An essential oil derived from botanical or other natural sources, Ittar or Attar, has always been in demand despite deodorants' emergence. With increasing demands of alcohol-free scents created from floral extracts and natural herbs, many ittar shop owners around India are expanding their product lines, altering and improving their old traditional formulae to meet the evolving needs of their clients. If you are also a fan of ittar, visit these Delhi stores known for selling the best fragrances in the city.
Gulab Singh Johri Mahal, Chandni Chowk
This renowned ittar store is almost 200 years old and is situated in Dariba Kalan. The ittars made in this shop, founded in 1816 by the father-and-son team of Late Lala Johri Singh and Late Lala Gulab Singh, are said to have served the court and the requirements of the Mughal emperor Akbar Shah II and other members of the royal family. "Ruh-e-Gulab," made of sandalwood oil and Gulab essence collected from roses produced in Uttar Pradesh, is the most well-known and most popular natural and pure ittar. Also popular are Mitti Ittar and Jasmine Ittar. Kept in distinctive Belgian-cut jars are their Khalifa, Mukkhalat, White Oud, Ameeri Oud, and Royal Oud.
Location Shop number 320, Dariba Kalan
Arihant Fragrances, Janpath
Arihant Fragrances was established by one Mr Surender Jain in the latter half of the 20th century. The store offers a variety of perfumes, ranging in price from Rs. 200 per millilitre to Rs. 3000-4000 per millilitre, depending on the composition and concentration of the essential oil. Customers from the West favour ittars like Jannat-e-Firdas, Majmu-e-Gulab, Al-Hind, and Al-Habib.
Location Shop No. 17, MM Market, Janpath
Mehboob Perfumery, Old Delhi
A small store in Old Delhi, Mehboob Perfumery offers a remarkable selection of ittars. The store is simply set up with walls lined with shelves adorned with several glass bottles in various sizes, shapes, and colours. The smells emanating from this location and pouring into the street will draw you in immediately. You can find floral scents like sandal, mogra, rose, and jasmine here and mixtures that resemble the newest fashion trends.
Location Shop no. 969, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Jain Perfumes, Connaught Place
Jain Perfumes, founded in 1979, offers more than 100 pure and organic scents. Along with ittars, the store offers a wide range of other goods, including sandalwood powder, roll-on fragrances, incense diffusers, incense sticks, roll-on perfumes, and essential oils.
Location 172 Palika Bazar, Gate No 6, Connaught Place
Attar House Perfumers, Old Delhi
The Attar House, which is about 65 years old, sells a variety of ittars, from rose to musk. The best aspect is that they are reasonably priced, with a beginning price range of INR 100. They offer everything from sweet and floral to heavy musk.
Location 633, Bazaar Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Chitli Qabar