DELHI BY CYCLE: OLD CITY TOUR

Delhi By Cycle old city tour is an overwhelming experience packed with plenty of surprises, a glimpse into the historic places of Delhi, it’s geography and flavored with storytelling.

If you have read my recent blogs, I had mentioned my visit to Delhi to attend the Ride Asia Bicycle Expo 2024. While I spent the first day at the Ride Asia interacting with the exhibitors, the second day was nothing short of a fascinating experience. I had booked an old city tour with Delhi By Cycle and it turned out to be one of the best rides ever.

Revealing old Delhi secrets:

We assembled at the start point at 6.30am and were given a short brief by our guide. The tour guide introduced us to other guests, and we got a chance to test ride bright colored orange bicycles fitted with a basket in the front.

The ride took off from the parking lot and soon we were on the main street. We took halts as the guide started narrating stories of the past unveiling old Delhi’s secrets. The morning tranquility was slowly getting replaced with people performing their morning rituals. The activities were evidently noticeable on the streets. A loud sound of the bell from the temples awakened everyone from the slumber. The morning fiesta signaled that we had to face a lot of action as the tour progressed.

Pedaling through narrow alleyways:

Walking can many a times is tiring and becomes a lengthy act. Exploring a city on a bicycle is rhythmic and offers a chance to absorb the moments at a decent pace. We pedaled into the narrow alleyways and ventured inside spots which I could have never imagined finding otherwise. We passed someone’s kitchen, bedroom, dining room etc., tucked inside the narrow by lanes. The hanging wires on rooftops, twisted and entangled is a complicated affair and forms a suspended street art décor. I had seen these visuals on the internet but witnessing it personally was very realistic and raw.

Awakening of the senses:

Delhi By Cycle old city tour is more than just monuments. It’s a sensory overload and a sudden transition from a chaotic street to aromatic and vibrant world which will overwhelm you. We stopped at the flower market and colorful spice market. I sneezed multiple times as we walked past the traders, but it was all in good spirit. I realized that somewhere we are too sensitive while the people dealing with the spices are immune to the surroundings. This was a magical experience, and we thoroughly loved the mood of the bustling market.

Pedaling through historic places:

Our guide had a lot to share and took us to some historic spots such has Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Jama Masjid and we passed through the cramped lane of Meena Bazaar ringing the bell ‘Tring Tring…’ and requesting for a safe passage. We stopped at a local food stall for morning tea and hot breakfast. We exchanged ideas about cycle tourism and how it is benefiting cycling lovers to explore new destinations at a slow pace.

A memorable experience:

Delhi By Cycle is more than a lifetime experience and not just a tour. It’s not limited to sightseeing and the history; rather a chance to connect with the city at a deeper level to understand its culture and appreciate the warmth and hospitality of its people.

I am ready to enroll for other tours offered by Delhi By Cycle in the future. The tour that I did is called ‘Shahjahan Tour’ priced at Rs. 2000/- per person (as of April 2024) for 4 hrs which includes a decent single speed bicycle, a friendly guide, water bottle, tea, and breakfast at a local shop.

I recommend you explore old Delhi in a unique way by signing up for this tour.

Website: https://www.delhibycycle.com/

I have recorded this tour, and the video will be published on my YouTube channel Pedal and Tring Tring. Do subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated with the latest content.

Photo credits: GR8 Photography by Rohit Mahadev

You might also like to read: VISIT TO RIDE ASIA EXPO 2024: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY

My next big goal is to visit the Euro Bike Show in Frankfurt, Germany. Since, it’s an expensive trip, I am collecting funds and you too can contribute.

Donate Here: https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/euro-bike-show-2024-in-germany