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Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers, who can buy objects ranging from the simplest of Indian handicrafts to international designer labels, and often within the same shopping area. Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets.
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.
Karol Bagh
It is yet another famous shopping complex in Delhi of similar nature. You can find a variety of Indian clothes, shoes and accessories out here as well as precious jewelry and bridal wear. What's more, this place sells automobiles and related accessories too .
Sarogini Nagar
Sarojini Nagar Market is a lively market where middle-class locals shop. It's a good place just to stroll around and take in the chaos, as it has pedestrian-only zones -- a rarity in India. Shopkeepers boisterously hawk their wares while workers unload goods from auto- and cycle-rickshaws, shoppers scurry about, and diners pause over plates of greasy street food. The back streets of Sarojini are famous for selling rejected export apparel at bargain prices.For music, The Music Shop at Khan Market, Rhythm Corner at South Extension, Blues in Defence Colony and Sheilma and Pyramids in Palika Bazar should be visited. Although you will find music available almost everywhere, the quality of music in these shops is better.
For casuals, Janpath with its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar are the places you would like to visit. These places offer variety of novelties, gifts and handicraft items at bargain prices. Sarojini Nagar also has this rather big market of export surplus clothes. Here you will find clothes made for GAP, Van Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis being sold for a song. All these clothes have been made in India for these designer brands and are sold just because they are surplus. Terrific bargains!
Connaught Place
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 like Benetton, Ray-Ban, Adidas, and Pierre Cardin at a comparatively lower price. A common sight in South Delhi, rather in Greater Kailash and South Extension is the presence of multi storeyed departmental stores. These stores are complete in themselves in as much that they have on display items of all kinds ranging from cosmetics to clothes to shoes to books to household items. If you wish to buy quality products and do not mind spending a little bit more,then these stores are worth visiting.
Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi Markets offer a variety of goods. Chandni Chowk and the bazaar inside Lal Qila are good areas to hunt for bargains. On the streets behind the Jama Masjid, many shops sell metalware curios and old utensils, and one street specializes in paper and stationery, some of it handmade and hand-printed. On Dariba Kalan, stalls are filled with silver and gold jewelry. Except for the Lal Qila bazaar, most businesses in Old Delhi shut down on Sunday.
Hauz Khas
In Hauz Khas Village, boutiques and shops set in converted old homes up and down narrow alleys sell handicrafts, curios, old carpets and kilims, and designer clothing (both Indian and Western). Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 to 7.
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.
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