Lajpat Rai Market is situated in a historically rich part of Delhi, surrounded by several significant landmarks and attractions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to must-visit places nearby:
1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 500 meters (a 5-10 minutes walk).
- Information: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors and is renowned for its grand Mughal architecture, including red sandstone walls, intricate carvings, and lush gardens. It is also the venue for the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
2. Jama Masjid
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (a 15-20 minutes walk or a short rickshaw ride).
- Information: One of India’s largest mosques, Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. It can accommodate over 25,000 worshippers and is famous for its impressive structure, including three large gates, four towers, and two 40-meter-high minarets made of red sandstone and white marble.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
3. Chandni Chowk
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1 kilometer (a 10-15 minutes walk).
- Information: Established by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Chandni Chowk is one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. It is known for its narrow lanes filled with shops selling jewelry, fabrics, spices, and street food. The market also houses historical sites such as the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and several havelis (traditional mansions).
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
4. Bhagirath Palace Market
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Adjacent (a 5 minutes walk).
- Information: Bhagirath Palace Market is a major wholesale market for electrical and electronics goods in Asia. It offers a wide range of products including lighting fixtures, medical equipment, and home appliances, making it a key destination for traders and retailers.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
5. Old Delhi Railway Station
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (a 5-10 minutes drive).
- Information: Also known as Delhi Junction, Old Delhi Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in the city. Its architecture features a blend of Mughal and colonial styles and it serves as a major hub for trains connecting Delhi to various regions.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
6. India Post Office (GPO)
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 500 Meters (a 10 minutes walk).
- Information: The General Post Office in Old Delhi is one of the city’s oldest and busiest post offices. It provides essential postal services including mail delivery and government services and is notable for its colonial architectural style.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
7. Raj Ghat
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 2.5 kilometers (a 10 minutes drive).
- Information: Raj Ghat is the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the site where he was cremated on January 31, 1948. The memorial features a simple black marble platform with an eternal flame and is surrounded by serene gardens.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
8. Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra Lal Mandir
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 500 meters (a 5-10 minutes walk).
- Information: Opposite the Red Fort, Lal Mandir is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi, built in 1656. Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath, the temple is known for its red sandstone architecture and the Bird Hospital located within its premises.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
9. Gauri Shankar Temple
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1 kilometer (a 5-10 minutes walk).
- Information: Located on Chandni Chowk Road, Gauri Shankar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features an 800-year-old Lingam encased in a silver snake and is an important religious site.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
10. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1 kilometer (a 10 minutes walk).
- Information: Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a significant Sikh temple in Chandni Chowk, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It features a community kitchen (langar) serving free meals and is an important place of worship for Sikhs.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
11. Khari Baoli
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (a 20 minutes walk).
- Information: Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, known for its variety of spices, herbs, dried fruits, and nuts. The market has been operational since the 17th century and is a vibrant sensory experience with its colorful spices and rich aromas.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
12. Paranthe Wali Gali
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (a 15 minutes walk).
- Information: Paranthe Wali Gali is a renowned street in Chandni Chowk famous for its paratha (Indian flatbread) shops. These eateries have been serving delicious parathas for over a century, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
13. Sadar Bazaar
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 2 kilometers (a 10-15 minutes drive).
- Information: Sadar Bazaar is one of Delhi’s largest wholesale markets, offering a range of products including toys, kitchenware, and household items. It is a busy commercial hub for traders and shoppers.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
14. Kashmere Gate
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 2 kilometers (a 10 minutes drive).
- Information: Kashmere Gate is a historic gate of Old Delhi, originally part of the city’s defensive walls built during the Mughal era. Named after the region of Kashmir, it holds historical significance due to its role during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The area around Kashmere Gate includes several landmarks, such as the Delhi Polytechnic (now Delhi Technical University) and the Kashmere Gate Metro Station.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
15. Delhi Gate
- Distance from Lajpat Rai Market: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (a 10 minutes drive).
- Information: Delhi Gate is one of the original gates of the walled city of Delhi, built during the Mughal era. It was one of the principal entrances to the old city and has historical significance, reflecting the architectural style of the time. The gate is located near the busy area of Daryaganj and serves as a reminder of Delhi’s historical past.
- Route MAP: Click here to view the route on Google Map.
The area surrounding Lajpat Rai Market offers a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and commercial landmarks. From the grandeur of the Red Fort and the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk to the historical significance of Kashmere Gate, there is much to explore and experience in this vibrant part of Delhi. Each site adds its unique charm and historical context to your visit, making it a comprehensive journey through Old Delhi’s heritage.
