Guide #10674
I've been working in the Travel and Tourism Industry for over 27 years. I have an MBA in International Business & Marketing, and I've successfully led startup initiatives, managed various projects, and become skilled in people management. Instead of becoming a pilot as my family expected, I chose to explore the world of Tourism. I started my journey in Delhi, a city with a family history in Civil Services and education. Combining my global travels, education, and diverse experiences, I wanted to change the tourism scene in India. When Delhi was losing its appeal to travelers, I introduced the idea of experiential tourism. I focused on making a distinction between tourists and travelers by offering unique walking and culinary tours. Leaving my position as Executive Vice President in a global organization to follow my passion wasn't easy. Even my family was skeptical. But I was determined to show authentic experiences to fellow travelers. In a testament to the resonance of this vision, two former bosses and cherished childhood friends—Raj, Anju, Vivian, and Varun—joined me in this mission, elevating it into a collective endeavor to champion experiential travel in India. My love for photography and travel inspires me to explore new places on foot, building connections with local communities. One of my favorite memories is crossing the equator during a trip to Kenya. As a team we strongly believe that locals are the true custodians of their neighborhoods. Rooted in Delhi, we are passionate about showcasing the city's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and delicious local food to our guests. Through carefully planned guided walks, we aim to provide immersive experiences that capture the essence of the city. With a deep passion and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, we consider ourselves a valuable asset to the Travel and Tourism Industry. Our life's work is proof of the transformative power of immersive tourism, and we hope our journey inspires others to follow their hearts. I've won several accolades for my focused efforts while working for more than two decades in the Travel & Tourism Industry. I was also recognized and received a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD in Dec 2004 at Los Angeles, California. I have also been trained at LSG Sky Chef in Hong Kong and Tokyo Flight Kitchen in Japan while setting up catering department for Japan Airlines in India. Have been awarded Traveler's Choice 2022 Award with Top 10 Best of the Best Experiences in Asia, among 10 BEST EXPERIENCES IN INDIA and Best of The Best Around the World by one of the largest travel sites in the world. This latest award is a further recognition and appreciation of the high quality of my tours and customer satisfaction. Was earlier awarded us the Certificate of Excellence 2013 to 2020 with 5 stars rating for eight consecutive years and am in their Hall of Fame for the last two consecutive years. Was also recognized by the Minister of Tourism as The Best Walking Tour Company in India I do not work as guide or an escort, I work as local friend. Hence, do not offend me by offering tips. I am passionate native Indian friend, who love to share my passion and love for my city.
New delhi

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11 reviews
Extraordinary immersion experience! Varun provided fascinating insights into New and Old Delhi, their people, culture, and practices. We truly experienced a deep dive into the behind the scenes life in Old Delhi! Well worth it!!!!
Dhruv's tour of Old Delhi was an absolute joy and full of surprises. He has an endless supply of entertaining stories prompted by the sites, sounds, and smells around every corner as we wandered the crowded streets. We sample numerous foods, always reassuring me that the items he chose were safe to eat with no gastro-concerns. He also made sure to point out unique...
The tour was booked with Dhruv, but he got called away and the tour was conducted by his associate Raj. IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE PERFECT. My wife and I were looking for a tour which would show us a side of old Delhi that we might not get to see with a standard tour. I agree with other reviewers that this was as much an "experience" as a tour. We felt completely safe...
We have used Tours by Locals several times but this tour was by far the best. Raj, our guide, was prompt and met us at our hotel. He explained his background in history and anthropology. He spoke clearly and was very knowledgeable. We had a hands on experience in old Delhi. We tried local foods, rode a rickshaw, visited a temple, toured the jewelry and spice districts and...