POIs

Safdarjung Tomb

The last enclosed garden tomb in the style of that of Humayun’s, Safdarjung’s Tomb marks the decline of the Mughal empire. Safdarjung was for a time the Viceroy of Awadh (under Mohammad Shah) and later the Vizier (Prime Minister) of India. The tomb was built in the chārbāgh style designed, surprisingly, by an Abyssinian architect (modern-day Ethiopia). The decline is further exemplified by the flaws in symmetry, and in that the sandstone and marble used were taken from the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khān-i-Khāna (a poet, and one of Akbar’s Nine Gems). Other attached structures include the Jangli Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Badshah Pasand , and the Madrasah (school). The inscription over the gate reads “When the hero of plain bravery departs from the transitory, may he become a resident of god’s paradise.”

Gymkhāna Club

One of Delhi’s most premium clubs, with many of Delhi’s elite on the member rolls, this club was founded in 1913 with the aim of being a place for sports and recreation. It was originally situated at Coronation Park, where it was called the “Imperial Gymkhāna club”. Air Force Station, RCR

One of the Air Force’s oldest stations, situated in the heart of Delhi. Houses the Air Force Canteen and the Santushti Shopping Complex. Delhi Race Club

India’s equivalent of Ascot, this hosts horse races and polo matches: recreation for Delhi’s elite. Jaipur Polo Ground is the main polo arena. PM’s Residence

The Race Course Road complex, consisting of 5 bungalows has served as the official residence for the Prime Minister of India since Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. Number 5 is occupied by the PM, Number 1 functions as the helipad and terminal, and number 9 is the headquarter of SPG, the organisation that protects the PM. It is spread over 12 acres, and is officially named “Panchvati”, after the forest where Lord Rām is supposed to have spent many years of his 14-year exile. It is connected to Safdarjung Airport via an underground tunnel. Hotel Samr āt & Hotel Ashok

Two of the oldest, Government-run hotels in Delhi, occupying prime property near the PM House.

Nehru Park

Sprawling over 80 acres, this park inaugurated by India’s first Prime Minister is a top picnic spot. It also houses a statue of Vladimir Illyich Lenin. Teen Murti House Complex

Consists of the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, and the Nehru Planetarium (one of 4 across India). It houses the original Soyuz T-10 Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma used in space. National Defence College

The highest seat of strategic learning for Indian Defence and Civil Services officers of the rank of Brigadier or Joint Secretary, this is a very prestigious institution attended only by a few hand-picked defence officers of Brigadier (one-star General) rank and from friendly foreign countries. Gandhi Smriti

Originally Birla House, Gandhiji spent much time here when in Delhi. This is the place where Gandhiji was assassinated, and now plays host to a museum dedicated to his work, housing his personal effects. It was acquired from KK Birla by the Indian Government at the price of 54 lakh rupees, and converted. Claridges

One of Delhi’s premium hotels, founded in 1952. Khan Market

This market was originally occupied by immigrants from Pakistan during the partition, who named it after Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan in appreciation of his work to help in their migration. A common misconception attributes its name to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, brother of KAJK. It is now one of the most expensive real estate spots in Delhi, and a popular destination. Lodi Garden

Over 90 acres in size, this historical destination contains the tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodi, and the Badā Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad. It is a fantastic park for walks, and a testament to the past.

Notable roads and their backstories:

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Mg Founder and 1st President of the Republic of Turkey, “Ataturk” means father of Turks. Only he is allowed that name.

Panchsheel Mg “Treaty of five virtues” for peaceful coexistence between India and China

André Malraux Mg Novelist, art theorist, and Culture Minister of France, author of La Condition Humaine

Alexander Dub ček Mg Czech leader, communism reformist

Chandragupta Mg First Mauryan king, took over most of India

Kwame Nkrumah Mg Liberator of Ghana, and later self-declared PM for life, deposed in coup

Pt. Umashankar Dixit Mg Politician, cabinet minister, Governor of WB, K’taka, Padma Vibhushan awardee, freedom movement activist

Mother Teresa Crescent Earlier “Lady Willingdon Crescent”, after woman who landscaped Lodi Gdn

Kushak Rd Named after “Kushak Mahal” - Tughlaq hunting lodge near Nehru Planetarium

Rajaji Mg Named for C Rajagopalachari, activist, last Governor General of India, INC leader, Bharat Ratna awardee

Krishna Menon Mg VK Krishna Menon was dubbed the “2nd most powerful man in India” by the TIME magazine, close friend of Nehru, Penguin Books founder, noted for his eloquence, brilliance, and forceful, highly abrasive persona

Tees January Mg Named after the date of Gandhiji’s assassination, earlier Albuquerque Rd

Janpath “People’s Way”, famous for its cheap shops with popular brands’ knockoffs

Rajesh Pilot Mg Politician, IAF Pilot (earlier Rajesh Bidhuri)

Prithviraj Mg Rajput warrior, last independent Hindu king

Amrita Sher-gil Punjabi-Hungarian painter, India’s “Frida Kahlo”

Subramaniam Mg Tamil writer, activist, reformer

Max Müller Indophile, Orientalist, pioneer of Indian Studies in the west, philologist, Sanskrit & Vedas scholar