Our journey through Delhi continued as we bid farewell to the bustling Aerocity and set foot in the vibrant and historic area of Connaught Place (CP). With its colonial charm, bustling markets, and rich history, CP promised an exciting day of exploration and discovery. Join us as we delve into the captivating history of the Red Fort, visit the newly developed information center, and immerse ourselves in the evening atmosphere of CP.
Connaught Place in Delhi is a distinctive circular area with roads spreading outwards. From the inner circle, eight roads lead out, including Parliament Street and Radial Roads 1-7. The outer ring, known as Connaught Circus, has twelve roads, with Janpath being the most famous continuation of Radial Road 1. This well-planned area is home to India’s first underground market, Palika Bazaar, named after Nagarpalika. The Outer Circle, officially called Indira Chowk, has restaurants, shops, hotels, and India’s first Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The Middle Circle houses offices, banks, exchange houses, a cinema, and eateries.
After checking into our hotel, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa on Bangla Saheb Road in Connaught Place, we wasted no time and embarked on our first adventure—the Illusion Museum. This fascinating museum captivated us with its mind-bending artwork and optical illusions. From mind-boggling paintings to interactive exhibits, we found ourselves immersed in a world where reality and perception intertwined. Both kids and adults can enjoy all the exhibits. You can check fees, timings, and other information on their website(https://museumofillusions.in/). We purchased tickets at the museum, which was less crowded since it was a weekday. We spent approximately 2-3 hours there and captured many pictures.
With our appetites whetted, we decided to indulge in a tasty sub at one of the famous eateries in CP. The bustling streets and aromatic flavors added to the vibrant ambiance of the area. Satisfied and energized, we hopped in a cab and made our way to the magnificent Red Fort.
As we stepped into the Red Fort, we couldn’t help but be in awe of its imposing red sandstone walls and majestic architecture. This historical marvel served as the residence and seat of power for the Mughal emperors. The Red Fort stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the opulence of the Mughal era.
While exploring the fort and its bustling market, we stumbled upon a newly developed visitor center that opened in August 2022. Intrigued by its displays and guided tours, we decided to delve deeper into Delhi’s captivating history. The center is divided into two floors. The ground floor features attractions such as a unique 10-minute 360º immersive viewing experience and an augmented reality photography room (not operational in September 2022). Tourists can also visit the Souvenir Shop and the Snack Point run by Café Delhi Heights with a specially curated menu.
The first floor houses the Interpretation Centre, which is divided into sections:
Safar: An introduction to Delhi before the establishment of the Red Fort and Shahjahanabad.
Zindagi: The magnificent architecture, royal traditions, and luxurious living in the fort.
Tareekh: Defining moments in India’s history with the Red Fort as the fulcrum.
Hum Ek Hain: Positioning Red Fort as the Fort of India and India’s unity in diversity. This section houses the Harmony Installation, the Unity Room, and the Pledge for India.
This Centre is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays (Red Fort is closed on Mondays). A ticket of Rs. 100 is charged per visitor for the first-floor Interpretation Centre, the 360-degree Show, and the AR Photography.
As the day transitioned into the evening, Connaught Place became a vibrant activity hub. The lively atmosphere, illuminated by the glow of neon lights and bustling with people, created an enchanting ambiance. We rendezvoused with our cousins at the Wagh Bakri Lounge, a popular meeting spot known for its cozy setting and delectable tea offerings.
As we sipped our tea and engaged in lively conversations, the energy of CP enveloped us. The mix of historic architecture and modern establishments, along with the lively street performers and the hum of conversations, painted a vivid picture of Delhi’s dynamic spirit.
After taking a leisurely stroll in this lively area for 45 minutes, we took an auto-rickshaw and returned to our hotel. Within an hour, we were fast asleep, dreaming about the next day.
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