South Delhi neighbourhoods that are far from all the city mayhem

Visiting Delhi and already jittery of stepping into its overcrowded lanes? You can get over the jitters and explore more of this beautiful beauty sans its unnerving reputation, for it is also home to some of the most relaxed spots in the city. These Delhi neighbourhoods are also a must-visit if you are craving for a relaxing weekend and have people-watching, good food, and a generally laidback persona in mind.

1. Mehrauli

Mehrauli in South Delhi is one of the calmest, cleanest neighbourhoods in Delhi. It has everything for a surprisingly great time, including a line-up of some of the most chill restaurants, cafes and boutique stores in the city. It is also where you would probably not get stuck in chaotic traffic; perfect for a relaxed weekend. The surroundings here are also home to some stunning, ancient architecture.
Read more: Secrets of Mehrauli
2. Hauz Khas Village
While Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village is no longer as laidback as it once was, it still wins over us. This is where you get the best pubs, great food, stores selling expensive yet quirky knick-knacks, and more. It still lives up to its reputation as an artsy place; visit this place around noon, and it would not be the loud-music sort of place that it metamorphoses into once the sun goes down.

3. Nizamuddin East
Nizamuddin East in Delhi is a surprise for many, for it is still not as famous as the Hauz Khas Village or Shahpur Jat. More of an 0ld-school area, it has turned contemporary in the right proportion. Quiet lush for the concrete that Delhi is, Nizamuddin East is where you might even run into celebrities, lingering in search of some quite time. This is also a perfect place for a perfect date or two, for it has some really impressive restaurants, cafes, and stretches that are perfect for relaxed strolls.
4. Lodhi Road Lodhi Road is more of a treasure trove, and while it is relatively more crowded than Mehrauli and Nizamuddin East, it still makes for a very relaxed time in Delhi. This is your go-to in the city if you like eating, reading, shopping or just people-watching. There is a lot that is worth roaming the outdoors as well, including Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamudding Dargah and more. And then, there is the good, old Meherchand Market.

5. Shahpur Jat
More of an urban village, Shahpur Jat is a relatively new addition to Delhi’s hip areas. A very apt getaway for a winter afternoon, this place has everything from curio shopping and cafe-hopping to meeting interesting people and more. Shahpur Jat also has a special place in the hearts of shopaholics, especially those keen on trousseau shopping. Little wonder in the fact that it has taken over Hauz Khas Village as Delhi’s artsy district.