Places that make Connaught Place what it is

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Connaught Place has imparted as much character and experiences to the list of places to visit in Delhi and its residents as has the Parliament or the Red Fort. It is a historical structure, a shopper’s haven, a foodie’s delight, a … Read more

Places that make Connaught Place what it is

Connaught Place has imparted as much character and experiences to the list of places to visit in Delhi and its residents as has the Parliament or the Red Fort. It is a historical structure, a shopper’s haven, a foodie’s delight, a culture buff’s destination. The truth is, Connaught Place, or CP as it is universally known, offers many unique experiences all rolled into one.

The mammoth circular ivory white structure was built by the British in 1929 as part of their project to relocate the seat of governance from Civil Lines to Lutyen’s Delhi. The market has been named after the first Duke of Connaught but was later renamed after the Gandhis during the time of Union Home Minister S.B. Chavan (Inner circle was rechristened Rajiv Chowk and the outer circle was called Indira Chowk). Today, this is the fourth most expensive office destination in the world and the fifth highest priced market in the world as per some consultancy firms.

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Despite this, CP offers something for everyone. It offers some of the most up market branded stores as well as a variety of street fashion outlets. You could strike a cool bargain at Shankar Market or Janpath, pick up some handicrafts from Khadi Gram Bhavan and then get a glimpse of Jama Masjid from the first floor or the many restaurants dotting outer circle. You could visit the Agrasen ki Baoli, check out the current exhibitions at various art galleries before settling for a movie at the many theatre halls here or simply window shop as you walk around the inner, middle and then outer circles.

CP was home to Delhi’s first ice-cream parlour-Nirula’s, Delhi’s first toy store-Ram Chander & Sons, the first art gallery-Dhoomimal, the first full service photography store-Mahatta’s and perhaps even the first bakery-Wenger’s. Given this list, this market sure has a lot of stories to tell for many generations, as it has played witness to the growth of the rest of the city.

Among many interesting places to visit in Delhi, Connaught Place holds a special place in the heart of visitors.