India Shopping
Where to Shop and What to Buy in India
The 'Shopper’s Paradise' is what India should be called. You can get anything from traditional handicrafts to electronics, to fake Gucci’s here. Only shop at reputed places if you want value for your money. Do not be afraid to bargain, in fact insist on it. Most shopkeepers will quote a higher rate for the product than what they except to get for it.
Handicrafts, brassware, clothing, carpets, woodwork artifacts, leather work, semi-precious stones and jewellery make the best souvenirs from India. There are Government and State-run emporiums where you can buy these or you can head to the local markets. The advantage of making your purchases at an emporium is that you know you are getting a genuine article, even if you are paying a slightly higher rate for it.
Shopping in Mumbai can be quite an experience. You can pay 20 dollars for a nice branded dress in one shop and find that an exact replica of the dress is available for five dollars on the street. Read more...
It is quite common for people from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana to head for the capital and shop around for the day before heading back home. If you have a special need, be it a wedding present, a silk outfit or cultural artifacts then shopping here can be one of the most fascinating experiences as you unearth the many possibilities of New Delhi. Read more...
The mere mention of shopping in Bangalore brings to mind the word silk! The bolts of light silk that are manufactured in neighbouring areas and sold in the city are world famous. Read more...
Chennai is world famous for its clothes shopping opportunities. There local markets solely dedicated to clothing stores and the choices, along with the prices, are truly amazing, making this a shopping destination in its own right. Read more...
Unusually for the subcontinent, fixed-price shopping does exist in Kochi but, except for supermarkets and other obvious fixed-price establishments, this is at the Kerala government emporium which sells local handicrafts and artifacts. In the rather basically-named Jew Town the biggest draw is spices of every shape, smell and pungency at the Pepper Exchange. Read more...
The name Kerala is synonymous with silk. The area has ideal conditions for the growing and manufacturing of this commodity and with a local tradition of silk production stretching back for generation after generation you can be sure that the quality of Kerala silk is second to none. Read more...
The flea markets are most popular shopping option in Goa. There are second hand markets set up almost each day of the week in various areas; you just need to know where to go. Asking a local will help you or you can just head for Anjuna on a Wednesday to get a feel of things. Watch out for inflated rates that you will have to bring down with a fair amount of (polite) haggling. Read more...