Connaught Place – Wonderwhite!

Imagine this. When Britishers colonize India, they fall in love with Delhi, feel completely at home, and change nothing of its architectural landscape. Imagine, our English invaders never feel homesick watching the Mughal forts of ChandniChowk. They never name a colonnade after Prince Arthur and are never inspired by Georgian Architecture or the Royal Crescent of the English city of Bath.

Well, might as well imagine the idea of Delhi WITHOUT Connaught Place. For that is what would have happened if everything I said had actually been true.

Connaught Place, or as we call it, CP is easily the most extravagant shopping, business, and commercial centres in Delhi. Nestled at the imperial heart of NCR, i.e. Lutyen’s Delhi, this semi-circular, two storied grandiose structure houses several noted Indian and International firms, some existing since the colonial times. Further, with the instigation of economic reforms of the 1990’s, thousands of international MNCs flocked here to open specialized stores, bringing fashion, food, and electronic brands with them. More recently, for the 2010 commonwealth games, the entire complex was given a massive facelift, whitewashed and polished to perfection. Being the shopping and business hub of the city, CP also houses Rajiv Chowk, the centrally-located, principle station of the Metro line.

If you ever plan to visit this beautiful, extraordinarily ambient establishment, don’t forget to check out the tiny, dusty, but truly gems of stores at Janpath!