Writings on the walls in Delhi
Last updated: October 24, 2026
“Art is an evolutionary act. The shape of art and its role in society is constantly changing. At no point is art static. There are no rules.” – Raymond Salvatore Harmon, in Bomb : A Manifesto of Art Terrorism. Delhi is a city of quirks and I love it from the bottom of my heart. There is something about this behemoth capital of India, despite the good, bad and ugly does not fail to leave an impression on the minds of its visitors. Most foreign travelers tag it as unscrupulous, shocking, and ruthlessly commercialized, but those who bother to delve deeper, discover hosts of charms that make them fall in love with Delhi. For me, Delhi is more than a city. It is a historical figure, a personality wizened with time yet ever retaining its lust for young fun. Flowering trees in the parks, old cramped lanes of Chandni Chowk, busy markets, wide-open spaces with heritage monuments, and layers of course-changing history mark Delhi for me, and I can never get enough of it. To this list of attractions, street art is the latest addition and all across Delhi, beautiful bold street art is springing up.
Delhi Street Art Quick Facts
| Best area | Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Colony – India’s first public art district |
| Murals | Around 50+ large murals by Indian and international artists (St+art India Foundation) |
| Nearest metro | JLN Stadium (Violet Line) or Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) – a short auto ride or walk |
| Entry | Free, open-air, any time |
| Best time | Morning or late afternoon, October–March |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours to walk the main lanes |
| Combine with | Lodhi Garden, Khan Market and Meharchand Market cafés |
Delhi street art is everywhere
Many old walls, buildings, and facades have got complete makeovers and the city has received a much-needed facelift. Bringing you these incredible murals and wall paintings straight from the dusty lanes of Delhi is a fellow featured travel blogger of the series. She is my personal favourite, not only because of her keen aesthetic sense but also for her freedom-loving fun spirit. Meet Ayandrali Dutta, a traveler, travel blogger, excellent cook, and food aficionado. She has a great sense of style and much of it is reflected in her blog Wanderlustcraving.com. And this is what Ayandrali has to say about street art in Delhi.
The best of Delhi street art
“As you walk past the Lodhi art district or the posh bylanes of Khan market or Connaught place the city sees a new charm – Street art. Most of the walls in these localities are adorned with some amazing street art with some theme or the other. Lodhi happened to be India’s first open art gallery, an initiative started by St+Art artist. Be it the Shekhawati Painting or the Calligrafitti by Niels Shoe Meulman this place is a storehouse for art lovers. One would be amazed to see the Dead Dahlias, Created by Amitabh Kumar, as this mural sees historical context depicting When the Pandava’s lost the first game of dice and went to exile. While the one at Khan market shows inter-dimensional experience by artist Okuda. While the one at Connaught place shows the woman is liberated, riding on the back of a bird soaring in the sky.” To check out more travel stories of Ayandrali, follow her blog Wanderlust craving.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Photo Credit – Ayandrali Dutta
NOTE – “Writings on the Walls” is an ongoing series in which I hope to collate awesome street art from around the world. If you wish to collaborate, please email me at [email protected] and we can take it from there.
Follow the rest of the street art series
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE
Where to See Street Art in Delhi
| Area | What to expect | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Lodhi Art District (Lodhi Colony) | Huge building-side murals along the lanes between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market | JLN Stadium or Jor Bagh metro |
| Shahpur Jat | Colourful murals in an urban village full of boutiques and cafés | Green Park / Hauz Khas metro + short auto |
| Hauz Rani | Community art on narrow lanes opposite Saket | Malviya Nagar metro |
| Hauz Khas Village | Smaller murals among cafés and ruins | Hauz Khas metro + auto |
| Metro stations and flyovers | Public art projects across the city | Various |
How to Walk the Lodhi Art District
- Start near Khanna Market and walk the lanes towards Meharchand Market – most murals are on the gable walls of government housing blocks.
- Look up and around: many murals are only visible from across the road.
- Map tip: search ‘Lodhi Art District’ in your map app for mural pins; the St+art India website also shares artwork details.
- Photo tips: soft morning light avoids harsh shadows; a wide-angle lens helps in the narrow lanes.
- Be respectful: it’s a residential area – don’t block traffic or enter compounds.
- Finish with coffee at Meharchand Market or a walk in Lodhi Garden.
FAQs
Where is the best street art in Delhi?
The Lodhi Art District in Lodhi Colony has Delhi’s best collection of large murals. Shahpur Jat and Hauz Rani also have colourful street art.
Which metro station is nearest to Lodhi Art District?
JLN Stadium on the Violet Line and Jor Bagh on the Yellow Line are the nearest metro stations, followed by a short walk or auto ride.
Is there an entry fee for Lodhi Art District?
No. The Lodhi Art District is an open-air gallery in a residential area and is free to visit.
How long does it take to see the Lodhi Colony murals?
About 1.5 to 2 hours is enough to walk the main lanes and photograph the murals.
You have wonderfully captured in both text and images. Thanks for your interest. Unimaginable, though.
Thank you very much.
Amazing wall arts.
Thank you
I have visited Delhi and these places many times but could not see this beautiful face of our Delhi . will visit again 🙂
Thank you. Delhi is incredible and a city I love very deeply. This street art is another reason to keep loving it more and more.
These street arts are amazing with wonderful messages!
Thank you. They are incredible social expression mediums.
Incredible wall arts collection. A form of societal expressions.
Thank you.
Great ! its astonishing painting on the street walls , Love Delhi.Thank you for sharing the beauty of Delhi with your beautiful pics.
Thank you
This post beautifully captures the vibrancy and diversity of Delhi’s street art! It’s fascinating how these writings reflect the city’s culture and social issues. I love how you highlighted specific locations and their unique messages. Would love to see more about the artists behind some of these incredible pieces!
Thank you.
This post beautifully captures the essence of Delhi’s street art! The way you described the themes and messages behind these writings adds so much depth to the often-overlooked urban canvas. I can’t wait to explore these walls myself!
What an insightful post! I never realized how much storytelling there is on the walls of Delhi. It’s fascinating to see how art and expression can transform public spaces and reflect cultural narratives. Thank you for sharing these hidden gems!
This is such an insightful look at the street art scene in Delhi! The way you describe the stories behind the murals really brings the city to life. I love how you highlighted both the artistic and social messages conveyed through these writings. Can’t wait to explore more of these walls on my next visit!