14 Iconic Recreational Clubs That Have Been Delhi Landmarks For Decades

There are many prestigious recreational clubs found in Delhi that usually operate on a membership basis and in exchange, provide a range of facilities and services that will keep you entertained, healthy and fit - and that too at reasonable prices. Memberships here have decade long waiting lists, so find a friend who’s a member already and tag along with them! 

1. Delhi Gymkhana Club

Picture Credits: anujrawla

At the Delhi Gymkhana Club, a vast expanse of 27 acres of lush green invites you to serene surroundings that offer breathtaking views to visitors. The club offers an array of sporting and accommodation facilities to its members, ranging from billiards, cards, swimming, a fitness centre along with 43 transit rooms and a computerized library! One may also enjoy the scrumptious food at the dining hall or at the various lounges and bars on the premises here!

Where | Delhi Gymkhana Club - 2, Safdarjung Road
Call Them |   +91 11 2301 5531, +91 11 2301 5532
Here’s Their Website | https://delhigymkhana.org.in 

2. The Pavillion - DLF Golf & Country Club

Picture Credits: andrefanthome

As soon as you reach the entrance of DLF Golf and Country Club, you’ll be amazed by the vast greens & beautiful view enhanced by the Aravallis in the backdrop. Facilities at the sports complex here include a clubhouse offering mouth-watering grub, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar & three splash pools for your toddlers, tennis facilities which also includes training classes, squash courts, horse riding, a gymnasium and a health club offering steam, sauna, jacuzzi, yoga, aerobics, massages and so much more that you wouldn't want to leave this place ever!

Where | DLF Golf And Country Club - Golf Course Road, DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon
Call Them | +91 124 452 5274
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/ThePavallion/ 
Here’s Their Website | http://www.dlfgolfresort.com/index.asp

3. Punjabi Bagh Club

The Punjabi Bagh Club is built over a massive 18 acres of land and offers a range of recreational activities and sports. The club was officially registered in 1966 and its popularity has been constantly growing ever since. They have a wide jogging track besides offering space for aerobics, a gym and a large swimming pool. You can also indulge in sports like tennis, billiards, pool, badminton and squash here! They have a chess room and an air-conditioned library if you're more of an indoor kinda person.

Where | Punjabi Bagh Club - Ring Road, West Punjabi Bagh 
Call Them | +91 11 2522 1082
Here’s Their Website | http://www.punjabibaghclub.in 
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/punjabibaghclubdelhi/

4. Panchshila Club

Picture Credits: Sonu jha

Panchshila Club has a well-equipped gym for all you fitness freaks. You'd find a well-stocked bar, a pretty garden café and a dining hall here as well. The club offers various sports activities such as cricket, billiards, basketball, table tennis, lawn tennis and swimming. These guys also have a modern and well-equipped e-library for browsing besides various sumptuous dining options on the club premises.

Where | Panchshila Club - August Kranti Marg, Panchshila Park
Call Them | +91 11 4175 3202
Here’s Their Website | https://panchshilaclub.com/index.aspx

5. The Delhi Golf Club 

Picture Credits: Sudhir Singh

A legacy of the British, The Delhi Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in Asia. Founded in the year 1921, it’s also known as the Lodhi Club. Spread out over an area of over 220 acres, the club has an 18-hole main golf course and a 9-hole peacock course with par 72 & 30, respectively. The Golf Course boasts of a wide range of facilities with its world-class fitness centre, an outdoor pool, pub & a lot more!

Where | The Delhi Golf Club - Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, Lodhi Colony
Call Them | +91 11 2430 7100
Here’s Their Website | http://www.delhigolfclub.org 

6. Jahanpanah Club 

Picture Credits: Prof Arun C. Mehta

Located in the picturesque locality near Tughlakabad Fort and the walking trail of Jahanpanah city forests, Jahanpanah Club is a delight to gaze and roam around at! The club caters to the entertainment, sports and recreational needs of more than 2,000 of its members. These services include fine dining restaurants, sports outlets, bars overlooking the swimming pool, guest rooms and lots more!

Where | Jahanpanah Club - Mandakini Housing Scheme, Alaknanda 
Call Them | +91 11 2627 7072
Here’s Their Website | http://www.jahanpanahclub.com/index.html 

7. The Chelmsford Club 

Picture Credits: Harmindersingh prihar

Founded sometime between 1917-18, The Chelmsford Club is known for hosting some of the most famous personalities of India and the world over. This club has been offering recreational services to its members since its inception. They boast of a swimming pool, sports courts, a health club, a pub, lounges and beautiful sprawling lawns. You can happily spend an entire weekend enjoying the leisure activities offered here!

Where | Chelmsford Club - 1, Raisina Road
Call Them |  +91 11 2371 4692
Here’s Their Website | http://www.chelmsfordclub.in

8. New Friends Club

Established in the year 1961, New Friends Club has blossomed into primarily a sporting club, where members can enjoy the excellent services these guys offer. The club provides facilities like badminton, squash and tennis court, restaurant, library, lounge-cum-coffee shop, billiards and pool tables, a swimming pool and a kids corner for toddlers. They offer 4 kinds of memberships - Corporate, Permanent, Temporary and Ordinary. So come swing by sometime for a game or two!

Where |  New Friends Club - 17- A, Friends Colony
Call Them | +91 11 4162 7730
Here’s Their Website | https://www.friendsclubltd.in/ 

9. Roshanara Club

Roshanara Club was constructed in the memory of Begum Roshanara, Mughal Emperor Shahjahan’s youngest daughter on 15 August 1922. The club has been hosting some of the biggest and greatest dignitaries like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and is considered to be the birthplace of the BCCI. It offers facilities like sports courts, a swimming pool, yoga hut, restaurants and bars along with a library and even a banquet hall.

Where | Roshanara Club - Roshanara Gardens
Call Them | +91 11 6518 2201
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Roshanara-Club-Ltd-369674306443905/ 
Here’s Their Website | http://roshanaraclub.com

10. The Executive Club 

Spread over acres of green cover, this club is one of a kind. A club AND a resort, this place offers the best of facilities for kids, intellectuals, sports enthusiasts and those looking for some recreational activities. It offers a billiards and pool table, lawn tennis and badminton courts, a roller-skating and cycling rink, a gymnasium, a health club and a swimming pool. It also serves as a great venue to host parties and special occasions.

Where | The Executive Club - 439, Executive Club Road, Village Shahoorpur, P.O. Fathepur Beri
Call Them At | +91 9810 675 002
Here’s Their Website | http://eclub.co.in

11. Vasant Vihar Club

Picture Credits: Anand Singh

Vasant Vihar Club is built over 5,254 sq. metres of land and is definitely one of the most sought after clubs amongst the colony clubs since 1991. This recreational club offers swimming, squash, gym, badminton, billiards tennis and a few other sporting facilities. There are 6 rooms and suites for members and their guests here. Apart from this, there are two restaurants, a rainbow room for small parties, a terrace bar and a banquet hall here as well.

Where | Vasant Vihar Club - 88, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar
Call Them | +91 11 2614 6865
Here’s Their Website | https://www.vasantvihar.co/ 

12. Defence Colony (WA) Club

Picture Credits: Saran Ameja

Tucked in Def Col, this club is known for celebrating all the festivals with pomp and show. You can bond with other members of this club while playing cards or tombola, here. The club frequently organises the German Orchestra and trust us guys, it's all things amazing! They have a clean pool and a well-equipped gym here as well. 

Where | Defence Colony Club - C 600, Chetna Marg, Defence Colony
Call Them | +91 11 4155 3600
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/defencecolonyclub
Here’s Their Website | https://dcwa.club/

13. Holiday Club Panchsheel Enclave

Nestled in Panchsheel Enclave, this club has been up and running for decades now. You can check out their up-to-date gym, huge tennis court, well-maintained pool and table tennis court. For its members, there’s a pub and bar as well where they can wine and dine in style. They also organise karaoke nights every Friday and that’s a great way to welcome the weekend, don’t you think? 

Where | Holiday Club Panchsheel Enclave - Block D, 1st & Ground Floor, Panchsheel Enclave, Josip Tito Marg
Call Them |  +91 11 4652 5627
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/HolidayClubOfficial/ 

14. Riverside Recreation & Sports Club

Riverside Recreation & Sports Club in Mayur Vihar has a strict and stringent policy for its membership. The club provides services like billiards, pool, table tennis, gym & yoga classes, a swimming pool and a separate card room as well. The food served at the multi-cuisine restaurant here is extremely scrummy, so do check them out if you know a member!

Where | Riverside Recreation & Sports Club - Club Avenue, Mayur Vihar Phase I Extension
Call Them | +91 11 2271 4765
Here’s Their Website | http://www.riversideclub.in/index.php 

So these were the most well-known clubs in the city - how many have you been to?!