The diversities of the Indian cities are well reflected in their bustling markets. Sit back and Relax! We are here to give you a thorough guide to help you explore the famous Indian Shopping markets to definitely visit once in your life. While touring the different states of our country, these markets will give you plenty of options to choose from as souvenirs for your loved ones. The unlimited varieties of these markets will definitely get your shopping instinct running. So, just put on your bargain hat and let’s dive right in.
- Commercial Street, Bangalore
Commercial Street in the tech hub of India, is like a paradise for the shopaholics. The nearest metro station to the market is MG Road Metro Station. From gorgeous embroidered blouses, sarees, kurtis to exquisitely crafted lanterns, antique wall hangings and clocks for home decor, the street has them all.
Timings : 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
Things to buy: Multi-colored beautiful bangles, mugs and dinner sets in Middle-eastern designs, exotic perfumes, premium quality makeup, best body lotions and fragrant shampoos, etc.
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- New Market, Kolkata
The market is considered as the heart and soul of Kolkata. The market was formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg market. This market which dates back to 1874 has still managed to hold the old charm in it’s beautifully structured buildings. It accommodates more than 2,000 stalls and shops selling different varieties of items. The nearest metro station to this market is Esplanade. Also, the street food here is to die for. Don’t forget to dig into the delicacies after a tiring day of shopping.
Timings : 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Mon- Fri), 10:00 am – 2:30 pm on Sat. Closed on Sundays
Things to buy : Designer apparels, stylish footwear, wheeled luggage, electronic gadgets, trendy bags, fresh flowers and fruits, junk jewelleries, Bengali sarees, seafoods and different types of meats, etc.
- Johari market, Jaipur.
Located near Hawa Mahal, this market will definitely get your attention with it’s buzzing stalls and vibrant atmosphere. The market is considered to be one of the most famous and oldest markets of Jaipur.
Timings : 10:00 am to 11:00 pm everyday of the week.
Things to buy : exquisite jewellery, artefacts, Mojaris, sarees in colourful Bandhej, Bandhani suits and fabrics, blue pottery items, dinner sets, products with Baltic work, sandalwood items, etc.
4.Chor Bazaar, Mumbai
They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and it’s exactly true when it comes to Chor Bazar. It is considered to be the busiest market place in South Bombay selling A to Z items. Shopping here can be daunting but if you use your bargaining skills correctly, you will be in a win-win situation.The closest local railway station to this market is Grant Road.
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm except Fridays.
Things to buy : antique and vintage items, colourful variety of handicrafts, trinkets of all types, bronze statues, lamps, cameras, vintage miniatures, bollywood posters, etc.
- Ima Keithel, Imphal
The market stands as a symbol of women empowerment being run exclusively by women. This market flourishes both economically and commercially. This unique one-of-a-kind ‘Mother’s Market’ is a major tourist attraction in Manipur. The market is divided into two lanes, with one selling day to day grocery items and the other selling handlooms and handicrafts.
Timings: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm all days.
Things to buy: Fresh fruits and vegetables, exquisite handlooms and household tools, beautiful Manipuri handwoven sarees, wicker products, utensils, toys, etc
To know more about handlooms, click on the link below : 5 places to visit for Indian Handloom
- Police Bazaar, Shillong
If you are a shopaholic and a foodie then this is the place for you. The market is filled with an array of restaurants, hotels, big brand stores and a flea market. Hence, it tops the priority list of locals and of tourists as well. The flea market is pocket-friendly and draws a large number of buyers.
Timings : 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Things to buy : traditional handicrafts, exquisite Meghalaya merchandise, dried fruit and spices, winter clothes, bags, shoes, beauty kits from Japan, Korea and China, bakeries, vessels, handmade shawls, etc.
7) Hazratganj, Lucknow
Considered as the heart of Lucknow, this market culminates both the old and the new. Located in the downtown of Lucknow, the market preserves the historic authenticity, traditions, culture and hospitality. It houses many small markets, shopping malls, classy showrooms, hotels, PVR theatres, restaurants, food courts, and many famous offices.
Timings:10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Things to buy : Chikankari embroidered fabric, books, handmade objects of traditional and cultural significance, jootis, colourful bangles, itar, etc.
- Sarojini Nagar, Delhi
The market is considered as the fashion hub of Delhi. Located in Sarojini Nagar in South Bombay, this market attracts locals and tourists in large numbers. The market is crammed with vibrantly coloured clothes, high-street merchandise, junk jewelleries, accessories and cosmetics.The essence of the market lies in the highly affordable price points. With a little money in your pocket, you can surely go a long way here. The nearest metro station is Sarojini Nagar Metro Station on Pink Line.
Timings : 11:00 am to 8: pm. Closed on Mondays
Things to buy : trendy shoes, junk jewelleries, trendy home decor, wall posters, frames, lamps, trendy apparels, bags, crockery, etc.
The markets are uniquely beautiful in their own way. They are not just places selling things but places holding the rich cultural diversities of the Indian cities. Each time you walk through these markets, you will find yourself in a different world altogether. On this note, we leave you here with a small poem by Sarojini Naidu
In The Bazaars of Hyderabad :
What do you sell, 0 ye merchants?
Richly your wares are displayed,
Turbans of crimson and silver,
Tunics of purple brocade,
Mirrors with panels of amber,
Daggers with handles of jade.
What do you weigh, 0 ye vendors?
Saffron and lentil and rice.
What do you grind, 0 ye maidens?
Sandalwood, henna and spice.
What do you call, 0 ye pedlars?
Chessmen and ivory dice.
What do you make, 0 ye goldsmiths?
Wristlet and anklet and ring,
Bells for the feet of blue pigeons,
Frail as a dragon-fly’s wing,
Girdles of gold for the dancers,
Scabbards of gold for the king.
What do you cry, 0 ye fruitmen?
Citron, pomegranate and plum.
What do you play, 0 musicians?
Cithar, sarangi and drum.
What do you chant, 0 magicians?
Spells for the aeons to come.
What do you weave, 0 ye flower-girls?
With tassels of azure and red?
Crowns for the brow of a bridegroom,
Chaplets to garland his bed,
Sheets of white blossoms new-gathered
To perfume the sleep of the dead.
Try some delicacies while filling your bags. To know more, click on the link below