Cooking classes, cycling tours, walking tours, yoga, Bollywood experiences, and street art in Delhi. Hands-on experiences beyond sightseeing.
Delhi offers hands-on experiences beyond monument visits. Here's where to cook, cycle, walk, stretch, and explore.
Cooking Classes
The Experience
Delhi cooking classes typically include:
- Market visit (often spice market or local vegetable market)
- Hands-on cooking (3-5 dishes)
- Eating what you cook
- Recipes to take home
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: ₹2,500-5,000 per person
Group size: 2-8 people typically
Top Classes
Saffron Palate
- Setting: Home kitchen in South Delhi
- Style: Traditional North Indian recipes
- Includes: Spice shopping, cooking, meal
- Best for: Authentic home-style learning
- Book: Through website or Viator
Indian Cooking Classes (with Neha)
- Setting: Home kitchen
- Style: Flexible — can request specific dishes
- Includes: Market visit, cooking, recipes
- Best for: Personalized experience
- Book: Airbnb Experiences
Cooking With Locals (Airbnb)
- Setting: Various hosts' homes
- Style: Varies by host — North Indian, Mughlai, street food
- Best for: Meeting local families
- Book: Airbnb Experiences
What You'll Cook
Typical classes cover:
- Starters: Pakoras, samosas, or kebabs
- Main: Butter chicken or dal makhani (or vegetarian equivalents)
- Bread: Chapati, naan, or paratha
- Rice: Biryani or pulao
- Dessert: Kheer or gulab jamun
Tips
- Request vegetarian or non-vegetarian when booking
- Classes in home kitchens are more intimate than restaurants
- Morning classes often include market visits
- Book at least a few days ahead
Cycling Tours
Why Cycle Delhi?
Early morning cycling avoids traffic and heat. You cover more ground than walking, access narrow lanes cars can't enter, and see the city waking up.
Delhi By Cycle
The established cycling tour operator in Delhi.
Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) Tour
- Start time: 6:00-6:30 AM
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 15-20 km
- Route: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk lanes, spice market, street food stops
- Includes: Bike, guide, breakfast, water
- Cost: ₹2,500-3,500
- Best for: Experiencing Old Delhi before crowds
New Delhi Tour
- Start time: 6:00-6:30 AM
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Route: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lutyens' Delhi, Lodhi Gardens
- Cost: ₹2,000-3,000
- Best for: Colonial architecture, wide boulevards
Practical Information
When to go: October-March is ideal (cool mornings). Summer is too hot. Monsoon is possible but wet.
Fitness level: Easy to moderate. Flat terrain. Stops included.
What to bring:
- Comfortable clothes
- Closed shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (even early morning)
Book: Through Delhi By Cycle website or Viator
Walking Tours
Guided Walking Tours
Street Connections
- Small groups, intimate
- Old Delhi focus
- Local stories and history
- ₹1,500-3,000 per person
Delhi Heritage Walks
- Academic, detailed
- Various neighbourhoods
- Architecture and history focus
- ₹1,000-2,500 per person
INTACH Walks
- Monthly scheduled walks
- Different areas each time
- Book through INTACH website
- ₹500-1,000 per person
Self-Guided: Old Delhi Walk
Route:
- Start: Chandni Chowk Metro (exit Gate 3)
- Walk: Down Chandni Chowk main road toward Jama Masjid
- Stop: Paranthe Wali Gali (parathas)
- Continue: To Jama Masjid (10-minute visit)
- Explore: Kinari Bazaar (wedding lane)
- Walk: To Khari Baoli (spice market)
- End: Fatehpuri Mosque
Time: 3-4 hours with stops
Distance: 3-4 km of walking
Best time: 8-11 AM
Tips:
- Download offline Google Maps
- Bring water
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Keep valuables secure
Self-Guided: Lodhi Colony Street Art
Route:
- Start: Jor Bagh Metro
- Walk: Through Lodhi Colony residential blocks
- Look for: Large-scale murals on building walls
- Key streets: Khanna Market area, blocks around it
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2-3 km
Best time: Morning or evening light for photos
What you'll see:
- 30+ large murals by international artists
- India's first open-air street art district
- Works by artists from Brazil, Germany, India, and beyond
Yoga
Drop-In Classes
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
- Location: Kailash Colony (South Delhi)
- Style: Traditional Sivananda (12 basic postures)
- Classes: Multiple daily
- Drop-in: ₹500-800
- Best for: Traditional approach
Delhi School of Yoga
- Location: Lajpat Nagar
- Style: Various (Hatha, Vinyasa)
- Drop-in: ₹600-1,000
- Best for: Modern studio setting
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga
- Location: Near CP (Government institute)
- Style: Various
- Cost: Subsidized rates
- Best for: Budget option, serious practitioners
Hotel Yoga
Many upscale hotels offer morning yoga sessions:
- The Imperial
- The Lodhi
- ITC hotels
Check with your hotel — often complimentary for guests.
Tips
- Bring your own mat or confirm they provide
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Morning classes (6-8 AM) are most traditional
- Many teachers speak English
Bollywood Experience
What's Available
Bollywood Tours
- Visit film studios (if shooting permits)
- Learn Bollywood dance steps
- Costume dress-up and photos
- ₹3,000-8,000 per person
Bollywood Dance Classes
- Learn iconic song choreography
- 1-2 hour sessions
- Available through Airbnb Experiences
- ₹1,500-3,000
Reality Check
Delhi is not Mumbai — there are no major film studios here. "Bollywood experiences" in Delhi are typically:
- Dance classes
- Photo shoots in costumes
- Watching films at vintage cinemas
For actual studio visits, go to Mumbai.
Alternative: Catch a Film
PVR Rivoli (Connaught Place) — Historic cinema, modern renovations
PVR Select Citywalk — Premium multiplex
Watch a Bollywood film with a local audience for an authentic experience.
Street Art
Lodhi Art District
What: India's first open-air public art district
Where: Lodhi Colony, South Delhi (residential neighbourhood)
What you'll see:
- 30+ massive murals on apartment buildings
- Works by international and Indian artists
- Styles range from abstract to portraits to social commentary
Key artists featured:
- Brazilian twins Os Gemeos
- French artist Seth
- Indian artists Anpu Varkey, Hanif Kureshi
How to explore:
- Walk through the residential blocks
- Murals face streets and are visible from sidewalks
- No entry fee, no tickets — it's a public neighbourhood
- Respectful photography allowed
Best time: Morning or late afternoon for photography
Getting there: Metro to Jor Bagh (Yellow Line)
Other Street Art
Shahpur Jat
- Design village with gallery-sponsored murals
- Combined with boutique shopping
- Near Hauz Khas
Hauz Khas Village
- Some installations in the lanes
- Combined with cafe hopping
More Activities
Heritage Walks
Delhi has several heritage walk circuits:
- Nizamuddin — Sufi shrine, Humayun's Tomb area
- Mehrauli — 1,000 years of ruins
- Lutyens' Delhi — Colonial architecture
- Hauz Khas — Medieval tank and ruins
Book through Delhi Heritage Walks or INTACH.
Food Walks
See our food guide for options. Old Delhi food walks are the most popular.
Photography Tours
Available through tour operators for:
- Old Delhi (best morning light)
- Humayun's Tomb (golden hour)
- Street photography
Volunteering
Short-term opportunities exist with:
- Salaam Baalak Trust (street children)
- Various NGOs
Research carefully and book in advance.
Activity Summary
| Activity |
Duration |
Cost |
Best For |
| Cooking class |
3-4 hours |
₹2,500-5,000 |
Food lovers |
| Cycling tour |
3-4 hours |
₹2,000-3,500 |
Early risers |
| Walking tour |
2-4 hours |
₹1,000-3,000 |
History buffs |
| Yoga drop-in |
1-1.5 hours |
₹500-1,000 |
Practitioners |
| Street art walk |
1-2 hours |
Free |
Art lovers |
| Food tour |
3-4 hours |
₹2,000-5,000 |
Everyone |
For what to see, check our things to do guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cooking classes in Delhi?
Top options: Saffron Palate (traditional recipes, home setting), Indian Cooking Classes by Neha (hands-on, market visit included), Cooking at Home with Locals via Airbnb Experiences. Classes typically run 3-4 hours, include market visit, cooking, and eating. Cost: ₹2,500-5,000.
Can you do a cycling tour in Delhi?
Yes. Delhi By Cycle offers early-morning tours through Old Delhi before crowds arrive. Tours start around 6 AM, cover 15-20 km, include breakfast stops. Cost: ₹2,000-3,500. Best October-March when weather is cool. Also available: Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) and New Delhi routes.
Are there yoga classes in Delhi for tourists?
Yes. Drop-in options: Delhi School of Yoga (Lajpat Nagar), Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre (Kailash Colony), Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (CP area). Many hotels offer morning sessions. Drop-in classes cost ₹500-1,500. Multi-day workshops available.
What is a self-guided walking tour of Old Delhi?
Start at Chandni Chowk metro, walk to Jama Masjid, through Kinari Bazaar, past Paranthe Wali Gali, to Khari Baoli spice market, ending at Fatehpuri Mosque. Allow 3-4 hours. Download offline maps. Best before 11 AM. Our neighbourhoods guide has details.
Where can you see street art in Delhi?
Lodhi Colony is India's first open-air street art district — entire building walls feature murals by international artists. Free, always accessible. Also: Shahpur Jat village has gallery graffiti, and Hauz Khas Village has some installations. Lodhi Colony alone has 30+ major murals.
How much does a cooking class cost in Delhi?
Home cooking experiences run ₹2,000-3,500 (4-42) per person for a 3-4 hour session including a meal. Professional cooking workshops at culinary schools cost ₹3,500-5,000 (2-60) for a half-day. Market tour plus cooking combos, where you shop for ingredients in a local market before cooking, cost ₹3,000-5,000 (6-60) and take 4-5 hours total.
What dishes will I learn to cook?
Most classes teach 3-5 dishes in a single session. Common menus include butter chicken or paneer tikka, dal makhani or dal tadka, rice (jeera rice or biryani), a bread (roti, naan, or paratha), and a dessert like gulab jamun or kheer. Vegetarian menus are standard — you'll typically choose between a veg or non-veg track when booking.
Do I need cooking experience to take a class in Delhi?
No. Most Delhi cooking classes are designed for beginners with zero Indian cooking experience. Instructors explain spices from scratch, demonstrate techniques step by step, and let you work at your own pace. You'll chop, grind, temper spices, and cook everything yourself with guidance. The home kitchen format is particularly beginner-friendly.
Can I watch a Bollywood movie in a cinema in Delhi?
Yes. PVR and INOX cinemas across Delhi screen the latest Bollywood releases daily. PVR at Select Citywalk (Saket) and PVR Plaza (Connaught Place) are the most popular. Tickets cost ₹300-700 (.60-8.40) depending on the screen and timing. No Hindi needed — the music, dance sequences, and drama translate across languages.
Where can I take a Bollywood dance class in Delhi?
Delhi Dance Academy in Lajpat Nagar and Natya Social in South Delhi offer Bollywood dance workshops for tourists. Classes run 1-2 hours and cost ₹800-1,500 (0-18). You'll learn choreography from recent hit songs. No dance experience needed — the instructors break everything down step by step.
Is Kingdom of Dreams still open?
Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon has had intermittent closures. Check their website or call ahead before visiting. When open, it hosts Zangoora and Jhumroo — large-scale Bollywood-style musical theatre shows with lavish sets, costumes, and dance numbers. Tickets start at ₹1,500 (8). It's about 45 minutes from central Delhi by metro or cab.
How much does a cycling tour in Delhi cost?
A cycling tour in Delhi costs ₹1,500-2,000 (8-24) per person with Delhi By Cycle. This includes a well-maintained hybrid bike, helmet, water, and a guide. Some premium sunrise tours run up to ₹2,500 and include a chai and breakfast stop.
Do I need to be fit to do a cycling tour in Delhi?
No. Delhi is flat, and the tours cover 10-15 kilometres at a gentle pace with frequent stops. The early morning start means cool temperatures and empty roads. Most operators offer geared hybrid bikes that handle the uneven surfaces of Old Delhi easily.
When is the best time to do a cycling tour in Delhi?
October to March is ideal — cool mornings and clear skies. All tours start at 6am to beat both traffic and heat. Summer tours still run but only from late September. Avoid monsoon months (July-August) when roads flood.
Can tourists do drop-in yoga classes in Delhi?
Yes. Most yoga studios in Delhi accept drop-in students without advance booking. Expect to pay ₹500-1,000 (-12) per class. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Kailash Colony, Yoga Kshema near Safdarjung, and several studios in Hauz Khas all welcome tourists. Bring your own mat or rent one for ₹50-100.
What is the best yoga centre in Delhi for beginners?
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Kailash Colony is the best for beginners. Their open classes follow a fixed 12-posture sequence that's the same worldwide, so you always know what's coming. Teachers give individual corrections, and the pace is slower than vinyasa or power yoga studios. Drop-in cost is ₹500.
Are there outdoor yoga sessions in Delhi?
Yes. Free and low-cost group yoga happens every morning in Lodhi Gardens, Nehru Park, and at India Gate. These are informal gatherings — usually a local instructor with 10-30 regulars — starting at 6am. Quality varies, but it's a genuine Delhi experience. Lodhi Gardens near Jor Bagh metro gate is the most popular spot.
How long does a walking tour of Old Delhi take?
A self-guided walking tour covering the main route — Chandni Chowk Metro to Red Fort, through the bazaars, Paranthe Wali Gali, the Spice Market, and ending at Jama Masjid — takes 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace with food stops. If you add the Red Fort interior (1-1.5 hours) and climb Jama Masjid's minaret, budget 5-6 hours total.
Is Old Delhi safe to walk around?
Yes. Old Delhi is safe for tourists during daytime hours. The lanes are crowded and chaotic, but violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket (petty pickpocketing happens in dense crowds), watch for cycle rickshaws and motorbikes in narrow lanes, and stay on the main routes during your first visit. Women travelling solo may attract attention but are not at higher risk of crime in this area during the day.
What is the best time to walk around Old Delhi?
Start between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. The lanes are quieter, the light is softer for photography, and the food stalls are freshly set up. By 10:00 AM the crowds thicken significantly. Avoid afternoons in summer (April-June) when temperatures exceed 40°C. The October-March cool season is ideal — pleasant walking weather all day.
Where is the Lodhi Art District in Delhi?
The Lodhi Art District is in Lodhi Colony, a residential neighbourhood in South Delhi between Lodhi Colony metro station (Violet Line) and Jor Bagh metro station (Yellow Line). The murals are spread across apartment blocks, boundary walls, and public buildings along Lodhi Road, Mehar Chand Market, and the surrounding lanes.
Is Lodhi Art District free to visit?
Yes. Lodhi Art District is completely free and open 24 hours since the murals are on public buildings and walls in a residential neighbourhood. There are no tickets, no gates, and no guided tour required. You simply walk around the streets and look up.
Who created the Lodhi Colony murals?
The murals were created through the St+Art India Foundation, which has been organising the Lodhi Art District project since 2015. Artists from over 25 countries have painted here, including Hendrick Beikirch (Germany), Amitabh Kumar (India), Hanif Kureshi (India), and Yoh Nagao (Japan).
