Introduction

Chandni Chowk, which literally means Moonlight Square, was the place where a canal passed by during Mughal times, and whose waters mirrored the sliver shimmer of the moon. Legend has it that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara wanted for herself a bit of the moon in front of her palace, so she summoned her workers to dig a canal through the city, and christened the marketplace around it 'Chandni Chowk'. A part of the walled city of Old Delhi, the market stretches from the Red Fort to the small mosque of Fatehpuri Masjid. Three centuries ago, this labyrinthine network of lanes was the stronghold of eminent noblemen, Armenians, Turks, Italian merchants and Persian poets. The present day, however, doesn't bear any of the tree-lined streets, Persian coffee houses, shops hawking glass hookahs, Chinese eye-glasses, clothing with gold inlay work and exquisite gem-embossed jewelry, but retains an old-world charm and cultural richness.

A fragrant flower market welcomes you into the bustling Chandni Chowk. Many a crowded, serpentine lanes weave their way through the market; one such is Dariba Kalan – the jeweler’s street. It is a place to shop for traditional handcrafted gold jewelry and antique silver trinkets. The razzle-dazzle of Kinari Bazaar is too mind-boggling to not notice! Here a slew of shops jumbled together cheek-by-jowl house traditional bridal outfits complete with zari work, mirror patterns, and bold splashes of color. Wade some more, and you will see shops selling garlands made of aromatic flowers, theatrical costumes, masks, colorful glass bangles and rugs. If you wish to take a look at the now-dilapidated mansion of the famous 19th century Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib’s, stroll down Ballimaran.

A trip to Chandni Chowk is incomplete without splurging on traditional Indian snacks and other specialty. Fork your way to Paranthe Wali Gali and treat your palate to some stuffed paranthas (Indian bread) served piping hot with dollops of pure ghee on it, and follow it up with a glass of rich, frothy lassi (cold yoghurt drink) or a creamy scoop of cardamom-scented kulfi with falooda. The pickles, sweetmeats such as kheer and jalebi, crispy-and-spicy chaat, and north India’s popular chola bhatoora, are most definitely, worth a bet! Keep your camera handy all the while - the sights are unique and exotic, and so is the experience.

Special Attributes

The paranthas at Paranthe Wali Gali are an absolute must-try, besides the crispy chaat, jalebi and rabri. It is also a great place to buy ethnic Indian ensemble, rugs and antique jewelry.

Nuisance

Beggars, touts, pick pockets, sometimes aggressive salesmen/hawkers.

Dressing restrictions

None, but avoid wearing short or revealing clothes as it is a crowded, and a very traditional bazaar.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families and backpackers

Exposure

This tour involves walking in the sun, though you will browse many shops. Do carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

Close to the metro station, the area allows easy access to the major hubs of Delhi.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Chandni Chowk is best visited during the day when you can soak up its hustle bustle and see some ancient havelis.

Type of site

Traditional shopping hub, lined with dilapidated houses from the Mughal era.