Delhi is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the chaotic and the serene coexist. One of the most fascinating examples of this diversity is Majnu Ka Tila, a small enclave of Tibetan refugees who have made Delhi their home for over six decades. Majnu Ka Tila, which literally means “the mound of Majnu”, is named after a Sufi saint who lived here in the 16th century and was known for his devotion to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Today, Majnu Ka Tila is a bustling and colorful market, where you can find everything from Tibetan clothes, books, and handicrafts to delicious momos, thukpa, and butter tea. Majnu Ka Tila is also a place of worship, where you can visit the majestic gurdwara and the serene monastery, and learn about the history and struggle of the Tibetan people.
Whether you are a foodie, a shopper, a culture lover, or a spiritual seeker, Majnu Ka Tila has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do, see, and eat in Majnu Ka Tila, and help you plan your perfect trip to this hidden gem of Delhi.
How to Reach Majnu Ka Tila
Majnu Ka Tila is located on the banks of the Yamuna river, near the ISBT Kashmere Gate bus terminal. The easiest way to reach Majnu Ka Tila is by metro. The nearest metro station is Vidhan Sabha, which is on the Yellow Line. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw for about 10 minutes, or walk for about 20 minutes.
You can also take a bus from Kashmere Gate or any other major bus stop in Delhi, and get down at Majnu Ka Tila Gurudwara. Once you reach Majnu Ka Tila, you will have to enter through a narrow gate and walk along a winding lane, which will lead you to the main market area.
Be prepared to encounter crowds, noise, and traffic, as Majnu Ka Tila is a very busy and lively place. However, once you enter the market, you will feel like you have stepped into a different world, where the sights, sounds, and smells of Tibet will enchant you.
What to See in Majnu Ka Tila
Majnu Ka Tila is not only a market, but also a cultural and religious hub, where you can witness the diversity and richness of the Tibetan heritage. Some of the main attractions that you should not miss are:
The Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila:
This is the oldest and most prominent landmark of Majnu Ka Tila, which dates back to the 16th century. It is dedicated to Guru Nanak and his disciple Majnu, who used to ferry people across the Yamuna river for free, as an act of service and devotion. The gurdwara is a beautiful and peaceful place, where you can admire the architecture, the prayer hall, the langar (free community kitchen), and the museum, which displays the history and relics of Sikhism. The gurdwara is open from 5 am to 9 pm, and there is no entry fee. However, you should follow the dress code and cover your head, remove your shoes, and wash your hands before entering. You should also respect the sanctity and silence of the place, and avoid taking photos or videos inside.
The Tibetan Market:
This is the main attraction and the heart of Majnu Ka Tila, where you can find a plethora of products and services related to Tibet. The market is divided into several sections, such as the clothes section, the books section, the handicrafts section, the souvenirs section, and the religious items section. You can buy anything from traditional Tibetan dresses, hats, and bags, to books on Tibetan history, culture, and Buddhism, to handicrafts such as prayer flags, thangkas, and statues, to souvenirs such as magnets, keychains, and postcards, to religious items such as incense, prayer beads, and amulets.
The prices are reasonable, and you can bargain a little, but not too much, as the vendors are mostly refugees who depend on the market for their livelihood. You can also avail of other services, such as getting a Tibetan tattoo, a massage, a haircut, or a horoscope reading. The market is open from 10 am to 9 pm, and you can pay by cash or card.
The Tibetan Monastery:
This is the spiritual and cultural center of the Tibetan community in Majnu Ka Tila, which was established in 1963 by the Dalai Lama. The monastery is a serene and sacred place, where you can see the prayer wheels, the statues, the paintings, and the library, which showcase the art and wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism. You can also join the monks and devotees in their daily prayers and rituals, and experience the tranquility and harmony of their faith.
The monastery is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and there is no entry fee. However, you should follow the etiquette and dress modestly, remove your shoes, and refrain from touching or photographing the religious objects. You should also ask for permission before entering the prayer hall or the library, and avoid disturbing the monks or the visitors.
What to Eat in Majnu Ka Tila
Majnu Ka Tila is a food paradise, where you can taste the authentic and delicious flavors of Tibet and other Asian cuisines. Some of the main dishes and places that you should try are:
Tibetan Food:
Tibetan food is characterized by the use of noodles, momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), butter tea, and yak cheese, which are suited for the cold and high-altitude climate of Tibet. Some of the best restaurants and cafes to try Tibetan food in Majnu Ka Tila are:
Ama Cafe: This is one of the most popular and cozy cafes in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a variety of coffee, tea, cakes, and pastries, as well as breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, and sandwiches. The cafe has a warm and welcoming ambiance, with wooden furniture, colorful cushions, and Tibetan music. The cafe is open from 7 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 300. The specialties of the cafe are the chocolate cake, the apple pie, the cappuccino, and the butter tea.
Rigo Restaurant: This is one of the oldest and most reputed restaurants in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a range of Tibetan, Chinese, and Thai dishes, as well as juices, shakes, and mocktails. The restaurant has a spacious and elegant interior, with comfortable seating, dim lighting, and Tibetan decor. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 500. The specialties of the restaurant are the momos, the thukpa, the fried rice, and the chilli chicken.
Tee Dee: This is another well-known and reliable restaurant in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a variety of Tibetan, Chinese, and Korean dishes, as well as soups, salads, and desserts. The restaurant has a simple and neat interior, with wooden tables, chairs, and walls, and Tibetan posters. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 400. The specialties of the restaurant are the shapta (stir-fried meat), the tingmo (steamed bread), the kimchi, and the ice cream.
Dolma House: This is a small and humble eatery in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves some of the best and cheapest momos in Delhi, as well as other Tibetan snacks and dishes. The eatery has a basic and crowded interior, with plastic chairs, tables, and plates, and a busy kitchen. The eatery is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 200. The specialties of the eatery are the cheese momos, the buff momos, the laphing (cold noodles), and the thenthuk (flat noodle soup).
Other Asian Food:
Majnu Ka Tila also offers a diversity and availability of other Asian food, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese. Some of the best places to try other Asian food in Majnu Ka Tila are:
Busan Korean Restaurant: This is the only Korean restaurant in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a variety of Korean dishes, such as bibimbap, bulgogi, japchae, and kimchi. The restaurant has a modern and classy interior, with glass windows, white walls, and Korean paintings. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 800. The specialties of the restaurant are the bibimbap, the bulgogi, the kimchi, and the soju.
Shim Tur: This is a hidden and quirky restaurant in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a variety of Korean and Japanese dishes, such as sushi, ramen, udon, and kimbap. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of a guesthouse, and has a cozy and rustic interior, with wooden benches, cushions, and lanterns. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 600. The specialties of the restaurant are the sushi, the ramen, the udon, and the kimbap.
Wai Wai City: This is a fun and fast-food joint in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves a range of noodle dishes, such as hakka, schezwan, manchurian, and thai. The joint has a bright and lively interior, with colorful walls, posters, and lights. The joint is open from 11 am to 11 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 300. The specialties of the joint are the hakka noodles, the schezwan noodles, the manchurian noodles, and the thai noodles.
Pho King: This is a small and simple eatery in Majnu Ka Tila, which serves authentic Vietnamese food, such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and coffee. The eatery has a minimal and clean interior, with white walls, tables, and chairs. The eatery is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 400. The specialties of the eatery are the pho, the banh mi, the spring rolls, and the coffee.
Majnu Ka Tila is a hidden gem of Delhi, where you can experience the culture, cuisine, and history of Tibet and other Asian countries. It is a place where you can enjoy the diversity and richness of Delhi, and also support the Tibetan cause and community. Majnu Ka Tila is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore new places, taste new flavors, and learn new things.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Majnu Ka Tila today, and discover the wonders of this little Tibet in Delhi.
