A History Of Chandni Chowk In 60 Seconds

This vibrant market came to existence when the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi, in the mid 17th century. While Chandni Chowk or the moonlit square no longer bears the magnificence of the bygone era, its importance in the annals of Delhi will never be lost.

The past

The bazaar was designed by Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built.

The original market was divided into four parts: Urdu Bazaar, Johri Bazar, Ashrafi Bazaar, and the Fatehpuri Bazar. During the golden days of the Mughal era, the splendor of Chandni Chowk had spread far and wide. Merchants from Asia and Europe are known to have frequently visited the market.

The most striking aspect of Chandni Chowk was the glittering reflection of the moon in the tributary of the Yamuna river, which passed down the center of the bazaar. The rows of banyan trees lining the streets added to the appeal. The canal was bordered by wide platforms, and it was here that the residents loved to sit for hours lost in conversation. Elaborate royal processions passing through Chandni Chowk was also a common sight in those times.

Over 1,500 businesses of all kinds had initially set up shop along the 1.3-kilometer-long road, stretching from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. At the time, these shops were designed in the shape of a half moon.

The present

Chandni Chowk is still one of the most important commercial hubs in Delhi, but the aesthetic charm of the place has passed into oblivion. Narrow bylines swarming with people is how one would find this once majestic market.

Today, it is known as the busiest and largest wholesale market of Asia. People coming to Chandni Chowk usually head to Khari Baoli for spices, Katra Neel for fabrics, Dariba Kalan for silver jewelry, and Nai Sarak for secondhand books. Streets like Paranthe Wali Gali are also usually crowded with people queuing up to enjoy delicious street food.

Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.