Are you looking for a place in Delhi that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and nightlife? If yes, then you should definitely visit Hauz Khas Village, or HKV as it is popularly known. Hauz Khas Village is a neighbourhood in South Delhi that dates back to the 13th century. It was once a royal reservoir and a centre of learning and culture under the Delhi Sultanate. Today, it is a vibrant and eclectic hub of creativity and entertainment, attracting locals and tourists alike.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Hauz Khas Village that make it a unique and fascinating destination. We will cover what to see, do, eat, shop, and party in Hauz Khas Village, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit.
What to See in Hauz Khas Village
The first thing that you should see in Hauz Khas Village is the Hauz Khas Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the architectural and artistic legacy of the Delhi Sultanate. It was built by Alauddin Khilji in the 13th century as a reservoir to supply water to his new capital city of Siri.
The reservoir was later renovated by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century, who added a fort, a mosque, a tomb, and a madrasa (Islamic seminary) around it. The complex offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding greenery, as well as impressive examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and calligraphy.
You can also visit some other historical and cultural attractions near Hauz Khas Village, such as:
The Nizamuddin Dargah:
A shrine dedicated to one of the most revered Sufi saints in India, Nizamuddin Auliya. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. You can witness the qawwali (Sufi devotional music) performances every evening at the dargah.
The Qutub Minar:
A 73-meter-high tower that is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century as a symbol of his victory over the Hindu rulers of Delhi. It is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran.
The Lotus Temple:
A Baháʼí House of Worship that is shaped like a lotus flower. It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is known for its serene atmosphere and its award-winning design.
What to Do in Hauz Khas Village
If you are looking for some fun and excitement, you will not be disappointed by Hauz Khas Village. You can find a variety of activities and entertainment options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the popular ones are:
Nightlife and party:
Hauz Khas Village is one of the best places to experience Delhi’s nightlife and party scene. You can find a variety of pubs, bars, clubs, and live music venues that offer great food, drinks, music, and ambiance. Some of the popular ones are Social, Raasta, Summer House Cafe, etc.
Art and creativity:
Hauz Khas Village is home to some of the most innovative and contemporary art galleries in Delhi. You can admire the works of emerging and established artists, as well as participate in workshops and exhibitions. Some of the notable art galleries are Kunzum Travel Cafe, Delhi Art Gallery, Art Explore, etc.
Shopping:
Hauz Khas Village is a shopper’s paradise, especially for those who love unique and quirky items. You can find a range of boutiques that sell handicrafts, antiques, books, clothes, accessories, and more. Some of the famous boutiques are Ogaan, People Tree, Fabindia, etc.
Relaxation:
Hauz Khas Village is also a great place to pamper yourself and unwind. You can find a number of spas that offer various services such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Some of the best spas are Amatrra Spa, Aura Heritage Spa, The Lodhi Spa, etc. You can also find several yoga studios that offer classes for different levels and styles of yoga, such as hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, bikram, and more. Some of the popular yoga studios are Mystic Yoga Cafe, Zorba The Buddha, Yoga House, etc.
What to Eat in Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village is a foodie’s heaven, offering a wide range of cafes and restaurants that serve cuisines from all over the world. You can find anything from Indian to Italian, from Chinese to Mexican, from Lebanese to Thai, and more. Some of the must-try cafes and restaurants are:
Naivedyam: A South Indian restaurant that serves authentic and delicious dishes such as dosas, idlis, vadas, uttapams, and more. It has a traditional decor and a friendly staff.
Yeti: A Himalayan restaurant that serves exotic and flavorful dishes from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Sikkim. It has a cozy and rustic ambiance and a courteous service.
Coast Cafe: A coastal restaurant that serves fresh and succulent seafood dishes from Kerala, Goa, Mangalore, and more. It has a bright and airy ambiance and a stunning view of the lake.
You can also try some other food and beverage options in Hauz Khas Village, such as:
Bakeries:
Hauz Khas Village has some of the best bakeries in Delhi that offer a variety of baked goods such as cakes, pastries, cookies, breads, pies, and more. Some of the mouth-watering bakeries are L’Opera, The Big Chill Cakery, Elma’s Bakery, etc.
Ice cream parlors:
Hauz Khas Village has some of the coolest ice cream parlors in Delhi that offer a range of ice creams such as gelatos, sorbets, frozen yogurts, kulfi, and more. Some of the refreshing ice cream parlors are Minus 30, Frugurpop, Naturals Ice Cream, etc.
Street food stalls:
Hauz Khas Village has some of the tastiest street food stalls in Delhi that offer a variety of snacks such as chaat, momos, kebabs, rolls, sandwiches, and more. Some of the lip-smacking street food stalls are Bittoo Tikki Wala, Dolma Aunty Momos, Al-Bake Shawarma, etc.
Tea shops:
Hauz Khas Village has some of the finest tea shops in Delhi that offer a variety of teas such as black, green, herbal, masala, and more. Some of the soothing tea shops are Chaayos, Chai Point, Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, etc.
Also check out: A day in Hauz Khas Village
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Hauz Khas Village
To make your visit to Hauz Khas Village more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:
The best time to visit Hauz Khas Village is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full. You can also visit during the spring months (March to April), when the flowers are in bloom and the air is fresh.
The worst time to visit Hauz Khas Village is during the summer months (May to September), when the weather is hot and humid and the lake is dry. You should also avoid visiting during the monsoon months (July to September), when the roads are flooded and the traffic is chaotic.
The nearest metro station to Hauz Khas Village is Hauz Khas Metro Station, which is on the Yellow Line. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a cab from there to reach Hauz Khas Village. The distance is about 2 km and the fare is about Rs. 50.
The entry fee to Hauz Khas Complex is Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners. The visit timings are from 10:30 am to 7 pm on all days except Monday, when it is closed.
The parking availability in Hauz Khas Village is limited and expensive. You should try to park your vehicle at the nearby malls or markets, such as DLF Place Saket or Green Park Market, and then take a walk or an auto-rickshaw to Hauz Khas Village.
The things to do in Hauz Khas Village are mostly suitable for adults and young people. If you are travelling with children or elderly people, you should be careful about their safety and comfort. You should also avoid visiting Hauz Khas Village at night, as it can get crowded and noisy.
You may also like to check out: Hauz Khas Village - Three in One: Date, Dine and Shop
Hauz Khas Village is one of the most amazing places in Delhi that you should not miss. It has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, a nature enthusiast, or a party animal. It is a place where you can experience the best of both worlds: the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the serene and the lively.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hauz Khas Village today!
