Best places in South Delhi | WE ARE NOT MAKERS OF HISTORY, WE ARE MADE BY HISTORY"

By Ashar Khan – April 18

An overwhelming view of Hauz Khas Complex. Image – Shutterstock.

Best places in South Delhi – It was around 5 pm and the sun had already started setting. I was gradually stopped at the barrier and security person motioned me that I could proceed no further. The area ahead was reserved for pedestrians only. It consisted of a narrow street turning upwards which looked like an overflowing neighbourhood. As I strolled further in the direction, I noticed that the area was jam packed with the loads of alternating boutiques, fancy restaurants, trendy cafes and art galleries. Every so often, many alcoves in the rhythm were turning into a narrow alleyways, leading to those bizarre graffitis and the signs exposing rooftop dinings.

Indeed, I was visiting Hauz Khas, a primitive complex situated in the posh neighbourhood of Hauz Khas locality in South Delhi. Amidst the dense cluster of high-end cafes and designer boutiques, this complex was located at the end. It had a group of medieval time structures with the reservoir in the center. In effect, Alauddin Khilji built Hauz Khas or the “Royal Tank” to address the perennial problem of water in Delhi as the city flourished under the Sultanate.

I was still moving towards the main entrance when a tall foreigner appeared from one of the alleys and came straight towards me.

“Hey friend, do you know where is this ‘OUT OF THE BOX’ CAFE? He asked in a confusing yet friendly tone.

He had long beard and a large cabbage sized bun on the head and appeared to be a French by his accent. Well, I politely waved him towards the particular passage in opposite direction.

So, I moved further and reached the gate of the Hauz Khas complex which was looking ethereal. As I entered the complex I felt as I had reached in the world of mighty empires of the yore. Here I was standing in the thick of 21st century modern, savvy and hip Delhi and two steps forward was the quaint world of mighty empires of yore.

Furthermore, I moved further and reached the gate of the Hauz Khas complex which looked ethereal. I entered the complex which made me feel as if I had reached the quaint world of the mighty empires. Whereas some steps back, I was strolling in the thick of 21st century modern, savvy and hip Delhi. The area ahead was lush green garden which had the tomb of Firuz Shah and 6 pavilions dotting the lush lawn of the complex. One was square, another hexagonal and three were octagonal, All these structures were also tombs, most probably of the scolars/tutors who taught here in the times of Firuz Shahi. The upper ground of the complex consisted of these mausoleums and other remnants.

As I moved further through the gardan, I happened to see the first glimpse of the massive water reservoir on the lower floor of the complex. The garden was in the center. There was no way down to the reservoir from this side. I went through the trippy alleys of the ruins which exited right in-front of the reservoir. Evidently, It was the most beautiful sight as the shamrock coloured water pond was complementing the abundant garden of the complex. This lush green area was the Deer park. Several people hanging out while some were having their evening walk.

The park had a solid edged pathways in every direction. By now, I had reached far east of the park. It was getting dark. The view of the remains from this side of the complex was just mind blowing. It felt as if I was standing in the bygone era.

It had already became dark as I had spent about one hour in the complex. After a while, I returned to the market area which was glittering all around. It was really a sight to be beholden as it looked like the area from some tourist traps.

Nevertheless, This was one of the best places in South Delhi where one can spend serene hours of the day. Hauz Khas Village is definitely recommended in New Delhi. There are only a few places which could boast of the sophisticated market, monuments, a lake and sprawling gardens and Hauz Khas Village, a veritable “urban village” is one of them in the world.