5 Things to do in Hauz Khas Village

Welcome to Hauz Khas, a vibrant and historic neighborhood of Delhi. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this place has something for everyone. There is no shortage of things to explore and experience in this diverse and dynamic neighborhood. From a picturesque reservoir to medieval-era monuments, upscale boutiques to art galleries. Here are five things you can do in Hauz Khas Village (HKV).

Visit the Hauz Khas Village Fort and reservoir.

The reservoir and fort are two of the key attractions in HKV. Allauddin Khilji, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, built this reservoir to supply water to Siri, a city of the Delhi Sultanate. Later during the rule of Firuz Shah Tughlaq, many other monuments were established overlooking the reservoir, an Islamic seminary, a mosque, a tomb, and pavilions.

The fort complex is tucked amidst the concrete jungle and cannot be seen unless you have reached the main entrance. The main gate is merely 7 minute walk from the parking, passing through several boutique stores and cafes. It is a fantastic place for picnics, photography, and nature walk. However, it gets a bit crowded during the day. Therefore, I recommend visiting early morning to enjoy a peaceful time. 

The entrance to the reservoir is from Deer park, where you can also find many spotted Deers, monkeys, birds, guinea pigs, and many other wildlife species. Watch them from a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with them.  

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: ₹25 (Indians) and ₹300 (Foreign nationals)

Explore the boutique shops and galleries

 

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Hauz Khas Village is home to one of the best boutiques and galleries in town. From handicrafts to an astounding range of jewelry to designer wear, and quirky home decor, of course! It is a fun activity to do with your gang while finding stylish clothes and accessories. Here are some stores that you can visit.

Indian Art Collective

If antiquing is your thing, consider this shop your haven. They have a good collection of vintage goods and art that would look great on your walls and shelves.

Huckleberry Hangers

Huckleberry Hangers is a thrift store offering inclusive and affordable fashion. The store is located below Mia Bella and is a great place to shop for trendy outfits and accessories.

Chumbak

Chumbak is my all-time favorite store for home decor and accessories. I love everything about this store, from aesthetics to quality, and I stop by this place every time I visit HKV.

OGAAN

OGAAN is a clothing store that brings you the best work of several talented designers under one roof. It is one of the best places to shop for wedding and festive outfits.

Kunzum

Kunzum is a bookstore, cafe, and coffee shop for travel lovers. It is a perfect place to relax, sip coffee, read books and discover new locations to travel.

Dine with a view

Hauz Khas is known for its food scene. It is one of the first places in Delhi to have theme-based restaurants and cafes. HKV has no shortage of good eateries. But, if you want to elevate your experience, dining at a lake-facing cafe would be your best choice. Here are my three lake-facing eateries that I recommend visiting. Alternatively, you can go on a guided walking and tasting tour to explore hidden gems and learn about the history of HKV.

Hauz Khas Social

Hauz Khas Social is a popular restaurant chain best known for fusion food and cocktails. My top favorites at Social are Black Label Butter Chicken, Paneer Schezwan with Hakka Noodles, and Tandoori Momos. 

Lama Kitchen

Lama Kitchen – Himalayan Cook House is a Tibetan/ Nepali restaurant serving traditional dishes. You can try dishes like Shabalay, Wai Wai Sadeko, Nepali Basket, and Datchi (Bhutanese dish).

Mia Bella

Mia Bella is a romantic restaurant with beautiful interiors and a seating area overlooking the lake. They are known for serving the best Mediterranean food and Sangrias.

The lake-facing eateries are the most crowded and usually have a long waiting time or seats occupied. Therefore, here are a few more options if you want to skip the view and focus only on good food.

Naivedyam

Naivedyam is one of my favorite South Indian food chains serving classic meals. From a variety of dosas to thalis. I love how the staff dresses up in traditional attire and are well-behaved. Plus, the food is delicious, the quantity is good, and value for money.

Evergreens

Evergreens is one of the oldest eateries in the area, serving since 1963. It is a good alternative if you want to ditch HKV altogether. Located in Green Park market and offers a great variety of food at a reasonable price.

Visit Deer park

 

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Deer park is a beautiful green space in HKV that is home to a good population of deer and other wildlife, making it a fabulous place for a nature walk and photography. The park has a thickly forested area, deer and guinea pig enclosures, and several other gardens. The entrance to the park is opposite MCD parking and connects the lake through a narrow path covered in tree canopies. You can stroll around the park, watch the ducks and swans play in the water and visit Munda Gumbad, a hilltop monument that will get a good view of the surrounding areas.

Explore the art galleries and graffiti around

Several art galleries reside in the narrow lanes of HKV. Each gallery displays a unique art and style, from modern to contemporary to tribal. Here are three galleries that I highly recommend visiting. Lokayata Art Gallery is a one-of-a-kind circular gallery with a giant chameleon sculpture on the roof, welcoming its visitor with a smile. Creative Art Gallery is a tiny space showcasing modern paintings and sculptures. Lastly, the Arts of the Earth gallery is known for tribal and folk art. Plus, keep an eye on the walls while roaming the streets of HKV, as you might spot incredible street art.

Best way to reach Hauz Khas Village

Metro is the best way to reach HKV. Get down at the Green Park station and either walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach HKV (cost between ₹20 – ₹50). Alternatively, you can get down at the IIT metro station and take an auto/ cab (cost between ₹50 – ₹100).

Are you planning on visiting Delhi and want to explore the city like a local? Here is a list of the best cafes and attractions in Delhi. Moreover, if you are low on time, here’s a superb tours that will take you around the city and show you the best spots.