Introduction

Mumbai and Delhi were the cities that took the early lead in organising heritage walks. The important feature that differentiates these walks is that unlike regular tourist guides, these walks are lead by architects, historians, heritage conservations, naturalists and the like. The insider perspective they bring often goes way beyond the obvious. Their knowledge and experience brings alive the architectural styles, the ornamental details in monuments, the social and cultural milieu of the period...resulting in a personalized experience. These walks are a must experience for travelers with a strong interest in culture.

Two city architects – Abha Bahl and Brinda Gaitonde – set the ball rolling on this front way back in the late 1990s. Initially a voluntary effort to raise awareness among locals and visitors alike about the city’s architecture and heritage monuments, it soon caught on to become a viable business proposition.

Today many more passionate groups offering such walks have come up. Some of the popular heritage and cultural walks include areas and monuments such as the ethnically diverse Fort and Colaba areas, the tranquil Banganga temple, tank and village, the bustling bazaars of Bhuleshwar, the Kala Ghoda heritage zone, the Chor Bazaar area along the Mohammad Ali Road stretch, the Kotachiwadi locality and so on. The guides are well aware of the local delights like a quaint temple, unique customs, and a street side eatery. Visitors can often interact with locals and even try their hand at a local craft or take part in a local cultural event. The ‘take away’ on such tours is not an artifact bought from a shop but the ‘experience’ that often leaves an indelible impression. Something most travelers cherish over the years.

Most of these walks are undertaken in small groups of 2 to 10 individuals. The groups are kept small on account of logistics. Often the group walks through areas throbbing with life, and just to keep the group together in a tight unit, ‘small’ is the operative word here. This also gives individual travelers the space to interact on a one-to-one basis with the group leader/guide. It is a great place to meet like minded people as well.

Taking this concept further many groups are also offering customized car tours to cover larger areas in town.

Special Attributes

Personalized experience

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable

Connectivity

One can reach the starting point by train, bus and cab, or a combination of these.

Enjoyed by

Religion, history, architecture and culture buffs

Exposure

Yes, carry a cap and a bottle of water

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Since the groups are small take every opportunity to interact with the tea leader/guide.

Type of site

Walk