History
A throbbing hub of activity where alternative creativity expresses itself freely and ancient structures rub shoulders with contemporary buildings – Hauz Khas Village Complex, New Delhi is a much-loved complex for its rustic environs that perfectly blend with urbane ambience. The manicured park, top notch designer stores, and restaurants that cater to both locals as well as foreigners alike makes this village complex an ideal place to shop, eat and generally chill out with friends and family.
Situated in South Delhi, and built over the ruins of the medieval city named Siri, the Hauz Khas Village Complex of today boasts of sophisticated restaurants, glitzy cafes, glass-panelled designer studious, fashion boutiques, a Deer Park, and a serene Hauz Khas Lake. The Hauz Khas Lake with its lush green environment is a bird watcher’s delight and also a preferred picnic spot amidst locals.
The Hauz Khas Village with its variety of shops and showroom offers an excellent shopping experience. Check out Maati – one of the shops in the village complex that specialises in selling handmade T-shirts that have been painted by rural artisans from West Bengal, and Uttarakhand. The tag on the T-Shirt carries the name of the artist and one can also get custom-made designs ranging from India Gate to BMWs.
A popular haunt for the art lovers of the capital city, the Hauz Khas Village Complex has some prominent galleries in its arcade. Some of the galleries that one can visit here are Delhi Art Gallery, The Impulse Art, The Village Gallery, The Art View Gallery and The Rang Art Gallery among various others that are found here. Maya Art and Apparel Studio is an interesting place to know more about art. Head to The Living Room Cafe & Kitchen for some music, coffee and more casual atmosphere.
Feeling hungry after roaming the streets of this village complex then head to cafes like Flipside Cafe, which serves pizza by the slice and even if one is not hungry one can spend hours on the coffee and the free Wi-Fi. Then there is Kunzum Travel Cafe, which works on the basic principal of ‘Pay what you like’ for tea, coffee and cookies. This apart, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi here as well. The cafe also houses a bookrack that has a couple of Lonely Planet books and some travel magazines. The cafe is a must visit for travel enthusiasts.
It is nothing short of a miracle that, in spite of the razzmatazz, the Hauz Khas Village still exudes and retains the rustic charm of the Imperial era sprawled well trimmed garden, which is lined with shady trees, plants and pathways where one can indulge in walks and might spot some peacocks, deer rabbits and various other species of birds flocking near the lake.
And it is no wonder that the Hauz Khas Village today is known as the New York East Village of Delhi. It houses elegant homes along with trendy designer buildings, home décor & furnishing outlets as well as fashion boutiques. In addition these retail outlets, this village also offers a grand view of the 13th Century Monuments situated along an ancient water body also known as the Hauz-i-Shamsi, a water storage tank or reservoir that was constructed by Sultan Iltutmish of the Slave Dynasty in 1230 AD.
Another attraction of this hip and happening 13th century village complex is a light and sound show, which showcases historic moments and stories with narration of the Imperial dynasties that have either stayed or visited this ancient village complex during their reign.
The Hauz Khas Village Market definitely offers a peaceful and serene experience that is unique and not seen in any other market place in Delhi due to its location and the ancient architectural backdrops that meet the eye while shopping.
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