This huge Delhi market has been deliberately
made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called
a haat. Small thatched roof cottages with a village atmosphere
give it great ambiance. The market offers an exciting blend
of handicrafts, food, and cultural activities. You'll find 200
stalls with craftsmen displaying their wares from all over the
country, over 25 food stalls serving a variety of regional specialties,
and a special play area for children. The cultural and music
evenings are enthralling as well. The entry fee is 15 rupees
(35 cents). Don't miss it!
Location:
Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi. What to Buy:
Indian handcrafts and artifacts.
Janpath And Tibetan Market
This very popular and lively Delhi market, which
was recently given a makeover, has something for everyone. You'll
find goods from everywhere in India and Tibet here, and it's
a great place to shop for things to take back home. However,
you'll need all your bargaining skills to get a really decent
price.
Location: Janpath, just off
Connaught Place, in central New Delhi. What to Buy:
Handicrafts, hippy clothing, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian
artifacts, leather work, and cheap jewelry.
Khan Market
Khan Market is a small, U-shaped, well established
market that's one of Delhi's classiest. Bargain hunters are
likely to be disappointed at this market. It's got a loyal following
who go there to shop at its branded outlets. One of the best
things about this market is its interesting book shops. It's
also got some excellent tailors who will make you a suit in
less than a week. For Ayurvedic food, medicine and skin care
check out Biotique, and Khadi. Hidden away, you'll find some
great lounges to relax in, many with balconies overlooking the
street.
Location: South New Delhi,
not far from India Gate. What to Buy: Books,
music, branded and tailored clothes, Ayurvedic food and cosmetics,
and lamps.
Paharganj
Some of the best bargain shopping in Delhi can
be found in the crumbling and chaotic Main Bazaar of the Paharganj
traveler ghetto. Many of the shops in Paharganj also deal in
wholesale and export to foreign countries, making it a good
place to come and hunt out unique and inexpensive goods to import
back home.
Location: Paharganj Main
Bazaar, opposite the New Delhi Railway Station. What
to Buy: Clothes, shoes, jewelry, books, music, textiles,
handicrafts, hookah pipes, incense.
Chandni Chowk
The shopping district of Chandni Chowk has been
in existence for hundreds of years and an exploration of its
winding, narrow alleyways is certainly an adventure. The lanes
of Chandni Chowk are divided into bazaars with different areas
of specialization. For fabrics, head to Katra Neel. In the Bhagirath
Palace area, you'll find a huge range of electronics. Dariba
Kalan is Old Delhi's ancient silver market full of silver jewelry.
Food vendors in Chandni Chowk also serve up a delicious assortment
of Delhi street food.
Location: Old
Delhi. What to Buy: Fabrics, jewelry,
and electronic goods.
Lajpat Nagar (Central Market)
The hectic Lajpat Nagar market provides an interesting
glimpse into Indian culture. It's one of the oldest markets
in India and is abuzz with middle class Indian shoppers, all
swarming around its roadside stalls and showrooms. One of this
market's main attractions is the Mehendiwalas, who will apply
beautiful Henna designs to your hands with astonishing speed.
You'll also find reasonably priced Indian kurti tops and salwaar
kameez suits here.
Location: South
New Delhi, near Defence Colony (between Greater Kailash and
South Extension). What to Buy: Indian clothing,
shoes, bags, accessories (including Indian bangles), and home
furnishings.
