Delhi is a unique shopping haunt in India, in the sense that here you can buy almost anything from anywhere in India that too at prices suitable to your budget. Best buys would be silk and cotton, woodwork, leather, precious stones, jewellery and Indian handicrafts. 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 itself 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. With increased buying power and great emphasis on lifestyle, this has led to greater sophistication in display, more and fancier shops, competitive advertising and markeitng strategies and the upgrading of certain markets in temrs of availability of items.
Delhi has long been the most important trading centre in Northern India. Many of its localities like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai derive their names from medieval market towns which served the bygone, shifting capital cities of Delhi. Today, all these have become a part of rapidly expanding metropolis. Instead of market towns, there are specific wholesale markets or mandis scattered throughout the vast city. For visitors to Delhi, shopping is high on the list of "things to do". Tourists will find a wide choice of items such as carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts and handprinted cotton - that are synonymous with India.
As many tourists leave India from Delhi, this is an important fact to bear in mind as shopping can be left for the last leg of the journey. Equally important is the fact that each item is available in a range of prices depending on the quality and the outlet. Another interesting fact is that each market has its own distinctive ambience and adds its own flavour to the experience of shopping.Following places are important shopping haunts in Delhi:
Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is the shopping spine of Old Delhi. This commercial place was designed by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. Here it is a perfect microcosm of Indian religions - a Hindu temple (Gauri Shankar Mandir), a Jain temple ( Digamber Lal Mandir) , a bird hospital, a Sikh Gurudwara (Sis Ganj) and a Muslim mosque ( Jama Masjid). with a maze of alleys and streets, this place provides an unforgettable shopping experience offering every conceivable item from wedding turbans and brassware to bicycles and electronics desides eating joints.Some of the important streets are Dariba Kalan - the gleaming silver market, Kinari Bazaar - with its tinsel and glitter offering rich silk sarees of the bridal trousseau, the legendary Ballimaran - with its hakims and one time colourful inhabitants, appetizing Paranthawali Gali, Khari Baoli, the aromatic spice market and the Chor Bazaar wgere all kinds of stolen goods turn up. Chandni Chowk is a fascinating start of a journey that a little courage and spirit of adventure, can lead you to the secrets that lie hiden in the heart of Old Delhi.
Connaught Place: Built in 1931, and named after king Emperor George V's uncle, Duke of Connaught, this complex is made up of three concrete circles of colannaded arcades and is the heart of New Delhi. The most popular of the radial roads leading off from Connaught Place is Janpath. It is a treasure trove for shoppers, especially bargain hunters. There are scores of Tibetan stalls and other shops selling all manner of craft items, handicrafts, curios besdies a few book stalls and snack joints, ethnic wear, Kolhapuri chappals, Rajasthani paintings and brassware.
Central Cottage Indutries Emporium: Central Cottage Industries Emporium is located in Jawahar Vyapar bhawan, Janpath. Here you will find a spectacular display of Indian handicrafts all under one roof. Spread ovber 8 levels covering a floor area of 36,000 sq.ft., its range includes fabrics, household Lenin, carpets, jewellery, handmade paper, furniture and art objects in wood, brass and copper. Prices are fixed.
Timings : 10.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Sundays closed)
The State Emporia: The State Emporia comprises of a string of shops from almost every Indian state. It is on Baba Kharak Singh marg, Connaught Place. Handicrafts and handlooms etc. peculiar to each state may be found here. A great way to get a whiff of the Indian states.
Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan: Khadi Grmodyog Bhavan is located in Regal building, Connaught Place. It is run by Khadi Village Industries Commission. Here you can buy Khadi cottong and silk tardage, readymade khadi garments, handmade paper, incense sticks, pure honey etc. A special discount period of 90 days starts from 2nd October (Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary).
Palika Bazaar: Palika Bazaar is an air-conditioned underground shopping centre at Connaught Place. It has over 400 small shops selling a wide range of products from ready to wear, costume jewellery, accessories, books, music systems and electronic gadgets etc.
Dilli Haat: Haats are traditionally periodic open markets, though Dilli Haat is open every day of the week. It is located on the Sri Aurobindo Marg opposite to INA market. Craftsmen from different parts of the country come for a fortnight at a tie to display their crafts. It is also the only place where regional food from all over India is available.
Hauz Khas Village: An urban village where modern and traditional have come together in complete harmony. The village can be savored in a spirit of escape and enjoyment. Its boutiques and specialty restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere. The range includes high fashion garments, carpets, old silver antiques, furniture and artifacts made using traditional techniques fashioned for urban tastes.
South Extension: On either side of the Ring road, South Extension is one of the most fashionable shopping areas with an excellent range of shops selling garments, jewellery, footwear, music and books. Most international brands available in India have their outlets here. The food stalls and restaurants in the area are definitely worth a try.
Khan Market: Khan market is a small shopping center to the south of India Gate and is very popular. A number of good bookshops as well as household goods stores can be found here.
Santhusti Shopping Complex: This modern shopping complex is opposite Samrat hotel on Panchsheel Marg. It consists of a number of small shops set in beautiful surroundings. It is run by the Air Force Officer’s wives. There are a number of very interesting boutiques and shops selling some really fascinating stuff. A restaurant Basil & Thyme is worth experiencing.
INA Market: The Indian National Army Market is on Shri Aurobindo Marg and is South Delhi’s main food market. Besides well stocked fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits, there are also shops selling foreign groceries and textiles. Central market in Lajpat Nagar, Ajmal Khan Road market in Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar market, Sarojini Nagar market, Lal Quarter market in Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg are other very popular shopping areas with numerous fast food joints, movie halls, and shops selling readymade garments, toys and jewellery etc.
Sundernagar Market: Sundernagar Market is a fine place to shop for antiques and silver jewellery. The well appointed stores keep a choice selection, especially of silver jewellery from Ladakh, semi – precious stones, some textiles and brass, copper and silver objects d’art. Not far from Sundernagar is the Crafts Museum Shop, attached to the Museum in Pragati Maidan. Moving further south are the upmarket shopping centre of South Delhi – South entension, Greater Kailash I and II, Green Park and Huaz Khas Village. The haunt of nouveau riche, these market offer a combination of ethic chic and designer labels, Indian and international fashonwear. One of the more visible results of the Indian liberalization of the Indian economy is the burgeoning of international designer wear outlets.
Ambawatta Complex: For those in search of the elegant and the exclusive, the place to go is Ambawatta Complex on the frize of Mehrauli Village.
Tibetan Market: Stalls along the Janpath have plenty of curios – most are new butb rapidly aged to look authentic. Green Park has handy supermarket.
Karol Bagh Market: Karol Bagh Market is 3 km west of the Connaught Place along Panchkuin Marg ( Radial Road 3), has become even more popular than Connaught Place and main bazaar.
M-Block Market: M-Block market in Greater Kailash I is one of the biggest upper and middle class shopping centres. The N – Block market in Greater Kailash I has similar collection of upmarket stores, including the famous clothing, fabric, and furnishing store fab India.
