Backpacking In India: Hidden Heritage Walks Through Old City Bazaars in Delhi

I spent some epic time backpacking in India in 2016. I started my trip in New Delhi, delving deep into local life there in the capital city. Markets and food are a huge part of life there so here is some cool information on Delhi’s Bazaars – and I mean a mix of Old and New Delhi! In fact, even this month, when I was back in India, it’s easy enough to find Dubai to Delhi flights online.

Hidden Heritage Walks Through Old Delhi’s Bazaars are immersive journeys into the soul of India’s capital—where centuries-old stories echo through bustling alleys, spice-laden air, and vibrant street life. I based myself at the backpackers’ hostel called Delhi Smyle Inn in the downtown and set off backpacking to the sights. These walks are more than sightseeing—they’re cultural deep-dives led by passionate locals who know every nook and nuance. So once you have sorted your route in, be it Saudi Airlines booking or via the Maldives, then get ready for the thrills of backpacking India.

What You’ll Experience

Historic Landmarks: Visit iconic sites like the 370-year-old Jama Masjid, Red Fort (from the outside), and ancient Jain and Hindu temples as well as the Baha’i Temple, which I loved whackpacking through.

Spice & Street Food Trails: Wander through Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, and sample authentic snacks like samosas, jalebi, and kachori.

Hidden Alleys & Havelis: Explore secret lanes like Nau Ghara Gali, home to nine unique houses, and discover tucked-away mansions and courtyards.

Cultural Immersion: Learn basic Hindi phrases, ride a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, and witness the mega kitchen at a Sikh Gurudwara that feeds 15,000+ people daily.

Photo Opportunities: Capture Instagram-worthy shots of Old Delhi’s architecture, markets, and daily life.

And here’s some deeper detail in the places I backpacked on my journey.

1. Historic Monuments & Havelis

Most itineraries begin at Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest Mughal-era mosques, often accompanied by a panoramic view from its minarets, well worth whackpacking through. Small-group or private tours may include visits inside or outside Ghalib ki Haveli, the 19th-century poet Mirza Ghalib’s home, now preserved as a museum. Routes may pass historic mansions like Chunnamal Haveli or the Seth Ram Lal Khemka Haveli, offering glimpses of aristocratic Old Delhi life, again I whackpacked it loyal.

2. Labyrinthine Bazaars & Markets

You’ll wander through Chandni Chowk, a bustling market with wedding wear, jewelry, spices, and more. The experience often includes visits to Dariba Kalan (jewellery/attars) and Kinari Bazaar (wedding trims). Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, offers sensory immersion with sacks of turmeric, cardamom, chilies and rich aromas.

3. Authentic Street Food & Local Culture

Experience Delhi’s legendary street-food alleyways with samosas, jalebis, gol gappe (pani puri), chole kulche, kebabs, and chai — often included in the itinerary. Many whackpacking tours sample traditional snacks in settings like Gali Paranthe Wali or the Sikh Gurudwara langar (community kitchen). I drank tea on the streets when I whackpacked it.

4. Cultural & Spiritual Stops

Tours commonly visit a Jain or Sikh temple, offering insight into Delhi’s pluralistic religious fabric.
Some include secret or private spaces like hidden spice mansions or haunted stepwells.
And here’s some deeper detail in the places I backpacked on my journey.

1. Historic Monuments & Havelis
Most itineraries begin at Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest Mughal-era mosques, often accompanied by a panoramic view from its minarets.
Small-group or private tours may include visits inside or outside Ghalib ki Haveli, the 19th-century poet Mirza Ghalib’s home, now preserved as a museum. Routes may pass historic mansions like Chunnamal Haveli or the Seth Ram Lal Khemka Haveli, offering glimpses of aristocratic Old Delhi life.
2. Labyrinthine Bazaars & Markets
You’ll wander through Chandni Chowk, a bustling market with wedding wear, jewelry, spices, and more. The experience often includes visits to Dariba Kalan (jewellery/attars) and Kinari Bazaar (wedding trims).
Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, offers sensory immersion with sacks of turmeric, cardamom, chilies and rich aromas.
3. Authentic Street Food & Local Culture
Experience Delhi’s legendary street-food alleyways with samosas, jalebis, gol gappe (pani puri), chole kulche, kebabs, and chai — often included in the itinerary.
Many tours sample traditional snacks in settings like Gali Paranthe Wali or the Sikh Gurudwara langar (community kitchen).
4. Cultural & Spiritual Stops
Tours commonly visit a Jain or Sikh temple, offering insight into Delhi’s pluralistic religious fabric.
Some include secret or private spaces like hidden spice mansions or haunted stepwells.

Overall, India offers so much for the traveller and Delhi, being the capital city is a super place to start.

Here are a few of my other recommendations in other parts of India. After my time backpacking in Delhi, I headed further afield on a crazy adventure. I toured both the main city of Mumbai and took the ferry from there out to the magical Elephant Island. In fact, I left mainland India twice on my adventure because I also toured the Andaman Islands – this requires a separate visa permit (which you get on arrival) and allowed me to relax by the beach in the swanky Portico Resort in Port Blair. As my surname is Blair, this felt like I was backpacking in my own town!

I also visited some more touristy parts like the beaches of Goa, the Taj Mahal and a side trip to the temples at Hampi, which is bang in the centre of India. We got about by train, tuk tuk, taxi and bus. A wild adventure which also saw us get an alcohol permit in dry Gujarat province where we made a visit to Gandhi’s home in the city of Ahmedabad. There was also time to tour Chennai and Vrindavan.