Guide To Lutyens' Delhi: History, Architecture And Colonial Walks In New Delhi

What is currently referred to as the Central Delhi area, or Lutyens Delhi, came to be as a result of the decision by the British to shift the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The capital of British India shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911. Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th century, Lutyens’ Delhi isn’t just a neighbourhood—it’s the elegant, tree-lined epicentre of Indian political power. In terms of urban landscape and design, there’s very few parallels to be found in the world for it. With broad avenues, sprawling bungalows, and monumental structures, this part of New Delhi tells the story of an empire, and later, an independent nation coming into its own. Let us delve into the literal heart of Delhi and find out all that a traveller must brush against on a visit.What Makes Lutyens’ Delhi Unique?Unlike the bustle of Old Delhi, Lutyens’ Delhi is marked by its sweeping symmetry and imperial design. The position of Central Delhi was decided with reference to the Jama Masjid and made to be higher than the latter. Conceived after King George V’s 1911 Delhi Durbar announced the shift of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi, Lutyens’ vision was to create an imposing administrative city that would find certain unmistakable echoes of previously seen fascist architecture. What resulted was a superfine conflation of neoclassical and Indo-Saracenic design, dotted with domes, pillars, Mughal-style gardens, and Romanesque symmetry.Top Things To Do And See In Lutyens’ DelhiRashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal GardensOnce home to the British Viceroy and now the residence of India’s President, this majestic building is the architectural crown of New Delhi. Don’t miss the annual Udyanotsav, when the Mughal Gardens open to the public for a riot of springtime blooms.India GateBuilt to honour soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in World War I, the 42-metre-high India Gate is Delhi’s most photographed monument. To witness the site in its full glory, you should come by at night when the structure is beautifully lit, and join locals relaxing on the surrounding lawns by the artificial streams and a medley of street food hawkers.Parliament HouseAn iconic circular structure with 144 columns, Sansad Bhavan was designed by Lutyens and Herbert Baker. It is believed that Lutyens looked to the Chausath Yogini temple of Madhya Pradesh as an inspiration for this structure. Though not open for casual visitors, you can admire its massive form from Rafi Marg and Sansad Marg.The Bungalows and LanesVirtually inaccessible owing to its inclusion in bureaucratic goings-on, you can still drive by or walk through roads like Amrita Shergill Marg, Aurangzeb Road, Akbar Road and Janpath. These leafy avenues are home to such colonial-era bungalows that turn out to be jaw-dropping as a site to behold, with sprawling lawns, peculiar architectural styles and historic importance. Many are now occupied by ministers and diplomats. The area is protected as the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ).Green EscapesLodhi GardenSeen as the ‘Green Lungs of Delhi’, Lodhi Garden is a beloved refuge for Delhiites and naturally more than a landscaped park—it’s a pivotal bit of medieval history hidden in the heart of a modern capital. Spread across 90 acres, the garden houses several 15th-century tombs from the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties, including the domed Bara Gumbad, Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, and Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb, each framed by palm-lined paths and lotus ponds. Joggers, birdwatchers, youth with guitars and history buffs mingle here from sunrise to sunset, when the stone monuments catch golden light through jacaranda and neem.Sunder NurseryRight next to Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery has gone from colonial-era plant nursery to world-class urban heritage park. A project led by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, it now combines six restored Mughal-era monuments with Persian-style gardens, a lake, amphitheatre, and over 300 species of flora. Families come to picnic under frangipani trees, while conservationists praise it as Delhi’s first biodiversity zone. It’s a lesser-known gem—serene, clean, and curated.Cultural CornersNational Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Jaipur HouseHoused in a sprawling cream-and-red domed palace once owned by the Maharaja of Jaipur, the NGMA showcases India’s modern and contemporary art. The elegant 1930s building, near India Gate, is a baronial affair filled with natural light and colonial staircases, providing a calm and spacious spot to view works by Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore, MF Husain, F. N. Souza and more. Don’t miss the quiet garden café for post-gallery coffee.Hyderabad House & Patiala HouseBoth these buildings were commissioned by princely states to cement their place in the British imperial capital. Hyderabad House, designed by Lutyens in a butterfly shape for the Nizam of Hyderabad, now hosts state banquets and high-level diplomatic meetings. Patiala House, once the city residence of the Maharaja of Patiala, now houses Delhi’s district courts—but its original grandeur remains visible in the façade and dome. These aren’t open to the public, but their exteriors offer a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of India’s royal elite during the Raj.National Museum, JanpathThe National Museum on Janpath, one of the biggest and most extensive museums in India, provides a broad overview of 5,000 years of Indian history and culture. Its extensive collection includes Buddhist relics, elaborate Mughal miniatures, ornamental arts, and prehistoric objects from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Highlights include the sparkling jewellery gallery, the revered Buddha relics, and the famous Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro.Where To Eat & StaySevilla at The ClaridgesSet under canopies and string lights, Sevilla is the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, perfect for a candle-lit meal or sangria on a cool evening. The ambience is relaxed yet refined, and the menu spans Spain and southern Italy.Ginger at The Ambassador HotelA relaxed café in a heritage hotel, Ginger serves hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and fusion dishes with a colonial twist. The Ambassador itself, nestled in Sujan Singh Park and designed by Walter Sykes George, is one of Delhi’s understated architectural gems.Khan MarketTechnically outside the LBZ but practically its beating heart, Khan Market is where bureaucrats, expats, and creatives brunch, browse, and buy. From Café Dori to Big Chill, and Amici to Sidewalk, the market is a café-hopper’s paradise. Go for breakfast, stay to shop for books, jewellery, or organic groceries. In terms of books, make sure to check out the iconic Bahrisons Bookstore. You may also take a pop at Faqir Chand bookstore that's right next to the former.Best Time To VisitFrom October to March, Delhi is at its best. Yet, if you brave the heat of summer, you may find Central Delhi variously washed in hues of amaltas, gulmohar and more. Mornings are crisp, gardens are green and fog occasionally lends the monuments a moody British touch. Spring (February–March) is especially lovely, with the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan in bloom and heritage parks at their peak.How To Reach Lutyens' DelhiLutyens’ Delhi is easily accessible via Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, and Khan Market metro stations. Auto-rickshaws are common, though walking or cycling is the best way to appreciate the scale, silence, and tree-lined grandeur. On weekends, early morning strolls offer the quietest, most beautiful experience.Information | Lutyens’ Delhi, New DelhiWhat is Lutyens’ Delhi known for?Lutyens’ Delhi is known for its colonial-era architecture, broad tree-lined avenues, and landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and North and South Blocks, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens during the early 20th century.Who was Edwin Lutyens?Sir Edwin Lutyens was a prominent British architect who played a key role in designing New Delhi as India’s imperial capital during the British Raj. His work blends classical European architecture with Indian motifs.What are the must-visit landmarks in Lutyens’ Delhi?Top attractions include Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Rajpath, Hyderabad House, Teen Murti Bhavan, and the Parliament House. Many buildings are government-owned, so exterior viewing is common.Can tourists visit Rashtrapati Bhavan?Yes, Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to the public on select days. Visitors must pre-register online through the official website and follow security protocols.Is there a heritage walk for Lutyens’ Delhi?Yes, several tour companies offer heritage walks through Lutyens’ Delhi, especially during winter. You can also do a self-guided walk starting from India Gate to Raisina Hill.How is Lutyens’ Delhi different from Old Delhi?Lutyens’ Delhi is characterized by planned layouts, British colonial design, and administrative buildings, while Old Delhi features Mughal architecture, narrow lanes, and bustling markets like Chandni Chowk.What’s the best time to explore Lutyens’ Delhi?The best time is October to March, when Delhi’s weather is pleasant for walking tours and photography.