Delhi’s not-so-village, Hauz Khas Village

There are no two thoughts about it that Hauz Khas Village is one of the most happening spots in Delhi, be it the day or night. For the fact that it is a haven of a plethora of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and art galleries to list a few. It has got everything to fill in your stomach and your minds. There’s so much that you can find in its crumbling lanes. By the looks of it, Hauz Khas Village, or HKV as we fondly like to call it, may be a bit scruffy, but there’s no other hotspot in the capital that gives you a wide assortment to eat and relish the vibe at the same time.

Hauz Khas started buzzing along through the 90’s with people coming here in flocks to visit the deer park, water reservoir and monuments. In the last five years, musicians, designers, travelers, foodies, readers, art lovers and social activists have developed it as a throbbing hub. The streets are always abuzz with people of all age groups. It is also a great spot for getting your pictures clicked, if you are poser. Bright light and subtlety makes it a must visit. You will also find several music lovers huddling and singing to the tunes of guitars. At the deer park adjacent to the Fort, you get to see peacocks, guinea pigs and a wide variety of birds like the purple sunbird, the rose-ringed parakeet and the rarer barbet apart from several deer.

The reason why the place is called Hauz Khas is the lake- the great (khas) reservoir of water (hauz) was built by Ala-Ud-Din-Khilji in the 13th century. Though this place opens up at 10:00 am, you can visit it first and foremost too. Adjoining are the tombs, madrassas and its pavilions. Feroz Shah Tuglaq built these madrassas in the 14th century which eventually became a centre of learning for Islamic scholars. In the 20th century, it was declared a protected monument under ASI. It is now more of a place to look out upon the reservoir and you could see kids playing cricket in its fields. The entry here is free.

Rows of restaurants and cafes add buzz to the place like cafés such as Flipside Café, Kunzum café and Social that offer you serene ambiance and free Wi-Fi. Kunzum, a travel café, has books on India, adventuring abroad, photography, etc. This is the place where a lot of events and book launches happen. And if you are the one who enjoy music with food, The Living Room (TLR) is an uber-cool spot. The other eating joint options include The Grey Garden, Naivedyam for South Indian, or the Gunpowder. The place gets more happening as the light fades, turning the HKV into a spectacle, with people from all ages and lifestyles flocking in huge numbers.

Be it college students or office goers retired after a hectic day, everyone unanimously delves deep into the stylish environment. If you are in the mood for some drinks, walk up to Social. Get spoiled for choices in both drinks and food. This is also the place where some of the scenes of famous Bollywood movie Tamasha were shot. Spend a nice evening with friends, and try the Coquettish yummy snack prepared with cheese, corn, potatoes and served with chilli as well as mango murabba. Khus & Chilli mocktail shall also do wonders to your palate, but Oreo Shake is something you would drool over.

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