Paharganj, Delhi - Things to Do, How to Reach- Holidify

Paharganj, Delhi Overview

Replete with travellers, both Indian and foreign, Paharganj is the ultimate backpacker's area of New Delhi. Dotted with budgeted hotels, cheap bars, and ultra-cheap restaurants; the labyrinthian alleys of Paharganj have a lot more to offer. In proximity to New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place, the budget travellers often come to Paharganj directly, even from the airport. Chaotic, noisy, dirty and yet the most vibrant market of Delhi. the availability of cheap guesthouses and almost everything of utility available on the streets, make this market every traveller's paradise and every backpacker's haven.

Dotted with souvenir shops, the alleys here are a wonderful amalgamation of colour, chaos and culture. With only a few bars having legal license to serve alcohol, don't be surprised if you are served warm beer or asked to hide your glass and drink on the rooftop of a bar.

History of Paharganj

Paharganj gets its name from Raisina Hills, where Rashtrapati Bhavan stands today, and it literally translates to ‘Hilly Neighborhood’. In the year 1638, under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Paharganj was one of the five major markets of Delhi. It was often popularly referred to as Shahganj or King’s Ganj. It housed the administrative customs divisions of the Mughal Empire during the 17th century and was also the principal grain market of the city during the 18th century.

During the 1920s, Delhi underwent major changes, as a result of which Paharganj was also modified and developed. Soon after, it saw an influx of refugees from Pakistan and small shops and hole-rooms came into view to accommodate all of them. Later in the 1970s, Paharganj saw the hippie culture when the area became replete with hippies, smoking paraphernalia, college kids and backpackers seeking cheap means of stay and food. The tradition has continued since then and the area still bustles with affordable lodging and fooding options.

Things To Do Near Paharganj

1. Shopping: The shops laced with everything from books to jewellery, bags, scriptures, idols, harem pants, handicrafts, brasswares, Indian tea and the like; it is the perfect place to shop anything at the lowest possible price. Mostly popular for banana pancakes, Bob Marley merchandise and smoking shenanigans.

2. Behind the infamous Imperial Cinema, there is a secret passageway called Tilak Gali. A stroll down there would introduce you to some old-world charm and old architectural ruins. The havelis although crumbling and dilapidated boast of some century-old architectural brilliance.

3. Multan Moth Bhandar in Gali No. 6, Multani Dhanda, serves some lip-smacking, mouth-watering kachoris. Try some of these as they are by far, one of the best kachoris Delhi can offer you.

4. Qadam Sharif is a tiny dargah, northwards in the lanes of Paharganj. Built by Ferozshah Tughlaq, this compound was used for his son because of his untimely death. Wander in the streets of the main bazaar.

5. Browse through some absolutely brilliant yet affordable leather products including shoes, bags, belts, wallets etc. , in the gullies of Paharganj.

6. Don’t forget to bargain! Visit ‘Emporia’ if you’re looking for quality furniture at throwaway prices. And while you’re at it, try some junk jewellery displayed on the ground floor.

7. Move to Shanti Handlooms and pick up cool cotton handbags, harem pants and desi shirts and totes.

8. Don’t forget Juti Shopping (Footwear Shopping). We recommend Dayal Boot House or Vishal Footwear for good quality shoes at reasonable prices.

9. While you are strolling, taste the world-class jalebis as Paharganj ki Mashhoor jalebi at 6 Tuti Chowk.

10. Let’s not forget, the most epic MY BAR. Be sure to grab a drink before you say goodbye. We agree that the bar is a little shady but over here all hours are happy hours, not to mention, it offers the cheapest alcohol in all of Delhi.

Sitaram Diwanchand Chole Bhature in Paharganj

Chole Bhature is probably the favourite food among all north Indians. And chole bhature in Delhi means Sitaram Diwanchand. The restaurant situated in a tiny nook in one of the lanes of Paharganj, has been on every foodie’s list at least once. Serving the most finger-licking, mouth-watering chola bhaturas in all of Delhi, Sitaram Diwanchand has keep the rage going for the last 50 years.

The story goes back to 1950s when Shri Diwanchand sold bhaturas on a go-kart. Sometime later they established a temporary shop near Imperial Cinema. But they again had to change their shops twice after that, once in 1970 and again in 1976. Finally, in 2009, they bought a bigger shop and since then, the business has been thriving in leaps and bounds. At a mere cost of INR 60 per plate which 2 bhaturas, a generous helping of chola, topped with the ever-so-tasty mint chutney, the sumptuous dish is a must taste food, if in Paharganj.

Tips For Visiting Paharganj

1. Try the street food to relish the traditional flavours.
2. Drink only bottled water to stay away from infections.
3. Bargain well before buying any products as the shopkeepers price them exorbitantly.

How To Reach Paharganj

Delhi is a state well connected through metro and state-run buses. The nearest metro station to Paharganj is New Delhi Railway Station Metro, situated on the yellow line. The market is just walking distance from the metro; you can either choose to walk or hire a local or a battery-run rickshaw. You can also book a taxi cab for a more comfortable journey. Alternatively, you can travel in one of the buses which will be relatively economical.