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Free tour

Street Performers Slum Tour - Kathputli Colony

Duration: 2h
Languages: English
Guru: Santan
Registered on August 27, 2023

I grew up in Delhi(city that never sleep) and now I would love to tell you more about my city, neighbours and an unexplored part of the city. Meeting new people and both learning and teaching of culture is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I love showcasing our dense Indian culture to whoever wants to listen!

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

For more than 60 years, the street artists and performers of India's north had lived in a slum area near Shadipur station in west Delhi. It was known as Kathputli Colony and was home to some 2800 families of magicians, snake charmers, acrobats, singers, dancers, henna artists, jugglers - and much more! 

 

Kathputli was the slum that inspired author Salman Rushdie to include it in his celebrated novel, Midnight's Children. "Kathputli" in the Hindi language means "puppet" ... 

 

In late 2017, the worst nightmares of Kathputli's residents became a reality when the whole area was demolished for the reconstruction of new homes. The residents, some forced into homelessness. 

 

Street Tours was a supporter of these colourful and immensely talented families in their former neighbourhood and is very proud to continue the tradition by inviting tourists to be guided to the residential streets and modest homes of many street performers - who will be only too happy to put on a show for you! 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    22, Patel Rd, Block 2, West Patel Nag...
    22, Patel Rd, Block 2, West Patel Nagar, Patel Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110008, India
    View on map

    I will be outside gate number 2 of the metro station

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Kathputli colony Anand parbat transit camp

    Community of different artists includes- Drummers, snake charmers, monkey dancers, musician, Puppeteers.

  • 2
    Free admission
    Patel nagar metro station

    We will meet you at outside gate no. 2

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Faridpuri

    We will be passing through an electronic rickshaw, talking about the community and more.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    West Patel Nagar
  • 5
    Outside visit
    Anand Parbat Industrial Area

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

5.00
Excellent
(12 ratings)
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By category
Professionalism
4.67
Entertainment
4.92
Expression
5.0
Information
4.92
Route
5.0
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
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