Why a New Delhi Design Guide? New Delhi has been one of the leading centers for artistry and design for centuries. Where the Mughal emperors began, the British-built city of the early 1900s followed. In addition today, glistening modern structures complete the scene. The result is palaces, parkland and museums that all help reveal its long history. At the same time, they show off some of the hottest design trends from each period. Here is everything you need to know when it comes to tours in New Delhi, where to eat, where to stay, and what to buy.
See
National Gallery of Modern Art
The imagery of New Delhi tends to focus on the biscuit-colored stone of the British-era city. However, its contemporary artisans should not be forgotten. The National Gallery of Modern Art is located within the majestic former palace of the Maharaja (prince) of Jaipur. It therefore has a huge area of around 12,000 square meters. Its permanent collection is one of the largest dedicated to Indian artists anywhere in the world. But internationally-recognised names also fill its rooms. As a result, the works of avant-garde painter Amrita Sher-Gil stand side by side Jacob Epstein’s architectural sculptures. Frankly, it’s a must for any New Delhi design guide.
Jaipur House, Shershah Road, near India Gate, Delhi High Court, India Gate, 110003 New Delhi
Lotus Temple
Built in 1986 in the form of an opening lotus flower, the Lotus Temple is a Bahai place of worship. With similarities to Sydney Opera House, it is made up of 27 individual freestanding sections clad in white marble. It tops out internally at 34 meters high with a skylight finished with the nine-pointed star, symbolic of unity. Made of nine sides, the Lotus Temple is fittingly open to those of all faiths and none. See another fantastic white monument with our Taj Mahal and Agra tour.
Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, 110019 New Delhi
Lodhi Colony
Built in the years immediately before Indian independence in 1947, Lodhi Colony was created as a residential suburb for civil servants. These sites aren’t generally known for their design, but Lodhi has undergone a significant renaissance. The area between Meherchand and Khanna markets became India’s first art district. Here, street artists were invited to create vast murals. The result is a form the open-air gallery you’ll find today.
Lodhi Road, Lodhi Colony, 110003 New Delhi
Dine
Bukhara
Within the grounds of the ITC Maurya hotel, Bukhara is rated as one of the country’s top restaurants. Highly-acclaimed and multi-award winning, Bukhara serves up authentic cuisine from India’s northern frontiers. Its homely interiors recall the region, while much of its extensive menu is prepared using a traditional tandoor clay oven. For a taste of more traditional foods, try our Delhi food tour.
ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, 110021 New Delhi
Indian Accent
Indian Accent has been rated one of the 50 best restaurants in Asia more than five years in a row. It occupies a dramatic glass pavilion surrounded on three sides by a tranquil pool. Its aim is to demonstrate the best of Indian cuisine by matching it to ingredients and techniques from around the globe. It also puts equal emphasis on vegetarian and meat-based dishes, alongside a selection of delicious desserts. Spend the next day trying more local flavors with our Old Delhi walking food tour.
The Lodhi Hotel, Lodhi Road, 110003 New Delhi
Stay
The Imperial, New Delhi
The Imperial, New Delhi is centered around a magnificent whitewashed art deco structure. It was the brainchild of Lutyens, the man asked by the British government to create New Delhi’s government buildings. Unsurprisingly then, its interiors are rich with heritage, from the uniforms of the staff to polished hardwood wall panels. More than three hectares of landscaped gardens continue the elegant appearance outside.
Janpath, Connaught Place, 110001 New Delhi
Andaz Delhi – A Concept By Hyatt
The contemporary style of Andaz Delhi – A Concept By Hyatt contrasts in almost every way to The Imperial. A glass and steel exterior leads into a plush interior. Its public spaces are resplendent with clean lines, but still offer a certain homeliness. Meanwhile, its spacious rooms are light and airy thanks to light wood finishes, large windows, and high ceilings. They offer views over the open-air pool and sun terrace.
Aerocity, New Delhi, 110037 New Delhi
Shop
State Emporia Complex
At the State Emporia Complex you can find some of the finest souvenirs and keepsakes of your time in India. Its huge range of items are as varied as India itself. Kashmiri shawls stand on shelves next to paintings from Bihar, for instance. At the same time, these items are each unique crafts from a cottage industry that’s an important source of income in India’s villages. You won’t find more genuine items in the city.
Baba Kharak Singh Road, Connaught Place, 110001 New Delhi
Central Cottage Industries Emporium
Founded in 1952, Central Cottage Industries Emporium has been showing off India’s design heritage for more than half a century. Now one of the largest and best-known emporia in the country, it continues to promote handcrafted objects. As a result, its alluring showroom boasts everything from small carvings of Ganesh to large hand-crafted items of furniture. Counting prime ministers among its clientele, this is the crème de la crème of New Delhi shopping experiences.
Janpath, 110001 New Delhi
Design in New Delhi
There’s no shortage of design in the Indian capital, as this New Delhi design guide demonstrates. A series of architectural and artistic masterpieces provide a fantastic backdrop to fine restaurants. Carefully thought-out hotels then provide a space to relax between shopping trips to the city’s emporia. While for more of what the Indian capital has to offer, be sure to check out the best things to do in New Delhi. Meanwhile, for accommodation options, head to our list of hotels in New Delhi.
