Connaught Place

Often seen as the centre of Delhi,
Connaught Place or CP is one of	Metro Station: Rajeev Chowk
the largest financial, commercial	Days Closed: None
and business centres of the city.	Timings: Morning to Night
Originally named after the Duke
of Connaught, Queen Victoria's
third son, the place has now been

renamed as Rajeev Chowk after the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajeev Gandhi.

Robert Tor Russell, chief architect to the Government of India, designed Connaught Place on the basis of an outline by WH Nicholas. Its construction started in 1929 and was completed in 1933. Its Georgian architecture is modelled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England.

The circular market is as admirable for its architectural marvel as for the eating and shopping it offers. Although traffic congestions and new malls across the city and its suburbs might have taken away from some of its utilitarian value, Connaught Place sheen is far from fading off. And it is a must on every tourist's itinerary. State emporia buildings, head offices of major banks and airlines, and other such establishments of importance to tourists are located in this area. Its proximity to the New Delhi Railway Station is another big plus.

As for food, you have a choice between expensive restaurants and economical ones. Shoppers, too, are spoilt for choice.

For shopping in Connaught Place see p. 99. Eateries have been listed p. 89 onwards.