The Great Indian Sale

Mumbai is the fashion capital of the country and has great places to shop. But, the capital of the country has a different taste and style. Delhi doesn’t have Bollywood to inspire it yet; most of the trends start from here. Delhi wale would agree with this statement.

So, here are Top 5 places where you can shop in New Delhi. The prices are quite reasonable and make sure that you bargain at all the places mentioned below.

1.     Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is basically an open-air craft bazaar located near INA Market. Here craftsmen from all over the country come together and put up stalls. You can find everything and anything in here. For example- furniture, Bihar’s Madhubani paintings, Kolhapuri chappals, Punjabi jutiya (shoes), Bags, Purses, Indian clothes, Kashmiri Carpets, Handicrafts, Hyderbadi Pearls or Silver jewellery... the list is endless.

In every two weeks the stalls are changed and new artists are given opportunity to showcase and sell their work. Also, there are various festivals are organized here the most famous being, The Mango Festival.

There is also an open-air food plaza which serves food from all over the country. Interestingly, the North-Eastern food plazas are a hit with the shoppers.

You need to pay 20 bucks as an entry fee but, after an amazing experience this money won’t pitch you.

2.     Janpath

Janpath is located near Connaught Place. This place is a hit with foreigners and Indian travellers, who are in love with Indian jewellery, Indian clothes and handicrafts. But, the shopkeepers here are very smart. From a 10 second conversation they can figure out whether you belong to this city or not. So, make sure that you don’t end up in loss.

An advice: - If the shopkeeper is not lowering the rates just walk out of the shop. In the end, they would follow you and ask you to take the item on your own rate!

There is a cottage emporium which is run by the government just around the corner. It is an interesting place to shop. Do check it out.

3.     Sarojini Nagar

I have a special place in my heart for Sarojini Nagar as I have been born here and lived 18 years of my life in this area. So, I find this place very homely for shopping.

Sarojini Nagar Market is one the popular markets of South Delhi. This is the only place in South Delhi which will give you good value for money. I can bet that this market is the most reasonable place in entire Delhi.

Though there are various branded shops but, people chose to visit ‘Export Line’ (Similar to Fashion Street in Mumbai but only with better clothing items and reasonable prices) 

There are shoe showrooms in the market which offer a vast variety of different kinds of shoes. The variety and quality found in these shoes can be a tedious task to find in high profile shoe showrooms.

The vegetable market is also popular amongst the locals. People living in a different area also come in to buy popular fruits and vegetables.

4.     Chandini Chowk

Located in the heart of Old Delhi, Chandini Chowk is the oldest market in the city. The market is divided into lanes. Again the USP for the place is that it provides quality item in a cheap rate. Katra Neel is a cloth bazaar where you can find different type of clothing material like Silk and Satin.

Many brides buy their wedding dress from Chandini Chowk. The most famous in this business is Kinari Bazaar and Meena Bazaar. Usually in these two places bargaining is minimum.

Dariba Kalan has jewellers which produce Silver jewellery and Silver household items. A jewellery lover would be confused while making choices here.

Another reason why foreigners visit this place is that there are lots of places here which offer electronic goods like old cameras, tripods and other accessories which are not easily available.

Don’t forget to visit the famous Paranthewali Gali for lip-smacking delicious Parathas.

5.     Khan Market

Khan Market is on the expensive side. It was rated as the most expensive place in the city (and probably in the country). It is a well-planned market. Leading national and international brands have opened their outlets in this market. Street shopping doesn’t exist here but this a good place for window shopping. And, if you have saved a little money by shopping at the places mentioned above then, go ahead pamper yourself.

A visit to Khan Chacha is a must. It serves the most delicious kebabs in the whole city. Many celebrities have been spotted eating at this joint.

And even after this you want to shop more you can also visit Lajpat Nagar Market and Karol Bagh Market.

(Above stills are of Dilli Haat, photographs taken from www.panoramio.com & delhidosa.wordpress.com)