India Habitat Centre, Delhi Overview

Situated on Delhi's plush Lodhi Road, India Habitat Centre is a multipurpose building with separate areas dedicated to commercial space, food plazas and social spots. One of the most comprehensive convention centres in the city, the complex boasts of striking architecture in addition to world-class auditoriums, elaborate library, multi-cuisine diners and not to forget the very beautiful amphitheatre and an all-around serene atmosphere.

Sprawling over an area of nine acres, the wondrous campus is the result of the architectural brilliance of Joseph Stein, Doshi and Bhalla who designed the structure. After its inception in 1993, the centre gradually transformed from a traditional workspace to a modernistic domain catering to art exhibitions, music events, presentations, cultural festivals, private luncheons and the like. The convention centre has emerged as one of the most popular cultural hubs in the city with a plethora of activities available for a better functioning economy. Designed to incorporate different sections of the society, the centre aims for a better functioning relationship between individuals and institutions working in diverse fields.

Top Places to Visit at India Habitat Centre

1. Stein Auditorium
Have a look at the Joseph Stein Auditorium with a state-of-the-art infrastructure. The massive auditorium is best suited for large conferences, film screenings, comic nights and cultural performances.
2. Library and Resource Centre
IHC also boasts of a gigantic library with a huge collection of books on culture, politics, literature, architecture, science, hospitality, culinary, finance, business and autobiographies etc.
3. All American Diner
Among the several multi-cuisine restaurants, we best recommend All American Diner. The mouthwatering, sumptuous breakfast is one of the best meals you will ever have in your life.
4. Visual Arts Gallery
Visual Arts Gallery has stunning works of art on display almost at all times of the year. The gallery also holds art seminars and 2D and 3D art exhibitions. Established in July 2000, the gallery has been synonymous with almost all art events conducted in the city. The gallery hosts seminars, workshops and art exhibitions- both 2D and 3D. It also hosts photography exhibitions.
5. Amphitheatre
The huge amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful aspects of the complex. With a seating capacity of 200 people in an open-air venue, the theatre has also been featured in popular Bollywood movies like Rang de Basanti.
6. Lotus Pond
Do not forget to visit the quaint little Lotus Pond boasting of tranquil beauty and serenity with its tiny fish swimming amidst floating lotus flowers.
8. Life Zone
The fitness centre at the India Habitat Centre is called Lite Zone. Boasting of the finest facilities and equipment in the city, the gym provides the best services to its members and residential guests. It has an elaborate gym area, a soothing spa and sauna, jacuzzi and a roof-top swimming pool.

Restaurants at India Habitat Centre

The restaurants at India Habitat Centre have been divided into the ones for members and the ones for both members and non-members.
For Members
1. Delhi 'O' Delhi is a traditional restaurant done in saffron and green which pays tribute to the national capital and Indian diversity. Situated on the 6th floor, the restaurant offers some panoramic views of the New Delhi skyline, the adjacent historic Lutyens and the adjoining monuments. The restaurant offers regional Indian cuisines and is operational between 12:30 PM. to 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM.
2. Oriental Octopus is a fine dine restaurant serving traditional cuisines from the eight countries of the Orient- Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, China Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and China. Tastefully done in orchid and steel interiors, the restaurants mostly plays the classic Jazz music. It is operational between 12:30 to 3:00 for lunch. Dinner is done in two seatings- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and 9:00 PM to midnight.
3. Past Times club in the complex is an amazing rendition of England’s days of yore. The interiors and decor will remind you of the golf playing gentlemen and ladies dressed in elaborate dressing gowns with parasols. The restaurant is functional from 12:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
4. The Deck is a lounge for the members with an attached swimming pool. The restaurants serves minimalistic food which is a fusion of Italian and Lebanese. Timings are 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM.

For Members and Non-Members
1. Eatopia is a massive food-court in the complex serving cuisines from all across the globe. It also boasts of a cyber cafe, a video-game zone for the kids and play area for young children. It is operational between 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
2. The All-American Diner possibly has the best American breakfast in all of Delhi with a variety of options from waffles to scones and bacon, malts and shakes. Other than the all-day breakfast, the bar is also open all day. Timings- 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

History of India Habitat Centre

Established in 1993, India Habitat Centre was designed by the American architect Joseph Allen Stein. The conventional centre was designed with the objective to create a common ground to share services both within the complex and the outside world. For this purpose, the complex houses multiple courtyards, umpteen restaurants, common meeting rooms, workshops arenas, amphitheatre, museum etc., in addition to a regular office building. In 2009, India Habitat Centre co-hosted Habitat Summit which is an initiative for the betterment of the India’s cities and the environment on a whole. Since 2011, IHC also started hosting the famed Delhi Photo Festival as well.

How To Reach India Habitat Centre

The nearest metro station to India Habitat Centre is Jor Bagh Metro, situated on the yellow line. The convention centre is just about 1.8 kms from the metro; you can hire a local or a battery run rickshaw to reach your destination.

Guest Rooms & Suites at India Habitat Centre

One of the many incredible facilities available at India Habitat Centre is the 58 super tastefully done guest rooms and suites suiting the aesthetic sense of its plush guests. Available in three types- premium, standard and suites; the booking to these rooms can be only made by the members for themselves or for their guests. The members are allowed to book up to two rooms at a time for up to 15 days, an extension can be made on the 16th day which is subject to availability.