How Did Connaught Place Get Its Iconic Name

Ask anyone who has spent time in Delhi, and chances are, they have a memory of Connaught Place. It might be running to catch a metro at Rajiv Chowk, strolling under the white building with a cold coffee in hand, or just window shopping with friends and family. Connaught Place has a vibe that's just hard to come down to. But aside from the cafes, chaos, and charm, CP has a backstory that most people aren't aware of. Like have you ever wondered where it got its name from? Well, the answer lies far beyond just Delhi. Here's what you should know about this iconic place.

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So, How Did Connaught Place Get Its Name?

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When you hear the name Connaught Place, it sounds almost fancy and aristocratic, right? Well, it is. Connaught Place wasn't named after a person directly, but it does have a royal British lineage. The name “Connaught” actually refers to one of the four provinces of Ireland. The smallest one to be exact. During British rule, Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur, had the title of Duke of Connaught. Prince Arthur visited India around the time New Delhi was being developed. In fact, he even laid the foundation stone for what we now know as the Indian Parliament.

In his honour, the British named the newly constructed place as Connaught Place. It was designed as a grand shopping and business hub that serves as an elite and posh area of the city. Now, you'll find the locals lovingly calling it “CP” and it still is one of the most exciting places to be in the national capital.

What To Know When You Visit Connaught Place For The First Time?

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1. What Makes Connaught Place So Special?

Well, CP is the perfect introduction to Delhi's personality as it has a mix of colonial history, modern energy and youthful hustle and bustle. You'll find bookshops, designer boutiques, chaat stalls, and fine restaurants filled with energy. 

2. What Is The Layout Of Connaught Place Like?

Connaught Place has two main rings: the Inner Circle and the Outer Circle, which is surrounded by roads. At the centre is Central Park, which can be used for walking or hanging out in the area.

3. What Can You Do In Connaught Place?

Many things. You can shop for books and clothing, enjoy different cuisines in restaurants, catch a movie, enjoy street food, sip delicious coffee, or just hang out with friends at the park. CP has a mix of old-school charm and new thrills. 

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4. How Do You Reach CP Using Public Transport?

The easiest way to reach CP is via the Delhi Metro. You can get down at Rajiv Chowk, which is one of the busiest and most convenient stations connecting the Blue and Yellow lines. From there, CP is just steps away.

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So, the next time you are in Delhi, you'll know the great history that the iconic Connaught Place holds!