Delhi’s most famous and ancient marketplace, Chandni Chowk has its roots lying in the period of the region of Shah Jahan. The Mughal emperor founded the city of Shahjahanabad (now known as Old Delhi) to relocate his Mughal capital to his place from Agra. Chandni Chowk in Delhi was just positioned as an arcade, which featured a pool of clear water in its heart that sparkled when the moonlight fell over it.
Various shops were positioned around the arcade in the shape of a half-moon, whose placement was done for the emperor’s daughter, Jahan Ara Begum to purchase her favorite things. The spot saw the gathering of merchants and traders from across the nation who came here to sell a lot of things. The initial days of the inception of Chandni Chowk gained a lot of popularity for silver traders, who came in huge numbers to sell silver. This could be a possible reason the hub was called Chandni Chowk as “Chandi” is the Hindi name for silver.
Location – Near the Railway Station of Old Delhi
Timing – Can be visited from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, throughout the week except on Sunday.
Popularly known for its historical significance, host of shops, chaos, and delicious local food, Chandni Chowk is counted among the most ancient marketplaces in Purani Dilli. Established back in the 17th century by the Indian Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan, the place offers a beautiful view of the Fatehpuri Mosque and is located opposite the Red Fort.
The chaotic shopping lane of Chandni Chowk is lined up by porters and hawkers, showcasing the scenery of a bazaar of the medieval era. The place is a crucial historical site and is famously known as the market that sells all kinds of products. It has always been known as the shoppers hub in India. Shopping at this place is super fun and exciting since the whole marketplace is categorized into multiple narrow streets, with each one selling an abundance of different varieties of stuff. As Chandni Chowk is a wholesale marketplace, so shoppers can expect to receive a huge amount of discounts and offers. They can bargain for the best price of their product. Besides being an amazing shopping hub, Chandni Chowk is also a true haven for foodies.
The place houses many eateries selling mouth-watering Indian snacks and street foods like Chole Bhature, Dahi Bhalle, Gol Gappe, Daulat ki Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Kulfi, Kebabs, Ram Ladoo, and Chole Kulche.
History of Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk belonged to the reign of Shah Jahan, who founded the city of Shahjahanabad in Old Delhi. This was done to relocate his Mughal capital to this place from Agra. Earlier Chandni Chowk was just positioned as an arcade, which features a pool of clear water in its heart that sparkled when the moonlight fell over it. Many shops were positioned around the arcade in the shape of a half-moon, which was done for the emperor’s daughter, Jahan Ara Begum to purchase her favorite things. The spot experienced the gathering of merchants and traders from across the nation who came here to sell their things.
The early days of its inception had gained a lot of popularity for silver traders, who came in a huge numbers to sell silver. According to the famous beliefs, it could be a possible reason which made it a hub of “Chandi” products. Today, the shops and reflecting pool have been taken over by a multitude of small and big shops selling different kinds of products. The narrow winding lanes still retain the historical mark.
Tips For Visiting Chandni Chowk
- Be careful about your purse and belongings when roaming through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk.
- Beware of hawkers and duplicate items while shopping.
- Carry your water bottles as walking through the crowded streets can be immensely tiring.
- Do not miss out on the chance of bargaining. You can easily get your chosen products at excellent deals.
- Wear slippers or sandals to the market as many shops would not allow you to enter without removing your footwear at their doors.
- Many shops in the market do not allow you to take photographs. So, take prior permission to click pictures.
You can either call it Delhi – -6 or Chandni Chowk, it’s like a never-ending dream for shoppers to visit here during the Delhi tour package. So, plan your next shopping visit to this place, there are other shopping places in Delhi like: Lajpat Nagar Market, Sarojini Nagar Market whenever you plan a trip to the metropolitan capital of the nation.
