Central Delhi district

Understand

Orientation The Wikivoyage district of Central Delhi contains an interesting mix of architecture from Sultanate and colonial periods. Other than the backpacker areas of Paharganj and Karol Bagh, it comprises the medieval city of Ferozabad and the early British-era Civil Lines. The Mughal-era walled city of Old Delhi is covered separately.

Paharganj (पहाड़गंज Pahāṛgañj) — A neighbourhood directly west of New Delhi station, bordered by Panchkuan Road in the south, Idgah Road in the north, and Deshraj Bhatia Marg/Chitragupta Road in the west. It is noisy, filthy, and full of touts, but it's also centrally located and has many cheap hotels and thus very popular with budget travellers. Paharganj is considered a safe area. Karol Bagh (क़रोल बाग़ Qarol Bāġ) — West of Paharganj, this neighbourhood is quieter, but not as centrally located. Ferozabad (फ़िरोज़ाबाद Firozābād) — A medieval city constructed in 1354 by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The area contains several gateways, hunting lodges and step-wells of the Sultanate period. There are also two Ashokan Pillars which were brought to Delhi by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. A significant amount of colonial architecture is present in the area and includes war memorials, churches and a couple of Christian Cemeteries. Civil Lines

See

1 Nicholson Cemetery. Located near the Kashmiri Gate the Nicholson Cemetery is an active cemetery and the final resting place of hundred of Christians (both British and Indian). The cemetery in named after Brigadier General John Nicholson, who is often considered by the British as the hero of the Revolt of 1857. During the reclaiming of Delhi in 1857 Nicholson was shot near the Lahore Gate and was carried back to the camp. He died a slow and painful death. Nicholson Cemetery is approached through a beautiful cottage styled arched gateway, which doubles up as the living quarters of the cemetery’s caretaker and his family. The grave of John Nicholson lies just right of the entrance and is fenced by an iron railing. The epitaph reads: "The grave of Brigadier General John Nicholson who led the assault of Delhi but fell in the hour of victory mortally wounded and died 23rd September 1857 aged 35." Another important person to be buried in the Nicholson Cemetery is Yesudas Ramachandra, professor of Mathematics at Delhi Government College. (updated May 2020) 2 Qudsia Bagh. Qudsia Bagh was constructed by Qudsia Begum. wife of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah and mother of Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. She was born as a Hindu and her initial name was Udham Bai. She was a dancing girl in the court of Muhammad Shah, who later married her as his third wife. After Muhammad Shah's death in 1748, her son Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1725–1775) became emperor. As a widow, she took the title Qudsia Begum. She constructed the Qudsia Bagh in 1748. Formerly a splendid palace, has now much dilapidated and neglected.Large part of it was destroyed during the Revolt of 1857. Today the entrance gate, the Sahi (Royal) Mosque and remains of the stables are all that is left of the spectacular Mughal gardens. (updated May 2020)

Civil Lines 3 Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi). A memorial dedicated to anti-caste activist, political leader and neo-Buddhist Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Do

Parks 1 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park (DDU Park). (updated Feb 2026)

Sports 2 Ambedkar Stadium (metro: Delhi Gate 6 ). Watch football at Ambedkar Stadium. (updated May 2023) 3 Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium (metro: Delhi Gate 6 ). Watch cricket at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. Watch India play in One day or T20 international in the crowded stadium with a capacity of 41,820. Five day test cricket is another option with lesser crowd. Also watch the local club Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) play the Indian Premier League (IPL). (updated May 2023) 4 Indira Gandhi Arena (Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium). The largest indoor sports arena in India and among the largest in Asia. It is regularly used by tennis club Indian Aces and DSA Senior Division Futsal League. (updated May 2023) Karnail Singh Stadium, Basant Road, Railway Colony, Paharganj (metro: New Delhi 2 ). Located next to the New Delhi Railway Station, it is a 5000-seater multi-purpose sports venue used for athletics, football, hockey and cricket among others. It is owned and run by the Indian Railways and was earlier the home ground for the Railways Ranji team. (updated Mar 2026)

Buy

Bazaars

1 Kamla Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar (next to Delhi University's North campus; Bus 19A, 62, 92, 100A, 102, 106, 114, 115, 116, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 136 to stop 'Kamla Nagar'; near Pulbangash Metro Station). Popular with college students and known for its spicy street food. 2 Karol Bagh (West Delhi Market, Gaffar Market, Sabka Bazaar), Saraswati Marg, Beadonpura (Bus 39, 39A, 71, 82N, 89, 166, 181, 212, 214A, 218, 309, 350, 351, 352,450 to 'D B Gupta Market'). known for traditional Indian Wear, sarees and shawls. Huge area and big brand showrooms. - Reputed to be the largest shopping area in Asia with 20,000 shops and traders. There are many tailors experienced in western styles (suits etc.). Also a growing number of hotels . 3 Paharganj, Arya Nagar (opposite New Delhi ; bus: 12N, 19, 19A, 39, 39A, 82N, 166, 181, 214A, 309, 351, 753, 838, 853AC, 857 to stop 'Paharganj'). Oriented toward backpackers, this strip of shops sells items such as Indian perfumes, shawls, tablas, rugs, jewellery, etc. (updated Oct 2016) 4 Cycle Market, Block E 4, Jhandewalan Extension, Jhandewalan (M 'Jhandewalan' Blue 0.5 km S). Deals not just in bicycles, but in cameras as well.

Handicrafts 5 R. Expo House, Paharganj (near the New Delhi Railway Station). 6 S. K. Expo, Paharganj (near the New Delhi Railway Station), ☏ +91 11 2358 2615. One of the largest and oldest emporiums of handicrafts and herbal products in Delhi. It was founded in 1932, and offers a large variety of gift items from different parts of India. Textiles, handmade crafts and furniture made by artists and craftsman are sold at affordable prices. Ayurvedic and plant remedies, herbal soap, shampoos, oils and natural fragrances are also manufactured. This complex of two four-storied buildings is welcoming and a popular place for foreign visitors to Delhi.

Eat

1 Kitchen Cafe Roof Top @ Hotel Shelton, 5043 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, ☏ +91 11 4182 4386, [email protected]. 24 hours daily. Great view and ambiance. 2 Tadka 4986, Ram Dwara Rd, Nehru Bazar, Paharganj (side road off of Main Bazaar). A notably clean restaurant by Paharganj standards. Serves only vegetarian food, a full thali for ₹ 60. Their tea is really good and their most popular dish is paneer masala. (updated Jan 2026)

Sleep

Budget 1 Ama Rabsel House, House No 47, New Aruna Nagar (Behind Dolma House restaurant), ☏ +91 11 23816977, +91 11 23812284, [email protected]. Check-out: noon. A surprisingly large and modern hotel, hidden down a dark alleyway next to Dolma House restaurant. Friendly sta