Delhi Lens: Hangouts: Hauz Khas Village

One of my favourite places in Delhi is Hauz Khas Village. It’s a very small little area with narrow, dusty lanes. You’ll find a number of curio stores, art galleries, designer shops, independent and alternate bookstores and music shops, recycled and upcycled products. And there are tons of excellent eateries and cafes.

The old walls are filled with graffiti. The signs are artistic and funky. There’s a bohemian and creative air to the tiny village. And the gem is the beautiful old Hauz Khas ruin and this gorgeous lake.

In the middle of the craziness that is Delhi, it’s like an oasis. Groups of friends hang out here and jam in the evenings or laugh away their cares surrounded by history. When the weather is good, this is the perfect place to spend a Saturday. Have lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants. Try the Italian at Pizzeria Rossa, the momos at Yeti, or coastal cuisine at the wildly popular Gunpowder.

That done, wander around the narrow lane, poking into all the stores that catch your fancy. You’ll find shops selling antique furniture, old gramophones, funky jewellery, gorgeous baby products, fashionable clothes, art, books and music. These are crazy, eclectic stores. Hardly any of them have a branch anywhere else. You certainly won’t find a Benetton or Zara here.

When all that wandering makes you crave a coffee, head over to Elma’s Cafe. It’s done up in old Victorian style, with a baby piano, chintz curtains, and a sideboard filled with crockery. Their teas and French press coffee are excellent. And their deserts are to die for!

Round out your evening at the ruins, or walking around the lake, with the wind blowing gently through your hair, strains of music floating in the air, feeling peace and joy flood your heart.