6. Let the sands play the tune, Goa it has to be!
‘Blessed are those who live by the sea’- a saying that seems to be stolen by anyone who has loved walking by the beach. Walking in sands of the Goan beach is a different pleasure in itself. The guided walk in here is organised by a library and an educational resource sector, Bookworm. This could be your walk to remember.
This is not a normal walk by the beach as it include a flurry of events like treasure hunts, coloring, retracing the map and other activities that will keep you gripped as you enjoy the ride on your feet. The organisation has kept the fun part alive by keeping a different track every time. The tour includes a walk to the Governor’s Palace, through the Museum of Christian Art, a walk by the Natural Heritage Trail and the Azad Maidan.
7. Mumbai market, food all the way;
Food and Mumbai are so closely related that it has become a part of their cultural identity. Well, you cannot but help it, but food in Mumbai is awesome. Have you ever wondered about taking a food walk? Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Brace yourselves, for we have now reached Matunga, Central Mumbai.
This place is known for a beautiful display of different cultures hinting about different communities making a living in here. You can stroll by the markets of this area, where you can treat yourself to cuisines of three different communities, Tamil Brahmins, Gujaratis and Jains. Yes, it is purely vegetarian but the taste stays for a lifetime.
The Food walk begins at the Kannika Parameshwari temple where you can get to know about the history of Hinduism and Buddhism. Then you will head to the market area where the fruits, vegetables and spices will grab onto your eyeballs immediately. The view is pleasant and soothing.
You can follow up the visual treat with as you indulge yourself in a different version of the dosa, which is a popular snack in South India, called the Khakra Dosa where the plain dosa is made very crisp and then dried. There are other interesting fusion desserts like a Jain Mousse which is prepared without egg and of course, the chocolate barfi.
8. Chennai, Again?
Have you ever wondered what does a Journalist has to face every day? How about stepping into the shoes of one? Sign up for this new walk around Chennai where your eyes would go with the pen a writer. Bring along resources like pen, paper, or a camera. As you walk by, you can also chat with groups of people.
Later, you will have to pen down your experience however you like. It could be an essay, a report or feature. You can it keep it funny, serious or adventurous. Your written piece will be combined with the others on your walking tour and will be uploaded online. However, you will have to shell out some amount as fee.
9. Spooky gets the going, Cemetery lane walk, Shimla
Spirits are still a mystery today. What does it feel like to walk in a cemetery in the wee hours of the night? The Cemetery Lanes Walk in Shimla will take you to three of the five cemeteries in the city. The Kanlog cemetery being largest one is surrounded by a dense forest of cedar trees and will surely send shudders down your spine. You can also take a look at the old run-down houses of the yester centuries and also see the Combermere Bridge peeping out of the thick mist surrounding the place.
The walk begins in the morning and goes on till the end of the day. This walk is again charged at a small price but for the purpose for keeping the mystery alive, the price is told to only those who take the tour.
10. The garden city of India: A short tour in the IT Hub
What is the joy in underatking walking tours in India, if you don’t walk by the streets of the one of most crowded places of the country, Bangalore? With the concrete jungles filling up the place, the once garden city of India seems to have lost its charm. Well, do not be disappointed, this walk might get your faith restored.
This walking tour is organised by Bangalore walks. These walks will take you back in time keeping your mind enclosed in the mysteries of the city. You should actually take this walk to experience it. Not many contestants would reveal the insights of the tour. This tour is not free but it will be a beautiful way to get to know the history and culture of the city.
Happy Walking!
