Delhi | Fascinating Markets of Delhi
A trip to the capital of India remains incomplete without exploring around the corners of the convoluted stores and markets that offer you everything from local food to gourmet cuisines, clothing and accessories to home décor items. Though there is an enormous number of brand outlets, upscale supermarkets and fanciest of the shopping malls in the city, the rawness of the city’s art, culture, heritage, craftsmanship lies in the small stalls in the markets run by local traders. Old Delhi is enriched with many such market areas which remain bustling with local visitors and tourists throughout the week. And yes, bargaining is a must when you plan to visit these markets.
Dilli Haat
My all-time favourite since childhood, this place offers food, clothing, handicrafts, paintings, jewellery and almost anything that a shopper looks for under one roof. Traders from almost all the Indian states have their stalls in here, with the best from their region. Located very near to the INA Metro Station, this place is a haven when you’re looking out to know India.
Karol Bagh
From affordable clothes at Ajmal Khan Road to traditional jewellery at Silver Street (Bank Street), Karol Bagh is Delhi’s famous and among the oldest markets for bridal shopping. Gaffar Market for imported goods and Arya Samaj Road for used books are some of the most popular sections of the market. The central road in Karol Bagh is flanked by local stalls and shops selling all kinds of stuff from apparel to footwear, accessories, home decor and appliances etc. Besides, there are several eateries and food stalls for when you go hungry from doing all the shopping.
Greater Kailash
The two parts M & N block of Greater Kailash house a good market to purchase trendy and designer bags, clutches, blouse, kurta, palazzos, tops, lehengas and salwar suits at a great discount. Visit the stores and shops for lifestyle goods, cosmetics, footwear, jewellery and much more and then visit any eatery nearby to satiate that hunger.
Kamla Nagar Market
In the centre of University of Delhi’s North Campus is located Kamla Nagar, a residential and commercial suburb in Delhi. Flanked by several colleges on the side, the place is crowded by college going crowd at all the days of the year. Not only students, but there are also shoppers from all over the city coming down to this market owing to the availability of quality products.
The market is filled with big brand outlets as well as local street shops. It is one of the most popular flea markets of Delhi and you can find anything in the market here from apparel to footwear, utensils, accessories, electrical appliances and home décor. The trend in the market is upkeep mostly with the youth and youngsters.
Connaught Place
Consisting of the inner circle (A-block to F-block) and the outer circle (G-block to P-block) with almost all the popular brand outlets for apparels, footwear, household items, Connaught Place dates back to the British era and is considered as the heart of Delhi. The market has clubs, pubs, cafes and a whole lot of restaurants. A haven for a foodie and a place to see Delhi’s nightlife, CP, as it’s lovingly called is every shopper’s dream place.
Lajpat Nagar
Lajpat Market or Central Market offers delectable food, affordable textiles, leather goods and a replica of designer clothing and electronic gadgets which retailers often purchase in bulk. You can get embroidered and sequined traditional attires at excellent discounts.
Khan Market
Delhi’s most posh and classy place to shop, Khan Market is one of the oldest and the costliest markets in India. Favoured by diplomats and Delhi’s influential, this market is renowned mainly for its fashion boutiques, amazing bookstores, opticians, homewares & cafes. For those who love stationery, the place offers handmade papers, lovely paper mache ornaments and other festive decorations. From the showrooms of the best brands to the restaurants providing lip-smacking food; the retail location is a paradise for both shopaholics and foodies. And yes, the spotlight is for Khan Chacha’s tikkas and seekhs. They’re just delicious.
Established in 1951, the market has successfully held the essence of its original structure even in the times of rapid modernization. A real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield rated Khan Market as the world’s 21st most expensive retail high street.
Banjara Market
Gurgaon’s Banjara Market is open throughout the week from 10 AM till 8 PM and as the name suggests, it is laden with make-shift small furniture stalls where bargaining is the key to getting discounts on the repaired, restored or spruced up furniture. Not only furniture but also carved wooden frames, kitchenware and ceramic pots with intricate artwork are offered along with engraved boxes, counter tables, bookshelves, vases, spoons, mugs, bowls and planters.
