Walking Tours in India: The Best Way to Explore Cities
There is a saying that India is so diverse that the culture, language, food, and lifestyle, change every few kilometres. You surely don’t want to zoom past all this diversity. The way to explore and soak in all of it is by walking around the cities in India.
Walking on foot is not just aesthetically satisfying, but it is an opportunity to understand and briefly live through the culture of the city.
Wondering which are the best cities to explore on foot, we have got you covered! Go through this exhaustive list of the best cities you can explore on foot across India:
Lucknow: The City of Nawabs
Walking through the streets of Lucknow is like walking through lanes of history, culture, architecture, and rich heritage. One can start by exploring the beauty of the Bara Imambara, the central hall of which is the largest arched construction in the world. One can then visit Chotta Imambara to admire the chandeliers, silver throne, and beautiful gardens. Inspired by the sublime porte in Istanbul, Rumi Darwaza is a photographer’s dream and cannot be missed during this walk.
The Awadhi cuisine offers everything from appetizers to desserts. Tunday Kebab, Galouti Kebab, and Awadhi Biryani are some of the mouth-watering options apart from the Nawabi curries and different types of chaats and one needs to taste these delicacies for a complete experience while admiring the Adab and Tehzeeb of the locals.
Varanasi: A spiritual journey along the Ghats
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world that has been continuously inhabited. People visit the place to attain Moksha, that is, liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Considering the spiritual essence of the city, walking along the ghats of Varanasi is a treat to the spiritual self. The walking tour begins at any one of the prominent ghats like the Dashashwamedh Ghat or the Assi Ghat. As the tour progresses, a person gets to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Some knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and culture of each ghat and provide a deeper understanding of Varanasi. Walking on the streets of Varanasi also allows one to discover some lesser-known temples and interaction with the locals gives an insight into their daily lives, their beliefs, and traditions.
One of the fun facts about Ganga Aarti is that it is performed by a group of young priests known as the “Pandit boys”. These boys are young adults who have been thoroughly educated in Vedic Scriptures and tradition to perform the rituals with precision.
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Stroll through Bangalore’s Garden Trail
The ‘Garden City of India’, Bangalore, is popular for its lush green spaces, and botanical wonders. Bangalore is a busy city and places like Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and Bannerghata Biological Park serve as an escape for residents as well as visitors looking for a place for lazy evening strolls.
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a house to a diverse collection of flora, which also includes some rare species and exotic plants. The Glass House is a prominent feature that is known to host flower shows and exhibitions throughout the year. The granite monolith or the Lalbagh Rock, provides an amazing view of the surrounding landscape and is also a popular spot for lazy walks.
Cubbon Park serves as the lung space for the city and is located in the heart of Bangalore. Apart from the themed Gardens, the place also has architecture like the State Central Library, Attara Kachari, and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. One interesting fact about Bangalore is that Bangalore owes its status as the ‘Garden City’ to British Colonial Administrators.
Thanjavur: Heritage Walk Amidst Ancient Temples
Thanjavur served as the capital of the Chola Empire and therefore, art, literature, and legacy of the empire continue to influence the cultural landscape. The history of the place also contributes to its architectural marvels like its temples and palaces. A walk through the city is an opportunity to explore the intricate carvings and sculptures of the Dravidian style architecture.
A pedestrian gets an opportunity to admire the crowning jewel of Thanjavur’s Architectural Heritage, Brihadeeswarar Temple. The UNESCO World Heritage is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The Thanjavur Palace is a unique amalgamation of Maratha and Dravidian architecture. A person gets an opportunity to see the grand halls, courtyard, and towers and admire the design and craftsmanship. Thanjavur has played an important role in Tamil Literature as it is home to Saraswati Mahal Library which has many ancient manuscripts in languages including Tamil, Sanskrit, and Telugu. It has also given Tanjore Veena, Bharatnatyam, and Natya Shastra to classical music and dance.
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Mumbai’s Architectural Marvels on Foot
Mumbai is known for its eclectic mix of colonial and contemporary architecture. Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are part of the colonial architectural marvels while the skyscrapers, Bandra bandstand, and Bandra-Kurla Complex present a more modern style of architecture.
A person can begin by visiting the Gateway of India which was made during the British era. It marks Mumbai’s maritime history and it also shows architectural grandeur. Then a person can proceed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and understand the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage status. On a walk through the precincts of the Fort Area, a person comes across the Rajabai Clock Tower, Bombay High Court, and Flora Fountain, all remains of colonial times.
Bollywood has played its part in shaping the recent image of Mumbai as a Global city. Visitors also visit the film city of Mumbai which adds to the already rich cultural aspect of the city.
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