On the cover: Hauz Khas Fort with lake by Abdulhariss

Hauz Khas is a multi-dimensional spot in the heart of Delhi. It brings together a historic fort and lake, a lively urban village filled with cafés and boutiques, vibrant graffiti streets, art galleries, and a peaceful park with deer. Every moment here feels special.

The Hauz Khas Fort

During my visit to Hauz Khas I had the chance to wander through the fort, and every corner told a story of royalty, learning, and history. The word ‘Hauz’ means water tank and ‘Khas’ means royal or special, so the name translates to ‘Royal Tank’. It was built in the 13th century by the famous ruler Allaudin Khalji. During his reign, rainwater used to be collected in this tank and later supplied to the neighbourhood. After his rule, the fort became neglected and suffered damage. It was later restored by king Feroz Shah and came to be known as Hauz Khas Fort. He also established the Madarsa-e-Feroz-Shahi, an institution for higher education, along the wall of the reservoir It soon gained a premiere reputation and international recognition, attracting students from far and wide.

Today the fort stands as an important historical monument. The red-hued structure has magnificent carvings on the walls and roofs, and it opens to a large area. Within the complex lie royal tombs, resting in dignity.

The fort also features a verandah with a lakeview. The silent lake, the green trees, and the clear sky are enchanting together, especially during sunrise and sunset. Birds and squirrels moving around the complex add life to the surroundings. As I sat on the verandah bench watching the reflection of the orange skies in the lake water, my heart and mind felt soothing.

The Hauz Khas Village

As I got closer to Hauz Khas Village, the sound of music blended with chatter and laughter, growing louder with every step. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and there was a certain quirkiness in the atmosphere.

Every street and every corner was so colourful and new that it made me want to explore more and more. The streets were lined on both sides with alluring cafés, cozy coffee shops, designer boutiques, art galleries, thrift stores, vibrant graffiti, and small cute shops.

There are many cafés serving a variety of cuisines, from Korean and Indian to Chinese and continental, along with some amazing coffee shops that offer rich brews and visually captivating interiors. My all-time personal favorites are the Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, the Tea Room by Blossom Kochhar, and the Hauz Khas Social Cafe. I remember walking into Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, ordering a hot cup of cappuccino, and instantly feeling like I didn’t want to leave. Warm lights, lush indoor plants, pastel theme, and the freshly brewed cup of coffee created a calm. Sitting there felt unhurried and comforting.

The thrift shops and boutiques were a must-visit for me, offering an impressive collection of trendy clothes, accessories, unique bags, and footwear. I also came across cute stores like Miniso selling kawaii items, which made the shopping experience even more fun. Some streets were filled with cool and colourful graffiti, making it a picture-perfect spot.

Along the way, I came across several bookshops and street musicians, which added to the area’s charm. One place I would particularly recommend is Kunzum Bookstore. It is an elegant space that brings together books, coffee, and art under one roof.

I also came across art galleries with beautiful contemporary art pieces. The best one out of all, in my opinion, was the Lokayata art gallery. Some of these art galleries have small independent stores selling souvenirs, handcrafted items, and decorative pieces. I found myself totally absorbed in the creative pieces that were being sold there. Each one was more interesting than the last.

Hauz Khas is especially known for its electric nightlife. As the sun sets, the cafés close and the bars, pubs, and clubs come alive. DJ nights, themed events, live orchestra under street lights, and laughter of the crowd define the vibe of the night at Hauz Khas.

The Deer Park

Located beside the Hauz Khas village and extending up to parts of Hauz Khas Fort, the Deer Park is a cherry on top. The park covers a huge area and has an iconic lake.

The park is home to beautiful spotted deer, sambar deer, and blackbucks, often seen resting, walking, and grazing peacefully in their enclosure. I also spotted peacocks walking freely and even dancing with their vibrant feathers spread wide, along with rabbits, hamsters, and even ducks.

What stayed with me most was the sense of calm the park offered. In the middle of a busy city like Delhi, Deer Park felt like a quiet escape from the daily hustle and constant noise. The park is filled with greenery, open lawns, and peaceful corners perfect for sitting, relaxing, and unwinding.

The spot I enjoyed the most was the lakeside. From there, I saw the reflection of Hauz Khas Fort and the wide sky mirrored beautifully in the water. At sunrise and sunset, the lake shimmered with the captivating colors of the sky, which felt almost unreal to me.