Connaught Place, popularly known as CP, is
Delhi’s most renowned shopping center. Designed by Robert Tor Russell and WH Nicholls, it was built in 1931 and is named after the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family, who visited India in 1920.
Designed in a circular form, it is divided into blocks by seven radial clocks. The radius of the inner circle is about 947 ft. In the center there is a big fountain surrounded by a beautiful lawn. Though Connaught Place appears circular, close observations reveal that it is more like a horseshoe in design.
Today, Connaught Place is a significant gathering place for all sections of people. Many of the state emporia buildings, major banks, and tour and airlines offices are located in this area. The various parts of CP are now more popular by names such as the Inner Circle, Janpath and Palika Bazaar. The Inner Circle houses a number of international brands' showrooms such as Reebok, Nike, Benetton and Allen Solly. Janpath deals in jewellery items in silver and artificial metals. The underground Palika Bazaar is a major tourist attraction as electronic goods and clothes are available at reasonable prices.
