Shopping in India is not always as bland as a visit to the neighbourhood shopping mall and swiping your debit card. With a host of eccentric and iconic bazaars where you can buy just about anything you might be looking for, almost all these destinations are a thrill to shop at. Colourful, crowded and teeming with possibilities depending on your bargaining powers, visit the following shopping destinations in India to satisfy your inner shopaholic.
21 Best Shopping Destinations In India
From handicrafts to jewellery, from footwear to handlooms, you name and you will find it India when you plan on indulging in a shopping experience. These shopping destinations in India will offer you a shopping high that will change your life.
- New Market, Kolkata – Shop Away
- Flea Market In Arpora, Goa – The Goan Experience
- Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad – Wedding Shopping
- Book Market In Daryaganj, Delhi – For The Book Lovers
- Antiques market in Jew Town, Cochin – Antique Lover’s Paradise
- Mahidharpura Diamond Market, Surat – Get Your Bling
- Johari Bazaar, Jaipur – Budget Jewelry
- Colaba Causeway, Mumbai – Ultimate Flea Market
- Nehru Place, Delhi – For The Gadget Lovers
- Amar Colony Furniture Market, Delhi – Decorate Your Home
- Kirti Nagar, Delhi – Get The Best Furniture
- Rajwada, Indore – Budget Shopping Experience
- Lal Chowk, Kashmir – Exquisite Shawls
- Anna Salai, Chennai – Buy Saree
- Station Square, Orissa – Handicrafts And More
- FC Road, Pune – Stress Free Shopping
- Commercial Street, Bangalore – Shopper’s Paradise
- Janpath, Delhi – Perfect Shopping Spree
- Hazratganj Market, Lucknow – Food To Clothes
- Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur – Ethnic Items
- Serenity Beach Bazaar, Pondicherry – Tasteful Shopping
1. New Market, Kolkata – Shop Away
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You may have to stop for a breath amongst the crowded labyrinth of stalls that is Kolkata’s famous New Market. Popular for its cheap and affordable prices, with over 2500 stores this is the only organised street market in India. Buy cotton saris, Bankura clay horses, brassware, leather bags, silk from Murshidabad, khadi, wigs, poultry, cheeses, nuts, and a lot more. And if you are lost in the maze of shops here, don’t fret. Just hire help in form of a guide and find what you are looking for.
Timings: Weekdays 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday – 10 am to 2 pm (Closed Sundays)
Location: New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
Must Read: Chennai Shopping: 21 Places Where You Can Splurge Your Money
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2. Flea Market In Arpora, Goa – The Goan Experience
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A trip to Goa couldn’t be complete till you visit a flea market and buy a sun-dress and chunky jewellery. Whether you’re looking for an original designer dress or silver body piercings you’ll find everything in this famous Saturday market. With an eclectic selection of clothes, shoes, bags, handicrafts, jewellery, leather accessories, home décor and festoons, topped with live music and mind-boggling variety of food, you are sure to get into the Goan spirit here.
Timings: Saturdays, 6 pm to midnight
Location: Arpora, Goa
3. Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad – Wedding Shopping
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If you are worried about an incoming Bridezilla situation, a visit to this vibrant market could be the answer you are looking for. Branching out from Charminar it has everything shimmery tucked away in its narrow lanes. Famous for traditional hyderabadi glass and stone studded bangles, it also sells fabulous bridal wear, khara dupattas, sarees, pearls, nirmal, kalamkari, handwoven materials of silk, brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics. A day spent here and you are set for your wedding.
Timings: 8 am to 10 pm
Location: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
Suggested Read: Shopping In Gangtok: 15 Things That Can Be Taken Home As Mesmerizing Souvenirs
4. Book Market In Daryaganj, Delhi – For The Book Lovers
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Sure you can just order them online now but a visit to this Sunday market is nonetheless a must if you are a bibliophile. This market has over 200 vendors and offers a stupendous plethora of books, magazines, newspapers and journals starting from just Rs 10. Get lost amongst the printed words and find a rare collection of novels, old classics, academic books, graphic novels and even books of authors you did not know existed.
Timings: 6 am to 9 pm (Open only on Sunday)
Location: Asaf Ali Rd, Chatta lal Miya, Chandni Mahal, Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi
5. Antiques Market In Jew Town, Cochin – Antique Lover’s Paradise
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Indulge in some old fashioned fashion spree to give your house a classic British era feel. In the Portuguese-style houses in Cochin’s Jew Town, find bronze vessels, hand-carved wooden coffee tables, wooden boxes from China, glass paintings and a host of other trinkets. A number of vendors here specialise in antiques from the British era with many of the glass and porcelain goods sold actually from the homes of British India’s nobility.
Timings: 5 am to 9 pm
Location: Jew Town, Cochin
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6. Mahidharpura Diamond Market, Surat – Get Your Bling
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Forget going to an elegant jewellery store and flashing your credit card. Instead get an authentic experience of purchasing diamonds on the back lanes of Mahidharpura market as though you were doing the groceries. Called the Antwerp of the East, stones worth millions of rupees change hands everyday right on streets. Tip: Please bring loads of cash.
Timings: Unknown
Location: Limbusheri, Mahidharpura, Haripura, Surat, Gujarat
Suggested Read: Shopping In Gwalior: The Land Of Chanderi Silk & Handicrafts
7. Johari Bazaar, Jaipur – Budget Jewelry
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A true jewellery lover would not want to leave this market till the last shutter drops. Jaipur’s famous bazaar has its narrow lanes lined with shops selling everything bling. Shop here for gold, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, Kundan and thewa jewellery, silver ornaments and even customised costume jewellery if you are low on budget.
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Sunday)
Location: Johri Bazar, Gangori Bazar, Jaipur
8. Colaba Causeway, Mumbai – Ultimate Flea Market
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Arguably the most popular markets in the city, roam for miles on the footpaths of this South Mumbai bazaar and get enamoured by the colourful kurtas, kaftans, Kolhapuri chappals, jewellery and antique pieces like hookahs and gramophones. You will also find an unusual collection of purses made of jute, cane and even wood here. Simply browsing through the market is a pleasurable experience which can be followed by a relaxing drink at Leopold cafe.
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Location: Bakery Ln, Army Area, Nofra, Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai
Suggested Read: Shopping In Jammu: 10 Top Places To Buy The Best Pashminas, Papier Mâché & Other Handicrafts
9. Nehru Place, Delhi – For The Gadget Lovers
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If it is wired, you will find it here at a price you are willing to spend. Called the largest IT market in South East Asia, Nehru Place is filled with shops selling branded computers and equipment, computer parts and electronic gadgets. Of course everything is not all clean and clear here, and you will also find enough shops selling their own gadgets, pirated software and use and throw electronic items at throwaway prices.
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Location: Nehru Place, New Delhi, Delhi
10. Amar Colony Furniture Market, Delhi – Decorate Your Home
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Lovers of antique furniture should make a visit to this hotchpotch market which stocks an amazing variety at literally throw away prices. Find anything from period mirrors, wooden laundry racks to antique study tables and four poster beds. And don’t be disappointed if you don’t find what you are looking. Apart from the pieces displayed, the shopkeepers can make any piece on order or replicate a period piece.
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm
Location: Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi
Suggested Read: Shopping In Murudeshwar: A Handy Guide For The Shopaholics To Enjoy A Hassle-Free Time!
11. Kirti Nagar, Delhi – Get The Best Furniture
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If you can’t find what you are looking for here, it is likely that it doesn’t exist. With over 800 timber stores to choose from, here you would find almost any design concept you might be looking for. You will find everything wooden here, from simple sofa sets and dining tables, sleek modular kitchens and wardrobes to interior decorations and designer fittings.
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm (Closed Mondays)
Location: Furniture Block, Industrial Area, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi
12. Rajwada, Indore – Budget Shopping Experience
Rajwada Market in Indore is one of the most famous shopping destinations in India. If you are travelling in Indore and feel like going on a shopping spree, take the opportunity to visit markets in Rajwada. It is the best place if you are looking for local items which are different in sizes as well and are at a very affordable cost. From here you can easily buy clothes, leather items, Home decorate items, food items etc. The best part is that shopping here won’t leave your pockets empty.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holker Cloth Market, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
13. Lal Chowk, Kashmir – Exquisite Shawls
Kashmir is known for its shawls and carpets, and Lal chowk is just the destination to buy those things. While the Pashmina Shawls and Silk Carpets might burn a hole in your pockets, the cost will be worth it as these are Kashmir’s absolute favourites. A bargain at local shops. Go to authorised outlets for Pashmina shawls or take an expert with you who can help you buy the authentic stuff. And don’t forget to hoard Paper mache boxes and handicrafts for family and friends too!
Timings: 8.30 am to 5 pm
Location: Lal Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
14. Anna Salai, Chennai – Buy Saree
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.
Timings: 9 am to 8.30 pm
Location: Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
15. Station Square, Orissa – Handicrafts And More
Also known as Master Canteen Canteen Chowk, Station Square is one of the famous shopping markets in Orissa. It is a good place to shop for household items, grocery stores. The place is usually crowded by the residents of the city. Other than these individual shops there are many shopping complexes in the area catering to the daily needs of the people. You can find many branded clothing the prices of which are fixed.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Location: 21/A, Shriya Talkies St, Master Canteen Area, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Suggested Read: Shopping In Palampur: A Guide For The Enthusiastic Shopaholics!
16. FC Road, Pune – Stress Free Shopping
One place where you will find the students of Pune grabbing the best deals. FC Road in Pune is a famous flea market which is jam packed with the students most of the time. The narrow and crowded lanes of streets will offer you everything from watches, accessories, clothes, kurtis, bags and shoes at the price that would never burn a hole in your pocket. Most of the stuff is brought from Mumbai, so you assure yourself of keeping yourself up to the fashion in an absolute affordable way.
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Location: Fergusson College RdPune, Maharashtra
17. Commercial Street, Bangalore – Shopper’s Paradise
Commercial Street has redefined the meaning of street shopping in India. The vibrant and jazzy streets of this flea market offers the best of fashion without the haphazardness of the street shopping. The market is very well organized and it has got a class which distinguishes this place from the cliche local markets of India. You can land yourself with the quality products at the affordable price at the Commercial street in Bangalore.
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
Location: Commercial Street, Bangalore
18. Janpath, Delhi – Perfect Shopping Spree
Janpath market not only offers the fashion products but also brings out the culture of India in its shops. The gothic market of the capital city has two distinctive lanes. One offers the Indian handicrafts, handlooms, bags and souvenirs, and the other lane is filled with the local vendors selling the street style clothes and accessories at the rate that you put a smile on your face. A surprise that awaits you at the back of this market is the few stalls by the different people from the various states of India.
Timings: 11 am to 9 pm
Location: anpath Rd, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi
19. Hazratganj Market, Lucknow – Food To Clothes
You trip to Lucknow is incomplete if you do not try the scrumptious street food of the state and buy the famous Chikan Kari handloom. All of it can be found in the famous Hazratganj Market of the city. The market has got the small stalls and big shops selling the best of the culture of the state at reasonable prices.
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm
Location: VS Marg, Block E, Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
20. Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur – Ethnic Items
The city which is known for its vibrant culture and the vivid street markets has one of the best street shopping experiences to offer to its tourists. Located in the old city area of Rajasthan, Baapu Bazaar has the best of Rajasthani’s culture and handicrafts. You can fill your shopping bags with the bedsheets, Jaipuri jutti (ethnic shoes), salwar suits, cushions, home decor artifacts, ethnic jewelry , lac bangles and ready-made suits at a very reasonable price.
Timings: 10.30 am to 8 pm
Location: Bapu Bazar, Biseswarji, Jaipur, Rajasthan
21. Serenity Beach Bazaar, Pondicherry – Tasteful Shopping
Pondicherry is famous for its clean beaches and the vibrancy which is added by the beach shacks. Serenity beach bazaar is a famous street market of Serenity beach in Pondicherry. The market is an open air market beneath the palm shades. Serenity Bazaar is famous for its local boutiques and products from Auroville. You can shop for various handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, accessories, and clothes.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Serenity Beach, Kottakuppam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605101
Further Read: Shopping In Shimoga: Top Spots, Things To Buy, And Some Tips For A Perfect Retail Therapy!
This is just the tip of the iceberg that is India’s retail market. With so many cities, all teeming with market places there is no end to streets and complexes you can indulge in some good old shopping spree. Share your experiences and tell the world about your secret shopping destinations here. We are waiting.
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