Located in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place, or CP, is one neighborhood you simply cannot miss while touring the capital city. Rich with sites of historical and cultural importance, this commercial and business hub of Delhi has plenty to keep you entertained for an entire day. Characterized by a circular structure complete with white Georgian-style columns and Palladian arches, the area is split up into three circles, namely inner, middle and outer. The inner-circle (Block A to F) and the outer circle (Block G to P) have many global chain stores and shops, restaurants, and bars, while the middle circle has offices and banks. Here’s a rundown of the best things to do in Connaught Place, Delhi.
1. Indulge in a good read and great tea at Oxford Cha Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cha Bar is housed within CP’s Oxford Bookstore. It offers over 150 types of teas from different parts of the world. Plus, there’s an extensive selection of delectable baked goodies and snack items such as sandwiches, rolls, pizzas, and more to accompany your tea. The surrounding bookstore boasts an impressive collection of books, magazines, and novels spanning across languages and genres, from rare finds to bestsellers. So, if you’re looking to spoil yourself with a cake, tea, and a good read, this is the perfect place for you.
Cha Bar
Address: N-81, Barakhamba Rd, Block N, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Cha Bar
Opening hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
2. Get your dose of nature at Central Park
Central Park provides the necessary dose of nature and greenery that is hard to come by in the bustling and chaotic Delhi. The park has pathways for walking and jogging, as well as lots of green lawns sprawling beneath the verdant trees. It also features four water bodies, fountains, and a 350-seater amphitheater where musical performances and cultural events are held regularly.
Central Park
Address: Unnamed Road, Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Central Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
3. Explore the historic structures at your own pace (from USD 13.0)
If you’re a history enthusiast or an architecture lover, visit Agrasen Ki Baoli, which is a 14th-century stepwell. Back in the day, it was used to store water, as well as served as a place for socializing. Today, its old brick walls are the perfect spot for a photo shoot. If you’re an astronomy buff, a visit to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical laboratory that is known to provide accurate time and date is a must.
Half Day Delhi Walk Tour Includes Jantar Mantar, Agrasen Ki Baoli & Bangla Sahib
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
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4. Catch the latest flick at one of the many cinemas
One of the best ways to escape the heat of Delhi is by catching a flick at a movie theater. Connaught Place is home to many cinemas including the vintage PVR Rivoli and Carnival Cinemas Odeon that have plenty of showtimes throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to come and go as they please. There’s also a delightful food counter just outside the hall where you can grab a coffee, popcorn, and other snacks.
PVR Rivoli
Address: Regal Building, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: PVR Rivoli
Carnival Cinemas Odeon
Address: Carnival Cinemas Odean, Odean Square, D Block, Connaught Place, Delhi 110001
Website: Carnival Odeon
5. Go museum-hopping
Learn about the history of Charkha or the spinning wheel at the National Charka Museum. Charkha conjures up images of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian Independence movement, and the museum shows the significance and evolution of this humble tool through vintage models of spinning wheels. In earlier times and even today at some places, Charkha is being used for weaving indigenous cloths. If you’re into gemstones, crystals and minerals, head to the National Handicrafts Design Gallery and Earth Treasures Museum, which also contains a rare dinosaur egg. For those with an artistic bent must check out the Dhoomimal Art Center that showcases contemporary artworks.
National Charkha Museum
Address: block g, Palika Parking, G-36, Radial Rd Number 2, Above, Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: National Charkha Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
National Handicrafts Design Gallery and Earth Treasures Museum
Address: 3rd Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: National Handicrafts Design Gallery and Earth Treasures Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
Dhoomimal Art Center
Address: Level I, A-8, Block A, & II, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Dhoomimal Art Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
6. Take a selfie with your favorite celebrity at Madame Tussauds (from USD 5.0)
Madame Tussaud is a wax museum that contains life-size replicas of Bollywood and Hollywood actors, sports personalities, musicians, world leaders, and historical icons. Here, you can pose with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan or Marilyn Monroe, meet David Beckham or Sachin Tendulkar, or take a selfie with Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga.
Madame Tussauds Delhi
7. Go on a food walk
Delhi is a food lover’s paradise, so no trip to the city would be complete without trying the local food. If you happen to be in Connaught Place, we recommend trying the Amritsari kulcha with chilled lassi at the Kulcha Junction, a strawberry milkshake at Keventers, bhelpuri at Odeon Bhelpuri Bhandaar, chole bhature and rajma chawal at Jain Chawla Wale, and Nutella waffle and rum tarts at Wenger’s Deli. Do not leave without trying the Fire Paan at Odeon Gupta Paan Palace, one of the oldest shops in the neighborhood.
Kulcha Junction
Address: T- 2395 Ground floor, Faiz Rd, near Sun palace hotel, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005
Website: Kulcha Junction
Opening hours: 9:30am - 9pm (daily)
Wenger's Deli
Address: A-18, Rajiv Chowk, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Opening hours: mon - Fri: 11am - 7:45pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 8:45pm
8. Enjoy a drink or two at one of the many bars
CP has some of the coolest bars and pubs in the city, so it definitely calls for a night on the tiles. Some of the noteworthy spots where you can enjoy a good drink are Lord of the Drinks, The Darzi Bar & Kitchen, the Junkyard Cafe, and the Ministry of Beer. If you’re feeling peckish, you’re in luck: all of these spots serve savories from Indian to international cuisines.
Lord of the Drinks
Address: G-72, Radial Rd Number 2, Block G, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Lord of the Drinks
Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)
The Darzi Bar & Kitchen
Address: H, 1st Floor, 55, Connaught Cir, Block H, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: The Darzi Bar & Kitchen
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
The Junkyard Cafe
Address: 91, N Block, Connaught Cir, Mc Donalds, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: The Junkyard Cafe
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
Ministry of Beer CP
Address: M-43 Outer Circle, Connaught Circus Road, near Connaught Place, Shankar Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Ministry of Beer CP
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
9. Indulge in retail therapy (from USD 35.0)
Connaught Place teems with luxury brand stores and street vendors selling a range of items, including home decor, clothes, beauty products, accessories, junk jewelry, handicraft, shoes, and more. Walk along the corridors of the inner circle, where you’ll find big brands like Puma, Van Huesen, Lifestyle, H&M, UCB, etc.. If you’re a passionate bargain hunter, head to Janpath Market nearby, or Palki Bazaar, which is an underground market between the inner and outer circle of CP. All in all, Connaught Place truly caters to people from all walks of life.
Private Full Day Delhi Shopping Tour (New Delhi & Old Delhi)
Duration: 8 hours
10. Visit a religious sanctuary (from USD 21.0)
Connaught Place has a multitude of temples, gurudwara, and churches. Perhaps the most popular is the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh temple that serves free meals (langar) to thousands of people every day. Some of the other important and must-visit places of worship in the neighborhood include the 20th century Sacred Heart Cathedral Church and the Hanuman Mandir dedicated to Hindu god Hanuman. All these religious sanctuaries are not only known for their architectural beauty but are also reflective of the city’s rich culture and history.
Delhi Temple Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Explore Connaught Place
Connaught Place is a dynamic and continually evolving neighborhood, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, nature enthusiast, shopaholic, foodie, or party lover, this place has numerous options that guarantee a great time. The best way to reach this hip and happening neighborhood is via Delhi metro - take a yellow or blue line of the metro and disembark at Rajiv Chowk Station, which is situated right at the center of CP.
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