Chandni Chowk
चाँदनी चौक
The main street of Old Delhi, laid out in 1650 under Shah Jahan, with lanes of spice, silver and wedding goods and century-old snack shops. It is the best place to feel the everyday life of old Delhi.
Chandni Chowk was planned in 1650, when Shah Jahan founded Shahjahanabad, by his daughter Jahanara. The main street runs about 1.5 kilometres west from the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque. Narrow lanes branch off on both sides, and each specialises in a particular trade. Dariba Kalan is known for silver jewellery, Kinari Bazaar for wedding ornaments and gold thread, Khari Baoli is Asia's largest spice wholesale market, and Nai Sarak is the book street. Food is the heart of the area. Paranthe Wali Gali, the lane of stuffed fried flatbreads, opened in the 1870s. Old Famous Jalebi Wala sells syrup-soaked fried swirls, and Natraj is known for dahi bhalla. The main street also has the Sis Ganj Gurdwara, a Sikh shrine that is free to visit but requires a head covering, and the Digambar Jain Red Temple, which has a bird hospital. A 2021 renovation restricted motor vehicles on the main street during the day, making it easier to walk. Getting there: take the Yellow Line metro to Chandni Chowk station. Riding a cycle rickshaw (about 100 to 200 rupees) through the streets and lanes is a good way to see it, and a visit takes about 2 to 3 hours. Notes: it is very crowded, so watch for pickpockets. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Do not accept recommendations from strangers to visit 'government shops'.
Opening hours
About 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (most shops closed Sundays)
Nearby sights
- Jama Masjid
- Red Fort
- Khari Baoli Spice Market
- National Gandhi Museum
- Raj Ghat
- Connaught Place
- Agrasen ki Baoli
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi