I have heard that Hauz Khaz is a very happening place, where you can hang out with friends and also it has some amazing places to eat. I think there is some kind fo fort there too as well, but I am not 100% sure. I would like to know what places to visit in Hauz Khas. I am interested in sightseeing places, places to hang out at and places to eat.
Hi there, welcome to the forum! Overview of Hauz Khas A place where posh locality meets up with heritage, that is Hauz Khas. It is located in the southern part of Delhi and has become one of the most well-known tourist attractions in the city. It can be divided into three main sections, each of which has different parts too: The Hauz Khas Complex - This is the historical section of the locality. Actually, the entire locality was named after the reservoir here, so named as the Hauz, while Khas means royal. There are also other parts within the complex that you can visit like the fort, Islamic tombs, madrasa, pavilions and even an ancient mosque. The Hauz Khas Village - This was considered as the rural part of the locality but it now houses over 50 restaurants, cafes and pubs. It is the best hangout place in Delhi as it offers quite plenty of options for tourists. It is also not unusual to see foreign tourists flocking to the area, almost seeming like you're in a Western or European country and not in India. The Hauz Khas Enclave - This is considered as the urban area of the locality and it still is renowned for that. Churches, institutions, schools, hospitals and other establishments line the place. The Hauz Khas Complex - For Sightseeing Hauz Khas Fort - This fort used to surround the entire Hauz Khas Complex but only a few parts of its walls remain now. Although already in ruins, the grandeur of the fort is still evident. It was commissioned to be built by Allauddin Khilji during the 13th century. At the middle of the fort is the tank or reservoir, after which the complex was named after. The fort surrounds the other structures to be mentioned below. Tank or Reservoir - Originally built by Allauddin Khilji along with the fort, this tank is the main attraction of the complex. It was renovated by Firuz Shah Tughlaq a couple of centuries later due to the silting of the tank. The tank used to supply water for the locality but due to the influences of time, it has greatly reduced in size. Still, its beauty is very much alive, especially as you look into the calm waters and birds. It's like being out of the city itself, even transporting you to the simpler older times. Madrasa - From the tank or reservoir, there are steps leading to the Madrasa. While it stands bare now, at its time, it was the centre for Islamic learning and for many more disciplines. In fact, students from all over the country and the world reach this institution as its facilities and services are known worldwide. The Madrasa was built by Firuz Shah Tughlaq as well. There are two storeys, the lower floor is for the sleeping quarters of both students and teachers while the upper floor is for the learning quarters. Disciplines such as mathematics, calligraphy, medicine and of course, Islamic teachings, were taught here. Madrasa in Hauz Khas Village (Image Courtesy of The Girl Next Door) Pavilions - These Pavilions, also known as Assembly Halls, line the outer parts of the Madrasa. They used to be places where the students can spend some time in. The domed structures are made of stone and at one point in time, they were heavily designed and painted. Due to time and their older age, these murals were erased already. Along the garden area of the Pavilions, there are canopies that are believed to have been graves of the elder teachers and officials of the Madrasa. Firuz Shah's Tomb - At the junction of the two wings of the Madrasa, you can find the tomb of Firuz Shah. The dome style mausoleum also houses the tombs of Firuz Shah's son and grandson. The mausoleum is very simple, although there are a few inscriptions of Quran teachings in its ceiling. The tombs are of white facade while the entire structure is a mixture of grey and faded red. Mosque - You can find the mosque at the northern end of the Madrasa. It has a typical dome design with bricked facade. Although non-functional now, the mosque has several areas inside worth exploring. It has some rooms too that until now, is not known what their functions are for. Deer Enclosure - Just opposite to the tank is the Deer Enclosure. It has four main parts, namely: a rose garden, a deer park, art market and fountain area. The main attraction though is the deer park, where you can spot playful deers strolling around. Other animals that you can spot here are ducks and rabbits, which roam freely around the park as well. The Hauz Khas Village - Hangout Places 1. Fork You - A well-stocked bar, comfy couches and dim lighting, these are the ingredients for the perfect hangout place. Somehow, Fork You has managed to perfect this recipe and thus, it remains one of the most favourite hangout places in Hauz Khas Village. An extensive menu for cocktails also assures that you would have a grand time here. And to accompany your drinks, you can indulge in burgers, finger foods and pizzas. The bar slash restaurant mainly serves American, Italian and Mexican cuisines. Different sections cater to different types of guests, like the live sports screening section or the outdoor section. The live music playing adds to the laid-back vibe of the place. Address - Shop No. 30, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110017, India. Contact Number - +91 99107 58958. 2. Garage Inc. - Garage Inc. has this simple bricked interiors with eclectic wall decors. The seats are made of wood, which add that rustic vibe to the place. During day time, the pub slash bar has a very cozy atmosphere with light music playing in the background. During night time, the place gets a bit more crowded and loud but still attracts a huge number of visitors. There's a small area for playing foosball as well so you can have a few games with your friends. The menu mostly comprises of finger foods, with an assortment of pizzas, barbecues and quesadillas. Address - Hauz Khas Tank, Deer Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India. Contact Number - +91 98184 71870. Garage Inc. in Hauz Khas (Image Courtesy of Scoop Whoop) 3. Matchbox - Serving the best of both worlds, delicious dishes and wonderful live music, Matchbox is unmatched when it comes to these two aspects. Simple interiors, just a red motif along with wall paintings, and very comfortable seating areas ensure that you would have a hard time leaving this place. There's an outdoor seating as well although you cannot hear much of the live music from there. The cuisines of British, American and Continental give the guests plenty of options to munch on. The place gets crowded during the evening though so avoid that time if you want some solitude. Address - No. 30, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, Hauz Khas, Hauz khas, Delhi NCR 122002, India. Contact Number - +91 97166 60090. 4. Imperfecto - Featuring tiles made of bricks, wooden pastel coloured furnitures and an outdoor seating area, Imperfecto is the perfect option for a laid-back yet charming hangout place. The menu here is very extensive, with Italian, Mediterranean, North Indian and Continental cuisines. Live music is played every evening, at the rooftop part of the restaurant. Even their drinks follow the motif of the restaurant, brightly coloured and too pretty to drink. The small pond area with a bridge outside the restaurant brings that natural vibe to the place. Imperfecto stays true to its name, it is imperfect with its mix and match design but brings a smile to the guests because of its unique concept. Address - No. 1-A/1, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India. Contact Number - 011 4109 0093. 5. Downstairs at Zo - Literally, you need to go downstairs to reach Downstairs at Zo. While the main restaurant has two floors, the underground floor is known for the unique performances held here. Ambience is very laid-back with just a few seating areas and a couple more of bean bags and other mats at the floor. Food is also very limited but people usually go to the restaurant for the fun performances, whether music, comedy or theatrical. As such, you're not only limited to musical performances but also stand-up comedy shows and other more fun variants. Address - Hauz Khas Tank, Deer Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India. Contact Number - +91 99111 85007. The Hauz Khas Enclave and Village - For Dining 1. Coast Cafe - The interiors of the Coast Cafe is a work of art in itself, with a motif of being in the beach side. It's well-lit by natural lighting during the day and the white washed walls add to the bright interiors. All around, you can find pictures reminiscent of the coastal area. The cuisine is that of Kerala and Continental, which again takes you back to the beaches. They do have some finger foods and burgers in the menu though for lighter meals. Their best seller is the Garam Curry, your choice of whether you'd like lamb or chicken. The combination of spiciness and saltiness, actually captures the authentic taste of South Indian cuisine. Other must try dishes are their Goan Prawn Curry and Red Snapper Curry. Address - 2nd & 3rd Floor, Above Ogaan, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India. Contact Number - +91 11 4160 1717. Red Snapper Curry of Coast Cafe (Image Courtesy of My Annoying Opinions) 2. Naivedyam - Naivedyam takes you back to Kerala, with its temple-like interiors, complete with gold wall murals and hanging paintings. The cuisine is also South Indian, further completing the concept of the restaurant. Indulge in all kinds of idlis, dosais, thalis and oothappams that the southern region of India is known for. As an added bonus, the restaurant also has some of the most famous sweets in the southern region of the country. Do try out their Maharaja Thali where you get an assortment of different meals in one plate. Their Mysore masala dosa is a must try too, slightly spicy which adds that punch to your dining experience. Address - No. 1, Hauz Khas Village, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India. Contact Number - +91 11 2696 0426. 3. Depot 29 - For non-vegetarians, you can enjoy the yummy burgers of Depot 29. They have an American and Mexican assortment of dishes to choose from but the burger section is quite huge. If you're not that experimental with meals, their Classic Crispy Chicken Burger is a must try, with its cheese and bacon additions, you're bound to beg for more. Or if you're a bit experimental, try out their Vada Burger, a take away from the city of Mumbai, with a mixture of aloo bonda, spicy garlic and even a tamarind chutney by the side. They also have a designated quesadilla bar, taco bar, waffle bar and ice cream bar. Address - Levels 2 & 3, B6/2 Commercial Complex Market, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India. Contact Number - +91 97174 50029. 4. Barcelos - Barcelos has this minimalistic design yet it oozes with personality. Wooden furnitures, walls with quote murals plus different paintings depicting traditional lifestyles, add to the unique charm of the place. Their food menu is extensive with a variety of Portuguese, African and Lebanese cuisines. They also have plenty of options for kebabs, ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian ones. Unique versions of kebabs like the Green Kebab with spinach bits or the Beetroot & Almond Kebab which has this tinge of sweetness along with the crunchiness of the nut are perfect options for those who enjoying trying out new dishes. They also have coloured burgers, which don't only look appetising but also taste delicious. Their assortment of uniquely concocted drinks are also worth trying out. Address - Building 2, Near OGAAN, Village, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India. Contact Number - +91 11 2652 1214. 5. Tossin Pizza - With its bricked interiors and bright blue furnitures, Tossin Pizza would refresh your spirits. The best feature of this restaurant? You can customise your pizza according to your likes. Make it thin crust or thick crust, spicy or tandoori based, whichever you prefer! Or if you don't like such mind boggling options, you can opt for their pre-made pizzas, with options for vegetarians too. All pizzas are made fresh, crunchy yet not hard to chew on. With the wide variety of toppings to choose from, you can make your pizza as overloaded as you want. They also have pastas to go with your pizza. Address - B-6/2, Ground Floor, Near HDFC Bank, Opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India. Contact Number - +91 11 2610 1415. I hope this helps you.
