The oldest and most historic street of the Delhi, Chandni chowk is located just opposite the Lahore Gate of Red Fort. A famous Mughal Emperor Shahjahan when shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi , he had the majestic Red Fort or Lal Qila, on the banks of River Yamuna. Chandni Chowk was built in 1650 AD as an accompaniment to the fort. It was designed by Jahanara, the Emperor's favorite daughter. A large chowk ("square") with a central pool was built at some distance from the fort.

An arcade of shops had been built in a half-moon shape during Shahjahan's time . Round this nucleus, in no time, grew a fabulous and prosperous trading center which spread along the wide road and branched into a number of by lanes in all directions. Originally only this stretch was known as Chandni Chowk. As the trading center grew in magnificence and prosperity, the whole area from the Fort to Fatehpur grew famous as Chandni Chowk.

There are famous , amazing number of places of worship for all the prominent Indian religions. Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Jainism exist side by sides in the 2 km. stretch between Fatehpur Masjid to Red Fort alone.

Sri Digambar Jain lal Mandir
Jama Masjid
Gurudwara Shish Ganj
Gauri Shankar Temple
Sunehri Masjid.


There are famous eating points in Chandni Chowk that are famous not only in Delhi, but all over India. At chandni chowk many businesses are now being managed by the 4th or 5th generations. They include halwais (confectioners), namkeen (spicy savories) shops, chaatwalahs and many others.

The famous businesses at chandni chowk are:
The Ghantewala Halwai
Natraj's Dahi Bhalle
Kanwarji Bhagirathmal Dalbhajiwallah
Chaatwallah
Bikaner Sweet Shop
Haldiram's Gianiji ka Falooda