Exploring India on Foot: A Guide to Free Walking Tours
India is a country that is steeped in history, culture, and tradition. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. That’s where free walking tours come in. They are an excellent way to explore the cities, learn about the local culture, and meet new people. Here’s everything you need to know about free walking tours in India.
What are Free Walking Tours?Free walking tours are guided tours where you pay for what you want at the end of the tour. They are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the city and its history. The tours are typically two to three hours long, and they cover the main attractions of the city.
Why you should take a Free Walking Tour in India?Free walking tours are a great way to see the city on a budget. They are free to join, and you can pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end. This makes them accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.
Free walking tours are also a great way to learn about the city’s culture and history. The guides are locals who know the city inside out, and they are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others. You’ll learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture, and you’ll get a better understanding of what makes the city unique.
Another great thing about free walking tours is that they are a fantastic way to meet new people. You’ll be walking with a group of like-minded people, and you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world.
Popular Cities in India for Free Walking Tours
There are free walking tours available in many cities in India. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Delhi:Delhi is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many free walking tours available. Some popular tours cover Old Delhi, where you can see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. Other tours cover New Delhi, where you can see the India Gate, Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour in Delhi.
Mumbai:Mumbai is a bustling city with a lot to see and do. Some popular free walking tours cover the Colaba neighborhoods, where you can see the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Other tours cover the Dharavi slum, where you can learn about life in one of the largest slums in the world.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Mumbai.
Jaipur:Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the color of its buildings. Some popular free walking tours cover the old city, where you can see the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Jaipur.
Agra:Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. Some popular free walking tours cover the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.
Varanasi: Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be one of the most sacred cities in India. Some popular free walking tours cover the ghats along the Ganges River, where you can see the rituals and ceremonies that take place there.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Varanasi.
Udaipur: Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and is famous for its palaces and lakes. Some popular free walking tours cover the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichola.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Udaipur.
Goa: Goa is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, nightlife, and colonial architecture. Some of the most popular free walking tours cover the Fontainhas neighbourhood, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Goa.
Pune: Pune is a city in Maharashtra known for its rich history and culture. Some popular free walking tours cover the Shaniwar Wada, which is an 18th-century palace, and the Aga Khan Palace, which played an important role in India’s freedom struggle.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Pune.
Chennai: Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples, beaches, and museums. Some popular free walking tours cover Fort St. George, which is a colonial-era fort, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Chennai.
Check out here about the-> Free Walking Tour of Chennai.
Bangalore: Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka and is known as the Silicon Valley of India. Some popular free walking tours cover the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, which is a 240-acre garden, and the Bangalore Palace, which is a 19th-century palace that was modelled after Windsor Castle.
Check out here about the -> Free Walking Tour of Bangalore.
Tips for taking free walking tours in India:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
- Dress appropriately: India is a conservative country, so make sure you dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops.
- Bring water: India can be hot, so make sure you bring plenty of water.
- Be prepared to tip: While the tours are free, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
- Be respectful: India is a conservative country, so be respectful of the local customs and culture.
Pay What You Want: A Guide to Minimum Payment for Free Walking Tours
While these cities are known for their free walking tours, it’s important to keep in mind that while the tours are free, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end of the tour. The idea behind free walking tours is to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. Most free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-want model, which means that you can pay whatever you feel the tour was worth at the end. This allows you to customise the payment based on your budget and the value you received from the tour.
In India, the minimum payment for free walking tours is usually around 600 rupees. This amount helps the guides cover their expenses and provides them with the motivation to run the tour every day. It’s important to remember that the guides put a lot of time and effort into researching and conducting the tours, and they deserve to be compensated for their work. While 600 rupees is the minimum payment for free walking tours, you can always choose to pay more if you feel that the tour was worth it.
In conclusion, free walking tours are a great way to explore the cities of India on foot and learn about their rich history and culture. From the ancient city of Varanasi to the modern tech hub of Bangalore, many popular cities in India offer free walking tours.
At Nine Tours, we’re proud to offer free walking tours in all the cities mentioned in this blog. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their love for India with travellers from around the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring the ghats of Varanasi or the palaces of Udaipur, we have a free walking tour that’s right for you.
To learn more about our free walking tours and the cities we operate in, click below and book your tour today!
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