Unveiling Delhi's Hidden History

Delhi is a city where centuries of history often hide in plain sight—embedded in crumbling medieval walls, forgotten tombs, and dense forest trails that residents pass by every day. To bridge this gap between the public and the capital's rich architectural past, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has partnered with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to launch an extensive six-month heritage and nature walk programme.

Commencing this Saturday, the initiative will feature 12 guided tours across six prominent historical locations in the capital, offering participants an immersive look into Delhi's lesser-known stories and architectural milestones.

Programme Details and Inaugural Walk

The inaugural walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 4:00 PM, set against the backdrop of the historic Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Heritage experts will lead visitors through the sprawling park, unpacking the history of ancient structures, mosques, and stepwells—including the renowned Rajon Ki Baoli.

To ensure an interactive experience and meaningful engagement with the guides, participation for each walk has been strictly capped at 40 people. Registration is available exclusively online through the official DDA portal, priced at Rs 500 plus GST per person.

Spanning Six Iconic Locations

The overarching six-month programme will cover six distinct zones, with each location hosting two guided tours:

* Mehrauli Archaeological Park * Sanjay Van * Sultan Garhi * Tughlaqabad * Deer Park / Hauz Khas * Northern Ridge

While the schedule for the opening walk has been finalized, the DDA has indicated that dates and timings for the remaining 11 walks will be released in phases.

Collaborative Framework and Urban Vision

Under the partnership, INTACH's Delhi Chapter is tasked with curating the routes, developing thematic narratives, and sourcing expert guides. Meanwhile, the DDA will manage on-ground access, permissions, and logistical coordination.

This cultural initiative builds on recent momentum generated by a heritage walk at Sanjay Van led by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during which an official e-book on the Delhi Ridge was launched. The programme directly aligns with the heritage conservation objectives outlined in the Master Plan for Delhi 2047, which seeks to balance rapid urban development with the preservation of ecological and historical assets. Through these guided excursions, authorities hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the capital's heritage among residents and the younger generation.