Connaught Place, also known as CP, is the vibrant heart of New Delhi, a place where the city’s commerce, culture, and history come together. Its lively streets and unique circular layout have made it an iconic landmark, not just in Delhi but across India. Recognizable on any city map as a bold circle with roads stretching out in all directions, CP draws crowds to its shops, food stalls, and bustling walkways. In 2025, it remains a must-visit, blending the charm of the past with the energy of today. Let’s dive into what makes this plaza so remarkable.
A Glimpse of History
Connaught Place took shape in the early 20th century, between 1929 and 1933, when the British were crafting New Delhi as their new capital. Designed by architect Robert Tor Russell, it drew inspiration from the elegant Royal Crescent in Bath, England. Back then, the area was a jungle, home to scattered villages and wild creatures. Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria’s third son and uncle to King George VI, who visited India in 1921, the plaza’s white colonnaded buildings stood as a symbol of colonial prestige.
In 1995, CP was renamed Rajiv Chowk after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, but locals still call it CP. By 2017, it was the ninth most expensive retail location in the world, and in 2023, its shop rental rates jumped 33 percent, ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 700 per square foot per month. Unlike modern malls, CP’s buildings are owned by various families and individuals, with the land held by the Government of India. Early traders from Kashmere Gate, like Harnarains, Kanter’s, Galgotia, and Snowhite, set up some of the first shops, leaving a lasting mark on the plaza’s story.
The Circular Design
CP’s layout is what sets it apart from others as a big circle split into three rings: Inner Circle, Middle Circle, and Outer Circle, with a small park at the center. Seven roads branch out like spokes, connecting the plaza to the rest of Delhi. The Inner Circle is packed with shops, from big brands to local stores. The Outer Circle is where you’ll find restaurants and bars, while the Middle Circle has offices and quieter spots.
The central park offers a patch of green where people sit and catch their breath. A flagpole stands tall, one of India’s largest at 60 feet wide and 90 feet long, once flying the British flag, now proudly bearing India’s colors. Getting to CP is easy with the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, right underneath, on the Blue and Yellow Lines. It’s just two kilometers from New Delhi Railway Station and three from India Gate, making it a great starting point for exploring the city.
Shopping: A Mix of Everything
Connaught Place is a shopper’s dream, with something for every wallet. The Inner Circle has high-end stores like Nike, H&M, and Fabindia, where you can grab trendy clothes or traditional kurtas. Khadi India sells handwoven textiles, and Garha Bhandar’s got ethnic outfits. For cheaper finds, head to Palika Bazar, an underground market under the Inner Circle, full of stalls with clothes, electronics, and jewelry. You’ve got to haggle here starting with half the price and work out a fair deal.
Just a short walk away, Janpath Market is a treasure trove of handicrafts, scarves, and souvenirs, perfect for picking up something unique. Along CP’s walkways, vendors set up without fixed shops, spreading out handmade bags, statues, and trinkets on cloths. This blend of fancy boutiques and street stalls gives CP its special vibe as a place for everyone, not just the elite.
Food and Evening Vibe
The food at CP is a big draw. Street vendors serve up spicy chaat, golgappas, and stuffed parathas, great for a quick snack while you wander. For a proper meal, try Wenger’s, a bakery from 1926, with fresh pastries and sandwiches. United Coffee House, another old favorite, dishes out North Indian curries and some Western plates in a warm, vintage setting. Newer spots like Farzi Café offer Indian food with a modern twist.
As night settles in, CP lights up with bars like The Beer Café and The Vault, where people gather for drinks and live music. The Regal Cinema, one of India’s oldest theaters, shows films and hosts events, adding a cultural touch. During Diwali, CP glows with lights and decorations, pulling in crowds from all over. On a regular day, the central park’s a nice spot to sip a coffee and watch the mix of office workers, shoppers, and vendors go by.
Nearby Spots
CP’s right in the middle of Delhi, so it’s a perfect base for seeing other sights. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a calm Sikh temple with a golden dome and pond, is 1.5 kilometers away. Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO site with huge stone instruments for tracking stars, is a short walk. The National Museum, about two kilometers off, has tons of old artifacts. India Gate, three kilometers away, is great for an evening walk, and Agrasen ki Baoli, a 14th-century stepwell, offers a quiet stop.
Tips for Visitors
Getting There: Hop on the metro to Rajiv Chowk Station on the Blue or Yellow Line. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easy to find too.
Hours: Shops open around 11 AM and close by 11 PM, but restaurants and bars might stay open later, especially on weekends.
Bargaining: At Palika Bazar and Janpath, don’t pay the first price. Offer half, keep it friendly, and settle on something fair.
Safety: CP’s safe but crowded. Keep your stuff close and watch out for vendors who seem too pushy.
Best Time: October to March is cool and nice for walking. Summer’s hot, so bring water and wear light clothes.
If you’re in New Delhi, you’ve got to see Connaught Place. It’s not just a market but a piece of the city’s story, where old and new mix in a way you won’t forget.
