ABOUT SEVEN CITIES
Our story
No-one is quite sure when, why, or even who founded Seven Cities - all that is lost in the midst of time, quite ironic for a historical society! But one thing is for sure Seven Cities is a much loved, not-to-be-missed expatriate institution, responsible not only for many a new friendship but also for introducing new arrivals to Delhi in all its cultural, historical and architectural glory!
Seven Cities is run by a friendly and multinational group of volunteers, all of whom arrived in Delhi only a few years ago themselves and are eager to introduce you to this amazing and diverse city. There are 2-3 coordinators who run the programme, a mentor assigned to each tour group, and 1-2 photographers. All of these volunteers went through the programme as participants in a previous season, and are available to help the current season's participants guidance and tips.
Newcomers of all nationalities, ages, and languages are welcome to join one of Seven Cities’ three-month-long Delhi discovery programmes. Programmes are run twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, with the choice of a January or September start and are available for up to 40 participants. Each Seven Cities season includes an information-gathering coffee morning, a group assignment coffee morning, 10 member-led tours of different historical sites plus an end of season lunch where everyone receives a photobook for the season.
SEX, DRUGS, RELIGION, & A LOVELY TEA BREAK
During the season, members meet on Wednesday mornings (9.00/30 am to 12 noon approx.) at various sites of historical, cultural, or religious significance around Delhi. Each of these 10 tours is led by the participants themselves! At the start of the season, everyone will be divided into small groups of 3 or 4 and tasked with researching a particular historical period and organizing one of the weekly tours. Lots of help is available and many fun memories made as you and your small group explore Delhi’s monuments, markets, and museums to put together a fascinating tour for your fellow Seven Cities participants. Each tour ends with an optional lunch for those with the time to sample the menus of nearby local restaurants.
Tours are conducted in English but participants of all different mother tongues are actively encouraged to join. In fact, each season non-native English speakers probably outnumber native English speakers!
Although the programmes only run twice a year, you are welcome to register at any time for the next season. Click the Register button below and we will email you back with details on when the next information gathering coffee morning is and how to join up for our next exciting season.