Everything You Need to Know About CP – Attractions, Metro Access, Shopping, Eateries & More
Connaught Place (CP) in Delhi with our ultimate guide covering shopping spots, food joints, metro tips, events, safety tips, and nearby attractions. A must-visit hub in Delhi’s heart!
Why Connaught Place Is the Heartbeat of Delhi
Introduce CP as an iconic cultural, historical, commercial hub. Mention its official name (Rajiv Chowk), architectural beauty, and energy. Use NLP-rich phrases like “Delhi’s heritage shopping plaza”, “central business district”, and “tourist favorite location”.
Nestled in the very center of India’s capital city, Connaught Place (CP)—officially known as Rajiv Chowk—stands as a timeless symbol of Delhi’s colonial past and urban vibrancy. With its iconic white Georgian-style colonnades, bustling commercial lanes, and the lively Central Park at its core, Connaught Place is not just a marketplace—it’s Delhi’s cultural and economic nerve center.
Since its construction in the early 1930s, CP has evolved from a colonial-era business hub into a dynamic melting pot of history, fashion, food, and finance. Today, it’s one of the most visited and photographed places in Delhi, serving as a favorite destination for locals, tourists, professionals, and heritage lovers alike.
With its excellent metro connectivity via Rajiv Chowk Station, CP is where Delhi’s energy peaks—where old-world charm meets modern aspirations. Whether you’re here to shop at global flagship stores, relax in a heritage café, explore historical monuments like Agrasen Ki Baoli, or simply soak in the city’s buzz, Connaught Place offers something for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Connaught Place—its history, metro access, shopping streets, top attractions, places to eat, events, safety tips, and more. If you’re planning to explore Delhi’s most iconic plaza, this blog is your ultimate resource.
History of Connaught Place
To understand the grandeur of Connaught Place, we must first explore its colonial legacy. Built between 1929 and 1933 as part of Edwin Lutyens’ grand plan for New Delhi, Connaught Place was envisioned as the commercial epicenter of the newly planned British capital. It was designed by Robert Tor Russell, who combined Georgian architecture with Indian needs to create a circular plaza that maximized space and aesthetic appeal.
Named after the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family, the area originally housed upscale retail stores, European cafés, and elite clubs. The design was inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath, England, symbolizing opulence and symmetry.
Over the decades, Connaught Place transitioned from colonial prestige to a public space that embodied India’s growth, modernization, and democratization. The pristine white facade of its colonnades continues to be preserved and restored by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
From housing India’s first air-conditioned cinema (Regal) to becoming a favorite for freedom movement discussions, CP has been a witness to every turning point in Delhi’s modern history.
How to Reach Connaught Place
By Metro:
The most efficient way to reach Connaught Place is via the Delhi Metro. The central Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is a key interchange between the Blue Line and the Yellow Line, providing direct access from all parts of Delhi and NCR.
- ✅ Yellow Line connects you from Chandni Chowk, New Delhi Railway Station, and Central Secretariat.
- ✅ Blue Line connects you from Noida, Anand Vihar, Dwarka, Karol Bagh, and more.
- 📍 Use Exit Gate 5 or 6 for Inner Circle or Palika Bazaar.
By Road:
Auto-rickshaws, cabs (Ola, Uber), and DTC buses frequently serve Connaught Place. All major roads, including Barakhamba Road and Janpath, lead directly to CP.
Parking:
Parking is available through NDMC-authorized lots:
- Palika Bazar Underground Parking
- Super Bazar Multi-level Parking
- KG Marg and Baba Kharak Singh Marg surface parking
Pro Tip: CP gets very crowded during weekends. Prefer metro travel to avoid traffic and parking issues.
CP’s Circles Explained
Connaught Place is organized in three concentric circles:
🟠 Inner Circle (Rajiv Chowk)
This is the most prominent ring, home to:
- Big retail stores: H&M, Levi’s, Van Heusen
- Cafes & eateries: Wenger’s, Starbucks, Indian Coffee House
- Entry to Palika Bazaar and Central Park
🟡 Middle Circle
This area houses:
- Offices: LIC, HSBC, HDFC
- Restaurants: Saravana Bhavan, Embassy
- Hotels and corporate spaces
🔵 Outer Circle
The Outer Circle is bordered by main roads and contains:
- Movie halls: Odeon, Regal (closed)
- Metro access gates
- NDMC offices, roadways, and access to Janpath Market
Each ring is interconnected by radial roads and pedestrian underpasses.
Top Attractions in and Around CP
CP is more than just shopping—it’s a hub of historical and cultural experiences:
🌳 Central Park
- Located in the heart of CP
- Hosts India’s tallest national flag
- Ideal for evening walks, street performances
🏛️ Agrasen ki Baoli
- 14th-century stepwell, protected by ASI
- 5-minute walk from CP
- Instagram-favorite and a Bollywood shooting location
🔭 Jantar Mantar
- Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II
- One of Delhi’s ancient astronomical observatories
- Nearby on Parliament Street
🛍️ Palika Bazaar
- Underground air-conditioned market
- Popular for clothes, accessories, and electronics
- Ideal for bargain shopping
🕌 Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- 10-min walk from Outer Circle
- Sacred Sikh shrine known for langar (free meals) and sarovar (pond)
🛍️ Where to Shop in Connaught Place
Connaught Place is a shopper’s paradise, combining street-smart fashion, luxury labels, and age-old bookstores. Whether you’re hunting for branded wear or handcrafted souvenirs, CP won’t disappoint.
🏬 Branded Retail Outlets
- H&M, Zara, Adidas, Nike — located in the Inner Circle
- Shoppers Stop, Allen Solly, Levi’s, and United Colors of Benetton
- Most outlets are spread across multiple floors and offer trial rooms, billing counters, and returns desk.
📚 Bookstores
- Oxford Bookstore (N Block): Literary haven with an in-house café.
- People Tree (Outer Circle): Independent bookshop known for artsy finds and handmade journals.
🧣 Street Shopping
- Janpath Market (close to CP): Boho clothes, bags, Kashmiri shawls, and silver jewelry.
- Palika Bazaar: Affordable electronics, perfumes, and watches (ensure you’re aware of counterfeit risks).
💍 Souvenirs & Curios
- Cottage Emporium (Janpath): Government-run store selling authentic Indian crafts.
- Emporia Complex: Handicrafts from different Indian states.
🛒 Pro Tip: Bargaining is a must at Janpath and Palika, but not applicable in branded stores.
🍴 Best Places to Eat in Connaught Place
From iconic Delhi street food to award-winning fine dining, CP boasts a diverse culinary landscape. Here’s where your taste buds should lead you:
☕ Cafés and Bakeries
- Wenger’s Deli: Serving pastries and shakes since 1926.
- Starbucks & Chaayos: Ideal for a coffee break with WiFi and comfortable seating.
🍲 Indian Cuisine
- Saravana Bhavan (Middle Circle): Authentic South Indian meals.
- Kwality Restaurant: A classic fine-dine known for its Mughlai and North Indian dishes.
🍽️ Global Flavours
- Tamarind Kitchen: Known for fusion Indo-Asian.
- The Imperial Spice: Modern European and Indian fusion.
🍻 Pubs and Bars
- Lord of the Drinks, The Junkyard Café, and Open House Café: Perfect for late-night vibes, music, and drinks.
🍴 Must-Try Dish: Chole Bhature at Kwality and pastries at Wenger’s.
🎭 Events and Cultural Vibes in CP
Connaught Place is not just about commerce—it thrives as a cultural nucleus of Delhi:
🏞️ Central Park Events
- Hosts live concerts, theatre plays, and public yoga sessions.
- Annual events like Delhi Walk Festival and Delhi Food Carnival often use this space.
🎨 Art and Exhibitions
- Nearby venues like Lalit Kala Akademi and Alliance Française regularly hold exhibitions.
- People Tree and Kunzum Travel Café host talks, workshops, and film screenings.
🕺 Street Culture
- Buskers, painters, and performers near Block A and Block E
- Photography groups often gather on weekends for heritage walks
🪔 Festivals
- CP lights up during Diwali, Independence Day, Christmas, and Republic Day
- Decorated arches, string lights, and live music create a magical aura
🎉 Insider Tip: Follow NDMC and Delhi Tourism social handles for event announcements in CP.
🛡️ Safety Tips and Traveler Guidance
While Connaught Place is relatively safe, here are some guidelines to ensure a smooth visit:
🚨 General Safety
- The area is under constant CCTV surveillance by NDMC and Delhi Police.
- Several police booths and patrolling units are active—especially during evenings.
💳 Shopping Cautions
- Avoid overpaying at Palika or Janpath; bargain wisely.
- Prefer digital payments; most places accept UPI, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.
🧭 Navigation & Maps
- CP is circular—it’s easy to lose orientation.
- Use Google Maps or DMRC Metro Map to locate Rajiv Chowk exits and CP blocks.
💼 For Solo Travelers
- Avoid late-night visits to isolated backlanes.
- CP is safe for solo women travelers during the day and early evenings.
⚠️ Beware of touts offering fake electronics or special tours—always rely on official stores and registered guides.
📝 Reviews from Locals and Tourists
Let’s hear what people have to say about their Connaught Place experience:
🗣️ Amit (Local Professional):
“I work near CP and often come here post-work. There’s always something new to explore—from a hidden coffee shop to a pop-up art event.”
🗣️ Karen (Tourist from Canada):
“I loved the vibe! The old-world architecture, the aroma of street food, and the buzz of shoppers—it’s such a uniquely Indian experience.”
🗣️ Ravi (Blogger):
“Connaught Place is the pulse of Delhi. It’s where history, business, and entertainment meet. A must-visit if you want to understand Delhi.”
🗣️ Reena (Student):
“CP is perfect for chilling with friends. Whether it’s window shopping or grabbing a cup of chai at a corner stall—there’s something for everyone.”
📌 Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
While you’re in Connaught Place, don’t miss out on these gems located within a short distance:
🕌 Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Sacred Sikh shrine, known for its peace and service
🧘 India Gate & Rajpath
- 15-minute drive from CP
- Evening light shows and national pride in full display
🛕 Hanuman Mandir (near Panchkuian Marg)
- Spiritual stop with legendary history
🖼️ National Museum and National Gallery of Modern Art
- Perfect for history and art enthusiasts
- Located along Rajpath, very accessible from CP
🎥 PVR Rivoli & Odeon Cinemas
- Catch the latest Bollywood or Hollywood release in heritage-style cinema halls
🧭 Most of these attractions are walkable or just a quick rickshaw/cab ride from Connaught Place.
✅ Conclusion: Why Connaught Place Should Be on Your Delhi Bucket List
Connaught Place is more than just a circular shopping arcade—it’s a symbol of Delhi’s legacy, ambition, and lifestyle. It’s where the colonial meets the contemporary, where busy professionals share the same park bench with artists, and where shopping meets spirituality.
Whether you’re here for half an hour or half a day, CP offers an experience that’s immersive, exciting, and distinctly Delhi. With its efficient metro access, historic attractions, safe spaces, diverse eateries, and buzzing events, Connaught Place deserves to be at the top of your Delhi exploration list.
So the next time someone asks where to begin discovering Delhi, just say, “Let’s meet at CP.”
