One of the capital’s well-heeled neighbourhoods - Chanakyapuri is around 14 kilometres away from Delhi International Airport. Specifically, the place is famed for being a diplomatic conclave. A good number of embassies are present in Chanakyapuri and many high profile foreign diplomats and foreign envoys put up here. The Prime Minister's residence is also close to Chanakyapuri. Various government officials are residing here at their official residences. Due to this reason, Chanakyapuri has all facilities possible in close proximity and there are no water, electricity and transport problems in this area. Interestingly, the place is named after Chanakya, the ancient Indian diplomat who helped shine the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupt.
Chanakyapuri is strategically nestled in the heart of the capital and is in close proximity to Dhaula Kuan to its south and Connaught Place to its east. Bhikaji Cama Place, Lodhi Colony and Jor Bagh are the few posh colonies around Chanakyapuri. Once you're in Chanakyapuri, you cannot overlook the wonderful structure of many official and governmental buildings here. The roads are wide and the entire area is well maintained. There are tall trees covering both sides of the road and the greenery is a treat to the eyes. Traffic is at bare minimum.
The Chanakya Movie Mall in this area is a major landmark by itself. It was one of the most famous hotspots for catching movies before Multiplexes came into being. Even today, it is a major source of entertainment for residents nearby. The Yashwant Place, very close to the theatre, houses a host of restaurants in dhaba style serving exotic non-vegetarian and sea food delicacies. The prices and tastes here are no less than what you would find elsewhere. The experience is typically that of street food eating and hence is popular amongst youngsters. Yashwant Place also has many shops with export items available. For hard core shoppers however, Sarojini Nagar Market is a big hit. It is more popularly known as SN Market and is a famous bargain and budget marketplace of the capital, located close to Chanakyapuri. Khan Market at the Lodhi Colony is also not very far from this area catering to a totally different crowd. A small yet very swanky shopping complex run by the Air Force Wives association is the Santushti Shopping Complex located at Chanakyapuri. It houses a variety of chic boutiques and you can find the choicest and expensive clothing, jewelry, upholstery and more. Its clean, upscale and has beautifully landscaped gardens as well. There are some fabulous restaurants here where you can easily spot politicians, ministers and know-who of the city. Kastro is a famous place to pick cigars from, Claire's is known for its jams and Lotus Eaters for its silverware. Leather good, beauty products, handicrafts, textiles and antiques are not a hard find in the Santushti Shopping Complex. Malcha Marg at Chanakyapuri is a major attraction for the restaurants. It is frequented by citizens and tourists in large number for fine dining and authentic cuisine restaurants. Some popular restaurants are Lazeez Affaire, Side Wok, Fez Dining and Bar, Fujiya, Lotus Garden, NU.Delhi by QBA amongst others.
Chanakyapuri is home to the US Embassy, the Russian Embassy, the Thai Embassy, the German Embassy and the Polish Embassy. The British High Commission and the Pakistani High Commission are also present in this area. They are all wonderfully constructed and offer an architectural view to their respective nations. They are also a visual treat to passers-by and visitors. Other embassies are those of Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Koreo, Kuwait, Malayasia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Sultanate of Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Spain, Srilanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and Vietnam.
Other landmarks in this area are the American Embassy School, Sanskriti School, Carmel Convent School, British School amongst others. Jesus and Mary College and Maitreyi College of the Delhi University are also under Chanakyapuri region. Places of interest to visitors and tourists are mostly the National Rose Garden, the National Rail Museum and the Jawaharlal Nehru Park. The Nehru Park is frequented by residents staying close and far from this region for their morning jog, especially on weekends. It's also a hotspot for school picnics and get-togethers for South and Central Delhi schools.
This posh locality has an aristocratic lifestyle and because of being politically important, it has all basic necessities and luxuries for leading a comfortable life.
Important Facts about Chanakyapuri
Distance between Chanakyapuri and Indira Gandhi International Airport: 13.4 KMs, 23 minutes
Distance between Chanakyapuri and Domestic Airport: 8.5 KMs, 17 minutes
Distance between Chanakyapuri and Connaught Place (City Centre): 8 KMs, 15 minutes
Distance between Chanakyapuri and Old Delhi Railway Station: 12.3 KMs, 21 minutes
Distance between Chanakyapuri and New Delhi Railway Station: 9 KMs, 17 minutes