Chanakyapuri
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Chanakyapuri (Hindi: चाणक्य पुरी) is an affluent neighborhood in Central Delhi, located about 14 km. from Delhi Airport. Chanakyapuri, meaning city of "Chanakya", is named for Chanakya, a third century BC Maurya advisor and prime minister.
Chanakyapuri plays host to a majority of foreign embassies in India, and is home to a number of their staffs. Chanakyapuri was also developed as official residences for both politicians and civil servants to the Union Government. As such, it has numerous parks and open spaces, and suffers few utility disruptions.
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[edit] Transportation
Major roads in Chanakyapuri include Shanti Path, as well as Nyaya Marg, Niti Marg, and Panscheel Marg. In addition, the Ring Road traverses immediately south of the neighborhood and intersects with National Highway 8 on the border of Chanakyapuri and neighboring Dhaula Kuan.
The Delhi Ring Railway has a stop at Chanakyapuri. When construction on the Delhi Metro is complete, the closest stop will be at Dhaula Kuan.
[edit] Points of Interest
Amongst the embassies, there are considerable architectural delights:
- The United States Embassy and Chancery were designed by Edward Durrell Stone.
- The Russian Embassy embodies Stalinist architecural principles.
- The British High Commission and German Embassy were constructed in similar styles during the 1950s.
- The Thai Embassy and the Pakistani High Commission are visually striking; the latter is built in classical Islamic style, with minarets and blue-tiled onion domes.
Chanakyapuri is also home to:
- The American Embassy School, primarily serving American and other expatriates located in Delhi.
- The British School that offers the English National Curriculum.
- The Jesus and Mary College, part of the University of Delhi.
- The National Rose Garden, open in December and January each year.
- The National Rail Museum, focusing on the rail heritage of India.
- Nehru Park, established in 1969.
- Bhairon Temple.
Chanakyapuri also has a number of hotels and services catering to both foreign and affluent domestic visitors to Delhi. Some of these include the Hotel Ashok, Hotel Samrat, Maurya Sheraton, Taj Palace, Claridges and Diplomat. Apollo Hospitals also operates the International Hospital, located on the western side of Chanakyapuri.