Delhi private guide
 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a one day tour guide for Delhi? We’re arriving one day early for our trip in India and wanted to go to a few places in Delhi that aren’t covered on the trip. Thanks.

I don't know anyone personally, but Delhi Magic are a reputable company so if you contact them, I think they would be able to help you.

Thanks sardarsamand. I've taken a quick look through their offerings and one could work, but only partially. I think I'll contact them to discuss a custom tour - combining the one sight they list with a couple of different sights.

Indian travel agencies tend to be very flexible and if you identify one that's well recommended I'm sure they'll provide what you want. They may suggest adding items to the itinerary that don't interest you but if you're firm you can, in the end, get just what you want.

Thanks MmePerdu. I'm checking with the agency to explore possibilities.

As mentioned, they love to pack the itinerary with the sites they believe you should want to see, but stick to your guns and you'll get exactly what you want in the end.

We are still trying to schedule a brief tour for our first day in Delhi. We’ll be tired but want to do something that day, after arriving in Delhi very late the night before. We’ve changed our minds from wanting a full day tour to a very short partial day tour. We’ve tried booking a guide through the above mentioned agency, but were unable to agree on a short partial day plan to visit one monument.

So here’s another idea. What we’d like to do on that first day is visit just one monument, Humayun’s Tomb, with a guide for a few hours. (Humayan's Tomb is not on our tour group's itinerary for our Delhi stay.) I've emailed the monument through their website and they replied that many guides are available for hire there. If we get our hotel’s concierge to book a taxi to take us there and another to bring us back at a prearranged time, do we even need to go through a tour agency? We’re thinking 2-3 hours there would give us ample time with the guide and even more to wander around on our own. What do you all think? Or should we try another tour agency?

I wouldn't worry about the need to prearrange things. I suggest you just have the hotel book a taxi for you for half a day, he'll wait for you wherever you want to go. It's a convenient & flexible way to see a few places.

I concur with MmePerdu. We had our Delhi hotel arrange a taxi driver for us on our first morning, and it was done on the spot. There was a queue of taxi drivers, and the concierge simply negotiated a fair price for us, based on where we were going.

I do want to warn you that the driver, after he pulls away from the hotel, will try to con you into going to carpet shops, where he will get a commission. Be prepared to say no, and do not give in.

I didn't have the carpet shop experience any of the times I used taxis but I would suggest you ask the concierge to make sure the driver you have understands enough English to know where you want to go, should you decide to add a location during your time with him. Fluency isn't necessary but a bit can be useful.

Thank you both MmePerdu and California Lady. We'll wait until we're there and get the concierge to set a price. Also thanks for the tip about insisting on "no" for additional shopping stops. Shopping would be the last thing I'd want to do that day.

Also, I just got back from my second trip to India (trip report forthcoming), and there were licensed guides outside virtually every site, vying for my business. If you feel compelled to use one, then you can negotiate a price, perhaps offering them half of their initial bid. However, you could alternatively print out maps of the sites you plan to visit, and guide yourself. You may not want someone under foot on your first day out.

Thanks both--great information!
Kathy

We used castle & king for 7 days outside of Delhi. When we returned we thought we would do Delhi on our own for a few days, but the city is spread out and Arvind, the owner provided us with a complimentary driver for the day. I would highly recommend him.

Btw - we loved Humayan's tomb and we spent a good deal of time there. You can tell Arvin's where you will. E going on the tour and ask for suggestions. He is very accommodating.

dgunbug, Glad to know you thought so highly of Humayan's Tomb. We're looking forward to seeing it. Between 2 and 3 hours is what we thought we'd spend there. Would you suggest more or less?
We'll be in Delhi for another day and a half, so we won't be trying to get to all the other places on our own, and I'm not sure one tour company would volunteer a driver, if we're booked with another company. But thank you!

We used the services of Mr. VP Singh when we were last there and he was excellent, someone you could rely on. His website is;

Www.legendsandpalaces.com.

Regarding "shopping", I wouldn't necessarily dismiss the thought entirely as some of the shopping places are fascinating places to visit, even with no thought of buying. Old Delhi (in this case a guide can be useful) I found pretty great and Khan Market I liked as well, a place where I think expats shop but is a fun place to wander in the shops. I always find places that have a variety of shops (tho not glitzy shopping centers) interesting & educational, for the people as much as the goods on offer.

Oh BTW consider seeing the home of the late Indira Gandhi which is a shrine to her life and death. I found it very moving.

Best shopping area in New Delhi imho is Hauz Khas Village. You'll be fairly close to it if you go to Humayun's Tomb, about 15-20 mins drive if i recall correctly, although that could vary with notorious India city traffic). All the rivers/taxis will know it .HK village is unique, little winding street not a "mall" with wonderful little shops and eateries --no chain stores and as a bonus, there is an archaeological site and lake at one end of it!!!

Obviously an individual preference, but for me, two hours at Humayuns's tomb would be more than enough.

Drivers, not rivers, will know Hauz Khas Village. Typos--grrr.

Have a great trip Kathleen!!!!