New Delhi Neighbourhoods, Locations and Districts

(New Delhi, Delhi, India)

The Delhi region comprises nine main districts, which are all centred around New Delhi, the Central district. Many of these districts are especially close to the Yamuna River, and this region is often referred to as the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and features a total population of more than 13 million people.

India's capital city of New Delhi has expanded dramatically, becoming an important centre of finance and commerce, and has some of the country's most outstanding modern architecture. The most significant districts, locations and neighbourhoods within the New Delhi area are explained below.

Shahjahanabad / Old Delhi District

Old Delhi is located to the north of the city and also goes by the name of Shahjahanabad. A historic walled city spreading to the west from the Red Fort (Lal Qila), Old Delhi was founded in the mid-17th century, when it became the Mughal Empire's capital city. Shahjahanabad contains a number of interesting sights, such as the Kashmiri Gate, the Mutiny Memorial, the Ashoka Pillar, the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, and also the Chandni Chowk, one of the region's most historic markets

Central Delhi District

Central Delhi is home to some of the state's most popular attractions, such as the magnificent India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) and the Secretariat buildings next to Raisina Hill, all of which are located within the Rajpath neighbourhood.

Also within this central district are a wealth of quality museums and ancient shrines, together with a mixture of both Western-style and Mughal architecture.

Connaught Place Area

Connaught Place is very much the heart of New Delhi and also goes by the name of Rajiv Chowk, being a vast traffic circle and famed for its circular architecture. Seven different streets radiate outwards from Connaught Place and are subsequently divided into a series of blocks. Connaught Place is a great place to come for some serious shopping and is particularly close to the Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory featuring a large sundial. The outer circle is officially named Connaught Circus, although most people simply refer to this whole part of New Delhi as Connaught Place. Hotels here are expensive, although well placed to explore the city itself.

Pahargani District

Located on the northern side of New Delhi and especially close to the Old Delhi area, the Pahargani district is brimming with value accommodation and has gained somewhat of a seedy reputation.

The most popular hotels within Pahargani line the Main Bazaar, which is just a short walk away from New Delhi train station.