Connaught Place Description

Connaught Place is one of the distinguished places in Delhi. The place is familiar for its unique circular structure, Georgian architecture and above all the presence of various shopping options here. Connaught Place is generally referred as CP or Rajiv Chowk among the local masses. CP is the most happening place of Delhi which is always found crowded with visitors. This shopping hub of Delhi was built in 1931.

The intricate structure of Connaught Place was designed by Robert Tor Russell who was the chief architect of Govt. of India at then times in alliance with WH Nicholls. The place was named after the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family. This sprawling circular market was the largest market largest of its kind in the country at that time. British that time believed that this particular shape of the market will usher good business for shopkeepers as well prove lucky for shoppers.

That belief is still proving itself as even after 80 years from the date of its origin, it stands firm with its full charm. Due to its unique shape, Connaught Place is clearly distinct on the map of Delhi. CP is shown as big wheel, circular in shape with many radial roads spreading out in all directions. Connaught Place is designed in the form of three concentric circles namely outer Connaught circus or Rajiv chowk, middle circle and Connaught’s inner circle or Indira chowk. Eight separate roads lead out from Connaught's inner circle, named Parliament Street and 7 Radial Roads.

 Twelve different roads lead out from Connaught Circus, the outer ring; the most well-known of these is Janpath, the continuation of Radial Road 1. The area is further divided into blocks which houses architecturally uniform series of colonnaded buildings meant for shops, banks, offices, restaurants, cafeterias, emporiums and hotels. Outer Connaught Circus and Inner circle are further classified into different blocks. Few added attractions of the place include India's first air-conditioned under ground market-Palika bazaar, Janpath and central park. Market remains closed on Sundays.

How To Reach Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is easily accessible by air, rail and road.

Air: Delhi is well connected to all the major cities of the world and most international airlines have flights to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Palam domestic airport is 4½ km away from the International terminal and both airports are approximately 20 km from the city centre.

Rail: Delhi is connected to many cities and towns by super-fast and express trains. The city's 3 main railway stations are New Delhi, Old Delhi and Nizamuddin. Luxury trains such as the Palace-on-Wheels, Fairy Queen and Royal Orient Express begin their tour from Delhi Cantonment railway station. Delhi is connected to the state capitals by Rajdhani Express trains and to neighbouring cities by Shatabdi Express trains. In addition there are many other trains for travelers who want to tour any part of India.

Road: Delhi is well connected to all the major cities of India by a network of highways and roads. There are three Inter State Bus Terminuses (ISBT), at Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar, as well as many starting points in and around the city, from which various state-managed and privately run transport facilities, operate.

Amusement Parks & Gardens

One of the greenest capitals in the world, New Delhi has some of the most beautiful and well-planned parks and gardens to boast of. There are regal Mughal Gardens that are only opened for the public for certain days in a year. Then there are vast stretches of Lodi Gardens, which are a hotspot for early morning joggers and picnickers. They also enclose a number of imperial tombs of yore. Old Delhi also houses a number of historic gardens, such as Begam Ka Bagh, Tees Hazari, Roshnara Gardens and Qudsia Garden. Besides these, there are other parks and gardens worth noting, such as Nehru Park and Buddha Jayanti Park. These parks are sure crowd pullers because of their serene surroundings and environment.