Check Out These Quirky Things To Do With Your Squad In South Delhi That Nobody Will Tell You About
You cruise over DND and enter Kalindi Kunj, only to cross the initial threshold into the gleaming South District of Delhi! Touted as the region of the elite, South Delhi glistens with all the quirky wonders that attract Delhiites incessantly! One would find nearly half of Delhi’s heritage cramped up in the monuments situated here and ALL of Delhi’s youth bumming around in the plethora of destinations that make the region so charming! Although there are plenty of popular no-brainers in the region, you could also engage in some offbeat activities and to help you navigate around them, we’ve put together this list that summarizes the cream of the crop!
1. Explore The Diverse Work Of Indian Artisans @ Dastkar Nature Bazaar
A concept much like our precious Dilli Haat INA, Dastkar Nature Bazaar is one-of-a-kind heaven of handicrafts! The Nature Bazaar is a joint venture of the Delhi Tourism Department and Dastkar, an NGO dedicated to giving indigenous artisans of the country a stable platform to thrive on. With over 100 stalls that change themes every month, this marketplace is a dynamic hub of crafts and offers myriad works like handloom woven cloth, embroidery work, folk art from across the country and much more! Dastkar Nature Bazaar is a vibrant no-brainer for all your ethnic needs! P.S. Their annual Winter Mela is one to watch so look it up & mark your calendars, y’all!
Where | Nature Bazaar Venue, Anuvrat Marg, Kisan Haat, Andheria Modh
Timings | 11 AM - 7 PM
2. Bring Out Your Spiritual Self @ ISKCON Temple
Iskcon Temple is a prominent establishment of its namesake organisation that’s renowned globally! Many of us are dragged down to temples during festive occasions and weekly visits, but one usually doesn’t realize how therapeutic the feeling of being at spiritual peace is. One doesn’t need to believe in any faith to head over to a religious landmark and bask in the serene atmosphere for a moment of solitude. Isckon Temple is one such place that facilitates the spiritual experience of an individual with its charming structures, open spaces flocked with greens all over and there’s even a popular eatery inside that serves delectable vegetarian grub. Have a truly wholesome day at this marvellous monument!
Where | ISKCON Temple - ISKCON Temple Road, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash
Timings | 9 AM - 1 PM, 4 - 9 PM
3. Flip Through Pages While Munching On Tidbits @ The Numerous Book Cafes
Picture Credits: thenerdyindiancafe
Many of us find solace in books and ALL of us find it in food; Put the two together and you’ve got yourself the delightful combo of a book cafe. South Delhi is known for housing some of the most famous book cafes in the city like The Nerdy Indian in Saket, Kunzum Travel Cafe and The Tea Room in Hauz Khas, Cafe Turtle in Nizamuddin and many more! Kicking back in a comfy setting with a book and some delicious treats to accompany you make for the epitome of self-care and now even you can treat yourself to this precious experience of serene solitude!
4. Mingle With Travellers From All Over & Stay @ Letsbunk Poshtel
The portmanteau “Poshtel” describes the place accurately, as a Posh Hostel and it surely lives up to its name. This one-of-its-kind hostel is situated in the bylanes of Hauz Khas Village and houses several charming elements that make it worth the visit! They have an exquisite cafe that also plays off as space for you to work in and mingle with travellers and fellow city-dwellers. They have super spacious and comfy dorm rooms that provide pocket-friendly lodging for you if you ever feel like taking a break from your mundane routine. You can even rent out the deck looking over the dense forest for private parties. LetsBunk Poshtel exudes new-age living to the core and the wholesome & homely vibe will surely enchant you!
Where | Letsbunk Poshtel - T-40, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, Hauz Khas
5. Bum Around On A Yulu Bike From South Ex Metro Station
Picture Credits: theroadfork
One can find it extremely inconvenient hopping from one auto to another when they have a whole day of bumming around planned out. Yulu bikes have brought about a revolution in the local travel sphere, providing customers with the independence of having a private vehicle at rates resembling public transport! Be it shopping, visiting the archaic monuments, cafe hopping or planning a combination of all three, the Yulu Fleet is at your beck and call! Grab one from South Ex metro station and head over to the first place on your itinerary! P.S. For those unlucky souls who simply aren’t privileged enough to drive a four-wheeler, Yulu bikes make for an unmissable “gedi” opportunity!
6. Go For A Tiny Trek @ Qila Lal Kot
Picture Credits: project.mehrauli/
We all know of Mehrauli’s archaeological prowess, but not many are aware of the 11th Century ruins in the vicinity that go by the name of Qila Lal Kot. What once used to stand tall as majestic concrete walls, is now a pile of bouldered ruins, yet it makes for a spectacular 6 km-long trek route. The novice thrill-seekers of Delhi can take this DIY trek up the ruins and watch the scenic bird-eye views of Sanjay Van and the myriad historic landmarks in the vicinity. If you wish to escape the city chaos and find some solace then Qila Lal Kot is just the place for you!
Where | Butterfly Park, Qila Rai Pithora, Sainik Farm
7. Take An Enchanting Walking Tour @ Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Picture Credits: delhiheritagewalks
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is hands-down the most historically prominent attraction in all of Delhi. Although everyone already knows of its historic prowess, one may need to take out some time and walk among the immortal remains of the archaic landmarks to experience its true essence. You can find several guided walking tours that systematically take you through every piece of detail there is to know about the city’s vivid heritage through the ruins. You could also take a self-guided tour, just turn on your GPS and read up on the amazing tombs and mosques which date back to almost every major dynasty that the city played host too!
Where | Mehrauli Archaeological Park - Anuvrat Marg Opposite Qutub Minar Metro Station, Mehrauli
8. Bask Under The Fairy Lights @ Champa Gali
Picture Credits: cafeinsidestories
An ironic end to a list, considering that the place is an arguable chart-topper; Champa Gali is undoubtedly South Delhi’s most popular attraction, especially for the millennials! This secluded area beautifully symbolizes what Delhi’s “cafe culture” is all about. Owing to the numerous Cafes it houses, including Champa Gali’s heart and soul - Jugmug Thela, one can easily find the place crowded with youngsters! And how can the unmatchable aesthetic of the cobbled roads and fairy lights ever go unnoticed? To get the best of all establishments follow this curated Cafe-routine: Nibble on some Mozzarella sticks at Social Street Cafe, grab some filling lunch at Cafe Inside Stories, and finally top off the evening with some tea and dessert at Jugmug or some Coffee and dessert at Blue Tokai!
Where | Champa Gali - Khasra 258, Lane, Number 3, Westend Marg, Behind Kuldeep House, Saidulajab, Saket
The aforementioned things ensure that you get the best of what South Delhi has to offer, so before you ask the locals and risk some dicey suggestions, make sure you refer to this list first!
Published By:
Diptarka Chatterjee
An over-enthusiastic fanatic of all-things indie and prolonged rides on the Delh...