Dariba Kalan is a narrow 17th-century lane in Old Delhi that links Chandni Chowk with Jama Masjid. Wikipedia describes it as a Mughal-era bazaar for precious stones, gold and silver jewellery, especially under Shah Jahan. Today, most shops sell costume jewellery, with some selling silver and traditional attar.
This page covers the history of the lane, what you can buy in the Dariba Kalan market today, nearby food, and how to get there, including the walk to the Gate No. 3 side of Jama Masjid.
- Location
- Old Delhi, between Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid
- Known for
- Jewellery (mostly costume now), silver, attar
- Dates from
- 17th century, Shahjahanabad
- Name
- From Persian "Dur-e be-baha", unparalleled pearl (Wikipedia)
- Food nearby
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Paranthe Wali Gali, Kinari Bazaar
- Metro
- Chandni Chowk (Yellow), Jama Masjid or Lal Qila (Violet)
Where is Dariba Kalan?
Dariba Kalan sits inside the walled city of Old Delhi, in the Chandni Chowk area. According to Wikipedia, the lane connects Chandni Chowk with Jama Masjid. Its Chandni Chowk end opens onto the main bazaar road, and its southern end leads towards the northern gate of the mosque, Gate No. 3. That is why addresses on the north side of the mosque, including Gumbad Cafe opposite Gate No. 3, are often written as "Dariba Kalan".
Wikipedia also names the lanes around it: Kinari Bazaar, Gali Kazanchi and Gali Paranthe Wali.
Dariba Kalan history
Wikipedia traces the name to the Persian "Dur-e be-baha", meaning an unparalleled pearl, while "Kalan" means big. A smaller lane nearby, Dariba Khurd or Chhota Dariba, is today's Kinari Bazaar.
The street was built as part of Shah Jahan's new city of Shahjahanabad in the 17th century, alongside Chandni Chowk, which Princess Jahanara laid out in 1650, and the Jama Masjid. It became the city's market for precious stones, gold and silver. In March 1739, during Nadir Shah's sack of Delhi, Wikipedia records that the gold shops of Dariba were looted.
Some shops on the lane claim histories going back to the early 19th century. The street also appears in popular culture: Wikipedia notes it is named in the song "Kajra Re" from the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli.
Dariba Kalan market today: what to buy
Wikipedia describes the present-day lane as mostly costume jewellery shops, with some shops selling authentic attar, the traditional oil-based perfume. Visitors also come for silver jewellery, which the lane is still associated with.
- Costume and fashion jewellery: the bulk of the lane today.
- Silver jewellery: a long association, though stock and quality vary from shop to shop.
- Attar: a handful of perfume shops.
- Wedding trims and decorations: found next door in Kinari Bazaar.
Shopping tips for the Dariba Kalan jewellery market
- Compare a few shops before you buy, since similar pieces are sold side by side.
- Bargain politely on costume pieces.
- For silver or gold, ask about purity, weight and making charges, and ask for a proper bill.
- For attar, test on your skin and give it a few minutes before buying.
- Go on a weekday morning if you dislike crowds; the lane is narrow and fills up in the evening and at weekends.
- Keep valuables close in the crowded lanes.
Food in and around Dariba Kalan
Wikipedia notes well-known jalebi outlets at both ends of the street and places Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Dariba Kalan. Delhi Tourism says the shop has operated since 1884 and lists hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Very close by are Paranthe Wali Gali and Kinari Bazaar, where Delhi Tourism lists Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale for khurchan and rabri and a branch of Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala. See the Chandni Chowk food guide for these and more.
At the Jama Masjid end, the Mughlai food lanes around the mosque take over; see the food near Jama Masjid guide.
How to get to Dariba Kalan
- From the Chandni Chowk side: take the Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk, or the Violet Line to Lal Qila, and walk along the main Chandni Chowk road to the Dariba Kalan turn.
- From the Jama Masjid side: take the Violet Line to Jama Masjid, walk round to the mosque's Gate No. 3 on the north side, and enter the lane from there. See the Jama Masjid metro guide.
- By car: the main Chandni Chowk road is pedestrianised in the daytime, per Wikipedia, and a multilevel parking at Gandhi Maidan opened in early 2024.
Plan an afternoon: Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan and Jama Masjid
- Start at Chandni Chowk with parathas or chaat.
- Turn into Dariba Kalan for jalebis and a slow walk past the jewellery and attar shops, with a detour into Kinari Bazaar.
- Come out near Gate No. 3 of Jama Masjid and visit the mosque outside prayer times, dressed modestly. See the Jama Masjid visitor guide.
- End with Mughlai food in Matia Mahal or the view of the mosque from a rooftop opposite Gate No. 3; see the Gumbad Cafe visit guide.
Questions and answers
What is Dariba Kalan famous for?
It is a 17th-century jewellery lane in Old Delhi. Historically it sold precious stones, gold and silver; today most shops sell costume jewellery, with some silver and attar shops.
Where is Dariba Kalan?
In Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk area, linking Chandni Chowk with Jama Masjid and ending near the mosque's northern Gate No. 3.
What does Dariba Kalan mean?
Wikipedia traces Dariba to the Persian for an unparalleled pearl, and Kalan means big. The smaller Dariba Khurd is now Kinari Bazaar.
Which metro station is nearest to Dariba Kalan?
Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line for the north end, or Jama Masjid on the Violet Line for the mosque end.
Is there food in Dariba Kalan?
Yes. Old Famous Jalebi Wala, dating from 1884 per Delhi Tourism, is in the lane, and Paranthe Wali Gali and Kinari Bazaar are close by.
Sources
Last checked: 14 October 2026