Hauz Khas Village: The Soulful Blend of History and Modernity

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहां
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [maaf keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [theek hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना पसंद करूं
  [krupaya menu dekhna pasand karoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe beemari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [main ... khareedna chaahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)(10) बजे के बाद सवा/सवे
  [(10) baje ke baad sava/sawe]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छे
  [che]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Hauz Khas Village, originally part of the medieval city of Siri, was founded in the early 14th century during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. The area is named after the Hauz Khas, a large water reservoir built to supply water to the city. This reservoir, along with a complex of structures, was designed as part of the architectural advancements of the time, showcasing the ingenuity of the Khilji dynasty.

In the 14th century, Hauz Khas evolved further during the Tughlaq dynasty. The area became a significant cultural and educational hub, attracting scholars and poets. The remnants of the Tughlaq architecture, including the tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq and other structures in the vicinity, reflect the grandeur of this period and its contributions to Delhi's historical landscape.

The Mughal era from the late 16th to the early 18th century saw Hauz Khas becoming a favored retreat for the nobility. The lush gardens and serene environment made it an ideal location for leisure and cultural gatherings. The Mughal architectural style, characterized by intricate carvings and expansive gardens, influenced the aesthetics of the area, further enriching its historical narrative.

During the British colonial period, Hauz Khas underwent significant changes as urbanization spread across Delhi. The reservoir and surrounding areas became a blend of tradition and modernity, with the introduction of colonial architecture. The British utilized the area for various administrative functions, leading to a transformation in its social dynamics and cultural interactions.

In recent decades, Hauz Khas Village has emerged as a vibrant cultural and artistic enclave, attracting both locals and tourists. The area has seen a renaissance, with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes springing up amidst the historical ruins. This modern transformation is a testament to Hauz Khas's ability to blend its rich heritage with contemporary culture, making it a unique destination within Delhi.

Hauz Khas Village is well-connected to various parts of Delhi. The nearest metro station is Hauz Khas on the Yellow Line, which is about a 15-minute walk from the village. From Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can take a taxi or app-based cab services like Uber or Ola, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. If you're coming from other neighborhoods like Connaught Place or Greater Kailash, local buses and auto-rickshaws are available, providing an affordable means of transport.

Hauz Khas Village is compact and best explored on foot. However, for longer distances, you can use auto-rickshaws or taxis, which are readily available. The village is also bicycle-friendly, with rental services available for those who prefer to cycle. The metro is the most efficient way to navigate Delhi, connecting you to various parts of the city without the hassle of traffic.

Hauz Khas Village is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in less crowded areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Areas around the Hauz Khas Lake can be less secure after dark, so it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police and medical assistance. The nearest hospitals include Fortis Hospital and Max Super Specialty Hospital, both of which are accessible from Hauz Khas Village. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes as the village has uneven pathways. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Don’t wear revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering religious places. Don’t engage in loud conversations in sacred areas. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Namaste'. A smile goes a long way. Don’t use overly casual language. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and street food. Don’t drink tap water; bottled water is recommended.

To experience Hauz Khas Village like a local, explore the lesser-known alleys and artisan shops. Engage with local artists and shop owners, as many are happy to share stories about their craft and the history of the area. Visit the Hauz Khas Complex at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views. Check out local events or cultural festivals, which are often hosted in the community. Try the local cafes for authentic experiences, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots.