Old City Heritage Walk & Folk Evening

Witness the wonder of Prayag’s divine culture and history on a private walking tour of Daragunj. An area of immense importance precisely one of India’s oldest Hindu towns where you delve into local atmosphere and learn about its rich Mughal – Colonial history. Feast on a meal of age old local specialties at one of the historic mansions called ‘The Badi Kothi’ and  mesmerize yourself in the ethos of the erstwhile royal courts admiring the marvelous local culture through folk performances while listening to your guide’s exciting narration and amusing anecdotes in the most interesting and novel manner.

During the tour, the guests get a chance to interact with the local hosts; Zamindars, Royal Custodians and Local Residents who open up their abodes and share their stories – oral legends & legacies thus making it an incredible experience for everyone involved.

Tour Highlights

Daragunj

Daragunj ghat is the last bathing site on the river Ganges before it joins the river Yamuna at the might sangam.

The town is named after ‘Dara Shikoh’ (the elder brother of Mughal king Aurangjeb) who was murdered by Aurangjeb in the power struggle for the throne. Dara Shikoh was known to have studied many Hindu Scriptures and translated many of the Upanishads and Puranas into Persian. Presumably the translation took place in this part of the world hence called ‘Daragunj’.

As per Hindu mythology Brahma – the Hindu Creator God conducted the first (Pra) Ten Yajnas (Yag) or Prayag at Dashaswamedh Ghat – Temple in Daragunj.

The Badi Kothi

Badi Kothi is an elegant 400 year old mansion built in typical Hindu – Rajputana architecture. At Badi Kothi visitors get an exclusive access to: Naatch Ghar or Ballroom where, until the 19th century sophisticated tawaifs or courtesans performed Urdu poetry for the royal guests. Explore; Secret Passages, Royal En Suites, Library, Music Room, Puja Ghar (Prayer Room), Durbar Hall, Janana Chowk (ladies courtyard), Halwai Ghar, Mirabai Room, a Jail and above all the Shastri Room where ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri’ (India’s 2 nd Prime Minister) stayed in his early years before joining the active politics.

Todarmal Fort Ruins

Moti Mahal: the palace belonged to Raja Todarmal, one of the navaratnas of Mughal emperor Akbar. In the Indian Rebellion of 1857 the troops of East India Company led by Colonel Neil attacked Daragunj & seized the Moti Mahal. After many years of exile from their abode, the descendants of Raja Todarmal settled in Moti Mahal soon after 1947.

About Tour

Old City Heritage Walk, Folk Performances including the epic Moustache Dance by ‘Dukan Ji’ The Moustache Legend and Guinness – Limca Book of World Records Holder, followed by a Traditional Feast at Badi Kothi/Chhoti Kothi.

Request this tour: info@holywaters.in