Best Shopping Destinations in India

Do you think shopping is a waste of time and money? Are you alien to the concept of retail therapy? Do you always buy stuff off the internet and haven’t been to a store in ages? Or worse, do you like it that way? If yes, then there is a lot that you are missing out on.

Read about the Top 10 shopping destinations of India and why shopaholics cannot get enough of them.

10. Mysore

Rich cuisine, ornamental palaces, beautiful gardens... everything in Mysore has a laid back charm that reflects the city’s royal heritage, and shopping is no exception. From intricate and authentic Mysore paintings, to vibrant silk saris and an unimaginable variety of sandalwood handicrafts, shopping in Mysore is a treat for every art enthusiast. Read about my shopping rendezvous in Mysore, here.

Tip: Overwhelmed by the vibrant markets, a variety of products at local shops and dirt cheap prices in Mysore; one has to admit that not everything can be found on the Internet and that’s what makes it worth it.

9. Kathmandu

While not in Indian borders, Nepal is India’s adjacent soulmate when it comes to shopping. Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu is just as famous for its shopping avenues as it is for its natural beauty, affectionate people, meditation centres and old monasteries. Kathmandu’s Indira Chowk, Thamel and Durbar Square are known for their shoes, shawls, silver jewellery, electronics, sports gear, metal statues, carpets, cocktail dresses and lots more. If you have it in you, try your luck at the casinos in Kathmandu.

Tip: Just like painting, sports and writing; shopping is an expression of oneself. A look at your favourite purchases will tell a lot about your personality. And that is why all I see in a market are shoes and stationery!

8. Varanasi

Besides its bizarre Manikarna Ghat, Varanasi is famous for its Sarees. Known all over the world for their lustre, fine weaving and elaborate embroidery with silver and gold thread, Benarasi saris have singlehandedly made Varanasi (Benaras) one of the busiest shopping destinations of India. Not just saris but silk scarves, men’s kurtas, ties and even unstitched fabric can be bought at Mehrotra Silk and shops around Dasasvamedh Road. Brassware is another specialty of Varanasi.

Tip: No interest rate on your savings can give you more happiness than buying something really worthy, and Benarasi saris are considered priceless heirlooms of every family. Indeed, shopping is the best thing to do with your money!

7. Lucknow

Been to the Jama Mazjid, Bara Imambara, British Residency and Rumi Darwaza and sampled the delicious shami and seekh kebabs in Lucknow? You still need a day to explore the core of the city through shopping. The shopping districts in Lucknow especially Hazrat Gunj and Aminabad are labyrinths that get denser and noisier as you go deeper. The smallest of shops here can boast of a variety of things. In the city of Nawabs, chikankari work on fabric, itr (perfume) and exquisite Jadau jewellery are absolute must buys.

Tip: A shopping spree can be particularly motivating. Whether it is the urge to reduce weight to buy a dress you loved but could not fit into or the desire to try your hand at pottery on seeing a porter at a fair, shopping leaves you motivated and charged up.

6. Hyderabad

“It is only pearls and pearls are all I have to take your heart away...” sang Hyderabad once and ever since travellers to Hyderabad haven’t heard the end of who wants how many pearl sets in the family! Laad Bazaar is famous for Hyderbadi pearls and semi-precious jewellery. Besides jewellery you can buy Hyderabadi Khara dupatta, antiques and electronics from Abids and Begum Bazaar. Inorbit Mall in Hyderabad is an opulent mall with hundreds of shops.

Tip: Shopping brings people closer and it says that you care. Think for yourself, between a candle-lit dinner and a shopping trip, what would surprise and make your lady love happier? Imagine the brownie points you earn on just remembering to pick up a pair of earrings, a watch or a box of chocolates, even on a rushed business trip.

5. Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the wonderland of mojaris, odhanis (dupattas), spices, leather products and a number of handicrafts. If solid colours, block prints and Rajasthani motifs are your style, then you can find them on anything from wall hangings, bed covers and rugs to clothes at Shri Mangalam in Makrana Mohalla. For a wide variety of dried spices and different flavoured tea, head to Mohanlal Vermohal Spices.

4. Jaipur​

The Pink City celebrates shopping in all its hues. The famous Bapu Bazaar and Jhohari Bazaar of Jaipur are gateways to the vibrant world of Rajasthani bandhanis, lehariyas and batik prints. The markets are also known for their lac bangles, silver jewellery, other silverware, blue pottery and ornamental home accessories which are durable, authentic and affordable. However, the more ornamental you get in your choice the steeper the prices will be. The city also organises fairs and expos periodically to give a platform to artisans from far and near to showcase their talent.

Tip: Shopping in Jodhpur and Jaipur is an excellent way to burn calories as you walk around the markets enamoured by objects and haggling for discounts. So, remember to wear comfortable sneakers and carry a water bottle while shopping.

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3. Kolkata

Kolkata is the largest shopping destination in East India. Exquisite handicrafts from the North-Eastern states find their way to markets in Kolkata because of the tremendous exposure. Some of the famous places worth visiting include Assam Craft Emporium and Nagaland Emporium. Besides these, Kolkata’s specialities are red-bordered saris, leather bags, sweets and books that you can buy at The New Market and from shops at Park Street.

Tip: Shopping is an altruist endeavour and I don’t mean to defend my love for shopping like Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic. In Kolkata, the bag you purchased at a craft emporium can easily be traced to some corporative where tribals and poor women find work and earn a living.

2. Mumbai

The City of Dreams is a shopaholic’s paradise. Flea markets, malls, designer boutiques and a number of shopping arcades cater to 12 million people every day in Mumbai! Fashion Street and Linking Road are famous for their latest fancy clothing, accessories and artefacts. Colaba Causeway and Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai are ideal haunts for fashionistas and youngsters not only because of the overwhelming assortment of chic and funky, but also because of plenty of food outlets where you can take little breaks in between all the shopping.

Tip: Excellent deals are definite mood-uplifters and stress-busters and Mumbai specializes in retail therapy. Who is to deny that a “Flat 50% Off” sign doesn’t push daily woes to the back of your mind and give you moments of pure pleasure.

1. Delhi

Delhi comes first in the list of where to shop in India, not only because you can find just about anything here, but also because of the experience. The glitzy malls of Rajouri or Vasant Kunj, colourful Dilli Haat or flea markets of Sarojini Nagar and Palika Bazaar, each has its own charm. From clothes, accessories and handicrafts, to electronics, automobiles and everything else; you can find it all in Delhi.

Tip: Be it haggling in Janpat Market and Nehru Place, raiding as many as three different markets in a day (and still making it to hostel in time), alternately indulging in high-end retail shopping or travelling in the metro to escape parking woes; shopping in Delhi teaches you to manage finance, time and preferences and makes you efficient.

There you go, the best shopping destinations in India with the best reasons to indulge in shopping tourism. Happy Shopping!