When you think of luxury, diplomacy, and wide, tree-lined avenues in Delhi, one name has to be front of mind: Chanakyapuri. Known as the Diplomatic Enclave of the city, this is a neighbourhood known as one of Delhi’s most exclusive addresses and also a space for international culture, top-notch security, Indian heritage to coexist. In 2025, Chanakyapuri continues to stand on this legacy as the epitome of prestige and elegance in the capital.
If you’re curious about living here, or even just exploring it, here’s Neighboursnook’s complete guide to living in Chanakyapuri.
The Diplomatic Heart of Delhi
Chanakyapuri was developed post-Independence as a hub for foreign embassies and high commissions to operate out of. It’s now home to almost every major embassy in India spanning strategically important ones like those of the US, UK, and Japan to smaller nations. This lends the area an air of international sophistication, with world-class security and some of the city’s most well-maintained infrastructure and an overall sense of prestige and ease in its vibe.
Chanakyapuri’s Residential Areas
While much of the neighbourhood is dedicated to diplomatic missions and government bungalows, there are still some luxury residential enclaves about:
- Government & Embassy Housing: sprawling colonial-style bungalows with lush gardens.
- Chanakyapuri Apartments & Flats: limited and highly sought after, especially by expats and senior professionals.
- Nearby Extensions: areas like the gorgeous Shantipath (a drive down which is a sight to behold), Malcha Marg with its sophisticated cafés and Panchsheel Enclave offering alternative upscale living.
Living in Chanakyapuri guarantees privacy, greenery and proximity to Delhi’s power centres and some of the best kept parts of the country.
Cost of Living in Chanakyapuri 2025
Chanakyapuri is among the most expensive neighbourhoods in Delhi, maybe even the country:
- 3BHK Luxury Apartment Rent: ₹2.5–₹5 lakh per month
- Independent Bungalows: ₹5–₹10 lakh per month (often leased to embassies/officials), hard to come by in terms of availability
- Purchase Price: Among the highest in the city, often ₹30–₹40 crore for prime properties
This makes it a neighbourhood accessible only to diplomats, top bureaucrats, HNIs and multinational executives, lending it the charm of elite sophistication and exclusivity, out of reach for most.
Lifestyle, Amenities & Community in Chanakyapuri
- Green Spaces: Lush avenues, Nehru Park and access to the Delhi Ridge make Chanakyapuri stand out as one of the greenest areas in Delhi.
- World-Class Dining: From fine dining at The Ashok Hotel to constant embassy-organized food festivals and cafes, there’s consistently something global on offer.
- Cultural Events: Embassies frequently host cultural festivals, film screenings, and exhibitions, offering residents a uniquely elite and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
- Shopping: While Chanakyapuri itself is serene, there is the Chanakya Mall available for exclusive, luxury shopping. It comes complete with a gourmet experiential grocery store, a luxury movie theatre and a few high-end dining options. Nearby markets span Sarojini Nagar, INA, and Khan Market offer everything from high-street to designer shopping, across the entire pricing spectrum.
Connectivity & Convenience of Living in Chanakyapuri
- Centrally located, Chanakyapuri connects easily to key areas like Connaught Place, India Gate, and South Delhi.
- Metro access through the Pink Line makes for a smooth commute to most parts of the city.
- Roads are exceptionally well maintained, a Delhi-rarity, with minimal traffic inside the enclave itself. This alone makes it one of the best areas to be in Delhi.
Pros & Cons of Living in Chanakyapuri
Pros
- Ultra-secure, clean and serene environment with round-the-clock patrolling.
- Green, peaceful, and pollution-free compared to all other Delhi localities.
- Access to cultural, social, and international events.
- Prestigious address and unmatched lifestyle amenities and factors.
Cons
- Extremely high cost of living.
- Limited availability of residential housing.
- Less out-and-about community feel compared to areas like Greater Kailash or Vasant Kunj. This aspect rules it out for a lot of people looking to be part of an interactive community.
Who lives in Chanakyapuri?
- Diplomats and embassy staff on medium to short term stays.
- HNIs and top-level executives.
- Expats looking for security and luxury.
- Families who value privacy, prestige and world-class amenities and are willing to pay premium costs to live in one of Delhi’s best areas.
Prestige, Peace and Security: Chankyapuri’s Residential Areas
Living in Chanakyapuri doesn’t just grant you an elite PIN code- it allows you access to a global community while still enjoying the serenity of Delhi’s most well-planned residential area. In Chankyapuri, you get the best of Delhi: a very prestigious blend of international culture and Indian charm, wrapped up with the metaphorical bow of leafy boulevards and unmatched exclusivity.
Want to dig deeper into one of Delhi’s best neighbourhoods? Get on Neighboursnook to discover cultural events, international food pop-ups and all local services in and around Chanakyapuri. The best way to gain unparalleled access to this otherwise private and hard-to-spot in real life community.