The Chandni Chowk market in New Delhi is preparing for visitors after a restoration of this 400-year-old legacy. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this colorful, red sandstone-tiled main street and marketing hub, where you can shop, explore, eat and immerse yourself in the local life of the city.
What’s Happening at Chandni Chowk?
The bustling market area has been an important Indian trading center for nearly 400 years. It was first commissioned as a canal in the city of Shahjahanabad by the Mughal princess Jahanara Begum. The story of the name Chandi Chowk,, which means Moonlight Swuare, is that the moon would reflect on the largest pond of water that was in the square in front of the present-day Town Hall. However, the British built a clock tower over the pond (which subsequently collapsed in 1951). The name stuck and the street and adjoining area continued to be referred to as Chandni Chowk. However, after centuries of overuse, the area was falling into disrepair. The Delhi government underwent a multi-phase renovation of the area to return it to its former glory.
The first phase of the project improved the stretch of main street between Red Fort’s Lahori Gate and the Fatehpuri Masjid – the particular thoroughfare that has seen heavy use since the 17th century. Motor vehicle are now banned from this stretch, but rickshaws are allowed. Red sandstone tiles, potted plants and wider paved areas make for a pleasant pedestrian experience. Tangles wires overhead have been removed. The old water pipeline has been replaced with a dedicated water line to street fire hydrants and new gas pipelines have been laid to make the street food joints safer.
What Can You Shop for at Chandni Chowk?
Put aside several hours, if not an entire day, to shop at Chandni Chowk. This densely populated market throws you right into the everyday life of New Delhi. Stroll the same streets that merchants from Turkey, China and Holland have visited over the centuries. Shop for curios and souvenirs. Head to Dariba Kalan for pearl, gold and silver jewelry. Find natural perfumes (attar) at Gulab Singh Johri Mal, established in 1819. Stock up on spices at Khari Baoli and zari, zardozi trimmings and tinsel at Kinari Bazaar. For fabrics – from silk and satin to crepe and cotton – head to the Katra Neel cloth bazaar. For shawls and pearls, visit Moti Bazaar. For electronics, don’t miss Bhagirath Palace. Other favorites include sunglasses and shoes at Ballimaran Market, brass and copper antiques at Gali Guliyan, cameras at Kucha Choudhary Market and paper products at Chawri Bazaar.
Where Else Can I Shop Near Chandni Chowk?
There are several other shopping destinations and bazaars within walking distance of Chandni Chowk. Check out these favorites:
Nai Sarak: For books, look no further than Nai Sarak, which connects Chandni Chowk Road with Chawri Bazaar. Turn left at the famour Paranthewali Gali and you’ll get to Nai Sarak and its numerous wholesale and retail book shops, as well as stationers.
Chor Bazaar: A favorite of those seeking everything from electronics to designer clothing, Chor Bazaar (translates to “Thieves’ Market”) offers a diverse range of good. Just keep in mind that the life of your new electronic equipment may not be guaranteed – but the price will be low!
Chhatta Chowk: This bazaar dates back to the 17th century, at which time it was frequented by women in veils, who could shop freely without being observed. It’s in the covered thoroughfare leading up to the Red Fort and includes 40-something shops selling artificial and semi-precious jewelry, embroidered bags, hand-painted all art and some antiques (though you’ll need to use your judgement as to how authentic the pieces are).
Daryagani Book Market: Another favorite of bookworms, this is believed to be the world’s largest weekly book market. Visit on Sunday to find everything from the latest bestseller to an out-of-print classic.
Can I Tour Chandni Chowk?
With its frenetic atmosphere and crowded stalls, Chandi Chowk market can prove overwhelming for some visitors. Make it more manageable and more personal with an exclusive rickshaw ride through the market. Your tour will take you through this Old Delhi quarter to about 20 sites, including palaces, mansions, shrines and bazaars, including Chandi Chowk. You’ll see marvelous architecture and multicolored building and soak up the sights and smells of street food stalls and historic alleyways.
Shoppers may want to take a personalized shopping tour to make the most of their time in the market. Consider the ones conducted by Ketaki of Delhi Shopping Tours and Delhi Magic’s Old Delhi Bazaar Walk.
What Can I Eat at Chandi Chowk?
Trust us, all that wandering about the market will leave you with a hefty appetite, especially as the scents of Indian street food permeate the air around you. Stop by centuries-old food stalls like Paranthe Wali Gali for deep-fried stuffed parathas, or Old Famous Jalebiwala for crunchy jalebis and samosas. Consider a food tour from Old Delhi Food Walk or Old Delhi Food Trail.
How Can I Learn About the History of Chandni Chowk?
As you move about the area, you’ll likely be intrigued by the market’s heritage. Sign up for a street food and history tour – there’s a particularly insightful one conducted by the owner of one of the beautifully restored havelis (mansions) in the area. Usually, your tour will end with a lavish and traditional meal.
While you’re in Chandi Chowk, visit other historic mansions such as Haveli Dharampura from the 19th century (you can stay the night here as well) or the brightly painted 18th-century mansions along Naughara Lane in the Kinari Bazaar area.
How Do I Get to Chandni Chowk?
Find the market area in the heart of Old Delhi, a few miles north of the Connaught Palace business district and Paharganj backpacker district. Take the Metro train Yellow Line to the Chandni Chowk station or the Heritage Line to the Lala Qila (Red Fort) stop (the Heritage Line is an underground extension of the Violent Line).