ITINERARY

Shopping in India

India is rapidly growing as one of the biggest attractive shopping destinations in the world. The growth of modern retail has been parallel to the development of shopping malls in India. India is a popular shopping destination for the traditional shopping as well as latest/modern shopping. India is home of some of the biggest shopping malls in Asia and the dream city Mumbai is the one who have most of the largest shopping malls of the country.

Top shopping destinations of India

From handicrafts to cuisine, India is known for its unique hand work. Each city is famous for its unique product. Lets see which cities attract shopaholics for what.

Mysore

Rich cuisine, ornamental palaces, beautiful gardens… everything in Mysore has a laid back charm that reflects the city’s royal heritage, and shopping is no exception. From intricate and authentic Mysore paintings, to vibrant silk saris and an unimaginable variety of sandalwood handicrafts, shopping in Mysore is a treat for every art enthusiast.

Varanasi

Besides its bizarre Manikarna Ghat, Varanasi is famous for its Sarees. Known all over the world for their lustre, fine weaving and elaborate embroidery with silver and gold thread, Benarasi saris have singlehandedly made Varanasi (Benaras) one of the busiest shopping destinations of India. Not just saris but silk scarves, men’s kurtas, ties and even unstitched fabric can also be bought. Brassware is another specialty of Varanasi.

Lucknow

Been to the Jama Mazjid, Bara Imambara, British Residency and Rumi Darwaza and sampled the delicious shami and seekh kebabs in Lucknow? You still need a day to explore the core of the city through shopping. The shopping districts in Lucknow especially Hazrat Gunj and Aminabad are labyrinths that get denser and noisier as you go deeper. The smallest of shops here can boast of a variety of things. In the city of Nawabs, chikankari work on fabric, itr (perfume) and exquisite Jadau jewellery are absolute must buys.

Hyderabad

“It is only pearls and pearls are all I have to take your heart away…” sang Hyderabad once and ever since travellers to Hyderabad haven’t heard the end of who wants how many pearl sets in the family! Laad Bazaar is famous for Hyderbadi pearls and semi-precious jewellery. Besides jewellery you can buy Hyderabadi Khara dupatta, antiques and electronics from Abids and Begum Bazaar.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the wonderland of mojaris, odhanis (dupattas), spices, leather products and a number of handicrafts. If solid colours, block prints and Rajasthani motifs are your style, then you can find them on anything from wall hangings, bed covers and rugs to clothes at Shri Mangalam in Makrana Mohalla.

Jaipur

The Pink City celebrates shopping in all its hues. The famous Bapu Bazaar and Jhohari Bazaar of Jaipur are gateways to the vibrant world of Rajasthani bandhanis, lehariyas and batik prints. The markets are also known for their lac bangles, silver jewellery, other silverware, blue pottery and ornamental home accessories which are durable, authentic and affordable.

Kolkata

Kolkata is the largest shopping destination in East India. Exquisite handicrafts from the North-Eastern states find their way to markets in Kolkata because of the tremendous exposure. Some of the famous places worth visiting include Assam Craft Emporium and Nagaland Emporium. Besides these, Kolkata’s specialities are red-bordered saris, leather bags, sweets and books that you can buy at The New Market and from shops at Park Street.

Mumbai

The City of Dreams is a shopaholic’s paradise. Flea markets, malls, designer boutiques and a number of shopping arcades cater to 12 million people every day in Mumbai! Fashion Street and Linking Road are famous for their latest fancy clothing, accessories and artefacts. Colaba Causeway and Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai are ideal haunts for fashionistas and youngsters not only because of the overwhelming assortment of chic and funky, but also because of plenty of food outlets where you can take little breaks in between all the shopping.

Delhi

Delhi comes first in the list of where to shop in India, not only because you can find just about anything here, but also because of the experience. The glitzy malls of Rajouri or Vasant Kunj, colourful Dilli Haat or flea markets of Sarojini Nagar and Palika Bazaar, each has its own charm. From clothes, accessories and handicrafts, to electronics, automobiles and everything else; you can find it all in Delhi.