Top 5 Heritage Walks of India

The Howrah Walk, Kolkata

Howrah Station and Howrah Bridge are iconic landmarks of Kolkata and symbolic of the spirit of the city—modern yet old-world, always on the move, yet laid-back and utterly charming. Experience the wonder of this lovely city the way thousands of its people do—on foot!

Walk

Start the walk at Akashbani Bhawan, the All India Radio building, and then walk through the city’s heritage district, seeing the Town Hall, High Court, State Assembly and Eden Gardens cricket stadium, before reaching the banks of the river at Babu Ghat.

Take one of the local ferries to Howrah and enjoy views of both Kolkata and Howrah on either side. Get off and walk to Howrah Station, one of the largest railway stations in India, and join the crowds as they go in.

From here, walk along Howrah Bridge back towards Kolkata. At the bottom of the bridge is the famous wholesale Flower Market. Finish the day with a walk through this riot of colours and fragrances.

The Charminar Walk, Hyderabad

Since 1591, the majestic Charminar has been the most iconic monument of Hyderabad and is synonymous with the rich history and heritage of the city.

The monument is the grand centrepiece of the Old City and forms the backdrop to Hyderabad’s wonderful culture, fantastic food and traditional crafts.

Walk

As you weave your way through the busy, colourful streets of the Old City, you are transported back to the bygone era of the Nizams.

Take fabulous photographs, eat amazing food and discover traditional handicrafts such as lac bangles and zardosi embroidery while experiencing Hyderabad’s heritage and vibrant street life.

Walk by the well-known monuments and landmarks around the Charminar:

• Charminar
• Mecca Masjid
• Lad Bazaar
• Shahi Jilu Khana
• Mehboob Chowk Clock Tower
• Homeopathy Hospital
• Metal Market
• Chowk Mosque
• Abdarkhana
• Asman Jah Deodi
• Khurshid Jah Deodi
• Iqbal-ud-Daulah Deodi
• Chowmahalla Palace

Finish the walk at Chowmahalla Palace, where you can stop to explore the museum.

The Fort Kochi Walk, Kochi

In ancient times, Kochi (Cochin) was the hub of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean. For many centuries, large ships carrying traders and travellers—the Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs and Chinese—sailed to this beautiful port city to do business.

From the 15th century onwards, Kochi was colonised first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and eventually the British, until 1947, when India gained Independence.

The wonderful legacy of Kochi’s diverse, unique and rich history, culture and heritage can be seen in the many influences found throughout Fort Kochi.

Exploring the old quarter of Fort Kochi on foot is the best way to experience it.

Walk

Visit:

• St Francis Church, built by the Portuguese and described here as India’s oldest European church
• Fort Immanuel, the Portuguese stronghold
• Dutch Cemetery
• Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace
• The beautifully decorated 16th-century Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry
• Vasco House, where Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived
• Santa Cruz Basilica
• Union Club Building

Then walk through the fascinating, spice-laden lanes of Jew Town, home to Kochi’s Jewish community. See the lovely old-world homes along Bishop’s House Road.

Next, stroll along the seaside promenade—sunset is best—and watch the giant Chinese Fishing Nets that dot the coastline and are distinctly unique to Kochi.

You can also stop at some of the curio and handicraft shops and art galleries in Fort Kochi.

Finish your walk with a treat at one of the little cafés.

The Vidhan Soudha Walk, Bengaluru

Bengaluru (Bangalore) was founded in the 1500s by Kempe Gowda and is today the capital of Karnataka.

The city is famous for its pleasant climate, many gardens and old colonial-style buildings that dot the cityscape.

Walk

Start at the General Post Office (GPO) building and then move on to see:

• Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s Residence
• Vidhana Soudha, the State Legislature
• Attara Kacheri, the High Court

Discover the history of these buildings and the events associated with them.

Next, stroll through the lovely Cubbon Park, seeing some of its interesting landmarks as you walk.

Finish with a visit to the State Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery next to it.

Finally, come to a rest with a bite to eat at one of the many cafés nearby.

The Manek Chowk Walk, Ahmedabad

Manek Chowk is Ahmedabad’s biggest, busiest, most colourful and wonderfully chaotic market—not to be missed!

It has lovely jewellery, fantastic food, gorgeous textiles and, of course, plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Walk

Walk through this splendid market and experience it from morning to evening.

A must-visit is Rani no Hajiro, known as the “ladies’ market”, which sells all kinds of things, from costume jewellery and wedding trousseaus to knick-knacks.

The walk also takes you through the Secretariat area, where you can see grand buildings and beautiful gardens.

Note: The final paragraph of the source text appears to repeat details from the Bengaluru walk (“2-hour walk… Bangalore… State Museum and Venkatappa Gallery”), so I have kept the Manek Chowk section focused on the Ahmedabad-specific information provided rather than inserting unsupported details.