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North New Delhi (उत्तर नई दिल्ली Uttar Naī Dillī) is the commercial enclave of New Delhi, north of the Kartavya Bhavan Complex. It consists of Connaught Place (CP), the city's commercial heart, as well as the Supreme Court, the symbol of India's judiciary.
Get in
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By metro
[edit | edit source]North New Delhi is served by Rajiv Chowk Airport Express 2 3/4 , Mandi House 3/4 6 , Barakhamba Road 3/4 , Janpath 6 , Patel Chowk 2 , Ramakrishna Ashram Marg 3/4 and Supreme Court 3/4 metro stations.
See
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- 1 Jantar Mantar (जंतर मंतर), Sansad Marg (metro: Rajiv Chowk 3/4 2 ). 9AM-6PM. One of five astronomical observatories commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur during the 18th century. The odd structures inside are enormous scientific instruments for measuring the movement of celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar is also a popular site for national protests.
- 2 Palika Kendra (पालिका केंद्र Pālikā Kendra), Sansad Marg. A 21-storey building houses the office of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the civic body covering the national capital. One of the tallest buildings in Delhi-NCR, it is among the few structures in the area that feature Brutalist architecture. There's a grand mural depicting Mahatma Gandhi made up of terracotta kulhars on a wall of the building.
- 3 Supreme Court (सर्वोच्च न्यायालय Sarvochch Nyāyālay or सुप्रीम कोर्ट Suprīm Korṭ) (metro: Supreme Court 3/4 ), supremecourt@nic.in. 10AM-5PM (closed Sat, Sun). The apex court of India, known for some of the largest legal battles of the country. The British-era edifice is often considered the icon of the whole Indian judiciary.
- 4 Ugrasen ki Baoli (उग्रसेन की बावली Ugrasen kī Bāvlī), Vakil Ln, Hailey Rd (near Jantar Mantar, 200 m (660 ft) SE of British Council; bus:
Max Muller Bhavan, Barakhamba Road 3/4 ), ☏ +91 1124647005. 9AM-5PM. Also called Agrasen ki Baoli (अग्रसेन की बावली Agrasen kī Bāvlī), it is a historical stepwell. It's believed to be built during the time of king Ugrasena (or Agrasena) of the Mahabharata era and reconstructed in the 14th century. It has been featured in a couple of Bollywood films centred on Delhi. Also here is the Baoli Mosque. Free Entry.
Central Ridge
[edit | edit source]- 5 Delhi Ridge. A northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, some 1.5 billion years old (by comparison, the Himalayas are only 50 million years old). The Ridge acts as the "green lungs" for the city, and protects Delhi from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west.
- 6 Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal. The remains of a 14th-century royal hunting lodge, now believed to be haunted.
Museums
[edit | edit source]- 7 National Archives. A repository of the non-current records of the Government of India, and holds them in trust for the use of administrators and scholars. It was established in 1891 as the Imperial Record Department in Calcutta. Its museum provides a representative overview of the multifarious holdings of the National Archives, and promotes a common man's interest in archival holdings.
- 8 National Charkha Museum. A museum dedicated to spinning wheels (चरखा Charkhā). It features 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high chromium stainless-steel spinning wheel. the world's largest spinning wheel.
- 9 National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (राष्ट्रीय हस्तशिल्प एवं हथकरघा संग्रहालय Rashṭrīya Hastashilp evam Hathkarghā Sangrahālay), Bhairon Marg (near Bharat Mandapam Gate No. 5), ☏ +91 11 2337 1887-2337 1641, fax: +91 11 2337 1515, nhhm-mot@nic.in. 10AM-5PM. 📷 Photography not allowed inside galleries. Also sells handicrafts. Foreigners: ₹150, Indians: Free.
- 10 National Philatelic Museum (राष्ट्रीय डाक टिकट संग्रहालय Rāshṭrīya Ḍak Ṭikaṭ Sangrahālay), Sansad Marg Rd (metro: Patel Chowk 2 ), ☏ +91 11 2303 6447.
- 11 National Science Centre, Bhairon Marg (near Bharat Mandapam Gate No. 1), ☏ +91 11 2337 1945, nscdl01@gmail.com. Although the name sounds very grand, the museum is definitely a must see for science enthusiasts, especially those who are young. Has a section on DNA Science and also a section on Dinosaurs. A section on ancient Indian Science and Technology, including Vedic Mathematics & Ayurveda. The "Energy Ball" display near the entrance is interesting and perhaps the most captivating of all.
- 12 Supreme Court Museum (सर्वोच्च न्यायालय संग्रहालय Sarvochch Nyāyālay Sangrahālay) (metro: Supreme Court 3/4 ). The museum dedicated to the journey of judiciary in India, along the country's apex court. The museum houses objects like the Harappan seals, Ashokan edict, Nalanda copper plate and also items on Indian legal system during British Raj. Many souvenirs and files that are associated with landmark judgements are also a part of the museum.
Places of worship
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- 13 Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Ashoka Rd (off Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near Connaught Place; metro: Shivaji Stadium Airport Express ). The main gurudwara for Sikhs of Delhi. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers. Compared to other big tourist attractions, is free of scam or rude guards and can be enjoyed without hassle. You can sit inside and listen to the readings and prayers in Punjabi. Men should cover their head with something, although it is not mandatory, it will be seen as a sign of respect. Free.
Churches
[edit | edit source]- 14 Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1 Ashok Place (off Baba Kharak singh Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg near Connaught Place near to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, M orange Shivaji Stadium). It is the biggest church in terms of structure and also the headquarters of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. A must visit to enjoy the beautiful architecture and pristine beauty.
- 15 St Peter's Cathedral, Bhai Veer Singh Marg (Near St Columbus' school, bus 89 to Gol Market). It is the headquarters of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church in Delhi. It is known as the Antioch of the East and is a fine example of Oriental architecture blended with modernity.
Temples
[edit | edit source]- 16 Hanuman Temple (Hanuman Murti) (Shivaji Stadium Airport Express ). The Mughal-era temple has a self-manifest idol of Lord Hanuman (who was an ardent devotee of Rama according to the Hindu legends), has an unusual feature fixed in the spire (Viman) in the form of a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) instead of the Hindu symbol of Aum or Sun that is commonly seen in most Hindu temples.
- 17 Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Temple), Mandir Marg (metro: RK Ashram Marg 3/4 ). A temple dedicated to Laxminarayan, which usually refers to Lord Vishnu. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and all castes are allowed in the temple. The temple attracts thousands of devotees to the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali. The main temple houses statues of Lord Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha and Hanuman. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha.
- 18 New Delhi Kali Bari, Mandir Marg (close to Laxminarayan Temple; metro: RK Ashram Marg 3/4 , 2 km away). Founded in the 1930s, it is one of the oldest Kali temples in New Delhi. The Durga Puja celebrated here is one of the oldest in the city.
- 19 Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirupati Balaji Mandir). The New Delhi branch of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) group of temples, popular among the city's South Indian community.
Do
[edit | edit source]Cinemas
[edit | edit source]- 1 Regal Theatre.
Parks
[edit | edit source]- 2 Buddha Jayanti Park, Vande Mataram Marg. A park established to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha's enlightenment by architect M.M. Rana. There's a gilded Buddha statue inside a pavilion on an artificial island. Buddha Jayanti is observed here annually on May during a full moon.
- 3 Central Park (above Rajiv Chowk 2 3/4 , within the Connaught Place circles). Well maintained park and a really nice place to walk around and relax. There are plenty of trees that provide shade for sitting down in during a hot day.
Sports
[edit | edit source]- Karnail Singh Stadium, Basant Road, Railway Colony, Paharganj (metro: New Delhi 2 ). Located next to the New Delhi Railway Station, it is a 5000-seater multi-purpose sports venue used for athletics, football, hockey and cricket among others. It is owned and run by the Indian Railways and was earlier the home ground for the Railways Ranji team.
- 4 Talkatora Stadium (तालकटोरा Tālkaṭorā), Mother Teresa Crescent (short ride from metro: Rajiv Chowk 3/4 ). An indoor sports and events venue owned and managed by the New Delhi Municipal Council. With a capacity of around 3000, it is commonly a venue for indoor sports like boxing, major concerts and other events. Talkatora Gardens, situated next door, was the venue for the battle of 1737 where the Mughals were defeated by the Marathas and lends its name to the stadium. The stadium complex also houses the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex.
Learn
[edit | edit source]- 1 Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi (Goethe-Institut), 3, KG Marg, Mandi House, ☏ +91 11 2347 1100. 10AM-6PM (closed Sat, Sun). The German language school in New Delhi, promoting the study of German in India and encouraging international cultural exchange and relations.
Buy
[edit | edit source]The Connaught Place (CP), officially the Rajiv Chowk, is a unique cross between a European shopping arcade, an Indian bazaar and an upmarket shopping mall. With all shops laid out in two circles, it's easy to get around and explore.
Bazaars
[edit | edit source]- 1 Janpath flea market, Connaught Ln, Janpath (metro: Janpath 6 0.3 km N, bus: 500, 505, 522, 522A-1, 522A-2, 522A to 'Indian Oil Bhawan'). is a bargain-hunter's dream and just a two minute walk from Connaught place. Think of it as a vast flea market, where you can get all kinds of knick-knacks and clothes. Janpath is not a place for those unwilling or unable to bargain ruthlessly. Also, as in any flea market, quality will vary greatly. There are also some bookshops.
- 2 Palika Bazaar, Palika Bazaar Rd, Connaught Place (metro: Rajiv Chowk 2 3/4 ). This is a large underground market in the centre of Connaught Place. The air here is bad and the quality of products is low. One can hunt for DVDs, VCDs and audio CDs of Hindi, English and a few regional and foreign language films and PC-based games.
- 3 Shankar Market.
Handicrafts
[edit | edit source]- 4 Cottage Emporium, Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, HC Mathur Ln (near Connaught Place). is the main government-run location for selling handicrafts from all over the country. The prices are a little more than what you'd find if you went bargain hunting, but you can shop in air-conditioned comfort and all of the sales people speak English. The quality of items is quite good. You can pay with credit cards.
- 5 The State Emporium, Baba Kharak Singh Marg (any bus to 'Dr RML Hospital', 0.5 km NE Shivaji Stadium). is the state's equivalent of a Cottage. one of the radial streets coming off of Connaught Place, and each state specializes in certain kinds of crafts. Some are better priced than others, and you can bargain a little. Many of them will take credit cards.
Fabric
[edit | edit source]- 6 Fabindia, A-1, Hamilton House, Connaught Pl (in Connaught Place, Vasant Kunj and Khan Market), ☏ +91-011-43048295, cp.delhi@fabindia.net. Daily 10AM-8:30PM. A popular store for high quality traditional clothing that caters to foreigners with a Western style store that is inside, with fixed prices, and no haggling.
- 7 Handloom House (Handloom Haat), Handloom Marketing Complex, Janpath (a short walk from Janpath 6 , behind the Janpath market), ☏ +11-2335-3094, handloomhousejanpath@gmail.com. A government initiative to showcase hand woven fabrics from around the country.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 1 Khan Chacha, D-3, Radial Rd 5, Block D, Connaught Pl, ☏ +91 11 4303 6111. Noon-11PM. A roomali rolls and kababs restaurant serving chicken, mutton, paneer, and rolls. Very popular with locals. Mains: ₹180-320.
- 2 Saravana Bhavan, P-13/90, Connaught Circus, Block P, Connaught Place, ☏ +91 11 2334 7755. A good South Indian joint located in Janpath very close to Connaught Place. They are a Chennai chain operating in Delhi. If you go at lunch time, prepare to wait a while. The various dosas are recommended, as well as the thalis (meals) and the sweet dishes.
- 3 Moti Mahal, K9, Connaught Cir, Block K, Connaught Place, ☏ +91 11 2327 3011. This restaurant proudly claims to be the inventor of butter chicken.
- 4 San Gimignano, Janpath, Connaught Pl (Imperial Hotel). Italian style food.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 5 Fire, Lobby Level, The Park, 15 Parliment Street, Connaught Place, ☏ +91 11 2374 3000. 11AM-midnight. A casual style restaurant with middling ambience but good service and great food. They serve authentic Indian cuisine made from ingredients from their own small garden or organically sourced. Seasonal but small menu with Indian curries being the highlight. Mains: ₹350-700.
- 6 Sakura, Level 1, Hotel Metropolitan, Bangla Sahib Marg, ☏ +91 11 4250 0200. Japanese style restaurant, carries the tag of being one of the most expensive restaurants in India.
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Master Of Malts, 14 Scindia House, KG Marg, Connaught Place, ☏ +91 95994 83238. Contemporary Indian with live music. ₹900 on average per person.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹4,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹4,000–8,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹8,000 |
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Ginger Delhi, New Delhi station, Bhavbhuti Marg (opposite New Delhi Railway Station or take Rail Yatri Nivas exit from New Delhi Metro station). Run by Tata group, known for clean and cost-effective no-frills budget hotels ₹1,500-1,800.
- 2 Rail Yatri Niwas, New Delhi station, ☏ +91 11 2323-3484. ₹450.
- 3 YMCA Tourist Hostel.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 4 Banga Bhawan (Bengali: বঙ্গ ভবন Bongo Bhobon), 3, Hailey Rd, ☏ +91 11 2372 1991, bangabhawan@gmail.com. The official guest house of the state of West Bengal in New Delhi. Booking office: 11A, Free School St, Kolkata (☏ +91 33 2209 3650, +91 33 2209 3690).
- 5 Narula Inn, 1/90, (P-Block) Daulat Ram House (Connaught Place). Bed and breakfast. Double: ₹4,990.
- 6 Prem Sagar Guest House, P block, 1F, Connaught Pl, Outer Circle (Near Shivaji Stadium, next block to the landmark Regal Cinema and a few doors away from McDonald's Outer Circle), ☏ +91 11 2334 5263, premsagardelhi@hotmail.com. Clean quiet rooms, centrally located, terrace garden. All rooms have air-con, cable TV. ₹3,000-5,000.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 7 The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions.
- 8 Hotel The Royal Plaza.
- 9 The Imperial, Janpath (Connaught Place), ☏ +91 11 2334 1234, luxury@theimperialindia.com. Built in 1931. Has the only Chanel store in India as well as a priceless art collection, 'British Art on India.' It also has the largest collection of land war gallantry awards from India and neighbouring countries. Very classy, best value for least money in first class range. Good food and excellent service in restaurants. From ₹8,750 during low season and ₹14,000 during high season.
- 10 The LaLiT New Delhi (previously known as Intercontinental), Barakhamba Ave, Connaught Place, ☏ +91 11 4444 7777, fax: +91 11 4444 1234, newdelhi@thelalit.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Known for excellent breakfasts. ₹11,000-18,000.
- 11 Le Méridien New Delhi, Windsor Place, ☏ +91 11 2371 0101. Landmark refurbished 5-star hotel. Along with the Shangri-La is one of the best hotels in the city in terms of location. ₹15,600.
- 12 The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa.
- 13 Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place, G-59, Connaught Circus, ☏ +91 11 4690 9090. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₹18,200.
- 14 Shangri-La Eros, 19, Ashoka Rd, ☏ +91 11 4119 1919. Part of the Shangri-La chain. Seafood buffets, an extensive breakfast buffet, and a good Asian restaurant on 1st floor with a Thai, Chinese and Japanese menu. 5 star service and good security. From ₹6,375 during low season and ₹9,500 during high season.