No matter who you are-a woman, a man, a student, an office goer, a housewife or a businessman, shopping is something without which nobody can live. Even when some of us do not enjoy it, it remains an essential activity at least for purchasing the necessary stuff.
Indian markets are unique in the sense that no matter at which place they are located or for whatever stuff they are best for, one always needs a little amount of art of bargaining to procure the best deal.
Commercial Street, Bangalore
Known to be one of the best and busiest markets of the garden city, this network of lanes is one of the favorite center for people for all kinds of stuff. The best deals are often secured after good bargaining and there are numerous stalls for apparels, antiques, accessories and books etc.
Located almost a kilometer away from the famous MG road in Bangalore, Commercial Street is most popular amongst the college students while locals and travelers too throng the place for the best stuff at a reasonable price (thoroughly haggled price).
Of course if you get tired or not really in mood to shop, there is a good range of eating joints selling lip smacking food from Bhutta (Corn Cob) to Bhel Puri and from Pani Puri to Sev Puri. Thus one hardly needs any reason for having a day out at Commercial Street.
Sarojini Nagar, Delhi
Sarojini Nagar is the quintessential shopping hub for the Delhiites. Popularly known as SN amongst the locals, the market is one stop shop for all the latest trends and fashions and that too at fascinatingly unbelievable prices.
In fact it is just the place without which most of the people in Delhi would not be able imagine shopping. There is huge expanse of stuff and the choices are plenty.
From cotton garments to fashionable bags, cosmetics, home furnishings, sweaters, footwear and other accessories, one can get their hands on almost anything without burning a hole in their pocket.
Sarojini Nagar Market is located in the posh area of South Delhi and is a popular destination for students, tourists and locals. On weekends, there is huge rush of buyers.
Most of the shops are street shops and haggling is one of the art that you must know to get the best deal. Besides, there are several sweet shops. One can get an amazing an array of brands like Armani, Zara, Calvin Klein etc. at literally throwaway prices.
This is due to the fact that most the stuff sold in Sarojini Nagar is either export surplus or rejected export material. Looking at prices, it is easy to get carried away but one needs a little discretion and patience when spending on the goods.
New Market, Kolkata: Iconic Street Markets in India
New Market, though called New is actually quite old. Built in 1874 but rechristened in 1903 as Sir Stuart Hogg Market, it was and still stands as one of the best shopping destinations in Kolkata.
The beautiful red brick Gothic structure of the bazar holds testimony to the past grandeur as locals hop on to the site to purchase from a huge diversity of stuff -from cakes to linen and fruits, fish, garments, accessories, trinkets, flowers, silver jewelry and the famous Bengali Sari.
There are nearly 2,000 stalls divided into seven blocks and these stalls are arranged according to the same or similar merchandise for the convenience of the shoppers.
A part of the market was however burnt down in 1985 but since then visitors to the market have steadily increased.
The market remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm from Monday to Friday while on Saturdays the timings are till 2.30 pm. The Market however remains closed on Sunday.
Police Bazar, Shillong
Police Bazar in Shillong is most renowned market in the Indian State of Meghalaya. There are numerous options to shop from site and many different kinds of attractive merchandise are arranged in the in the chain array while other stuff are located around different corners of the market.
The bazar is a wonderful showcase of the local arts and crafts of Meghalaya and handicrafts and artistic products made from cane and bamboo are its chief attractions.
Different colorful varieties of cotton and silk materials like clothing items and other stuff are displayed and heavy bargaining is one of the principal characteristic of the deals.
As one would find, the products are arranged in a thoughtful way to attract the maximum attention. Nevertheless, the bazar is a great endeavor to keep alive the tribal and local traditions and a wonderful place to amble around and purchase some useful and interesting stuff.
Janpath, Delhi
One of the most popular spots for the locals to get their hands on trendy, cheap and exotic stuff, the Janpath market is one of the oldest stretches in Delhi for shopping lovers and budget buyers.
Earlier called as the Queen’s way, the Janpath or literally the people’s path connects Delhi’s shopping hotspot Connaught Place to Lodhi Road.
As one explores through the bazar, they will find virtually anything up for a sale with a ready to quote price but of course on hugely bargaining terms.
There is huge variety of stuff to choose from fashionable daily wears to ethnic dresses, cotton garments, Imitation jewelry from Junk to Silver, bags, handicrafts, leather footwear, antiques, electronics, furniture and many other significant or sundry items.
Most of the items available are from many different varieties and qualities and it would take a good shopping acumen to choose from. While Janpath is very popular amongst the locals, especially the younger generation, one may find a large number of foreign tourists doing a lot of window shopping.
And of course besides satisfying your shopping lust, one may also enjoy the delectable street food from the vendors standing intermittently between the stalls.
Lokhandwala Market, Mumbai
Lokhandwala market is a long stretch, located in the Andheri District on the western suburbs of Mumbai. The place is like a heaven for shopping lovers and anyone and everyone will find something of their interest.
Among the numerous shops, stalls, store and roadside vendors, lanes and by-lanes of the market, there is an immense collection of items such as denims, different varieties of footwear and products ranging from jewelry, apparels and little household items.
Here you will also find replica items of most of the famous brands while there are also shops selling branded items with a fixed price.
Scattered in between the stalls are a number of street food vendors selling Paani-Puri, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Vada Pav and other Mumbai food items, catering to the taste buds of the shoppers while they indulge in their favorite pastime.
Tibeten Market, Shimla
The markets in Shimla are some of the most amazing places to visit and Tibetan Market is one such spot that offer tremendous scope for bargaining and finding a right deal.
The market is a makeshift station and one can find an expansive array of items, from shoes, bags, boots, jewelry, woolen clothes, Tibetan rugs and carpets, scarves, mufflers, padded jackets, sweaters as well as other Tibetan accessories and antiques.
Ambling through the market in a wonderful and cool atmosphere is a delightful experience. Moreover munching the delicious corn cobs, draped in butter, salt and lime, sold by the wayside vendors along the way, makes the shopping much more interesting and enjoyable.
Mall Road, Darjeeling
An amazing leisure walk amidst the cool atmosphere and captivating ambience of Darjeeling is the famous Mall Road. A central hub of the town, a visit to this buzzing road is a must.
Lined with different shops selling trendy clothing items- from traditional Sikkimese wear to latest fads in fashion, it is place where locals throng for getting their hands on the newest of the styles and craze in the market.
Besides exclusive wearable, one may also find trekking gears, a number of boutiques and elegant antique jewelry shops. Another highlight of the market is the food for which people especially rave. From delectable street savories to a number of baked items one can enjoy shopping along with serving their taste buds.
The Mall Road runs in a loop from Chowrasta Mall and moves around Observatory Hill and one will find walkers and joggers during the early morning and evening hours.
Thus, no matter what your individual interests and likes are, you will certainly find something that will take your heart away.
