Introduction

Connaught Place, a shopping arena from the 20th century, is designed in Victorian style and modeled on the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. Located in the heart of the national capital, it is perhaps one of the most well planned markets in the country with a circular layout, an inner and outer circus. Built during British rule, legend has it that the market was designed in a horseshoe shape so that it would prove lucky for both shoppers and shopkeepers. Even after more than 75 years of its birth, CP (as it is locally known) continues to lure shoppers from all over the country and abroad.

CP is great fun when explored on foot. The pavement is ideal for a stroll, especially in the evening when the place is beautifully lit, and the weather pleasant. A shopper’s paradise, the market is home to a spree of international apparel, sports gear and accessory brands, some of the country’s finest jewelers, bookshops housing the latest books, a great number of fine dining restaurants, cafes, watering holes, state emporiums and cinema halls among others. There are also shops such as Peoples Tree for unique hand-woven fabrics, cotton t-shirt, bags and kurtas, besides the usual Benetton, Allen Solly, Reebok, Nike, Levi’s and Lee Cooper. When at CP, the best way to round up your trip is lunch at one of its restaurants. There is Nizam’s, if you are keen to try some authentic kebabs, kathi rolls, and biryani. It is a small, humble place, but the crowd it attracts is unbelievable! For a decent Chinese meal, Berco’s and York’s are a good bet. South Indian specialties are well served at Banana Leaf and Sagar Ratna, while, for multi-cuisine delicacies head to American chains like Ruby Tuesday or TGIF. In addition to this, there are many smaller restaurants specializing in Punjabi cuisine. For desserts, Wenger’s is a must-visit. Run by the British before independence, the shop continues to attract connoisseurs from far and wide. Offering delectable tarts, mousse, puddings, truffle, cookies, chocolates and sandwiches, the aroma of its confectionaries wafts out the door and onto the walkway.

Connaught Place also has a metro station ‘Rajiv Chowk’, a Central Park and an underground market ‘Pallika Bazaar’, selling inexpensive smuggled and imported goods. Everything from gadgets, clothing, cosmetics, accessories to books, are highly negotiable here, and is in fact a great platform to hone your bargaining skills! There is a sprawling courtyard like space with benches, where pigeons in hundreds are fed grains every morning. You will spot pigeons around this place at any hour of the day. Another popular shopping haven for college goers and suckers for ethnic stuff is Janpath. The place is lined with small kiosks hawking all sorts of cotton clothes, curios, home furnishings, junk jewelry, traditional bags, oddball artifacts, silver trinkets and beaded accessories. Try out the humble Tibetan shops here selling an impressive array of semi-precious jewelry among others.

If you wish to buy genuine Indian handicraft, proceed to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium or the state government emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Each state emporium houses its regional specialties, which include clothing, antiques, furniture, shawls, exquisite silks, bronze lamps, Madhubani paintings, handpicked tealeaves, wood carving, gem encrusted jewelry and artwork – each painstakingly handcrafted by local artisans. The goods you get here are genuine and authenticated by a guarantee certificate from the emporium. Connaught Place offers a delightful shopping experience in a quaint atmosphere, and is great for an evening of strolling and browsing.

Special Attributes

A popular shopping district from the British era

Nuisance

Beggars, touts, pick pockets and sometimes aggressive hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Wear anything you are comfortable in. If you are visiting in the evening, you can weary anything from skirts, shorts, gowns, jeans, trousers with a light shirt or spaghetti top. However, given its popularity, CP does attract a mixed crowd and it would be best to avoid clothing that raises too many eyebrows.

Connectivity

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

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, especially shopaholics

Exposure

Since it is a shopping arcade, you will not be directly exposed to the sun. However, it is best to carry your sunshades, sunblock cream, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

May, June, July, August

Facilities

There is a spacious parking lot and some good cafes and restaurants where you can stop by after shopping.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Choose to visit the place early in the evening when it is beautifully lit, adding to your shopping experience.

Type of site

Shopping arcade from the British era