Shopping in India: The Best Places

Sep 25, 2021

By Debasree Chakraborty

Shopping is one of the under-rated pleasures of travelling in India. Shopping in India is one of the immersive experiences of the country. Just like the country itself, the markest are vibrant, bustling with enery, sometimes chaotic and often hospitable. On your holiday in India, do indulge in shopping. From handcrafted treasures to natural produce, rare craftsmanship to some budget bragins, there is a lot on offer.

Here Places for Shopping in India:

1. Jaipur

For anything traditional and ethnic, it has to be Jaipur. Mirror Work, tie and dyes, exuberant embroideries and just so much colour! Keep to traditional items, clothing and handicrafts, a bargain at bazaars, break for amazing street food and you are set. Maybe even buy some traditional puppets. Jaipur is undoubtedly one of the best shopping places in India.

When you are done pampering yourself, also hoard some beautiful, and mostly hand-painted and natural colour printed home decor goodies, from cushions, bed sheets to rajaais. Psst? Also great for wedding shopping in India!

What: Jewelry (Lac, Trinkets, Precious, Customized), Clothing (Traditional),  Footwear (Traditional Jaipuri Jootis), Handicrafts, Saris, Home Decor (Curtains, Bedspreads etc)

Top Places: Bapu Bazaar, Johri Bazaar, MI Road,

2. Delhi

If there is one place where you get the best of both traditional, ethnic and contemporary as well as budget street shopping and splurging designer labels, it is Delhi. The sheer variety on this city's list is amazing and this makes it one of the best place to buy clothes in India. Connaught place and Janpath Market are essentials. Don't miss Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar if you are interested street shopping and clothing (sometimes even top brands) and jewellery on a budget. A bargain at local shops. Delhi Haat is essential for Handicrafts from around the country and Select Citywalk and Dlf Emporio for brands and designer labels.

What: Clothing (both street and labels), Trinkets, Silver and street Jewelry, Handicrafts, books

Top Places: Connaught Place and the adjoining emporiums and Janpath Market, Delhi Haat, Khan Market,

3. Chennai

You just don't leave Chennai without a bright Kanchipuram Sari. Even if you don't wear saris too often, a fine silk sari is essential, and if you are looking for a special one, it doesn't get better than this. Head to the Nalli store if you aren't an expert at saris for a full proof shopping spree. Do visit Pondy Bazaar and maybe grab a bite at Anna Salai in between. Express Avenue and Phoenix Market  City are some popular malls for shopping in India.

What: Kanchipuram Silk Saris, Clothing, Jewelry, Dance costumes and accessories (classical), handicrafts

Top Places: Anna Salai,T-Nagar, Mylapore (for dance costumes, accessories and handicrafts)

4. Goa - Beach shacks, Night markets and Stalls

Goa may already be your favourite, but if you like shopping at flea markets, stalls, and shacks and bargaining you might just fall for it again. Anjuna market is extremely popular and essential. Do bargain and check at multiple stalls before you settle for a purchase. When it comes to pop up flea markets, Anjuna is the best for impulse shopping in India.

What:  Artificial Jewelry and trinkets, Clothing, Beachwear, Footwear, Spices, Local handicrafts, Handbags, Accessories

Top Places: Anjuna Flea Market, Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora, Calangute Market Square

5. Mumbai

Like any other metro in India, Mumbai's shopping list doesn't have anyone, single highlight or speciality but a muse for anything you may desire. If you are in the mood for street shopping, there is the essential Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street and Hill Road. Don't forget to bargain here. There is also a certain Chor Bazaar and the word is you can find some vintage movie posters here. Could this be the best place to shop in India? We think so too! Amongst malls, do drop in at High Street Phoenix.

What: Clothing (both street and brands hopping), Accessories, Footwear, Jewelry, Maybe even some old and new Bollywood posters

Top Places: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, High Street Phoenix

6. Kerala

God's own country has nothing but everything natural here. From spices, coffee to essential oils, everything has an original aroma of its own. When it comes to jewellery- it's nothing but pure gold. Kerela is filled with charming markets and malls. Make a visit to the tea and coffee estates and lay your hands on freshly plucked beverage leaves. It's truly a paradise of sorts.

What: spices, gold jewellery (real & artificial), handicrafts, aroma oils, cashew nuts, banana chips, tea, coffee and Kasavu mundu

Top places: Connemara market in Trivandrum, Kochi spice market, Lulu International shopping mall in Kochi

7. Hyderabad

Known as The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is one of the best places to shop for the authentic pearls and relish the tasty biryanis, skewer kebabs and haleem. You'll love Hyderabad if you're a shopaholic.

What: Pearls, Ittar, Pochampally Ikkat Sarees, Mojaris, Kalamkari fabrics, Bidri work, Lac Bangles

Top places: Char Minar Bazaar, Laad Bazaar, Koti Market