Shopping in Delhi

Shopping in Delhi is one of the most pleasurable and exciting experiences among shopping freaks. There is a vast array of shopping markets in and around Delhi. Visitors from all over India as well as abroad enjoy their shopping at Delhi. Shopping ranges from jewelries, carpets, invaluable stones to bamboo works, handicrafts, garments, potteries and so on. The three major shopping spots in Delhi are the Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk markets. Those who are planning for shopping in Delhi, here is the list of the most popular markets in the city:

Chandni Chowk market, which is known for its sarees and jeweleries, made of silver. The other markets surrounding the Chandni Chowk market are Katra Neel, Bhagirath Palace, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Chhatta Chowk Bazaar, Ballimaran, Old Lajpat Rai Market and Moti Bazar.

Karol Bagh offers Indian garments, shoes besides astounding jewelries and amazing bridal wears. The various shopping places encircling Karol Bagh are Ajmal Khan, Arya Samaj, Bank Street and Ghaffar market.

Connaught Place is Delhi's leading shopping complex offering wide range of fashion accessories, garments, books, electronic commodities, jewelries, handicrafts, etc. Inner Circle, Janpath, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Palika Bazaar are some of the famous shopping markets at Connaught Place.

There are a vast number of shopping malls that have come up in Delhi, which provides complete shopping experience under one roof. Some of the shopping malls in Delhi are: CTC Plaza, AEZ Square, Ansal Plaza, DLF City Centre, Shoprix Mall, Shipra Mall and many more.

What to Shop in Delhi:

If one is thinking of what to shop in Delhi, then do give a visit to the shopping markets and complexes in Delhi where you can step in to get a glimpse of beautiful jewelries, carpets, invaluable stones and hand made works. The three major shopping spots in Delhi are the Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk markets.

Jewellery- The two most famous works in the field of jewelry in Delhi are the Meenakari and the Kundan works. They reflect an excellent mastery in jewelry designing. Another magnificent piece of work is the Navratan studded jewelry, where we find the nine precious stones embedded in gold.

Carpets- Delhi is famous for Herati carpets of Afghan origin. These are beautiful which are blended in flamboyant colors with floral motifs on it.

Bamboo crafts- Hunt for finely made window screens made out of bamboos called 'chiks' to add a different dimension to your room. Moreover there are also a wide array of bamboo chairs and stools.

Ivory works- One can come across fine ivory jewelries, knifes for paper cutting, small boxes, chessboards, etc.

Leather works- Look out for attractive and traditional leather made shoes, bags and other leather made fashion accessories to add up to your style.

Potteries- Delhi is famous for its terracotta pottery works. Wonderful lamps, water-pots, flower vases, crockery, ashtrays made out of terracotta is one of the biggest of shopping attraction in Delhi.

Bangles- Bangles made out of various oxidized and other metals as well as glasses is surely going to attain one's attention. Delhi is famous for junk jewelries.

Zari, Gota, Kinari and Zardosi works- Delhi's zari and the zardosi works are famous throughout India. Bridal wears like lehenga, choli and dupatta are made out of it and are highly expensive. Gota involves intertwining of gold threads with other fabric to make the cloth. Kinari is a work made on borders.

Where to Shop:

If the question of where to shop in Delhi is bothering you, then you must pay a visit to the three most important shopping markets of Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk. These are the creams for shopping jewelry, carpets, handicrafts, invaluable stones, silks, bamboo items, leather items, bangles, potteries and so on.

Chandni Chowk market- Known for its saris and jewelries made of silver. Karol Bagh- Offers Indian garments, shoes besides astounding jewelries and amazing bridal wears. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place- Famous for its wonderful handicrafts.

Dariba Kalan at Chandni Chowk- It is the place where you can find traditional jewelries like the kundan, meenakari and navratan works.

Delhi Ivory Palace at Shahjahanabad- Offers ivory made boxes, knifes, chessboards, jewelleries, etc.

Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan- Famous for beautiful terracotta potteries like lamps, cups and saucers, flower vases, glasses and many more. Kinari Bazaar near Chandni Chowk- It is known for its zardozi, zari, gota and kinari works.

Central Cottage Emporium, Janpath, Connaught Place- Known for its ethnic clothes, shoes, and gift items.

Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place- Cheap garments and electronic commodities are available.

The Village at Hauz Khas- One can shop authentic jewelleries and other gift items over here.

Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar markets- It is well known for its reasonable handicrafts, garments, bags, shoes, and other accessories. Many brands like Van Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis are found at cheaper rates here.

Dilli Haat near INA market- It is store of rosewood and sandalwood works, leather wear, fabric, stones, beads, metal ware, and garments.

Sundernagar Market- It is known for antiques and jewelry made of silver.

Besides, various shopping malls have come up in Delhi. Some of them are:

CTC Plaza
AEZ Square
Ansal Plaza
DLF City Centre
East Delhi Mall
Shoprix Mall
Spice World
Shipra Mall

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Shipping in Chandini Chowk & Around

¤ A Major Shopping Hub of Delhi

A visit to Delhi would be incomplete without a trip to Chandini Chowk. A very well known market, this was once visited by merchants from Turkey, China and even Holland.
Some of the more important bylanes now are listed below.


¤ Katra Neel

Katra was a separate wing for tradesmen and craftsmen in the same business who lived and worked together. This particular katra is the cloth bazaar. Silk, satin, crepe, cotton, muslin and any other fabric you can think of.


¤ Bhagirath Palace

Said to be Asia’s largest market for electrical goods, it is also known for medical equipment and allopathic medicines. Locals know this as Chooriwali ki Haveli (The Bangle Seller’s Palace). This was originally the mansion of Begum Sumroo, a Kashmiri nautch girl with the most accomplished band of dancers in her troupe. The story of her life would actually make a sensational film – a drama of almost epic scale. This bewitching seductress was not only an accomplished dancer and singer but a shrewd businesswoman who knew precisely when to grab an opportunity. She converted to Christianity and married two mercenary European adventurers in succession and it was thanks to them that she ultimately became ‘Begum’ of a principality at Sardhana, near Meerut.


¤ Kinari Bazaar

Check this place out for any kind of zari and zardozi work - the sheer burst of colour will overwhelm you. This street has everything an Indian bride could need for her trousseau.

¤ Dariba Kalan

Once upon a long, long time ago, there were rows of jewellers specializing in gold and silver ornaments in this lane. Today a few remain, producing silver jewellery. Do visit Gulab Singh Johri Mal, a shop established in 1819 – they are well-known manufacturers and exporters of natural attars (perfumes).


¤ Chhatta Chowk Bazaar

This ‘covered bazaar’ dates back to the 17th century, to the days when ladies used to practise the purdah (veils) very rigorously. Caravan traders used to lay out their wares in a covered thoroughfare leading up to the Red Fort and moved away to allow the ladies to come and make their choice. Things continued like this till the British turned the fort into a garrison for their troops. Today the Chhatta Chowk has around forty shops selling artificial and semi-precious jewellery, embroidered bags, hand painted wall hangings and fake ‘antiques’. (They are definitely not originals, so don’t get taken in.)


¤ Other Bazaars Around Chandni Chowk


Ballimaran : For leatherware and shoes. Old Lajpat Rai Market : For electrical goods Moti Bazar : For shawls and pearls Tilak Bazar : For chemicals

Note : Before you venture into Chandini Chowk remember that it can be an exhausting and trying experience. You may find it too crowded, dirty, hot and smelly. But there’s also a positive side – it is an eye-opening experience, almost a trip down memory lane with fantastic bargains thrown in.

¤ Here are some tips to make the trip as painless as possible

Keep one whole day free for the trip.

The the lanes of Chandini Chowk are too narrow for vehicles to pass through, so it is better to reach Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place and then take a jeep to Old Delhi. The ticket costs Rs 5. Once there, you can walk it or hire a cycle-rickshaw.

Watch your handbag and rucksack – it is better not to take the kind that has too many pockets and zips. Pickpockets lurk all over the place and foreigners are prime targets. Remember each dollar is worth almost 50 rupees. Their favourite hunting grounds: crowded DTC buses, small lanes and bustling markets.

Stay away from touts. Almost every other shopkeeper is a part of the commission racket in this country. So watch out, if you don’t want to end up paying double the price. Say a polite but firm ‘no’ if anyone tries to influence you unnecessarily. Don’t stand there and get into a dialogue with them - just move away. They’ll chase you a few paces and you’ll have to listen to their sales spiel but the best way to get rid of touts is to simply ignore them. Just be as deaf as an adder.

Old Delhi is a very conservative place, be sure to be conservatively dressed when you go there. If you wish to avoid eve teasing and having men bump into you ‘accidently’, avoid mini skirts and short dresses.--Bargain hard.

Source: http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/shopping/chandnichowk.html