Aditi

Connaught Place, or CP as every Delhiite fondly calls it, is the beating heart of the capital. It is where old charm meets modern energy, where luxury stores stand next to age-old bakeries, and where you can find both chaos and calm within a few steps. While most people think CP is expensive, the truth is it’s one of the most affordable places in Delhi if you know where to look.

You can enjoy a full and fulfilling day here with just ₹500 in your pocket. Here’s how to make the most of your day in Connaught Place without missing out on any of its magic.

Morning: A Calm Start and a Classic Breakfast

First Stop: Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
Location: Baba Kharak Singh Marg

Begin your day with something peaceful and timeless. Hanuman Mandir, one of the most famous temples in Delhi, sits right next to Connaught Place. Arrive between 8 and 9 AM for a calm experience before the city wakes up. You’ll see flower sellers, devotees, and the soft hum of morning prayers filling the air.

Cost: ₹0

Starting your day here doesn’t cost anything but gives you a sense of serenity and grounding that makes the rest of your day more meaningful.

Next Stop: Breakfast at Indian Coffee House, Mohan Singh Place

Just a short walk from Hanuman Mandir lies the iconic Indian Coffee House. Step inside, and it feels like time has paused somewhere in the 1970s. The servers in white uniforms, the vintage décor, and the aroma of filter coffee instantly transport you to old Delhi nostalgia.

What to Order: Filter coffee with a dosa or cutlets
Cost: Around ₹120

If you prefer something even more local, head to Jain Chawal Wale near Hanuman Mandir and enjoy a plate of rajma chawal or chole chawal for under ₹100. It’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Mid-Morning: A Peaceful Pause at Bangla Sahib

Next Stop: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Distance: 5–7 minutes walk from Connaught Place

After breakfast, take a short walk to one of the city’s most peaceful landmarks, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The white marble structure and serene Sarovar (pond) offer a sense of calm that feels rare in a city as busy as Delhi.

Cost: ₹0

What to Do:
• Sit by the Sarovar and enjoy the stillness
• Visit the prayer hall for a few moments of reflection
• If you’re there around lunchtime, join the Langar, a free, soulful meal served with love

Spend around 30 to 45 minutes here. You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and recharged for the rest of your day.

Afternoon: Classic CP Snacking

Lunch Stop: Wenger’s Bakery, Inner Circle

No trip to CP is complete without stopping at the legendary Wenger’s Bakery. Established in 1926, Wenger’s is more than a bakery; it’s an emotion for Delhiites. Whether you’re grabbing a chicken patty, a cold coffee, or a chocolate éclair, everything here tastes like nostalgia.

What to Try: Chicken patty and a cold coffee or pastry
Cost: ₹180–200

You can enjoy your food while standing outside or find a bench nearby in the Inner Circle. The vibe here is lively and classic, a snapshot of CP’s essence.

Post-Lunch: A Quiet Hour with Books

Next Stop: Oxford Bookstore and Cha Bar, N Block, CP

If you’re a reader or someone who loves calm corners, this next stop is a treat. Oxford Bookstore is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the city, featuring colourful shelves and a cosy tea café inside, called Cha Bar.

What to Do:
• Browse through books and magazines
• Order a cup of tea or a light snack at Cha Bar
• Sit near the window and enjoy a quiet hour

Cost: ₹60–80

This is your moment to slow down and breathe. Whether you’re solo or with a friend, it’s the perfect afternoon reset before heading back into CP’s buzz.

Evening: Market Walks and City Vibes

Evening Stop: Central Park and Janpath Market

As the sun sets, head towards Central Park at the centre of Connaught Place. It’s a lively open space where you’ll find people sitting on the grass, musicians playing, and the hum of the city all around. Spend some time here before walking towards Janpath Market, one of Delhi’s most famous street shopping destinations.

What to Buy:
Earrings, scarves, tote bags, or T-shirts, all under ₹100 if you bargain smartly.

Optional Shopping Budget: ₹50–100

Why Visit:
Janpath is more than just a market; it’s an experience. The colours, chaos, and conversations make it one of the most vibrant parts of CP. Even if you don’t buy much, walking through it gives you a real taste of Delhi’s everyday life.

Night: A Sweet Ending

Dessert Stop: Kuremal Kulfi, CP Lanes

End your day with something sweet. Kuremal Kulfi, tucked inside CP’s lanes, is known for its signature stuffed fruit kulfis. They serve seasonal varieties like mango, orange, or pomegranate kulfi, each filled with fresh fruit and frozen delight.

Cost: ₹40–60

It’s a refreshing and nostalgic way to wrap up your day.

Budget Breakdown

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House: ₹120
Lunch at Wenger’s Bakery: ₹200
Tea at Cha Bar: ₹60
Shopping at Janpath: ₹50–100
Dessert at Kuremal Kulfi: ₹40–60
Entry to all attractions: Free

Total: ₹470–500

Why This Itinerary Works

This plan is designed to make the most of CP’s charm without stretching your budget. You get:

• Spiritual calm at Hanuman Mandir and Bangla Sahib
• Old Delhi flavours at Indian Coffee House and Jain Chawal Wale
• Nostalgia and indulgence at Wenger’s Bakery
• A cozy reading break at Oxford Bookstore
• Local colour and street shopping at Janpath Market
• A sweet ending at Kuremal Kulfi

It’s the perfect balance between peaceful and lively, traditional and modern, just like Delhi itself.

Pro Tips for Exploring CP on ₹500

• Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot
• Carry a water bottle to avoid extra expenses
• Visit on a weekday to skip heavy crowds
• Bargain politely at Janpath Market
• Reach Indian Coffee House early for the best breakfast seats

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy Delhi’s biggest attractions. Connaught Place is full of experiences that don’t cost much but stay with you long after you leave.

In just ₹500, you’ll walk through spirituality, taste heritage, read in peace, shop like a local, and end your day with a smile. Get to know one of the most affordable places in Delhi.

It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about how you spend your time. And a day in Connaught Place with just ₹500 proves that the best things in Delhi are often the simplest ones.