OUR STORY
No one is quite sure when, why, or even who founded Seven Cities—fittingly mysterious for a historical society! What we do know is that it has become a much-loved and not-to-be-missed institution among Delhi’s expatriate community. Over the years, Seven Cities has sparked countless friendships and helped new arrivals discover the rich cultural, historical, and architectural tapestry of their new home.
Seven Cities is run by a warm and welcoming team of international volunteers—each currently making a home in Delhi, though originally from elsewhere in the world. The leadership team includes coordinators for mentoring, photography, and administration, all working together to create a supportive and engaging experience. Our tour mentors are alumni of past programs who return to guide new participants, share insights, and offer helpful tips.
Newcomers of all backgrounds, ages, and languages are welcome to join one of our four-month-long discovery programs, offered twice a year in Spring and Fall, with cohorts beginning in January and August. Each season welcomes up to 32 participants and kicks off with an information session followed by a group assignment coffee morning. You'll then enjoy eight member-led historical tours throughout Delhi, and we wrap up the experience with a celebratory lunch and a personalized photobook to remember it all by.
HISTORY, INTRIGUE, RELIGION & A LOVELY TEA BREAK
During the season, Seven Cities participants meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 or 9:30 to explore sites of historical, cultural, or religious significance across Delhi. Each of the eight tours is led by the participants themselves! At the start of the season, members are grouped into teams of four and assigned a historical period to research. Each team is responsible for planning and presenting one of the weekly tours.
With plenty of support and lots of camaraderie, you and your group will dive into Delhi’s monuments, markets, and museums to create a memorable and engaging experience for your fellow participants. Each tour includes both the site visit(s) and a shared lunch at a nearby local restaurant—an essential part of the day that gives everyone a chance to relax, connect, and reflect. The full program typically wraps up by around 2:00 p.m.
Tours are conducted in English, but participants of all native languages are enthusiastically encouraged to join. In fact, each season, non-native English speakers often outnumber native speakers!