The best Indian city walks for those who want to go off the beaten path

Walking tours of cities, a well-established way of getting under the skin of a city, as it were, have now caught on in India, too. Here’s our pick from across the country:

MUMBAI

Apollo Gate and Front Bay Walk:  The English got their hands on the small island of Bombay when it came as dowry for Princess Catherine of Braganza who married King Charles II in 1661. The East India Company quickly moved in, realizing the commercial and strategic value of the harbour. On this walk, organized by Raconteur Walks, go back to 350 years ago and relive the birth of a city. The walk begins at the Ballard Estate, which still reveals shades of Victorian London. You’ll see the Town Hall which houses the Asiatic Society Library of Mumbai and the Horniman Circle Garden surrounded by lovely buildings. On to Flora Fountain circle which is not unlike London’s Piccadilly Circus. You’ll also see the Indian Naval Dockyard and on to the Gateway of India and the elegant Taj Mahal Hotel where you can sip a cocktail at the Harbour Bar.

Mumbai Bazaar Walk: If you thought Mumbai was all about Marine Drive and Bollywood, take this walk that guides you through a maze of markets in the Bhuleshwar area, interspersed with mosques and temples, and an unmistakeable energy. See the Jama Masjid, traipse through the Mangaldas cloth market, Zaveri Bazaar that deals in gold and the Phool Galli where flower-sellers ply their wares.  You’ll also visit the temple of Mumbadevi, who gives the city its name, and Madhav Baug, besides getting a glimpse of the Jain community here. You’ll be stopping for some delightful streetfood on the way as well.

DELHI

Food Walks: There’s no better way to savour Delhi than through its famed food. Sign up for a Breakfast Trail in Purani Dilli during which you can eat Bedmi Pooris, Pitthi and Matar Kachori, Paneer Pakoda and, for the non-vegetarians, Paaye and Nahari. It’s not over till you’ve had a rich serving of Moong Dal Halwa. Or, hit the lanes of Nizammudin, where the lanes surrounding the dargah spill over with shops selling Seekh Kebab, Qorma and Sheermal. A Meetha Paan is the right way to round off this gastronomical adventure. Other Delhi food walks will take you to Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi and Connaught Place. The Gurudwara Walk which introduces you to the concept of the Langar, the Sikh community kitchen, is also a memorable one.

Masterji Kee Haveli: These tours give visitors the opportunity to see Delhi through the eyes of locals. You walk and also take rickshaw rides through bazaars and heritage sites in the old city. The highlight of this walking tour is a meal at an old haveli with its residents who have occupied the haveli for generations. Half-day and full-day options are available.

CHENNAI

Peacock Trail: The time-honoured, colourful traditions of Chennai continue in quarters like Mylapore. On this three-hour walk you’ll see Mylapore, listening to stories about gods, demons and temples. You’ll see temples and silks. You’ll also get an up close look at everyday rituals and learn how they enrich the lives of locals.

BANGALORE

Green Heritage Walks:  Organised by Bangalore Walks, this walk gives you two of Bangalore’s most-loved features: Lalbaugh and MTR. Even if you’re a Bangalorean and have seen Lalbaugh, this tour will give you new insights, bringing to life the history, culture, landscape and amazing flora of the place. End the interesting walk with breakfast at the iconic MTR which stands just outside Lalbaugh.

KOLKATA

The North Kolkata Walking Tour:  The Northern reaches of Kolkata are where history lives on. The lanes are lined with ancient buildings and everyday life makes for a colourful parade.  Walk down College Street, a political hub in a city that makes a pastime of politics, and on to the Hooghly Bridge. This is a Kolkata that will leave you with lasting memories.

JAIPUR

Heritage Walk: There’s a Pink City that not all visitors see. This tour takes you through the walled city, and its architectural wonders will unravel before you. Visit temples and witness rituals. Meet resident artisans and watch them at work. You will also experience the hospitality of locals when you share tea and snacks in their colourfully decorated homes.

PURI

Old City Tour: On this tour, which includes walks and cycle rickshaw rides, you’ll discover the medieval by-lanes of a sacred city. Marvel at the magnificent Jagannath temple and visit monasteries. You’ll get to taste local delicacies and later stroll along the beach and visit a colourful beach market that springs up in the evenings. This tour also works in tandem with local cyle rickshaw drivers and aims to give them a dignified and sustainable livelihood.

DARJEELING

Heritage Walk: Step off the beaten trail with this walk organized by Darjeeling Tourism. You will walk down Tanga Road where horse-driven carts once plied. See the Union Church and the Planters Club which is still wrapped in a colonial air.  Drop into two restaurants that are over a 100 years old – Keventer’s, famous for its bacon-and-egg breakfasts and Glenary’s, which has an old-fashioned tea room. You can also sign up for a tasting of Darjeeling teas during this walk.

AHMEDABAD

Night Walk: See this thriving city by night. The walk begins at Mangaldas ni Haveli and takes you through the bustling food court at Manek Chowk with its Gujarati specialities. Pass through the city gates where drummers still keep up the ancient tradition of signaling the closing of the gates with their drums and watch nigh envelop the city.

HYDERABAD

The Biryani Detour: The biryani is not just about fragrant rice, meat and spices. It enfolds within its aromas centuries of culinary history and tradition. On this tour, you will discover the nuances of the Hyderabadi biryani and learn a few of the secrets that go into its making at some of the city’s most famous spots. Wind up with a biryani feast, what else! And take your appetite along.

VARANASI

The Ganges Walk: In the holy city of Varanasi, life revolves around the Ganges. This walking tour lets you see the city and the river the way locals do. Walk through narrow bylanes and get to know the ghats. Chat with boatmen and watch the aarti on the banks of the river. Later, you can take off to do some shopping and buy some Benarasi silk.

MADURAI

Once Upon a Madurai: Every visitor to Madurai visits the magnificent Meenakshi Temple. On this tour you’ll hear the myths and legends that add colour to this fine edifice and also to the bustling city which revolves around it.