Connaught place
Formally known as Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place is a well-known commercial and financial hub located in the heart of New Delhi. One of the largest financial, commercial, and business centers in Delhi,Connaught Place is a popular tourist destination. The area is known for its colonial architecture, street-side cafes, restaurants, shopping walkway, and theatres. Connaught Place is also home to many government buildings and offices, including the headquarters of several national and international banks. It is surrounded by famous tourist spots like India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's House.
History
Named after the Duke of Connaught, Connaught Place was built in the early 20th century as part of british colonial plans to expand New Delhi. The area was designed as a circular market place with a central park. The design was inspired by the Georgian architectural style and the market place was constructed with a series of expanding roads and arcades.
The development of Connaught Place started in 1929 and was completed in 1933. It quickly became the hub of commercial and financial activity in New Delhi, attracting businesses and people from all over India.
Architecture
Connaught Place is popular for its Georgian-style architecture. The grand scale and architectural character of the locality make it stand out amongst other buildings. The building forms two concentric circles with seven roads linking the outer circle and the inner circle. The outer circle is consisting of grade IIA-listed colonial-style buildings, constructed in the 1920s and 1930s and designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens. The inner circle is abode to a series of walkways lined with shops and restaurants, which were added in the late 1940s. The arcades are supported by columns and arches with intricate carvings, reflecting the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
Shopping
Shopper’s Paradise, Connaught Place is divided into two circles, called Inner Circle and Outer Circle. Blocks A to F come inside the campus of the Inner Circle. The area offers a wide range of branded and local products and some of the popular brand shops include Bon Ton, Allen Solly, Louis Phillippe, Cantabill, Lee, GAS, Nike, Park Avenue,Pepe, Filla, Wills Lifestyle, Roopchand Jewellers.
The other part of Connaught Place which is popular as Outer Circle comprises Block G to P having showrooms of Lacoste, Omega, Rado, Digjam, Tag Heuer, and many more.
Nearby Attractions
- Central Park – Located in the heart of Delhi in Connaught Place, Central Park is a pleasant blooming park with rambling waterways, sparkling fountains, and encompassing tall heightened trees. One of the best places to enjoy a relaxing weekend with your family and friends, Central Park is very famous among kids.
- Museum Of Illusions – India’s first Optical Illusion Museum, Museum of Illusion is a fun place that exhibits designs and structures that can challenge your perception and senses. The museum features holograms, a rotating cylinder, a room with no gravity, rooms with mirrors that misinterpret reality, etc.
- Charkha Museum – Featuring a 26 ft long and 13 ft high stainless steel Charkha (Spinning Wheel), Charkha Museum focuses on the importance of the legacy of Indian Charkha. Popular as the world’s largest Spinning wheel or Charkha, the museum portrays the history and evolution of the Charkha, from a simple instrument to a National Symbol.
- Jantar Mantar – Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724, Jantar Mantar in Connaught Place, New Delhi is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja across India. Jantar Mantar is a notable example of Indian astronomical traditions and innovations and is considered one of the largest observatories in the world.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most renowned Sikh Gurudwaras, and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. The Gurudwara is built near a sacred pond called Sarovar. It is believed that the Sarovar has the power to remove one’s sins.
- Agrasen Ki Baoli – Often known as Agar Sain Ki Baoli or Ugrasen ki Baoli, the Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60m long and 15m wide historical step well. A quiet and undisturbed place Agrasen Ki Baoli is very popular with photography lovers.
Nightlife
- My Bar Headquarters – My Bar Headquarters is a fashionable night place with brick walls and a modern vibe. Known for its casual dress code, hookahs, and live performances, the My Bar Headquarters offers an array of North Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines along with a range of beverages.
- My Bar Square – My bar Square is a chichi and stylish bar with screens playing sports. The bar serves a menu of North Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Asian Cuisines and is best known for energetic live music and being pocket friendly.
- Lord of the Drinks – Lord of The Drinks is a spacious restaurant with a modern ambiance. The place is one of the preferred night places in the area serving an array of Oriental, North Indian, Continental, Italian and Mexican cuisines along with a wide menu of Pizza, Beverages, and Desserts.
- SSKY Bar & Lounge – A perfect place to visit with your loved ones, SSky Bar & Lounge is a bar & lounge with pleasant vibes and live music. The restaurant serves an array of Mughlai, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
- Q’BA – Q’BA is a drape pub with a vigorous ambiance. Known for its light music choices, Fancy Crowd, Live Sports Screening, and Classy Ambience, Q’BA serves an array of North Indian, Italian, Continental, and Mughlai cuisines along with a variety of options in Pizza, beverages, and desserts.
- Agni – Agni is a posh and spacious restaurant located in ‘The Park’ hotel. It serves an array of Mughlai, Italian, Finger Food, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- Aqua – Located inside The Park hotel, Aqua restaurant is known for its lavish poolside dining and impressive ambiance. It serves an array of Continental, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Restaurants
- Berco’s – A perfect delight for the Chinese lover, Berco’s is a stylish and fancy Chinese restaurant in Connaught Place. Known for its impressive interiors and affordable price Berco’s restaurant serves an array of Chinese, Momos, and Asian Cuisines.
- Parikrama – Parikrama is a restaurant situated 240ft height, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It offers an array of North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, and Italian cuisines along with a variety of options in beverages. Some of the must-try items of Parikrama are Paneer Malai Kofta, Chicken Lababdar, and Murg Makhani.
- Excuse Me Boss – A spacious and posh restaurant Excuse Me Boss is known for its barbecue zone. It offers an array of North Indian, Chinese, European, Fast Food, Continental, and Bar Food and is best known for its Live Dj and live entertainment.
- Castle 9 – Castle 9 is an irradiated restaurant with contemporary decor. Known for its warm service and impressive view, Castle 9 serves an array of North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Fast Food, and Mughlai cuisines.
- Nizam's Kathi Kabab – Nizam’s Kathi Kabab is a Casual restaurant with a simple dining room, serving kebabs, curries,and rice dishes. Popular for its comfortable seating area and relaxed surroundings, the restaurant serves an array of North Indian, Mughlai, Rolls, and Kebab cuisines along with a variety of options in beverages.
- United Coffee House – United Coffee House is a grandiose restaurant with a royal and stately ambiance. Known for serving for 80 years, United Coffee House serves an array of Mughlai, Chinese, Continental, European, North Indian, Fast Food, and Sichuan cuisines along with a variety of options in Beverages.
Hotels
- Taj Palace, New Delhi – Taj Palace is a grand hotel, offering an outdoor swimming pool and 3 dining options. It is a stately retreat from busy and hectic life.
- Shangri-la Eros – A lavish hotel situated in India’s one of the largest financial, business, and commercial districts, Shangri-la Eros hotel offers panoramic views from the Horizon Club and has modern comforts including Asian-inspired dining options, and luxurious facilities. Shangri-la Eros Hotel provides a pleasant escape for both business and leisure travelers with 320 luxurious rooms.
- The park in New Delhi – Widely recognized as India’s Best Business Hotel by famed Travel + Leisure Magazine, The park in New Delhi is an extravagant hotel with remarkable decor and interiors. The hotel provides 220 opulent rooms designed with natural materials with discreet shades and details.
- The Grand Uddav – The Grand Uddav is a carefree hotel stationed on a happening lifestyle destination. The hotel offers woody decor and an open multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious Indian and Chinese menus. The Grand Uddhav offers hygienic rooms, featuring up to 2 king-sized beds, seating areas along with coffee tables, and modern amenities like mini bars and coffee machines.
- The Connaught – The Connaught hotel stands out with an antique period charm, constructed with antiquated tiles and anarchaic exterior. Located at the center of Connaught Place, it offers eye-catching city views. It provides rooms with an ornate ambiance and other amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, offering varied cuisines and signature cocktails.
How To Reach
- By Air :
The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport situated at a distance of 12 kmfrom Connaught Place.
- By Bus:
Connaught Place is well-linked by public buses and the nearest bus stand is situated at a distance of 450 m from Connaught Place.
- By Rail :
The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Connaught Place.
- By Subway:
The nearest metro station from Connaught Place is Rajiv Chowk, situated at a distance of 1 km.