Hauz Khas Village is one of Delhi's more unusual attractions — a 700-year-old royal water tank and Islamic monument complex that now sits beside a trendy neighbourhood of boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
History
The site began as a royal water reservoir (hauz) built by Alauddin Khilji in the 13th century to supply the city of Siri. In the 14th century, Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq built a madrasa (Islamic school) along its banks, along with his own tomb, which still stands today.
Old Meets New
What makes Hauz Khas distinctive is the contrast: centuries-old ruins and a peaceful lake sit directly beside "Hauz Khas Village," a lively pocket of contemporary Delhi filled with independent boutiques, art spaces, and a thriving cafe and nightlife scene.
What to See
The Tughlaq-era ruins and tomb by the lake, the adjoining deer park, and — a short walk away — the shops, galleries, and rooftop cafes that give the area its modern character.
Best Time to Visit
Daytime for the monument and lake, evening for the village's cafe and nightlife atmosphere — many visitors combine both in a single, longer visit.
