Kerala River Cruise on The Nila in a Thoni

    The dynamics of River Nila are complex and precarious. A vibrant and thriving bunch of communities flourished around its banks for centuries. Yet, the strain of fast-changing economics and lack of sustainable sources of income was threatening to ruin the fine balance between nature and humans in this wonderful ecosystem.   The Kerala River Cruises on Nila are held on-board the local ‘thoni’ boats. They are guided by oarsmen from the local communities. These cruises act as a source of alternative, supplementary source of income for these people. Many of the oarsmen were otherwise engaged in disruptive practices such as mining sand illegally from the river bed for lack of income sources.   Join us on a cruise aboard the Thoni, in the company of these natural storytellers. Meander along the course of this beautiful river and look at life in the villages along its bank from a distance!  

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The Legend Trails

  The Kerala Legends Trails is a trip down the rich history of Kerala which goes back several centuries; naturally, its bounty of stories, legends and civilizations is wholesome and plentiful.   Our skilled storytellers and interpreters will introduce you to stories that talk about the River Nila civilisation as we travel through historical places. Become acquainted with the strong connection between the Nila and Buddhism! Learn about Mamangam – a festival celebrated once in 12 years by the ancient kings of Kerala to choose an Emperor; discover the rich diversity of faiths in Kerala and spend a tranquil moment at the spot where German missionary Dr. Hermann Gundert wrote the Malyalam-English dictionary. The Kerala Legend Trails is a spectacular journey through time, uncovering secrets of Kerala’s rich history!  

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Pokkali and Organic Farms

    In a remote village not far from Fort Kochin, we came across an ancient community struggling to sustain a rare, organic cultivation of a special crop. Pokkali is one of the oldest and only salt-tolerant varieties of rice that grows organically. Though the communities from these areas have been cultivating Pokkali for centuries, a combination of factors threatened to push the crop to the verge of extinction. The Blue Yonder worked in consultation with the agrarian community to build a sustainable model to facilitate the preservation of this rare crop! How did we do it? What part did the farmers play? Who were the other vital stakeholders? All of these questions and many more will be answered through our Pokkali and Organic Farm visits! Pokkali and Organic Farm Visits are designed to bring the story of Pokkali to travellers! It’s unique qualities, cultivation, its deep-rooted connection with the community and their struggle to sustain it presents a wonderful case in how various stakeholders from of society collaborated to preserve the delicate cycle of nature!  

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Muziris and Handlooms

    The Handloom industry in Kerala is a work of art in itself! Fine weaving and handspun cotton have been the landmarks of Chennamangalam for years. Named after its village of origin, Chennamangalam handloom is renowned for its quality. Kerala Saris that are symbolic of Kerala’s culture and traditions are the highlight product of this handloom industry. The weaving is done in a distinct style, with special treatment to the thread, using a special paste, which makes the fabric strong and long lasting. While the distinct style of these saris is renowned all over Kerala, only artificial dyes are used to make them. The Blue Yonder introduced and facilitated the use of natural dyes to local weavers in a co-operative society.   Follow our footsteps to learn more about the wonderful history of this traditional industry, hear their story in their own voice, and unearth the hidden secrets of their trade.  

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Mudiyettu & Kerala Craft Trail

    After the harvest of the summer crop, villagers congregate to the local temple on an appointed day. What follows is a breathtaking rendition of ritualistic dance-drama based on the mythological tale of a battle between the Goddess Kali (of death and destruction) and the demon Darika. Known as the Mudiyettu, this ancient ritual is a dynamic art form, performed using vivid colors, percussion and deep baritones. The Mudiyettu serves as an important cultural site for transmission of traditional values, ethics, moral codes and aesthetic norms of the community, to the next generation, thereby ensuring its continuity and relevance in present times. The Mudiyettu, declared as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is slowly slipping into oblivion.   The Kerala Craft and Ritual Trail take travellers deep into local communities and introduce them to countless such rituals and crafts! These trails also help us provide the communities with the resources required to preserve age-old rituals and generate a sense of pride and ownership amongst them.  

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Auroville Impressions - An Auroville Day Trip

  For many that come to Pondicherry, Auroville is a mystery, pictorially dominated by the visions of the stunning 'Matrimandir'. It is often referred to as the International City or The City of Dawn, in Pondi’s pop-culture. Auroville is the realisation of a dream that followed The Mother’s vision to build an international community devoid of religion & other differences. The founding stone of Auroville was laid in the ‘60s with soil from 124 different nations, brought forth by the first citizens of this wonderful township. More than 2500 people from 50 different countries are permanent residents of this community. This makes Auroville a cultural cauldron with dynamics and complexities of its own.   This day trip run by Aurovillians was born out of an eagerness to share what makes Auroville such a unique place to live & visit. To give travellers a first-hand experience of how this community has flourished. Learn from, and about, those who chose to join, build and live this unique lifestyle. Listen to the stories of the next generation that were born here & decided to stay. Auroville is a tale of sustainability, spirituality, harmony, innovation and participation. Oh! And we almost forgot! Participants on this Auroville day trip will be invited by Aurovillians to lunch at their one-of-a-kind community solar kitchen!  

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Auroville Deepdive - An Auroville Day Trip

    Auroville’s many projects are plentiful to engage a traveler for days on end. As a result, we offer an add-on tour in the form of Auroville Deepdive for those that have participated in ‘Auroville Impressions’ and want to delve deeper in the realms of this contemporary community.   The highlight of the day will be a meditation session in the 'Matrimandir.' This tour also facilitates deeper interactions, visits to even more initiatives related to organic farming, forestry, and first hand-interactive sessions with the communities that run these projects. Many questions that might occur during the Impressions tour will be answered in more detail here.   Note: This trip is open only as an extension to the Auroville Impressions tour and guests can participate on this tour only if they have participated in the Impressions tour.  

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Farms and Forests

    Pondicherry & Auroville have a deep connection with forests & farms – naturally, it becomes a major attraction to include in your visit to this beautiful town. The day-trip is split between two key locations in and around Auroville.   The first stop will be the peaceful sanctuary of restored and self-generating forest with more than 800 species of plants. Several years ago, an Australian national restored a dying land and founded what has gone on to become a spectacular project. Its library, database, artefacts and photo displays provide strong insight into the teachings of restoration ecology, environmental science, and the identification and use of indigenous medicinal plants.   Part 2 of the journey takes us on an interactive visit to a sustainable farming community aiming at integrating food, permaculture/ natural farming and education within the vision of a creative lifestyle. Krishna, who initiated this project after being inspired by the ideas of Masanobu Fukuoka, author of the “One Straw Revolution”, will walk you through his methods that have pioneered natural farming in India. Spoiler Alert: he’s been known to pick out a random plant or fruit from the wilderness and fashion a mouth-smacking snack/beverage out of nowhere!  

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Of Crafty Tales and More!

    The story of Auroville has consciously been built around principles of immersive community development with key focus on sustainability through innovation. These principles have led to the creation and nurturing of several units. These units are dedicated to the creation & preservation of crafts, arts & skilled handicrafts within Auroville. These units serve a dual purpose. They nurture and develop traditional and contemporary art and craft forms; at the same time, they provide a source of livelihood and income for Aurovillians and members of neighbouring villages. In collaboration with many local stakeholders, a project has been initiated to bring all of these units under one umbrella. Our Arts & Crafts Trail gives travellers a first-hand insight into some ground-breaking works-of-art in Auroville. Join a local Aurovillian as (s)he gives you an introduction to the dynamic Auroville community. (S)he will then take you to some of the craft centres, where travellers can hear their stories, interact with the artisans and witness the creation of the finest of Auroville crafts.  

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Early Morning Bangalore

    Bangalore is getting as well known for its infamous traffic as for being India’s Silicon Valley. To avoid the stress and rush hour hassles, we’ve come up with a tour that takes you around the city in the early morning to see some of the major monuments, and you’ll get to see the early-to-rise locals in action in the markets, temples and parks. At dawn, we’ll head to KR Market, a wholesale vegetable and flower market, so you can watch the morning trucks arrive and unload their colorful wares – it will be a whirl of color and chaos and a perfect photo op!   Next we’ll drive to one of Bangalore’s oldest neighborhoods, Basavanagudi, to visit the famous Bull Temple for which the area is named and indeed the very street is known as Bull Temple Road! Then we’ll stroll through Bugle Rock Park, where the main rock formations have been dated to 300 million years ago! A visit to this area would be incomplete without a stop in Gandhi Bazaar for the famous local coffee and breakfast of South Indian specialties at a famous local café.   Then we’ll head to the central part of Bangalore so you can see two of Bangalore’s most famous parks, Lalbagh Gardens and Cubbon Park, the VidhanaSoudha (Government building), and the High Court.  

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The Bangalore Cuisine Tour - Home Cooking & Lunch

    A special experience for any tourist would be a visit to a local home and a home cooked meal. The Bangaore Cuisine tour offers you this and more – you will also get to participate in the cooking and learn about the dishes, and watch your hostess prepare a range of typical South Indian vegetarian delicacies for you. While not a formal cooking class, you’ll have the chance to watch the home chef in action, ask any questions you have, and learn of traditional recipes handed down through the generations. Please let us know in advance of any food restrictions or preferences and we’ll create the menu accordingly.  

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The Bangalore Cantonment Tour

    In the early 1800s, the British built a military Cantonment in Bangalore, the largest garrison in South India. The military establishment went on to include clubs, churches, shops, cinemas and bungalows. The area around the Cantonment became a native settlement filled with Hindus, Muslims and Anglo-Indians and English, Urdu and Tamil were spoken. Today, the area around the Bangalore Cantonment is still a bustling, multi-cultural area, sans the military presence.   We will begin our exploration at Hatworks Boulevard, a 145 year old heritage building that now houses boutiques, an art gallery and a coffee shop, where once stood the Imperial Hat Works. This bungalow has Burma teak windows and doors associated with Bangalore bungalows of the era. Next we’ll drive to St. Marks Cathedral, an Anglican Church dating back to 1808, built for the British garrison. St. Marks is known for its grand pipe organ, architecture and a music academy. A drive through the M.G. Road area will then bring us to the Holy Trinity Protestant Church which has tablets dedicated to the British who lived in Bangalore.   Old Airport Road is where you will see the sections belonging to the Indian Armed Forces. We will drive by Ulsoor Lake and go to the bustling Shivaji Nagar bazaar. An exploration on foot of the neighborhood, famous locally for its street food, will be next. We will also see Mariamman Temple and St Mary’s Basilica. Russell Market is a place for great photographs and we will traverse this market with its sections for flowers, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Our last stop will be Shivajinagar to see the old furniture and bamboo bazaar. After this, we will drop you back at your hotel.  

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The Story of Bangalore Day Tour

    Spend an entire day discovering this bustling city and its various angles. You will see the city on foot and by car and your personal guide will share with you the history and legacy of the city. Built in the 1500s by Kempe Gowda, he marked the boundaries of the city with four towers. Your first stop will be at Lalbagh Gardens (The Red Gardens), where one of the towers is. With a lake, aquarium and tropical plants, it’s a popular spot with locals and is a distinctive part of the landscape in South Bangalore. Lalbagh plays host to the annual flower show in August, held in its famous glass house and is also a popular spot with birders. Next we’ll head nearby to Tipu’s Summer Palace – Tipu Sultan is one of the significant rulers whose contributions are still reflected in the local landscape. The palace, though derelict, is representative of the wooden architecture of the period. After the palace, we’ll head to the Cantonment area, established by the British in the 1800s after they defeated Tipu Sultan. You will visit the bazaar, army residential areas as well as a well-known old church. The rest of Bangalore, away from the Cantonment was nominally still under the Maharajah of Mysore (the Wodeyar family) and we will visit the Palace of the Wodeyars as well.   The Vidhana Soudha is an arresting government building that was constructed post-Independence, featuring hybrid architecture and Indian motifs. You will be able to take photographs of the buildings in the area as we drive by, and then we will take a stroll through another of Bangalore’s parks, Cubbon Park. If it’s of interest, before you are dropped back to your hotel, a drive through one of the city’s tech hubs will give you a feel for India’s Silicon Valley and a look at the new face of Bangalore.  

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The Bangalore Art Tour

    Not just garden or IT city, Bangalore is also home to numerous art galleries featuring traditional and contemporary South Indian art. An English speaking art student will be your very own guide for the Bangalore Art tour. Though not an expert on art, (s)He will be familiar with the various galleries. You can pick and choose from the spots on our list and also ask for any other you’re interested in, and we’ll be happy to arrange it. Our list of galleries on the tour include:   NGMA Bangalore: The National Gallery of Modern Art with paintings by India’s best modern and contemporary painters.   Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat: This art institution and gallery always has an art exhibition to visit. Students here learn painting, sculpture, applied art, graphic art and art history.   Venkatappa Gallery: Houses art from 2000 BC to the medieval period and is a popular stop.   Galleryske: Displays modern art and has an interesting building worth checking out.   Shanti Road Gallery: Has courtyards where artists display their work, and is popular for student art shows.   Gallery Sumukha: An art gallery that showcases contemporary Indian art.  

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The Maharajas of Mysore Day Trip

    We will take a day trip to Mysore, which is about 3 hours away from Bangalore (depending on traffic could be more), to take in the highlights of this Kingdom city, one of the wealthy Deccan kingdoms of yore. The Wodeyars are the founding family and rulers, and Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled for two generations, also contributing to the splendor of the city. With a strong appreciation for art, culture and music, the influence of the Wodeyars is apparent even today. Though there is plenty to see in the city, we will cover the following during our day long visit, with a stop for lunch at the Royal Orchid Metropole.  

• A visit to Chamundi Hills to see the Chamundi Temple dedicated to the city’s patron deity, Chamundeshwari.
• Mysore Palace, which has the official name of Amba Vilas Palace, still the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the Wodeyars.
• Devaraja Market and the Chikka Ghadiyara clock tower: Devaraja Market is one of Mysore’s busiest thoroughfares, and you will see people going about their daily market and shopping. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, traditional household items and lots more. The market boasts around 800 traders in all! Chikka Ghadiyara translates from Kannada as “small clock” and is the local name for the Dufferin Clock Tower (named in honor of the visit by the then British Viceroy of India, Lord Dufferin) located at one end of the market.
• The District Collectorate Office, Mysore University, Oriental Institute and nearby college campuses: See the British influences in these buildings in the city and see the humming student life of Mysore, known for its universities.

 

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Day Trip to Belur Halebid

    Another great day trip you can take from Bangalore is to go see the wonderful Hoysala (the Hoysala was a Kannadiga empire that ruled the area between the 10th and 14th centuries) temples at Belur and Halebid. This is a full day excursion to the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid. The drive time from Bangalore is around 4 hours. Belur was originally the capital city of the empire, until the switch to Halebid in the 12th century. Your guide will regale you with the stories and history of the time. The temples at both cities are very beautiful and representative of the culture and art of the era. The Hoysalas were patrons of the arts and architecture and these temples are testament to the workmanship and sentiments of the time.   We will begin with a stop in Halebid to visit the Hoysaleshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva. Then we will stop for lunch we will stop at the Hoysala Village Resort at Hassan, after which we make our way to Belur to visit the Chennakeshava temple. Dedicated to Vishnu, the idol is of Vishnu is his handsome or as they in Kannada, “chenna” form. Using soft soapstone to create their intricate carvings, these two temples are the best examples of Hoysala workmanship. After this temple, we will return to Bangalore and drop you back to your hotel.  

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The Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage

    A short car ride from Varanasi, Sarnath is the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon and set the Dhammachakka – the wheel of law in motion. Buddhist structures were erected between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD and the ruins that remain are among the most extensive Buddhist relics across India. The museum there has on display a number of excavated findings. Modern day temples that have been built are the other places to visit in Sarnath. The Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage will begin at your hotel. After pickup from the hotel, we will make the 30 minute drive to Sarnath before we hit the main highlights:  

• Chaukhandi Stupa: is a stupa built on the exact spot where Buddha, returning after his enlightenment, met the five ascetics who had left him earlier and would now become his first disciples.
• Dhamek Stupa: is the site of Buddha’s first sermon at the deer park (Migadaya). You will see visitors walking around the great Stupa in what is considered the auspicious, clock-wise manner. There is a Jain temple in the complex, dedicated to Shreyansanath, and the foundations of a pre-Ashokan Dharmarajika Stupa.
• Mulgandha Kuti Vihara: is where Buddha meditated during the first monsoon after he attained enlightenment. Also visit the modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar temple, built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, which features beautiful frescoes by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. Don’t miss the sacred Bodhi Tree in the compound, which has grown out of a sapling of the original Bodhgaya tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. You will also see the Deer Park, an open animal park where deer still come in.
• The Archaeological Museum – This is a must-visit museum, where findings from the site have been displayed. Highlights include the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the Ashoka Chakra, colossal standing images of Bodhisattva, statues of Tara, etc. Statues of several Hindu deities found at the same site are also displayed here.

 

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Birding in Bharatpur

    Birding in Bharatpur is an early morning trip to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur. This sanctuary has been designated under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. Bharatpur is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located an hour’s drive away from Agra and in order to arrive at the park by dawn and get the best of the birds, we will be leaving in the very early hours of the morning.   Keoladeo is a complex of ten varied in size artificial, seasonal lagoons. Lush vegetation of scrub and open grassland offers an excellent habitat for breeding, wintering and staging migratory birds. The lagoons are also home to five species of ungulates, four species of cats, and two species of primates. You will also come across a multitude of plants, reptiles and fish.  

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Lunch Like A Local - Agra Food Trail

    Getting to experience a home cooked meal is not part of the usual tourist to do list. This tour offers you a unique opportunity to visit the home of an Agra local to learn about the local food and food culture, watch the meal being prepared (and even participate in the cooking if you’d like to). You’ll first walk through a local food market along with your Food Guide, where you will get to see and learn about the fruits, vegetables and seasonal produce that abound in Agra’s markets. You will get a chance to familiarize yourself with the ingredients common to North Indian meals. Your guide will also discuss the common practices, taboos and rules that traditionally govern the preparation and eating of food in India, and the regional and religious influences on cuisine.   Following our walk through the bazaar walk, we will visit a Hindu home for an interactive cooking session – this is a home cooked (traditional vegetarian “thali” meal) with a home chef, not with a professional chef. Feel free to ask questions, take pictures, note down the recipes and participate in the cooking. The basic staple is North India is wheat, and a typical meal will feature breads made of unleavened wheat, accompanied by vegetable-based dishes, dal, salads, pickles, papad and dessert.  

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Humayun's Tomb - A Precursor to The Taj Mahal

    This tour takes you to the garden complex where Humayun (the second Mughal Emperor) is buried. Humayun's Tomb enjoys the distinction of being the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations of the time, and was the first building to make such large scale use of red sandstone. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will also visit the Nai ka Gumbad, known colloquially as Barber’s Tomb. Who is interred there is a mystery lost to time. This red and grey sandstone structure is right beside Humayun’s tomb. We will also visit the tomb and mosque of Isa Khan, an influential Afghan noble of the court of Sher Shah Suri, dating to the 16th century. Both structures are constructed of local grey quartzite, with red sandstone and colored tile inlay decorations. We will also see the Nila Gumbad, or Blue Dome tomb, with its striking blue tiles, built by a courtier of Emperor Akbar, for his servant Miyan Fahim.   Tour Details: Running for approximately 90 minutes, this tour can be conducted at any time of the day, 7 days a week, with preferred times being 9.00 am and 4.00 pm.  

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The Nizamuddin Dargah & Heritage Walk

    Named for the famous 14th century Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the Nizamuddin Dargah & Heritage tour offers a look at Mughal monuments and introduces you to Sufi music and culture. We begin our tour with Chaunsath Khamba (The 64 Pillars), a Mughal era monument, from where we visit Urdu poet Ghalib's Academy, and the museum therein. Stepping our way across a busy local bazaar, we next go to the dargah (Islamic shrine and burial place) of Sufi musician, Hazrat Inayat Khan, where today music lessons are given and community welfare programs are held. Walking through the Nizamuddin basti, you will seeg daily life in this area. Our next stop will be Atgah Khan's Tomb, dating back to Emperor Akbar’s rule. We will also spend a bit of time at the Nizamuddin dargah complex with its mosque, historical tombs (including that of Inayat Khan, founder of the Sufi movement, and Mughal Princess Jahanara, beloved daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan) and step-well. A Qawwali performance awaits visitors to the durgah.   Tour Details: The tour will run for around 2 hours, and visitors are requested to dress appropriately for visiting religious shrines – headcover is required for men and women, and no shorts are allowed. The tour begins around 4:30 p.m. from Nizamuddin Police Station, subject to weather and seasonal changes.  

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The Early Morning Delhi Tour

    There is a certain beauty to a city that is stirring awake, and Delhi, foggy and misty in the early mornings, is no exception. From flower shops selling their wares, to the faithful offering early morning prayers and the small tea and breakfast stalls offering breakfast, there is plenty to take in and photograph. After picking you up from your hotel, we will drive to one of Delhiites’ favorite haunts for walking, jogging and yoga. With buildings and ruins of medieval mosques, a water body and bridge, from the 13th to 16th century, featuring the sentiment of the ruling Sultanates of the time, as well as later British influences seen in the garden with its landscaping, Lodhi Gardens is a unique spot. For ardent birders, you will get the chance to see some of Delhi’s birdlife in action.   Next we’ll drive to view Delhi’s iconic monuments, some of which were the seat of British power during their time in India - your guide will tell you stories from India’s independence movement. India Gate, President’s House and Parliament Building are at their glorious best in the morning light, as you drive the down wide, tree lined avenues of this part of Delhi. We will also pay a visit to a Sikh temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where you can watch morning prayers in process and watch volunteers prepare the Langar meal in the community kitchen. After this, we can stop for breakfast at a local eatery before we drop you off at your hotel, if you’d like to enjoy a local breakfast.   Tour Details: Since this is a private tour, we can customize it to meet any specific interests you have, like visiting Red Fort or Qutb Minar. The tour is conducted 7 days a week, beginning at 6:00am in the summers and 7:00am in the winters, and lasts between 3 to 4 hours. Please note that the Gurudwara will require head cover for both men and women – we suggest carrying scarves, and shoes will need to be removed before entering the premises.  

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The Eight Cities of Delhi Day Trip

    Delhi in a day? This is the tour for you! Delhi is a meld of the old and new, an ancient city that dates back to B.C. From the Rajput Tomars who founded the original city in 8 A.D. to the Chauhans, Sultans and Mughals, various rulers fought for supremacy and control of the area, with a total of 7 cities being built between these rulers. The British built the 8th city after making Delhi the capital of the Raj, and the broad roads and imposing public buildings remain to date. Of the eight cities of Delhi, some are lost now, but others remain and are tourist attractions, and this tour takes you into the different cities and offers you a taste of the heart and soul of what makes Delhi, Delhi.   We will begin at the Qutub Minar complex, which houses North India’s first mosque and is the world’s largest freestanding red stone edifice. This is also the site of Laol Kot, the city established by the Tomars. Next we’ll drive to Khirhi (meaning window in Hindi) village, where you will see the lost city of Jahanpanah, Delhi’s 4th city built by a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. From there we’ll go to upscale Hauz Khas, to visit Siri, the second city built during Sultanate rule. Driving through New Delhi, the city that is British built, we will visit the seat of India’s democracy and see President’s House, Parliament House and India Gate. The ruins of the cities of Purana Quila and Firozshah Kotla will also be part of the drive. Post lunch, we’ll head to the Chandni Chowk area, a famous market area in Old Delhi and take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bazaar bylanes, and make a visit to Jama Masjid, the famous mosque. Gurudwara Sees Ganj Sahib, a Sikh place of worship is an optional stop.   Tour Details: The Eight Cities of Delhi is an all-day tour, running around 8 hours including lunch break. We will pick you up from your hotel at 9:00am. We are happy to modify the tour to suit your particular interests.  

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Lutyens Delhi - A City of Grand Spaces

    New Delhi, Delhi’s 8th city, was built by the British between 1911 - 1931, and was a show of the British Empire’s power and hold in India. British architect Edwin Lutyens was the man behind many of the imposing and impressive buildings that were built, with the goal of showcasing a grand city space. After independence, the British vision was replaced. Monuments like President’s House, Parliament House, India Gate, Rajpath, Janpath, Connaught Place and the bungalows of government officials today represent democratic India. Apart from visiting these monuments, the Lutyens Delhi tour will take you to popular places of worship like the Gurudwara Bangla Saheb (Sikh temple), Birla Mandir (Hindu temple) and pay a visit to the National Museum.   Tour Details: This is a half day/4 hour long tour, which begins at either 9:00am or 2:00pm. Please note that shoes must be removed before entering religious places of worship, and head cover is required at some.  

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The People of Delhi - Many Faiths & Cultures

    What better way to know a city than understanding its culture and people? This tour takes you to places of worship from different religions in India, a local market, and neighbourhoods to glimpse the people of Delhi going about their daily lives.   We will begin by visiting Akshardham, the world’s largest Hindu temple complex, where you can explore the beautiful temple, take a short boat tide to experience traditional Hindu culture and some history. A visit to a local market to see Delhiites shopping and indulge in the purchase of trinkets, clothes and jewelry will follow. Post a break for lunch, we will head to the Muslim sections of Delhi, where you will be able to witness Mughal style cooking, and visit Nizamuddin where we will see the tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a Sufi saint. The Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib concludes the tour, where you can participate in the langar, the volunteer driving cooking and feeding done at the Gurudwara.   Tour Details: The tour runs between 6 and 8 hours, based on your interests. Please note that shoes must be removed before entering religious places of worship, and head cover is required at some.  

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The Legendary Delhi Street Food Trail

    The Delhi street food is a legend in itself; known for a whole host of snacks and traditional foods that tourists and locals alike come from far and wide to enjoy. With generations of families owning a stall and building up its reputation, there are many specialty dishes to enjoy. The many ethnic and religious groups that make up Old Delhi are reflected in the various kinds of food found here – and this is an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture Delhi’s street scene.   We start the tour at Chawri Bazaar Metro Station, and walk through Sitaram Bazaar. With shops owned primarily by Hindu Bania merchants, the street food in this market caters to the vegetarian preferences of this community. From Sitaram Bazaar, we will take cycle rickshaws and visit the famous Khari Baoli spice market, Asia's largest wholesale market selling all kinds of spices and nuts alongside food products like rice and tea. Hopping into another cycle rickshaw, we will visit the Sees Ganj Gurudwara. Here we will participate in the cooking of the langar, the community cooking program of the Sikhs. The tour will end with a walk through the famous Chandi Chowk area to visit Paranthe Wali Galli (Lane of Parathas) and a renowned jalebi stall.   Please note that street foods, while delicious, do not cater to health and food safety standards, and the water used to cook and clean will not be mineral water. Should this be a concern, you can enjoy the walk through the market without eating, and we will take you to Haldirams, a famous nationwide chain, to taste some authentic snacks and sweets. The Gurudwara requires that both men and women cover their heads, and footwear is not allowed inside. Please plan accordingly. We recommend that guests dress modestly as this is a traditional area, and we will be visiting a religious place of worship.   Tour Details: The Delhi Street Food tour runs between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your interests. The tour begins at 10.00 am and 3.00 pm from Chawri Bazaar Metro Station, and ends at Chandni Chowk.  

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The Delhi Cuisine Tour - Home Cooking & Bazaar Walk 

    There is no better way to get a look at a culture than through its cuisine and homes. The Delhi Cuisine tour offers you an opportunity not often afforded to tourists – visit a local home, where your host(ess) will cook a vegetarian meal. You are welcome to participate in the preparation, since we believe practise is the best form of learning; alternatively, you can just watch as the magic of Indian spices unfolds itself in front of you. Before we the cooking begins, join your host(ess) on a market walk through a neighbourhood area. You will get a first-hand insight into the spices, ingredients, fruits and vegetables consumed/used by an Indian household on a regular basis. This varies significantly based on the seasons, availability and regional preferences. Please feel free to take photographs, ask questions about the ingredients and even for tips on recreating the dishes, from your host(ess).   Tour Details: The cooking session will last between an hour and an hour and a half, followed by the meal. The tour is available every evening, and you will be picked up and dropped back to your hotel.  

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The Delhi Shopping Tour

    Shopping in Delhi holds special excitement for people from all over the country. Delhi's home to an amazing plethora of items, including jewellery, textiles and fabrics, ready to wear clothing, leather, handicrafts, carpets, bags, shoes and Indian arts and handicrafts worth choosing from. From expensive to affordable to incredibly inexpensive, there is something to suit every taste and price range.   Old Delhi has amazing shopping for fabrics, jewellery, and spices. Janpath is popular with bargain hunters, with cotton clothes, curios, silver jewellery and brassware. CCIE is the perfect place to see handicrafts from across the country. Baba Kharak Singh Marg is home to state-run handicraft emporia, which feature woodcarving, painting, sculpture and more arts from all over the country. High end malls and the upscale shops at Hauz Khas Village are other options. Other popular spots include Santushti Complex and Khan Market, Dilli Haat, and the lure of cheap Indian and Western wear at Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar.   The Delhi Shopping Tour gives you ample time & opportunity to ponder upon the countless options to pick from to take some souvenirs home.   Tour Details: Each area of the city has its own flavor and specialties – write to us and we will customize the tour based on your particular interests, taking into account which markets are closed on which days of the week. The tour can start any time after 10:30am, and can run for a half or full day, as you would like.  

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Day Excursion to Nagda Eklingji Temples

    This is a half day trip from Udaipur to the Nagda Eklingi Temples, both of which have old Hindu temples. This tour is a must do for every archaeology and history buff!   The Eklingji complex dates back more than 1300 years old. There are 108 sandstone and marble shrines within the temple complex. Eklingji, the temple diety, is one of the many forms of Lord Shiva and the ruling deity of Mewar.   22 kilometers from Udaipur, the Saas Bahu Temple Complex includes a cluster of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built in the 9th and 10th century. Though now in ruins, you’ll get to marvel at the perfect symmetry and workmanship of these ancient temples.  

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Day Trip to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh

    Spend a day in the wondrous Aravalli Mountains, visiting two spectacular sites. We will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 a.m. and head for Ranakpur, a two and a half hour drive. Located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Ranakpur has a collection of Jain temples that are unparalleled in their beauty. The temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader) who conquered the cycle of rebirth and achieved enlightenment.   After Ranakpur, we will stop for lunch at the Maharani Bagh and then it’s a 45 minute drive to Kumbhalgarh. Kumbhalgarh Fort is on a hilltop 1100 metres in altitude, with perimeter walls 36 kilometers in length – some say these are second in length only to the Great Wall of China. The frontal walls of the fort are 15 feet thick and the fort has 7 fortified gateways. The fort houses 300 ancient Jain temples and over 60 Hindu ones. You will get a view extending well into the mountains, from the top of the palace.  

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The Jewish Heritage Tour

    Be enriched by the rich history of the old Jewish community, whose presence in India dates back to over 2000 years ago. The Jewish community in India is quite diverse with different sects practicing a different set of customs and rituals. Your local storyteller will give you glimpses of the local Jewish customs. The tour will start with the Sassoon docks, which was built by an influential family of Bhagdadi Jews. If you are able to start early in the morning, we will be able to see the docks bustling with activity as the day’s catch is brought in and sold. The walk through the docks will also introduce you to Mumbai’s oldest fisherfolk community the Kolis, who have been fishing off the shores of Maharashtra for generations.   Next we will visit the historical Gateway of India, the Fort Heritage and the Kala Ghoda Districts where we will see the beautifully built Kenneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue and the David Sassoon Library. The Shaar Harahamim or the Gate of Mercy Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Mumbai, would be our next stop, followed by a visit to the Magen David Synagogue and the Sassoon Children’s school.   Bringing you back to India of current times, we will visit the Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World heritage site, Bombay Muncipal Building, Haji Ali, the unique mosque in the sea, and the fascinating Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s famous outdoor laundry system. You may also ask the guide to take you to Crawford Market, where you can find Hindu, Muslim and Jain businessmen along with the Jewish businessmen who form Mumbai’s business community.   We will also visit the Tippereth Israel synagogue of the Bene Israelis and the Magen Hassidim if feasible. The tour will also take us through Marine Drive, High Court, Bombay University, Asiatic Library and Mani Bhavan which was Gandhi’s home in Mumbai.   Tour Details: This is a full day tour of approximately 8 hours, including lunch.  

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Lalbaug Spice Market & Bhau Daji Laud Museum

    The Lalbaug area of Mumbai is the heart of the textile mill industry that flourished here in the 1800s to the late 1900s. This walk provides a great cultural introduction to the area and its people. We will explore the religious, economic, political and social fabric of this multi-cultural area which is home to Marathi-speaking Hindus as well as small communities of Parsis and Muslims.   As you walk through its busy streets, you can feel the pulse of the religious, social and economic vibrancy of India, even as the exotic smells of Indian spices wafts through your nose! Lalbaug's famous spice market of cinnamon, nutmeg, chillies, tobacco will tempt your purse!   Lalbaug is also known for its farsan or fried snack market called Chivda Galli, bustling vegetable & fish markets, and shops selling all types of general items. After the walk through buzzing markets, we will visit the BhauDaji Lad Museum which is located at Byculla zoo. In the zoo grounds, we can see the stone elephants from which Elephanta caves gets its name.   Tour Details: All days of the week, except Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning at 10:30 a.m at Lalbaug.  

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