My Trip to Connaught Place (CP) in New Delhi, India

Connaught Place, famously known as CP is one of the most popular tourist places in New Delhi, India. It is basically a group of old English white buildings in a circular formation. CP is one of the main financial, commercial, and business centers in New Delhi and the largest of its kind in India.

The first time I visited CP was in 2017 and I was awestruck by its beauty, heritage, history, and architecture. CP was named after the Duke of Connaught and is now officially named Rajiv Chowk. Connaught Place also has a dedicated metro station that mainly serves CP and its nearby landmarks.

In this article, I will tell you about my trip experience to Connaught Place, the history of Connaught Place in short, interesting fun facts about Connaught Place, the best time to visit Connaught Place, and the best things to do at Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Also Read: How to Reach Connaught Place – Complete Travel Guide

My Trip Experience to Connaught Place, New Delhi

Connaught Place is unarguably the most happening place to visit in New Delhi. This place is a bustling hive of activities & entertainment. Connaught Place is located in the heart of New Delhi and the area around CP is a shopper’s paradise.

There are markets, stalls, and dining places sprouted around Connaught Place. The circular market at CP is divided into two circles- the inner circle and the outer circle. The inner circle has all major brand outlets and the outer circle consists of all big showrooms.

Connaught Place is a beautiful example of Georgian-style architecture. It is one of the most romantic places for couples to visit in New Delhi. However, there are many people (mostly beggars) harassing tourists for money, which is definitely not a good thing.

History of Connaught Place, New Delhi

The history of Connaught Place dates back to British rule in India. It was constructed by the British between 1767 to 1774. They built it in a sprawling circular shape because they believed that the horseshoe-shaped market would prove lucky for the shoppers and the shopkeepers.

Before the construction of CP, the area was a forest and was populated with wild animals. It was named after Prince Arthur during his India visit in 1921. Prince Arthur was the 1st Duke of Connaught (Connaught is one of the four provinces of Ireland). He is also the third son of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

Amazing Facts About Connaught Place

The following are some of the most interesting fun facts about Lutyen’s Heart of Delhi (Connaught Place)-

1. Connaught Place is one of the most expensive commercial markets across not only India but also the world.
2. The average annual rent of commercial space in the CP is more than Rs 12,000 per sq ft.
3. Connaught Place is mostly famous for the pubs and clubs that it hosts in itself.
4. CP is the best place in Delhi-NCR to enjoy the nightlife.
5. CP shows a perfect example of secularism. The Ashoka Road at CP is famous for celebrating all religions & cultures to the fullest.
6. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, The Hanuman Mandir, Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, and a Masjid are all located on Ashoka Road.

Best Time to Visit Connaught Place

Connaught Place is most crowded in the evening and on weekends. Like all of New Delhi, CP gets unbearably hot during the summer season. It will be great if you visit Connaught Place during the winter season. But if you are visiting CP in the summer season then prefer to visit at or after sunset, when the temperature begins to cool down.

Best Things to do at Connaught Place

Following are some of the best things to do in Connaught Place, New Delhi-

1. It is the best place for branded and street shopping in Delhi. One can discover all the big brands here and also their cheap copies as well.
2. CP houses the biggest park in New Delhi, Central Park. This couple-friendly garden is a perfect spot to relax.
3. Visit the famous Agrasen Ki Baoli at Connaught Place. It is one of the most haunted places to visit in Delhi.
4. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is the most popular historical landmark to visit at CP.
5. The Hanuman Temple at CP is one of the oldest temples in India. One can visit here for a peaceful time.

This is my overall trip experience to Connaught Place in New Delhi. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Also Read: My Visit to India Gate, New Delhi