Rajiv Chowk, Delhi — Heart of New Delhi, CP's Iconic Hub & Complete Locality Guide
Rajiv Chowk, Delhi — An Introduction
If Delhi has a heartbeat, it echoes loudest at Rajiv Chowk — the grand circular landmark officially known as Connaught Place (CP). Situated at the very heart of New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk is far more than a traffic junction or a metro station name. It is the commercial soul, cultural crossroads, and historical spine of India's capital — a place where colonial-era Georgian architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with global brands, century-old restaurants, underground bazaars, and Delhi's most vibrant street life.
Whether you're a first-time visitor trying to navigate New Delhi, a shopper hunting for everything from branded fashion to leather goods, a food lover tracing Delhi's most storied eateries, a history enthusiast exploring Lutyens' Delhi, or simply someone trying to understand what "CP" actually means — this is the most complete guide to Rajiv Chowk you'll find in 2026.
We cover the metro interchange, markets, restaurants, attractions, schools, hospitals, property rates, and everything that makes Rajiv Chowk the irreplaceable heart of New Delhi.
Quick Facts — Rajiv Chowk at a Glance
| Locality Name | Rajiv Chowk (officially Connaught Place / CP) |
| Location | Central New Delhi, Delhi NCR |
| Pin Code | 110001 |
| Postal Head Office | Sansad Marg |
| District | New Delhi District |
| Municipal Body | New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) |
| Assembly Constituency | New Delhi Assembly Constituency |
| Lok Sabha | New Delhi Parliamentary Constituency |
| Metro Lines | Blue Line (Line 3) + Yellow Line (Line 2) — Interchange |
| Metro Station Code | RCK |
| Market Timings | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Inner & Outer Circle shops) |
| Key Roads | Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Sansad Marg, Radial Roads 1–8 |
| Airport Distance | ~16 km from IGI Airport Terminal 1/2/3 |
| Railway Station | ~1 km from New Delhi Railway Station |
| Connectivity Rating | 4.3 / 5 (Resident Rated) |
| Safety Rating | 4.2 / 5 (Resident Rated) |
| Known For | Connaught Place market, Georgian architecture, Palika Bazaar, Janpath, Central Park, Blue+Yellow metro interchange, nightlife, India Gate proximity |
| Established | 1931–1933 (Colonial era, designed by Robert Tor Russell) |
History & Architecture of Rajiv Chowk
Rajiv Chowk was originally conceived as Connaught Circus during the British colonial period. As the British government moved India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, Lutyens' New Delhi was masterplanned as an imperial city. A central commercial hub was needed — one that would serve colonial administrators, growing businesses, and an expanding urban population. That hub became Connaught Place.
Designed by architect Robert Tor Russell between 1929 and 1933, Connaught Place features a distinctive concentric circular layout with an inner circle (Connaught Place), a middle ring, and an outer circle (Connaught Circus), all linked by eight radial roads. The iconic Georgian colonnaded architecture — white-painted two-storey buildings with continuous arcaded verandahs — was designed to create a unified, elegant commercial streetscape. These buildings remain largely intact today, giving Rajiv Chowk its timeless visual identity.
The area was named Connaught Place after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, a son of Queen Victoria. Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, the area was officially renamed Rajiv Chowk in his honour — though colloquially it is still widely called Connaught Place or simply "CP" by Delhiites.
Over the post-independence decades, CP evolved from a colonial commercial enclave into Delhi's premier business, retail and entertainment district. Today, its inner and outer circles house a remarkable mix of global brands, heritage restaurants, bookshops, banks, embassies, government offices, and the legendary underground Palika Bazaar — all beneath the same white Georgian colonnades that have stood since the 1930s.
Rajiv Chowk — Location Map
Rajiv Chowk is centrally located in New Delhi at coordinates 28.6328° N, 77.2196° E — directly beneath Central Park at Connaught Place. The locality is bounded by Janpath to the south-east, Sansad Marg to the west, Barakhamba Road to the east, and connects northward toward Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station.
📍 Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is located directly beneath Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi — 110001. Multiple entry/exit gates open into the inner and outer circles of CP.
Rajiv Chowk Metro Station — Blue Line & Yellow Line
Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is one of the most critical transit hubs in the entire Delhi Metro network — and one of the busiest underground interchange stations in South Asia. Opened on 3 July 2005 (Yellow Line) and 31 December 2005 (Blue Line), this station connects two of Delhi's busiest metro corridors beneath Central Park at Connaught Place.
As of 2023, Rajiv Chowk handles approximately 216,000 daily passengers — making it the second busiest station in the Delhi Metro network. The station covers approximately 39,503 sq ft (3,670 sq m) across four platforms arranged on two underground levels — the upper level for the Blue Line and the lower level for the Yellow Line.
Station Gates & Entry/Exit Points
Rajiv Chowk Metro Station has multiple entry and exit gates opening into different parts of the Connaught Place circle — making it easy to reach your destination without extra walking.
| Gate | Opens Near | Best For |
| Gate 1 | B Block, Inner Circle | Palika Bazaar entrance, NDMC offices |
| Gate 2 | A Block, Inner Circle | Regal Building, Central Park |
| Gate 3 | C Block / Janpath | Janpath Market, Ministry of External Affairs |
| Gate 4 | D Block, Sansad Marg | Sansad Marg, Parliament Street |
| Gate 5 | F Block, Outer Circle | Outer Circle shops, Radial Road 5 |
| Gate 6 | H Block, Outer Circle | Barakhamba Road, Odeon area |
| Gate 7 | Radial Road 3 | Paharganj direction, New Delhi Rly Station |
Blue Line — Full Route from Rajiv Chowk
The Blue Line (Line 3) runs from Dwarka Sector 21 in West Delhi to Noida Electronic City and Vaishali in East Delhi/UP. Rajiv Chowk is one of the most centrally-positioned stations on this line. From here you can reach West Delhi's Rajouri Garden in 20 minutes or the eastern edge of Noida in about 60 minutes — all on a single train.
🔵 Blue Line — Westbound (→ Dwarka Sector 21)
🔵 Blue Line — Eastbound Branch A (→ Noida Electronic City)
🟡 Yellow Line — Full Route from Rajiv Chowk
🔍 Fare Calculator — From Rajiv Chowk Metro
Select your destination to see approximate fare & travel time from Rajiv Chowk station.
Rajiv Chowk Metro — Fare Chart (Key Destinations)
The table below lists the approximate smart card fares from Rajiv Chowk. Smart card fares are approximately 10% lower than token fares. Always verify at delhimetrorail.com.
| Destination Station | Line | Smart Card | Token | Travel Time |
| Patel Chowk | Yellow | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~4 min |
| RK Ashram Marg | Blue | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~5 min |
| New Delhi Rly Station | Yellow | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~6 min |
| Mandi House | Blue | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~5 min |
| Udyog Bhawan | Yellow | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~4 min |
| Karol Bagh | Blue | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~8 min |
| Central Secretariat | Yellow | ₹10 | ₹10 | ~6 min |
| Chandni Chowk | Yellow | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~12 min |
| Kashmere Gate | Yellow | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~15 min |
| Khan Market | Yellow | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~10 min |
| Indraprastha | Blue | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~12 min |
| Rajouri Garden | Blue | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~22 min |
| Lajpat Nagar | Yellow | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~18 min |
| Vishwavidyalaya (DU) | Yellow | ₹30 | ₹30 | ~22 min |
| Akshardham | Blue | ₹20 | ₹20 | ~18 min |
| Mayur Vihar Phase 1 | Blue | ₹30 | ₹30 | ~28 min |
| Nehru Place | Yellow | ₹30 | ₹30 | ~28 min |
| Janakpuri West | Blue | ₹30 | ₹30 | ~35 min |
| Kalkaji Mandir | Yellow | ₹30 | ₹30 | ~32 min |
| Noida City Centre | Blue | ₹50 | ₹60 | ~45 min |
| Botanical Garden | Blue/Yellow | ₹50 | ₹60 | ~50 min |
| Dwarka Sector 21 | Blue | ₹50 | ₹60 | ~60 min |
| Samaypur Badli | Yellow | ₹50 | ₹60 | ~48 min |
| Noida Electronic City | Blue | ₹60 | ₹70 | ~65 min |
| Millennium City Centre, Gurugram | Yellow | ₹60 | ₹70 | ~75 min |
| IGI Airport (via New Delhi + AEL) | Yellow + AEL | ₹60 | ₹70 | ~40 min |
Approximate smart card fares (token fares may be slightly higher for longer journeys). Fares subject to revision. Verify at delhimetrorail.com. Also see: All Delhi Metro Station Guides →
Station Facilities at Rajiv Chowk
Accessible
Lifts, ramps and tactile paving for differently-abled passengers throughout both platforms
Parking
Limited paid parking near station gates. Arriving by public transport is strongly recommended
ATMs
Multiple ATMs inside the station and at concourse level for commuter convenience
Retail Outlets
Food kiosks, bookstalls and convenience stores inside the station premises
CCTV Security
Comprehensive CCTV coverage across all areas. CISF personnel deployed at all entry points
Restrooms
Clean restrooms available at concourse level including dedicated facilities for women
Shopping at Rajiv Chowk — CP's Markets & Malls
Connaught Place at Rajiv Chowk is one of India's premier shopping destinations — a unique ecosystem combining global luxury brands, heritage Indian retail, legendary underground bazaars, street-side book markets, and everything in between. Whether you're hunting for the latest international fashion, handloom textiles, electronics, leather goods, or simply browsing the iconic arcaded corridors, CP delivers an unmatched shopping experience.
Inner Circle — Premium Brands & Restaurants
The Inner Circle (Connaught Place proper) houses an eclectic mix of premium lifestyle brands, flagship restaurants, bookshops and banks along its iconic colonnaded verandahs. Blocks A through N surround Central Park at the heart of the circle. Key brands include Fabindia, The Body Shop, Levi's, Zara, and a host of top-tier multi-cuisine restaurants in the evenings.
Outer Circle (Connaught Circus) — Retail & Services
The Outer Circle, officially Connaught Circus, runs parallel to the Inner Circle and is home to a wider range of retail — electronics, travel agencies, airlines offices, banks, and more affordable dining options. It is also where many of Delhi's legacy department stores and office buildings are located.
Palika Bazaar — Delhi's Underground Market
Palika Bazaar is one of Delhi's most iconic underground markets, located directly beneath the Central Park fountain at Rajiv Chowk. Its maze of corridors houses hundreds of small shops selling electronics, mobile accessories, fashion wear, DVDs, sunglasses, footwear, and novelty items at highly negotiable prices. It is a mandatory stop for budget shoppers and tourists alike. Note: bargaining is expected and welcomed here.
Janpath Market — Handicrafts & Textiles
Janpath Market, a short walk from Rajiv Chowk Metro Gate 3, is Delhi's go-to street market for tourists and locals hunting for handicrafts, handloom fabrics, ethnic jewellery, antique-style goods, cotton clothing and Rajasthani-style items. It's also famous for its Tibetan Market adjacent to it. Market timings are roughly 10 AM to 8 PM, closed on Sundays.
Connaught Place Market — What to Buy
| Category | Where to Shop | Price Range |
| International Fashion Brands | Inner Circle (A–F Blocks) | ₹1,500+ |
| Budget Fashion & Accessories | Palika Bazaar (Underground) | ₹100–₹1,000 |
| Handloom & Ethnic Textiles | Janpath Market, Fabindia (B Block) | ₹500–₹5,000 |
| Electronics & Gadgets | Outer Circle, Palika Bazaar | ₹200–₹80,000 |
| Books & Stationery | Outer Circle (N Block area) | ₹100–₹2,000 |
| Leather Goods | Inner & Outer Circle shops | ₹800–₹10,000 |
| Handicrafts & Souvenirs | Janpath, Tibetan Market | ₹100–₹3,000 |
| Jewellery (Silver & Gold) | Outer Circle, P Block | ₹500–₹50,000+ |
Restaurants & Food Scene at Rajiv Chowk
Rajiv Chowk / Connaught Place is one of Delhi's richest food destinations — combining century-old iconic restaurants with modern fine dining, global fast food chains, rooftop bars, street food stalls, and legendary bakeries. Whatever cuisine or budget you're working with, CP has something iconic to offer.
Legacy & Heritage Restaurants
United Coffee House
Est. 1942. One of CP's most iconic fine dining institutions — colonial décor, multi-cuisine menu and an irreplaceable old Delhi atmosphere. E-15, Inner Circle. ₹₹₹
Kwality Restaurant
Est. 1940. A landmark CP dining institution famous for Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. Indoor AC dining. ₹₹
Wenger's Deli
Est. 1926 — the oldest bakery in Delhi. Famous for pastries, patties, bread and iconic baked goods. Must-visit for any food traveller. ₹
Nirula's
CP's classic fast food chain since 1934 — burgers, ice cream and milkshakes with deep nostalgia value for Delhiites. ₹
Modern Dining & Rooftop Bars
CP's restaurant scene has evolved dramatically in recent years with a strong presence of upscale dining and rooftop bars that come alive after dark:
| Restaurant / Bar | Type | Budget | Known For |
| Farzi Café | Modern Indian Fine Dining | ₹₹₹ | Molecular gastronomy, innovative Indian cuisine, cocktails |
| Unplugged Courtyard | Rooftop Bar & Restaurant | ₹₹₹ | Live music, cocktails, stunning CP view, lively evenings |
| Lord of the Drinks | Bar & Lounge | ₹₹₹ | Extensive cocktail menu, popular weekend nightlife |
| Café Tonino | Italian Café | ₹₹ | Pizza, pasta, European-style café ambiance |
| Mamagoto | Pan-Asian | ₹₹ | Asian street food, Thai, Japanese, noodles |
| Sagar Ratna | South Indian | ₹ | Authentic dosas, idli, affordable vegetarian thali |
| AMPM | Multi-Cuisine | ₹₹ | 24-hour dining option near the inner circle |
Street Food at Rajiv Chowk
The lanes around the outer circle and near the Patel Chowk end of CP offer some excellent budget street food. Popular options include: chaat, golgappa, aloo tikki, rolls and kebabs. The street food is concentrated on the outer circle side near the radial roads, particularly toward the evening crowd. Budget: ₹30–₹150 per item.
Attractions & Things to Do Near Rajiv Chowk
Rajiv Chowk's central location in New Delhi places it within easy walking or short metro/cab distance of some of the most significant landmarks, cultural institutions and attractions in India. Here is what to see and do:
Central Park, CP
The green heart of Connaught Place. A popular gathering spot for families and friends, with fountains, benches and the iconic Palika Bazaar entrance. Free entry. Open daily.
India Gate
~2 km walk or short cab ride. India's iconic war memorial on Kartavya Path — illuminated beautifully at night. Visit for sunset or evening walks along Kartavya Path.
Jantar Mantar
~500 m from Rajiv Chowk. 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. UNESCO recognised. Timings: 9 AM–6 PM. Entry: ₹15 Indians, ₹200 foreigners.
Hanuman Mandir, CP
One of Delhi's most revered temples, located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg adjacent to Connaught Place. Extremely busy on Tuesdays. Free entry. Timings: 4 AM–10 PM.
Janpath Market
Delhi's most popular tourist street market for handicrafts, ethnic wear, jewellery and Tibetan goods. A 5-minute walk from Rajiv Chowk Gate 3. Budget shopping at its best.
National Museum
~1.5 km on Janpath. One of India's premier museums — ancient artefacts, Indus Valley civilization exhibits, Mughal art, and more. Timings: 10 AM–6 PM (Closed Mon).
Parliament Street
Sansad Marg connects Rajiv Chowk to the Parliament complex, Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan and South Block — the administrative heart of India.
Mandi House Cultural Hub
One stop east on the Blue Line — Mandi House is Delhi's theatre district, home to the National School of Drama, Triveni Kala Sangam and multiple arts venues.
Schools & Educational Institutions Near Rajiv Chowk
Rajiv Chowk / Connaught Place is primarily a commercial zone, but it is surrounded by some of Delhi's most prominent educational institutions within a 2–4 km radius — making it relevant for students and families living in Central Delhi.
| Institution | Type / Board | Distance |
| Shri Ram School (Aravali) | CBSE Senior Secondary | ~4 km |
| Modern School, Barakhamba Road | CBSE — Premier School | ~1 km |
| Convent of Jesus & Mary (CJM) | CBSE Girls School | ~1.5 km |
| Lady Irwin College (DU) | Delhi University — Women's College | ~2 km |
| Lady Hardinge Medical College | Medical College (Central Govt.) | ~2.5 km |
| IIT Delhi | Premier Engineering Institute | ~15 km (Yellow Line to Hauz Khas) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Central University | ~12 km |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Open University | ~16 km |
See our Delhi Education & Coaching Guide → for more comprehensive institutional guides.
Hospitals & Healthcare Near Rajiv Chowk
Being in the heart of Central Delhi, Rajiv Chowk is close to some of India's most reputed hospitals and medical facilities, all accessible within 10–20 minutes by metro or cab.
| Hospital | Type | Distance / Access |
| Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) | Central Govt. Multi-specialty | ~1.5 km, Sansad Marg — walk or auto |
| Lady Hardinge Medical College & Hospital | Central Govt. Women & Child | ~2 km, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg |
| Safdarjung Hospital | Central Govt. Tertiary Care | ~6 km — Yellow Line to AIIMS / Safdarjung |
| AIIMS New Delhi | Premier Medical Institute | ~8 km — Yellow Line to AIIMS station |
| Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar | Private Super-specialty | ~12 km — Yellow Line toward Jasola |
| Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket | Private Super-specialty | ~12 km — Yellow Line toward Saket |
| GTB Hospital | Govt. Multi-specialty | ~15 km — Yellow Line → Red Line |
| Moolchand Hospital | Private Multi-specialty | ~5 km — Yellow Line to Moolchand |
How to Reach Rajiv Chowk
- Board Blue Line from Rajouri Garden / Janakpuri / Dwarka Sector 21
- Travel toward Noida / Vaishali direction
- Alight at Rajiv Chowk — no interchange needed
- Board Yellow Line from Kashmere Gate / Chandni Chowk / Civil Lines
- Travel southbound toward Millennium City Centre
- Alight at Rajiv Chowk — direct, no change
- Board Yellow Line from Khan Market / Lajpat Nagar / MCC Gurugram
- Travel northbound toward Samaypur Badli
- Alight at Rajiv Chowk — direct, no change
- Take Airport Express Line to New Delhi Station (~18 min, ₹60)
- Switch to Yellow Line at New Delhi
- One stop south to Rajiv Chowk (~4 min, ₹10)
- New Delhi Rly Station → New Delhi Metro Station (Yellow Line / AEL)
- Board Yellow Line toward Millennium City Centre (southbound)
- One stop to Rajiv Chowk (~4 min)
- Via Sansad Marg from South Delhi & Lutyen's Zone
- Via Barakhamba Road from Mandi House / ITO
- Via Janpath from South Delhi — Uber/Ola widely available
Property Rates & Real Estate at Rajiv Chowk
Rajiv Chowk / Connaught Place is primarily a commercial and business district — one of the most prestigious commercial addresses in India. Residential real estate here is limited but highly coveted, with some serviced apartments and heritage properties commanding premium rates. The surrounding Central Delhi localities of Patel Chowk, Barakhamba, Connaught Lane and nearby Lutyens' bungalow zones have some of Delhi's highest property valuations.
Commercial Office Space
Inner Circle CP: ₹300–₹600/sq ft/month (lease). One of Delhi's most prestigious office addresses for MNCs, banks and law firms
Nearby Residential (Barakhamba)
Apartment rates in adjacent Central Delhi: ₹25,000–₹40,000/sq ft. Highly limited inventory, government colonies dominate
Investment Potential
Commercial properties near CP command among the highest rental yields in Delhi. Capital appreciation consistent year-on-year
Prestige Factor
A CP office or Central Delhi address is the most prestigious business address in North India — sought by global firms, embassies and consulting houses
Property data is indicative. For accurate 2026 rates, consult registered dealers or platforms like 99acres.com, NoBroker, and MagicBricks. The locality is primarily a commercial zone; residential enquiries are better directed toward adjacent Patel Chowk, Mandi House or Khan Market areas.
Nearby Localities & Attractions
Patel Chowk
Adjacent government district, home to ministries, budget hotels and the Palika Parking complex
Mandi House
Delhi's cultural theatre district — NSD, Triveni Kala Sangam, Doordarshan headquarters
New Delhi Railway Station
India's busiest railway station — direct connection via Yellow Line one stop north
Khan Market
Delhi's most expensive market for books, gourmet food, boutique fashion and coffee shops
Central Secretariat
India's administrative nerve centre — North Block, South Block, Rashtrapati Bhavan nearby
Karol Bagh
West Delhi's major market hub — electronics, jewellery, textiles and budget hotels
Lajpat Nagar
South Delhi's vibrant market — ethnic wear, textiles, food and the Central Market
Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi's historic bazaar — one of Asia's oldest and busiest street markets
Essential Tips for Visiting Rajiv Chowk
Always Use Metro
CP has extremely limited and expensive parking. The metro (Blue or Yellow Line) is the fastest, cheapest and most stress-free way to arrive. Multiple gates open directly into CP.
Beat the Heat
Delhi summers (April–June) can be brutal. Most CP shops are air-conditioned. Palika Bazaar underground is cool. Best shopping hours: 10 AM–12 PM or post-6 PM evenings.
Bargaining Guide
Fixed prices at branded stores. At Palika Bazaar and Janpath, bargaining is mandatory — start at 50–60% of the asking price. Don't accept the first price offered.
Evening Ambiance
CP comes alive between 7–10 PM. The illuminated Georgian colonnades, street performances, rooftop bars and busy restaurants create an atmosphere unmatched in Delhi.
Safety
CP is generally safe (4.2/5 resident-rated) and well-patrolled. As always in crowded markets, keep valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets in dense areas like Palika Bazaar.
Food Strategy
For budget meals: Sagar Ratna or Nirula's. For heritage dining: United Coffee House or Wenger's. For rooftop ambiance: Unplugged Courtyard or Lord of the Drinks. Book ahead on weekends.
Navigate by Gates
Use the right metro exit gate for your destination — Gate 1 for Palika Bazaar, Gate 3 for Janpath, Gate 7 toward Paharganj direction. This saves significant walking time.
Payments
Most branded stores accept UPI and cards. ATMs are plentiful inside and outside the metro station. Palika Bazaar and street vendors prefer cash. Keep ₹500–₹1,000 in small notes.