Connaught Place is New Delhi’s commercial and cultural core. Here, history and modernity intertwine to produce an otherworldly sight. More than just a marketplace, Connaught Place is a symbol that perfectly embodies the cultural landscape of Delhi.
Its large circular design, colonial-era buildings, and its busy streets are regularly flocked by tourists and citizens alike. Irrespective of whether you prefer shopping at a luxury store, a busy flea market, or an old store with antique furniture, Connaught Place has something to offer every individual.
Tracing the Legacy: A Walk Through History
Built under British rule in the early 20th century, Connaught Place is part of New Delhi’s grand plan. Prior to its construction, the area was a ridge, speckled with kikar trees and home to jackals and wild pigs.
Inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath, England, the construction in Delhi was named after the first Duke of Connaught, Prince Arthur. This attracted leading brands, prestigious clubs, and luxury stores to the locality, with Connaught Place intended to house the business and social hub of the city.
Once finished in 1933, it dominated Delhi's retail and business sectors. Over the years, it has changed to accommodate contemporary attractions while maintaining some of its old-world appeal. Both residents and visitors find Connaught Place to be among Delhi's most energetic and sought-after locations today.
Architectural Grandeur: The Beauty of Connaught Place
Connaught Place, with its two concentric circles—the Inner Circle (Rajiv Chowk) and the Outer Circle (Indira Chowk)—stands as a stunning example of British colonial architecture in Delhi.
Inspired by Georgian and Edwardian styles, its dignified collonaded walkways, whitewashed structures, and open layout were intended to introduce elegance along with functionality. The layout mimics the Royal Crescent of Bath, England, intended to introduce sufficient space for commerce and well-planned roadways for easy movement.
With seven radial roads linking it to the rest of the city, Connaught Place was conceived as a well-planned commercial centre, providing businesses with maximum visibility and access—a far cry from the tight, narrow streets of Old Delhi.
Originally conceived as a luxury shopping enclave for British officials and Indians, Connaught Place has evolved into the throbbing hub of Delhi's commercial and cultural life. Today, it is home to international brand names, cinema halls, restaurants, banks, and art galleries that draw in a diverse crowd of consumers, professionals, and tourists.
Its retail experience is not restricted to upmarket boutiques—Palika Bazaar, an underground shopping complex, and Janpath, a vibrant flea market for fashion and handicrafts, add to the area's lively character, making Connaught Place a must-visit in the capital.
Hidden Treasures and Must-Visit Spots
A trip to Connaught Place (CP) isn’t complete without exploring both its well-known landmarks and hidden gems.
From Luxury Buys to Street Hits
Among the largest international brands found at Connaught Place are Nike, Zara, and H&M. Simultaneously, it boasts vibrant street marketplaces like Janpath and Palika Bazaar, where one may get everything from chic clothing to hand-made goods at discounted rates.
Street Food Delights, Restaurants, and Cafés
Connaught Place is a gastronomic heaven for foodies, blending classic restaurants with legendary street food. For decades, timeless cuisine has been served at iconic eateries such as United Coffee House, Kwality Restaurant, and Wenger's. Popular hangouts like Starbucks, Café Delhi Heights, and The Big Chill Café offer a relaxed vibe for coffee lovers and casual diners.
Lastly, don't miss kathi rolls from Khan Chacha, chole bhature from Sita Ram Diwan Chand, or spicy chaat from Prabhu Chaat Bhandar; all must-tries for a taste of Delhi’s street food culture.
Entertainment and Nightlife
As the sun sets, Connaught Place transforms into a nightlife hub. Popular for music, cocktails and a fantastic vibe are Lord of the Drinks, My Bar Headquarters, and Tamasha, among others. You can experience jazz nights at The Piano Man Jazz Club or catch a stand-up comedy show at Summer House Café. Watch the latest films at PVR Plaza or step into history at Regal Cinema, one of Delhi’s oldest movie halls.
Historical and Cultural Points
Apart from food and shopping, Connaught Place is also home to some iconic cultural sites.
- Agrasen ki Baoli: A centuries-old stepwell, just a short walk from Connaught Place, offering a quiet haven away from the hectic streets.
- Jantar Mantar: Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this astronomical marvel was one of India’s first observatories.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: One of Delhi’s most revered Sikh temples, known for its serene surroundings and community kitchen, which serves thousands daily.
Secrets & Stories: Lesser-Known Facts About Connaught Place
Here are some fascinating lesser-known facts about Connaught Place that many people are unaware of:
- It was built for the elite: When CP was designed, it was meant to be an exclusive commercial district for upscale businesses. In its early years, entry was restricted, and common people were not freely allowed in the area.
- Home to Asia’s first underground market: Palika Bazaar, opened in the 1970s, became Asia’s first and largest underground shopping complex, setting a new trend for subterranean markets in India.
- Secret tunnels exist: There are long-standing rumours of hidden tunnels beneath CP, supposedly built during British rule to connect key buildings and provide secret escape routes.
- World’s 9th most expensive office market: Despite being nearly a century old, Connaught Place remains one of the most expensive office spaces globally.
- It was almost demolished: In the 1970s, there was a proposal to tear down CP and replace it with skyscrapers. Thankfully, this never happened.
The Perfect Time to Soak in Connaught Place’s Charm
Connaught Place is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is cool and perfect for exploring. The festive season around Diwali and Christmas adds an extra charm with dazzling lights and lively celebrations.
Mornings are great for a leisurely walk, afternoons are ideal for shopping and sightseeing, and evenings bring nightlife alive with live music, bars, and restaurants. Weekends get crowded, so if you prefer a quieter visit, opt for a weekday.
Getting to Connaught Place with Ease
Getting to Connaught Place is easy, thanks to its excellent connectivity across Delhi.
By Metro
The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Connaught Place. Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, located right in the heart of Connaught Place, connects the Blue Line and Yellow Line, making it accessible from all parts of the city.
By Road
Connaught Place is well-connected by roads, with taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws readily available. While parking is available, finding a spot can be tricky due to heavy traffic. Auto-rickshaws are a quick and budget-friendly option for short distances, and DTC buses run frequently, linking Connaught Place to key areas across Delhi.
Connaught Place is a classic emblem of Delhi's appeal as the neon lights flutter and the streets hum with life. This is a cultural melting pot where history, modernism, and tradition coexist peacefully rather than only a business centre. For everyone visiting Delhi, a visit to Connaught Place is about feeling the soul of the city rather than only seeing a site.
