Delhi
has innumerable shopping complexes that cater to every
individuals need to acquire items that have the essence,
the originality of a particular region in India. Although
there are shopping complexes in almost every locality
in Delhi, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni
Chowk are the principle shopping areas. Multiple
emporia representing every state of the country are
to be seen at the famous Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near
Parliament Street. Each state emporium has a slice
of the best of its crafts under one roof at government-controlled
prices.
The Central Cottage Emporium
in Jawahar Bhavan at Janpath is undoubtedly worth
a visit for anything ethnic. It has almost anything
that you might desire to buy. From furniture to clothes,
to shoes that are typically Indian, to small gift
items that could work as souvenirs, the Cottage Emporium
has it all. In the rustic background of the Crafts
Museum at Mathura road, one can pick up great bargains
on items like shawls, pottery and paintings. A shopping
complex of a similar kind is to be seen in Hauz
Khas. Popularly known as The Village; you can
find designer labels, authentic jewelry and gift items
within the complex. The Hauz Khas Village is a complete
experience with its ancient buildings, designer stuff
and a host of restaurants.
For antiques, Sundar Nagar
is just the place to be in, Chandni Chowk is
an experience in itself. While in that area, Dariba
Kalan, a narrow street, may be visited for gold
and Silver. Chandni Chowk is famous for jewelry and
saris, so for those who wish to get a feel of the
tradition of India, Chandni Chowk is the place to
visit. Chandni Chowk is also the place to buy silverware
and jewellery.
Karol Bagh is yet another
famous shopping complex in Delhi for a variety of
Indian clothes, shoes, precious jewelry and bridal
wear.
For casuals, Janpath with
its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat
Nagar are the places you would like to visit.
Dilli Haat
Near INA market, developed by Delhi
Tourism has on display almost everything that would
be very typical to a particular region in India. It
has been designed to be an upscale version of a haat
(generally a weekly traditional market). Unlike the
traditional haat where the market itself is mobile
and transient, in this case it is the craftspersons
who are ever changing - thus offering a kaleidoscopic
view of the richness and diversity of Indian culture
and handicrafts.
This market is spread over a six
acre spread with imaginative traditional rural architecture
and provides an ambience for the market. The stone
and brickwork paved paths interspersed with grass
patches make browsing and ambling fun. The not too
large but diverse food court bring the cuisines of
different states together.
This is a good places to look at
or buy handicrafts to do with rosewood and sandalwood
carvings, leather wear, fabric, drapery, gems, beads,
metalware, and garments is variety of fabrics.
Delhi also has a very popular underground
shopping center called Palika Bazar. This shopping
center like most shopping complexes in Delhi has variety
of goods on display and at a reasonable cost. However,
while shopping here you need to be good at bargaining,
as generally the prices quoted are high.
A recent phenomenon in Delhi has
been the steady rise of foreign collaborations in
consumer goods areas. With extremely steep prices
abroad, foreigners visiting India can pick up items
of international brands at a relatively lower price.
A common sight in South Delhi, rather in Greater Kailash
and South Extension is the presence of multi storeyed
departmental stores.
The closing days for the shopping complexes in Delhi
is as follows:
Sundays: Connaught Place, Janpath, Baba Kharak
Singh Marg, Jor Bagh, Khan Market, Malcha Marg,
Nehru Place, Sunder Nagar, Yashwant Place, Chandni
Chowk, Sadar Bazar.
Mondays: Defence Colony, INA Market, Jangpura,
Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, South
Extension.
Tuesdays: Greater Kailash, Green Park, Hauz Khas,
Kalkaji, Safdarjung Enclave, Vasant Vihar, Shahdara,
Yusuf Sarai.
Shopping in Delhi is a delight so if you are interested
in shopping and you wish to grab a fragment of Indian
culture then Delhi is where you would like to explore
the possibility of doing so. |
