DU Diary: 10 Hotspots for Shopping Near the Campus

The gap between a 10 am lecture and 3 pm one can be pure agony. Why can’t we just get over with the classes already? Ugh. Well, one option is to simply eat your time away… but take the advice of someone who has done so and has three extra kilos to prove that it really isn’t one of the best ideas.

With so many markets in close proximity to your college, there’s always someplace to go and loiter around, perhaps pick up a few knick-knacks here and there or indulge in some serious retail therapy. Here are some of the best places for shopping near campus:

Kamala Nagar Market

Fondly called ‘K-Nagz’, this is the market neighbouring the glorious North Campus of Delhi University and much of the bored undergrad crowd flocks here. This market is perpetually packed and busy, and why not? Apart from being a stone's throw away from campus, there are plenty of stores boasting of both Indian as well as international items. Be it garments or trinkets, shoes or bags, it’s all here. And the famous K-nags roadside eateries are available for an in between shopping energy bite.

 

Tibetan Colony

The ‘Little Tibet’ of North Delhi is a short auto ride away from the North Campus colleges. Enter the gate under the ISBT Shahdara Link Flyover on the Ring Road, and you shall find everything Tibet. Jam-packed with people and stalls, there’s something for everyone. Be it statues, incense sticks or clothes and eccentric accessories, it offers variety and good value for money. Be sure to glance through your calendar once before, as this market is closed on Mondays.

 

Dilli Haat, INA

One more for the South Campus crowd, the bazaar is a great way to spend those free hours. Stroll through the bits and pieces of the many states and take a part of them with you. Kurtas, bags, shoes, ornaments all in its various forms encapsulating our diverse regional culture. And a plate of steamed momos with root beer are a must.

 

Janpath

The hustle- bustle of Janpath is unmatched. With numerous stalls flanking one another, you will certainly not run out of options of extremely affordable clothes, bags (read jholas), shoes and other knick knacks. Janpath provides a unique shopping experience in the heart of Delhi. Also, with Palika Bazaar just a hop skip and jump away, one can learn plenty about shopping when on a budget.

 

Sarojini Nagar

The vibe here is similar to K-nags and Janpath and so is the variety of things to buy. The latest fads, designer emulations, the haggling routine and so on. Once you figure your way around the bylanes, you are sure to find some real treasures under those piles of clothes.

 

Lajpat Nagar Central Market

 

Again, not very different from the others, but could be preferred in terms of proximity to your college. It’s the hub of all fabrics, thus the ideal place when it comes to buying material when getting those jazzy outfits made for performances during college fests.

 

GK1 & 2

 It’s hard not to love these markets. It has got the famous Prince serving his street delicacies, and several stores nestled against one another. A boon to the ladies at LSR for its location and because of its universal appeal. ‘Haggle & purchase’ items? Check. Brands? Check. Fake brands? Check. Jewellery? Check. Fabindia? Check. Starbucks? Check.

 

Vasant Vihar Market

Catch the first day first show at PVR Priya (it's one of the cheapest theatres in town!) and spend some time at the various outlets at this market. Though the variety in terms of choice may not be as widespread as the markets above, for all the South Campus folks, this market provides its unique respite after hours of mundane lectures.

 

Khan Market

There has always been something about Khan Market that I’ve never been able to pinpoint. It has its unique appeal and gives out a certain posh vibe if I may so. With its own metro station, reaching here couldn’t get easier. You’ve got plenty of stores, ample variety in terms of items to shop and the mystery of its multiple little alleys to choose from. Numerous restaurants to add to that and you’ve got a day well spent at Khan Market.

 

The Malls

If you want to sit in your comfortable sweat-free AC room for the rest of your day, you’ve got the Delhi Summer Syndrome. The next best option? Hit the malls. You’ve got DLF Promenade (Vasant Kunj) and Select City Walk (Saket). Figure out the metro route from your campus and you’ll be here in less than 45 minutes. Certainly not the best when it comes to your pocket money, but if you’re pampering yourself, go all out!

Did I miss out any market? Be sure to post them in the comments below!