Chandni Chowk

Business Lanes

Chandni Chowk is considered to be the largest trading center of India, whose foundation was laid down by daughter of Shahjahan, Jahanara. During Shahjahan’s time an arcade of shops had been built in a half-moon shape surrounding which the market flourished. With time the size of the market went on increasing. Today, Chandni Chowk is located opposite Red Fort and has become famous for magnificence and prosperity. The place is highly crowded and one has to negotiate the continuously flowing traffic.

The bazaar has several galis or lanes, each of which is famous for some typical item. For instance paratheinwali gali is famous for parathas, a type of special chapatti. Similarly there are galis that are famous for jewelers, textile shops and so on. Bhagirath Palace, which was earlier palace of Begum is now the biggest electrical market of North India, or may be the whole India. The place is also famous for Haldiram’s sweet jalebis, which are fried in pure ghee (clarified butter).

Mosques and Temples

Towards the northern side there are a number of the gardens; one of which is covered with glittering Jahanara sarai, which has a spacious plinth. Towards the western side is located Fatehpur Masjid that was built by one of Shahjahan’s wives and next to it is the famous Jumma Masjid. Then there is Sunheri Masjid located near the old police station, the Kotwali.

Apart from this are number of other places of worship of other religions, the prominent ones being Sri Digambar Jain lal Mandir, Gurudwara Shish Ganj, Gauri Shankar temple etc.

Locality Around Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is very near to Inter State Bus Terminal and Old Delhi Railway Station. Some other famous areas around Chandni Chowk include Sadar Bazar, Ajmeri Gate, Nai Sarak and Mori Gate.