A drive through traffic free roads of Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave in South Delhi.
Chanakyapuri is an affluent neighborhood and diplomatic enclave established in the 1950s in New Delhi, and located 14 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Chanakyapuri translates to the City of Chanakya, and is named for the third century BC Maurya advisor and prime minister. It plays host to the majority of foreign embassies in India, and is home to many staff members of these consulates. 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. It is located near the Prime Minister's residence.
Chanakyapuri was the first major extension of New Delhi beyond Lutyens' Delhi. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) developed a large area of land to create this diplomatic enclave in the 1950s. Subsequently, this land was allotted to embassies, chanceries, high commissions and ambassador residences. The enclave is built around a wide central vista, known as Shanti Path (Peace Road), with wide green areas. A large landscaped park, spread over an area of 80 acres, known as Nehru Park, was developed in 1969 for the families of the diplomatic personnel. The ancient Bhairon Temple stands by the park. In time, two markets, two colleges and schools run by diplomatic missions (including The British School and The American School) were established in the neighborhood.
Major roads in Chanakyapuri include Shanti Path, Nyaya Marg, Niti Marg, Chandragupta Marg and Panchsheel Marg. In addition to these, the Ring Road traverses the southern expanse of the neighborhood and intersects National Highway 8 on the border with neighboring Dhaula Kuan. Sardar Patel Marg marks the Western periphery, while the Chanakya Cinema complex, which lies beyond Nehru Park, forms the southwestern perimeter. The Delhi Ring Railway stops at Chanakyapuri, while Ra
