Connaught Place, Delhi

Connaught Place, also known as Rajiv Chowk or CP, is one of the main business centres in New Delhi. It houses the headquarters of several noted Indian firms and is a major shopping, nightlife and tourist destination in New Delhi. As of July 2018, Connaught Place ranked as the ninth most expensive office location in the world, with an annual rent of $1,650 per square metre.

It is recognized as one of the top heritage structures in New Delhi and developed as a showpiece of Lutyens' Delhi, and features a prominent Central Business District (CBD). It was designed by Robert Tor Russell and was officially renamed in 1995 after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

History

Before the construction of Connaught Place, the area was a hilltop covered with Kikar trees and populated with jackals and wild pigs. The Hanuman temple attracted many visitors from the old walled city, who came only on Tuesdays and Saturdays and before sunset, as the return trip was considered dangerous.

People living in the villages of Madhoganj, Jaisingh Pura, and Raja ka Bazaar were removed from their homes to make space for building Connaught Place and developing the nearby areas. These villages were once located along the historic Qutub Road, which had been the main road connecting Shahjahanabad to the Qutub Minar in South Delhi since the Mughal times.

How To Reach:

Delhi bus stand is located at a distance of around 8.8 KM from the place. Paharganj bus stop is at a distance of 2.5 KM and is the nearest bus stop. You can reach the Connaught place by taking a local bus or taxi from the bus stand.