Connaught Place

Overview

The commercial heart of New Delhi, a vast circular colonnaded marketplace designed by Robert Tor Russell in the 1930s. Its concentric rings of white Georgian-style buildings house brands, restaurants, cinemas, and the Central Park with its giant Indian flag.

Highlights

• Central Park: A green hub with an underground Palika Bazaar and a giant tricolour flag.
• Architecture: Georgian colonnades forming two concentric circles (inner and outer) connected by radial roads.
• Evening Buzz: The fountains and lights come alive after sunset, making it a popular gathering spot.

History

Designed in 1929–33 as the commercial district of Lutyens' New Delhi, it was named after the Duke of Connaught. After being renamed Rajiv Chowk in 1995, locals still universally call it CP (Connaught Place).

Visitor Tips

• Metro hub: Rajiv Chowk station sits directly underneath — the busiest metro station in Delhi.
• Bargain at Palika Bazaar: The underground market requires strong haggling skills.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.