Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers, who can buy objects ranging from the
simplest of Indian handicrafts to international designer labels, and often
within the same shopping area. Delhi is unique in that it has representative
outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. This in it self presents a
staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade
there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets.
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Chandni Chowk |
Old Delhi Markets offer a variety of goods. Chandni Chowk and the
bazaar inside Lal Qila are good areas to hunt for bargains. On the
streets behind the Jama Masjid, many shops sell metalware curios and
old utensils, and one street specializes in paper and stationery, some of it
handmade and hand-printed. On Dariba Kalan, stalls are filled with
silver and gold jewelry. Except for the Lal Qila bazaar, most businesses in
Old Delhi shut down on Sunday. |
Connaught Place |
Delhi also has a very popular underground shopping center called Palika
Bazar. This shopping center like most shopping complexes in Delhi has
variety of goods on display and at a reasonable cost. However, while
shopping here you need to be good at bargaining, as generally the prices
quoted are high. A recent phenomenon in Delhi has been the steady rise of foreign collaborations in consumer goods areas. With extremely steep prices
abroad, foreigners visiting India can pick up items of international brands
like Benetton, Ray-Ban, Adidas, and Pierre Cardin at a comparatively lower
price. A common sight in South Delhi, rather in Greater Kailash and South
Extension is the presence of multi storeyed departmental stores. These
stores are complete in themselves in as much that they have on display items
of all kinds ranging from cosmetics to clothes to shoes to books to
household items. If you wish to buy quality products and do not mind
spending a little bit more,then these stores are worth visiting. |
Delhi Haat |
Near INA market, developed by Delhi Tourism
has on display almost everything that would be very typical to a particular
region in India. It has been designed to be an upscale version of a haat
(generally a weekly traditional market). Unlike the traditional haat where
the market itself is mobile and transient, in this case it is the
craftspersons who are ever changing - thus offering a kaleidoscopic view of
the richness and diversity of Indian culture and handicrafts.
This market is spread over a six acre spread with imaginative traditional
rural architecture and provides an ambience for the market. The stone and
brickwork paved paths interspersed with grass patches make browsing and
ambling fun. The not too large but diverse food court bring the cuisines of
different states together. |
Hauz Khas |
In Hauz Khas Village, boutiques and shops set in converted old homes up and
down narrow alleys sell handicrafts, curios, old carpets and kilims, and
designer clothing (both Indian and Western). Most stores are open Monday
through Saturday from 10:30 to 7. |
Karol Bag |
It is yet another famous shopping
complex in Delhi of similar nature. You can find a variety of Indian
clothes, shoes and accessories out here as well as precious jewelry and
bridal wear. What's more, this place sells automobiles and related
accessories. |
Sarogini Nagar
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Sarojini Nagar Market is a lively market where middle-class locals shop.
It's a good place just to stroll around and take in the chaos, as it has
pedestrian-only zones -- a rarity in India. Shopkeepers boisterously hawk
their wares while workers unload goods from auto- and cycle-rickshaws,
shoppers scurry about, and diners pause over plates of greasy street food.
The back streets of Sarojini are famous for selling rejected export apparel
at bargain prices.For music, The Music Shop at Khan Market, Rhythm
Corner at South Extension, Blues in Defence Colony and Sheilma and Pyramids
in Palika Bazar should be visited. Although you will find music available
almost everywhere, the quality of music in these shops is better.
For casuals, Janpath with its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar are the places you would like to visit. These places
offer variety of novelties, gifts and handicraft items at bargain prices.
Sarojini Nagar also has this rather big market of export surplus clothes.
Here you will find clothes made for GAP, Van Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis being
sold for a song. All these clothes have been made in India for these
designer brands and are sold just because they are surplus. Terrific
bargains! |
Sundays: Connaught Place, Janpath, Baba Kharak Singh
Marg, Jor Bagh, Khan Market, Malcha Marg, Nehru Place, Sunder Nagar,
Yashwant Place, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar.
Mondays: Defence Colony, INA Market, Jangpura, Karol
Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, South Extension.
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Tuesdays: Greater Kailash, Green Park, Hauz Khas,
Kalkaji, Safdarjung Enclave, Vasant Vihar, Shahdara, Yusuf Sarai.
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