Are you looking for a place in Delhi that offers a blend of culture, art, entertainment, and networking? If yes, then you should visit the India Habitat Centre, a unique and multifaceted centre that caters to diverse interests and needs of visitors, customers, clients, and members.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the India Habitat Centre, from its history and vision to its facilities and attractions. Read on to discover why the India Habitat Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of Delhi.
Why Visit the India Habitat Centre?
The India Habitat Centre is not just a convention centre, but a hub of ideas, creativity, and innovation. It hosts various events and activities related to art, music, theatre, literature, and more, throughout the year. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a food lover, a theatre buff, a bookworm, or a nature lover, you will find something to suit your taste and preference at the India Habitat Centre. Here are seven compelling reasons to visit the centre:
A Cultural Hub
The India Habitat Centre is a place where you can witness and participate in various cultural events, such as exhibitions, workshops, seminars, lectures, festivals, and concerts. The centre has several venues for hosting these events, such as the Stein Auditorium, the Open Palm Court, the Visual Arts Gallery, and the Experimental Art Gallery. You can check the monthly schedule of events on the centre’s website and book your tickets online or at the venue.
A Culinary Delight
The India Habitat Centre has a range of restaurants and cafes that offer different cuisines and ambience. You can choose from The All American Diner, which serves classic American dishes and desserts, Eatopia, which offers a variety of Indian and international fast food options, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, which specializes in authentic Delhi cuisine, The Oriental Octopus, which serves delicious Asian delicacies, and The Deck, which is a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at The Tea Lounge or The Coffee Home.
A Theatre Complex
The India Habitat Centre has a theatre complex that showcases performances by renowned artists and groups. The theatre complex consists of four auditoriums, namely The Stein Auditorium, which has a seating capacity of 424, The Gulmohar Hall, which has a seating capacity of 162, The Silver Oak, which has a seating capacity of 60, and The Magnolia, which has a seating capacity of 30. The theatre complex hosts plays, musicals, dance shows, stand-up comedy, and film screenings, among other events.
A Library and Resource Centre
The India Habitat Centre has a library and resource centre that provides access to books, journals, magazines, and online databases. The library and resource centre has a collection of over 40,000 books and 500 periodicals, covering various topics such as architecture, urban planning, environment, social sciences, and humanities. The library and resource centre also has a computer lab, a reading room, a conference room, and a photocopying facility. The library and resource centre is open to members and non-members, with nominal charges for the latter.
A Lotus Pond
The India Habitat Centre has a lotus pond that adds beauty and tranquility to the complex. The lotus pond is a natural water body that attracts various birds and butterflies. The lotus pond is surrounded by lush greenery and benches, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The lotus pond is also a popular spot for photography and meditation.
An Architectural Marvel
The India Habitat Centre has an architecture that is functional, aesthetic, and environmentally friendly. The centre was designed by the eminent architect Joseph Allen Stein, who incorporated elements of Indian and Western styles. The centre has a brick facade, a sloping roof, a central courtyard, and a modular design. The centre also uses solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation, to reduce its environmental impact.
A Networking Platform
The India Habitat Centre is a place where you can network and interact with people from diverse fields and backgrounds. The centre has various institutions, organizations, and associations, that are involved in habitat related areas, such as urban development, environment, education, health, and culture. The centre also has a membership programme, that offers various benefits and privileges, such as access to the facilities, events, and publications of the centre. The centre also has a guest house, where you can stay and enjoy the hospitality of the centre.
How to Visit the India Habitat Centre?
The India Habitat Centre is located in the heart of Delhi, at Lodhi Road. The centre is easily accessible by metro, bus, cab, or auto rickshaw. The nearest metro stations are JLN Stadium and Khan Market, on the Violet Line. You can also take a bus to the Lodhi Road Bus Stop, which is right opposite the centre. Alternatively, you can hire a cab or an auto rickshaw from any part of the city.
What to Do at the India Habitat Centre?
The India Habitat Centre has a lot to offer to its visitors, in terms of attractions and activities. Here are some of the things that you can do at the centre:
Cultural Events
The India Habitat Centre organizes and hosts various cultural events, such as exhibitions, workshops, seminars, lectures, festivals, and concerts, throughout the year. You can check the monthly schedule of events on the centre’s website and book your tickets online or at the venue. Some of the popular events that take place at the centre are:
Habitat International Film Festival: This is an annual film festival that showcases the best of world cinema, with a special focus on Asian and Indian films. The festival features screenings, discussions, masterclasses, and awards, and attracts film lovers, critics, and filmmakers from across the globe.
Habitat Photosphere: This is a biennial photography festival that aims to raise awareness and action on environmental issues, through the medium of photography. The festival features exhibitions, workshops, talks, and competitions, and showcases the work of both established and emerging photographers.
Habitat Literary Festival: This is an annual literary festival that celebrates the power and diversity of the written word, with a special focus on Indian languages and literature. The festival features readings, panel discussions, book launches, and interactions, and brings together authors, poets, translators, publishers, and readers from across the country.
Art Exhibitions
The India Habitat Centre has several venues for displaying and promoting art, such as the Visual Arts Gallery, the Experimental Art Gallery, the Open Palm Court, and the Convention Foyer. These venues host exhibitions of various forms and genres of art, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, and digital art. You can visit these venues and admire the works of both renowned and emerging artists, and also buy some of the artworks, if you wish.
Parties and Dinners
The India Habitat Centre has a range of restaurants and cafes that offer different cuisines and ambience, where you can enjoy parties and dinners with your friends, family, or colleagues. You can choose from The All American Diner, which serves classic American dishes and desserts, Eatopia, which offers a variety of Indian and international fast food options, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, which specializes in authentic Delhi cuisine, The Oriental Octopus, which serves delicious Asian delicacies, and The Deck, which is a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at The Tea Lounge or The Coffee Home.
Stay
The India Habitat Centre has a guest house, where you can stay and enjoy the hospitality of the centre. The guest house has 58 rooms, including 4 suites, that are well-equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The guest house also has a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a spa, and a swimming pool. The guest house is open to members and non-members, with preferential rates for the former. You can book your room online or by phone, and avail the various services and benefits offered by the centre.
Amphitheater
The India Habitat Centre has an amphitheater, which is an open-air venue for hosting various events and activities, such as musical concerts, dance performances, plays, and film screenings. The amphitheater has a seating capacity of 300, and is equipped with a stage, a sound system, and a projection screen. The amphitheater is also a popular spot for enjoying the evening breeze and the starry sky.
Art Gallery
The India Habitat Centre has an art gallery, which is a dedicated space for showcasing and promoting the works of young and upcoming artists. The art gallery features exhibitions of various forms and genres of art, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, and digital art. The art gallery also organizes workshops, talks, and interactions, to foster a dialogue and exchange between the artists and the audience. The art gallery is open to the public, and admission is free.
Library
The India Habitat Centre has a library and resource centre, that provides access to books, journals, magazines, and online databases. The library and resource centre has a collection of over 40,000 books and 500 periodicals, covering various topics such as architecture, urban planning, environment, social sciences, and humanities. The library and resource centre also has a computer lab, a reading room.
Lotus Pond
The India Habitat Centre has a lotus pond that adds beauty and tranquility to the complex. The lotus pond is a natural water body that attracts various birds and butterflies. The lotus pond is surrounded by lush greenery and benches, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The lotus pond is also a popular spot for photography and meditation.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting the India Habitat Centre
The India Habitat Centre is a place that offers a lot of opportunities and benefits to its visitors, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your visit to the centre:
Book in advance: If you want to attend any of the events or activities at the centre, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out fast. You can book your tickets online or at the venue, depending on the availability and the mode of payment. You can also book the centre for your own events, parties, or seminars, by contacting the centre’s management and paying the required fees.
Save money by booking in groups: If you are visiting the centre with a group of friends, family, or colleagues, you can save some money by booking in groups. The centre offers discounts and concessions for group bookings, depending on the size and the nature of the group. You can also avail the membership programme, which offers various benefits and privileges, such as access to the facilities, events, and publications of the centre, at preferential rates.
No need for guides: The India Habitat Centre is a place that is easy to navigate and explore, without the need for guides. The centre has a friendly and helpful staff, who can assist you with any queries or issues. The centre also has signboards and maps, that guide you to the various venues and facilities of the centre. You can also download the centre’s app, which provides information and updates about the centre and its events.
Check the website for the monthly schedule: The India Habitat Centre has events and activities throughout the year, that cater to different interests and tastes. You can check the website of the centre for the monthly schedule of events, and plan your visit accordingly. You can also subscribe to the centre’s newsletter, which gives you the latest news and updates about the centre and its events.
Visit anytime of the year: The India Habitat Centre is a place that can be visited anytime of the year, as it has something to offer for every season and occasion. You can enjoy the cultural events and activities in the winter, the lotus pond and the greenery in the monsoon, the rooftop restaurant and the amphitheater in the summer, and the festivals and celebrations in the festive season. The centre is open from 10 am to 10 pm, every day of the week.
The India Habitat Centre is a place that is more than just a convention centre, but a destination that offers a rich and diverse experience to its visitors. It is a place where you can learn, enjoy, network, and relax, all in one place. It is a place that reflects the spirit and essence of Delhi, and India, in its culture, art, architecture, and hospitality. It is a place that you should not miss, if you want to experience the best of Delhi.
If you are interested in visiting the India Habitat Centre, you can book your tickets, rooms, or events, by clicking on the button below. You can also contact us for any queries or feedback, by filling the form below.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and we look forward to seeing you at the India Habitat Centre soon.
