In the age of e-commerce, Mumbai's street art continues to thrive, and old steam engines remain a subject of interest. While Google can provide answers, personally observing these phenomena brings a completely different magic.
For most people whose weekends are spent aimlessly scrolling through social media looking for new activities, a historical walking tour is suggested. These routes, known as story trails, history walks, or cultural trips, have become the most popular way to rediscover one's hometown.
Historical walks in India merge the past and present, creating experiences that prompt people to leave home and stroll through historic alleys.
Pan India
These walks, conducted by Sahapedia—an open online resource on Indian art, culture, and heritage—serve as a window into the country's legacy. They take place in cities such as Mumbai, Agra, Varanasi, and Shillong, among others, showcasing the cultural nuances that shape the history of these regions. For example, the Kasera Oli route in Gwalior introduces participants to generations of ironware artisans, while a trip to the International Doll Museum in Chandigarh explores the origins of gender association with various toys.
Delhi
This city is a paradise for history lovers. Morning, digital walks and specially organized evening tours for women by Enroute Indian History highlight this feature. The purpose of the special women's tour was 'to create a more inclusive culture where women can enjoy the city lights without fear of suspicion or questioning,' notes the platform. A group consisting of art researchers, heritage cartographers, and subject matter experts gives a new meaning to the perception of history, making it engaging. Some routes include visits to Chandni Chowk and a night walk through the Safdarjung Tomb.
Lucknow
Around the 1780s, cooks lived in areas of Lucknow, such as Husainabad and Daliganj. Over time, these areas became known as 'Bawarchi Tola' (cooks' colony) and remain popular today for the meat delicacies they prepare. Lamb, kebabs, taftans, and koftas gather a huge fan base every evening. A tour of Lucknow city, organized by Tornos India, allows participants to experience this gastronomic delight while also being introduced to the Kaiserbagh palace complex, the city districts besieged in the 1850s, and Ayodhya—the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Mumbai
If a hot kulhad tea with crispy pakoras is all it takes to get you out of the house on the weekend, then Walkitecture by Nikhil Mahashur will take care of it. These historical adventures guide participants through the city, exploring Colaba, South Mumbai, and other spots. Moments are never dull because Nikhil's anecdotes about the city will make you fall in love with Mumbai again. As promised, there will be stops at iconic cafes and restaurants along the way to ensure a satisfying meal.
Jaipur
Jaipur World Heritage describes itself as 'a global overview of everything in Jaipur.' The routes designated for historical walks include some of the city's most interesting sites, such as the Sawai Mansingh Rajmahal, where folk design was influenced by European trends; the stepwells of Jaipur, known as baoris; and the Jhalana leopard safari, India's first leopard reserve.
Kolkata
If you are not inclined to believe in history, and you need to know the history of every corner and the heritage of every street, it would not be an exaggeration to say that not only the historical walks conducted by Calcutta Walks are iconic, but also the team organizing them. The tour includes some of the most famous names involved in reimagining Kolkata's bungalows: from its state in the 1920s to its more modern appearance. You can choose from a wide range of experiences: a Bengali-style cooking tour, a 'Black Town Walk,' or a trip to Dalhousie Square, which introduces you to British Kolkata.
Hyderabad
The most fascinating part of the city is its coexisting cultural and religious diversity. Any local resident would agree with this statement. The culinary landscape, abundant with many different flavors, is a result of this. A walking tour by Hyderabad Magic allows people to absorb everything the city holds by exploring its numerous layers of culture. Through a walk through the Charminar area, the Shahi Tombs, and a tour of urban crafts, one can see another side of Hyderabad—the side where history remains untouched.
Bengaluru by Foot
Bengaluru's history has remained largely untouched over time. A sense of nostalgia envelops anyone who steps here, and the historical walks organized by Bengaluru by Foot attempt to capture this. Among the many walks conducted by Bengaluru by Foot, the most popular is the Basavanagudi Darshan Heritage Walk, which starts from a tower in Basavanagudi that once served as an observation post. The website states: 'Then we move to the temple, which was accidentally named after a bull that rampaged in the peanut fields here centuries ago.' Other walks include the Malleswaram Darshan Heritage Walk, exploring old Bengaluru, as well as walks through Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Rasle market, and villages where Malgudi houses are located.