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As the capital city of India, Delhi has many thriving marketplaces old and new, some of which date back to the Mughal period. From the white buildings of Connaught Place and the labyrinthine alleys of Chandni Chowk to the posh shops of Khan Market and the trappings of Tibetan culture at Majnu-ka-Tilla, whichever way you turn you will find a bustling marketplace filled with people purchasing quality clothes, books, shoes, accessories, homeware, electronics and more at affordable prices (and exercising their bargaining skills to boot).
Here are five of the best places for shopping in Delhi.
The iconic Sarojini Nagar Market in southwest Delhi has long sold items at affordable prices, from utensils to furniture. Most of their clothing stock consists of an export surplus, wherein clothes produced by brands are ditched due to minor issues like stitch inaccuracies which are then bought in bulk to sell at lower costs. The sheer variety of apparel in Sarojini Nagar Market is limitless. With clothes from high-end brands like H&M and FabIndia available here, you can easily spend a full day exploring every corner to find a style and cut that speaks to you.
The market is closed on Mondays.
One of the most famous markets for visitors in the capital city, Janpath is notable for its Kashmiri products such as handmade kurtis, pashmina shawls, woollen scarves and complete suit sets. Visit the Tibetan section to buy antique silver jewellery, statues of the Buddha, colourful beads, wooden artefacts and thangka paintings. Head to the Gujarati market area for bright kurtas and lehenga cholis at reasonable prices. Top off your shopping spree with mouthwatering momos that are the star attraction of the Janpath Market.
Named in honour of Indian independence fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, the Lajpat Nagar area is particularly renowned for its central market. Whether it be saris, salwar kameezes, kurtas, dhotis, kurtis or shoes, you will find what you’re looking for here. A particular highlight of the market is the Lakhnavi chikankari, an embroidery style which features on many clothes. Mostly done using white-coloured threads, the finished product looks very chic and elegant. Wrap up your trip with a stop at a mehndiwallah to get a henna tattoo.
The market remains closed on Mondays.
The Paharganj Main Bazaar is located just outside the New Delhi Railway Station. It’s a jumbled mess of colours, chaos and noise which makes shopping here an experience like none other. Shops are filled to the brim with books, music, jewellery, bags, clothes, shoes, incense sticks, textiles, wooden statues and handicrafts. You can purchase second-hand books here for your studies, work and leisure, and wonder about the notes written on the pages by the previous owner(s). The best things to buy from here are juttis, boots, formal shoes, handbags for your laptop and other belongings, and attar, an essential oil that comes in many fragrances like sandalwood, lavender, rose, marigold, etc.
The busy Ajmal Khan Road has long been famous for its inexpensive readymade clothes, cotton yarn and embroidered garments. But now, international labels have become equally familiar in the streets and lanes which make up the Karol Bagh Market. Bank Street is known for its jewellery shops, especially those suitable for a bridal trousseau, while the Ghaffar Market sells a diverse array of products ranging from cosmetics to electronics. The Arya Samaj Road is where you can buy second-hand books. From big air-conditioned showrooms to small and dainty shops, the Karol Bagh Market is a juxtaposition of a modern India which continues to maintain its links to an older way of shopping.
