In the West, India is still often depicted through the lens of Old Delhi. Without wanting to be to cliche, Old Delhi really is the assault on the senses that it is made out to be in films and on TV. It’s where shoppers and traders come together in a mass of humanity, noise, fragrance and colour.
We wanted to see Old Delhi for ourselves, but we wanted to do so in a considerate way. That’s why we visited as part of a tour with Street Connections.
Street Connections is a social enterprise, working in tandem with the Salaam Baalak Trust, a charity that provides accommodation, education and training for children living on the street. All of the guides working for Street Connections are former street children and service users and your tour fee goes towards their income and to funding the charity work.
The tour was excellent and included rickshaw rides and even a cup of chai. We felt that we gained an insight into local life that we wouldn’t have achieved had we visited Old Delhi on our own.
Bookings must be made in advance by email (see the website for details). It costs 750 INR per person, though a small group of at least 6 other guests must be formed. Otherwise, you can book a private tour for 1000 INR per person.