Each year, as winter wreaks havoc in the capital city of Delhi, a celebration of great warmth is observed each year on January 26. Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. It is the day that marks the transition of India turning into a republic within which the authority rests with the people and their representatives.
The celebrations of the day are most visible at Kartavya Path (previously Rajpath, and formerly King's Way) in the form of the parade that brings together ceremonial regiments of the Armed Forces, paramilitary contingents, schoolchildren and tableaux from across Indian states and ministries. Military might, folk performances and precision marking are some of the elements that turn into a sight to behold. However, once the parade concludes and the streets are left with an unusual calm, a great plethora of activities remain for a visitor to indulge in.
Here, we have set up a list of things to do in central Delhi, as a follow-up of the Republic Day parade, which would add a great memorable turn to your day and make this old day for patriotism a good one for slow exploration.
Standing in close proximity to India Gate (the war memorial is visited from the windows of the gallery), the National Gallery of Modern Art is one of the country's finest and most important institutions for modern and contemporary Indian art. It houses a rich collection of over 17,000 works that trace, gloriously, the art of India from the mid-19th century to the present.
You may expect to witness the neat and calm, colonial architectural masterpieces by the Daniell brothers, gems by Amrita Sher-Gil as well as the experimental and masterful canvases of heavyweights like M. F. Hussain, Ramkinker Baij and F. N. Souza.
The gallery is situated in the Jaipur House, formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Built in the 1930s, the Lutyenesque architecture is an added perk to the gems of art it acts as the abode to.
Address: Jaipur House, Shershah Rd, near India Gate, Delhi High Court, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 6pm
Entry fees: INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 500 for foreign nationals
Connaught Place is a site that is synonymous with and emblematic of Delhi. Built during the British period in the early 20th century, its circular design and colonnaded architecture make it a treat to the eyes. Its buildings now house a mix of offices, restaurants and cultural landmarks.
For someone hoping to lunch at Connaught Place, the options may be overwhelming. Therefore, to sieve out the best picks and make selection easy, we mention here only the places picked up by the internal Outlook Traveller staff.
Indian Coffee House, run by the Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society, remains a favourite for its affordable South Indian food, filter coffee and unchanged, old-school atmosphere.
Diggin' is another spot that offers a quiet experience, with garden seating and a menu focused on European comfort dishes. Next, Café Amudham in Janpath specialises in vegetarian South Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on regional recipes.
You could also check out Chili’s Grill & Bar that serves familiar Mexican-American plates. As a last and special feature, Cha Bar—attached to the Oxford Bookstore—is ideal for tea, light meals and a break with books.
A short walk from Connaught Place leads you to the astronomical gem of Jantar Mantar. The 18th-century observatory of Delhi was built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, a ruler deeply interested in astronomy and mathematics.
The site consists of large stone instruments designed to measure time, track planetary movements and observe celestial bodies. The Samrat Yantra, a massive sundial, remains the most striking structure. Jantar Mantar—an affair quite ahead of its time—stands as a testimony of India’s scientific traditions and is worth visiting for its historical and architectural significance.
Address: Sansad Marg, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 6am to 6pm
Entry fees: INR 5 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign nationals
In the evening, as previously mentioned, you have a plethora of options to choose from. One option is Sunder Nursery, located near Humayun’s Tomb. Once neglected, it has been restored into a heritage park with Mughal-era monuments, landscaped gardens and water channels. It is ideal for an unhurried evening walk. Within its premises, Carnatic Café offers reliable South Indian fare, making it convenient for a late lunch or early dinner.
Alternatively, Lodhi Garden provides a more expansive and less manicured green space dotted with tombs from the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. Popular with walkers and history enthusiasts, it offers a quieter contrast to the morning’s spectacle. Visitors can eat at Carnatic Café in Lodhi Colony or choose from the many restaurants and cafés in nearby Khan Market.
Both options allow Republic Day to end on a slower, reflective note—grounded in Delhi’s layered history rather than its ceremonial grandeur.
Sunder Nursery address: Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Opposite Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin, National Zoological Park, Sundar Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Lodhi Garden address: Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
1. Can tourists visit Kartavya Path after the Republic Day parade ends?
Yes, once security restrictions are lifted and the parade concludes, sections around Kartavya Path and India Gate gradually reopen for public movement, making nearby attractions accessible.
2. What are the best cultural places to visit near Kartavya Path on Republic Day?
The National Gallery of Modern Art and Jantar Mantar are among the best cultural stops nearby, offering insights into India’s artistic and scientific heritage within walking distance of Central Delhi.
3. Is Connaught Place open on Republic Day?
Most restaurants, cafés and shops in Connaught Place remain open on Republic Day, although some may operate with reduced hours due to traffic regulations and security arrangements.
4. Are Sunder Nursery and Lodhi Garden suitable for an evening visit on January 26?
Yes, both parks are ideal for a relaxed evening after the parade. Winter evenings in Delhi are pleasant, and these green spaces offer a calm contrast to the morning’s festivities.
5. What should visitors keep in mind while travelling around Central Delhi on Republic Day?
Visitors should expect traffic diversions, carry valid identification, follow security advisories, and prefer walking or using the Metro for easier access to Central Delhi attractions.