Located in the South West district of Delhi, with Hauz Khas in the North and Vasant Kunj to its West, Mehrauli is one of the most significant hoods of Delhi. It is undoubtedly one of the most happening spots in town with historic monuments, popular restaurants, and of course gazillion stores to shop from. Here’s your go-to guide for the massive hood.
LBB Tip: The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar which is on the Yellow line.
If it’s wedding shopping, chances are one of the suggestions you will get from Delhiites for OG markets would be Mehrauli. With a number of designer labels in one location, you don't have to run to different markets or spots to hunt for that perfect outfit for your big day. Most of the stores here are high-end designers so you will find luxury wedding couture here. From household names like Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta and Ritu Kumar to rising couturiers like Sawan Gandhi, Nidhi Tholia and Sulakshna Monga. Your luxury shopping escapade here won't be disappointing only on one condition—you should be willing to shell out money on bespoke Indian wear and jewellery.
Pro-tip: Read our entire list of stores at Ambawatta Complex, here.
Sabyasachi's flagship store houses stunning wedding wear, accessories, menswear and the designer's ready-to-wear pieces as well. Set in an opulent space that does justice to the designer's ethereal aesthetic, you should definitely visit the store to soak it all in. It is located in Haveli No. 6 to 8, Qutub Serai and is closed on Sundays.
The designer has carved a world that is Indian at its core and boundless in its form, merging indigenous Indian construction and embellishing techniques for a futuristic appeal for his designs. The store is a vision in itself with a gorgeous fountain and metallic accents mirroring the couturier’s love for surrealism. Further it is an interpretation of a fantasy palace ruined, complete with mystical references and magical creatures. The store is open seven days a week but requires prior appointments for clothing consultations.
Rimple and Harpreet's designs have that quintessential old-world ethnic charm to them. Think Victorian-inspired florals, bedazzled embroideries and evergreen silhouettes, fit for show-stopping wedding attires. It's safe to say the same design sensibility is reflected in their store's interiors with arched mirrors and antique furniture, a fitting representation of Rimple and Harpreet's love for their Indian roots and culture.
For the love of Banarasi saree, the pure weaves of zari, the Shanti Banaras flagship store in Mehrauli is the one place people should head to in Mehrauli. With pure handloom work, none of the designs here are done on a power loom. They also have gold-plated zari sarees available for those wanting to get the real deal.
Amaris is a fine jewellery brand that specialises in bespoke luxury jewels that are a beautiful amalgamation of contemporary and classic patterns, refined finishes and fluid movement to create some of the most alluring designs which would stand the test of time. The space is divided into two distinct zones—a formal area lined with beholding displays, and a bridal lounge that’s catered to brides-to-be for a bespoke jewellery shopping experience.
Pernia's Pop-Up Studio in Mehrauli offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a vast selection of Indian fashion and luxury labels like Seema Gujral, Papa Don't Preach and Arpita Mehta. They have you sorted through your festive and wedding wardrobe shopping with clothing, accessories and handbags—all under one roof so you are saved from the hassle of checking out multiple stores. What's more to love is that they provide free alterations for a year and the first dry-clean for your purchases which only makes the experience sweeter.
Another renowned multi-designer retailer that houses the choicest of designer apparel and accessories, Ogaan has been around since 1989. Some of the biggest names in Indian fashion have retailed their first collections at Ogaan and they continue to stock collections by established designers as well as younger, upcoming brands. The store greets you with its high arches and embellished walls with terrazzo floor tiles, creating Ogaan’s signature minimalistic theme of ivory and gold for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Although Mehrauli has a gazillion stores, they have limited stores dedicated to home decor, yet these are the top three stores that we would recommend you to head to when in Mehrauli.
Nitin Kohli Home is an ambidextrous and versatile design company. It has its showh
ouse or retail store based in Mehrauli, specialising in residential and commercial design. The store also showcases its recently launched line of luxury tableware and soothing home fragrances. If your home aesthetic says minimal and tasteful.
You can always trust Bent Chair to curate the latest home decor and interior design trends. The designs are extra yet tasteful and in sync with Bent Chair's playfully luxurious vibe. What's more to love is that their store looks like something out of an art expo and trust us when we say this, it takes immense self-control to head back from the store without eyeing any spectacular decor accent.
Ralph Lauren, the epitome of the 'old money' aesthetic houses the most subtly luxurious home decor and soft furnishings. Think quality linens with those iconic blue stripes (a distinctive Ralph Lauren USP) or cute printed mugs with their polo teddy bear mascot. The store is open seven days a week (10:30 AM to 7:30 PM) so do visit it if bougie luxury-grade furniture is your thing.
Not just history but also a landmark for one of the biggest cafes, bars, and restaurants in town, Mehrauli is the spot where Delhi parties every weekend. For when you wish to make those date nights extra special and the regular cafes just won’t do, how about enjoying dinner and drinks with a view, which is why Mehrauli should be on your list. Here are some of our favourite cafés and restaurants in Mehrauli:
Olive continues to charm us with its pebbly outdoor area done up in pretty lights. The ambiance screams romance, but you wouldn't be out of place with your family at their Sunday brunch with gourmet cheeses, meat cold cuts, delectable pizzas and classic bar offerings like the Teq Tonics and Sorbet Gintos.
Price For Two: INR 5,000 (approx)
Timings: 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM
With a nice open space, a contemporary multi-cuisine menu and adorable teddy bears sitting on your accompanying chairs, Dita's is one of the cutest restaurants in South Delhi. The vibe of the place is always on a high note and so is the food (the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is a knockout). All in all, a great place to hang out on a chill weekday evening when you want to unwind with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Price For Two: INR 2,600 (approx)
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
An upbeat Pan-Asian restaurant bar with an indoor dining space and a swanky rooftop bar that comes to life in the evenings. The food menu has limited options but the food always slaps so you won't be disappointed. The cocktails are even better and keep you looking forward to the next round. Make sure you have a prior reservation for dinners as the place is quite packed on the weekends.
Price For Two: INR 4,000 (approx)
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
The Grammar Room is definitely not a place to be missed. The same minds behind the Olive Bar & Kitchen came up with the lovely concept of The Grammar Room as our favourite chilled-out all-day dining space that loves you for the pyjama and paperback-loving couch potato you are. They have got that tropical theme down to a ‘T’ with huge French windows, white walls and bright, floral cushions. Our favourite part has to be their outdoor deck, that lets you put up your feet and look at the forest while gorging on the best Truffle and Parmesan Fries (also called TGR Fries) in Delhi.
Price For Two: INR 3,400 (approx)
Timings: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Swan is a popular and trendy restaurant that serves only two cuisines exclusively—Italian and Pan Asian. They have an indoor area with a really cool bar but their outdoor area has our heart because of the stunning view. Order their off-the-menu cacio e pepe that is made in a giant cheese wheel and the G&T menu for some smashing gin concoctions.
Price For Two: INR 2,500 (approx)
Timings: 12:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Mehrauli is a haven for historians and people who love history at some level. The town of Mehrauli has some of the most prominent archaeological ruins of the Mughal era and is spread across various dynasties, if you are going out to explore Delhi, Mehrauli is where you should start, here are some of the monuments, you should not miss out on.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of Delhi's most significant tourist attractions. Ever since the Minar got lights installed, it has become a go-to spot for locals to enjoy the view as the monument is open till 9 PM.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: INR 35 per person for Indian nationals
1AQ is an open space with an art gallery and a few designer stores like Jade by Monica and Karishma. Their ideology promotes culture and contemporary art, spanning from visual and performing arts, music, dance, theatre, fashion and design, and so, always have some or the other exhibit or concert happening on their grounds. The space has a spacious art gallery, gardens and a design shop too. It's closed on Mondays so plan your visit accordingly.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
Mehrauli Archaeological Park, spread across two hundred acres is a historical park next to the Qutub Minar. It has one hundred historically significant monuments like Jamali Kamali that hold over a thousand years' worth of Delhi's history. The park has ruins of monuments built in the ruling eras of the Khalji, Tughlaq, Lodhi and the Mughal empire- an epoch lost to succeeding eons.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry: Free
Mehrauli is one of the most important sites for every historian, one such monument that shouldn't be missed is Bhool Bhulaiya. Right behind the Qutub Minar area, you will find the tomb of Adam Khan. The monument is one of the few monuments remaining from Akbar's era and is believed to be a haunted site.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry: Free
Jahaz Mahal is located next to the Hauz-i-Shamsi water tank in Mehrauli. It got its name because its reflection in the surrounding reservoir resembled a ship floating on a lake. It is thought to have been built as a pleasure resort, Sarai, or inn during the Lodi dynasty period. Although a ruined palace now, the Hindu-inspired architecture is a treat for those who like historic architecture.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
