10 Best Traditional Bazaars in India worth exploring

Are you looking for the best traditional bazaars in India?

Then you’re in the right place.

Because today in this article, I will take you to a tour of colorful bazaars of India rich in culture and tradition.

Colorful markets in India reflect the real essence of vibrant Indian culture.

Let’s take a tour of 10 most tourists visiting bazaars in India.

 

1. Colaba Causeway Market in Mumbai 

Colaba causeway of Mumbai is one of the oldest bazaars of India and also known as the heart of Mumbai.

This market is also famous for its pocket-friendly shopping.

If you are planning to visit Mumbai then, don’t forget to add Colaba causeway shopping to your bucket list. 

In this market, cheap silver jewelry, something that you will find in every looking corner, it will cost you between 3 – 7 dollars (200 – 500 rupees).

This market is famous for home decor stuff, handicrafts, footwear, clothes, etc.

Another quick bargaining tip for you, when shopping in Colaba causeway, for example, shopkeeper quote a price of 500, you start bargain from half the price, so you have to say 250, and that’s why you come in a middle ground, then you will get your product in the right price.

After shopping, you can also take a refreshing break at the cafe Leopold, which has great food and this cafe established in 1871.

This Colaba Causeway market, also known as the “culture square” of Mumbai.

• What to buy: Handicrafts, cheap silver jewelry, junk jewelry, Indian footwear, clothes, bags, bangles, earrings, home decor stuff such as antiques, lampshades.
• Shopping tip: Don’t show too much keen interest in the product that you are going to buy, no matter how much you love it, never let the shopkeeper know that you love it.
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Location: Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Colaba, Mumbai.

 

2. Chor bazaar Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in India, and it is more than 150 years old.

Initially, it is known as “Shor Bazaar” which means a “noisy market”.

However, the British, during their reign in India, mispronounced the name and the market eventually got changed to “chor bazaar”.

Chor bazaar of Mumbai is a great attraction for tourists, it is famous for antique and vintage items.

You can also find handicrafts, bronze statues, gramophones, vintage miniatures, etc.

• Buying tip: always bargain before buying anything.
• Timing: 11 AM to 7.30 PM (Fridays remain closed)
• Location: Mutton Street, Near Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai

 

3. Dilli Haat INA, Delhi

Dilli Haat is an open art and crafts Bazaars in India, located in Delhi, run by Delhi tourism and transportation development corporation(DTTDC).

It is a colorful traditional market, led by craftsman across all over the country displaying their handicrafts.

This Dilli Haat bazaar of India is one of the best places to shop art & crafts items from all 28 states of the country.

Dilli Haat organizers always make sure that visitors should get the products at the right price, so they check on prices regularly to keep them moderate.

Besides the rich culture and heritage, Dilli Haat also famous for its food from the different states of the country, such as Rajasthani thali from Rajasthan, bamboo hot chicken from Nagaland, Pooranpoli from Maharashtra, Punjabi thali, Odisha thali, south Indian thali, etc.

The entry fees for Indian nationals is 30 rupees for adults, 20 rupees for children, and 100 rupees(1.3 dollars) for foreigners.

• What to buy: traditional jewelry, handicrafts, traditional clothes, home decor, etc.
• Timing: the Haat opens at 10:30 in the morning and closes at 11:30 in the night, it open on all seven days a week.
• Location:  you can access the market through the INA underground station of Delhi metro.

 

4. Paharganj Market, Delhi

The Paharganj market of Delhi is one of the most famous bazaars among foreigners, and you must explore every corner of this place.

Here you will find good quality products at reasonable prices,  such as traditional clothes, handicrafts, leather bags, home decor, etc.

There are more than 400 shops in the Paharganj market, which is an amazing thing for shopaholics.

Paharganj market is also famous for its street food, amazing cafe, and restaurants, etc.

• What to buy: traditional clothes, wooden statues, brass wares, handicrafts, leather bags, junk jewelry, necklaces, home decor, Kolhapuri chappal, etc.
• Timing: 11 am to 9 pm(Monday closed).
• Location: Opposite New Delhi railway station.

 

5. Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur 

The Bapu market is one of the most famous, cheapest, and traditional bazaars of India.

The pink city, Jaipur is most famous for its tourist attraction from all over  India and the world, So Bapu bazaar is one of the must-visit places for tourists in this city.

Bapu market situated in the heart of the pink city and this bazaar is famous for its Rajasthani traditional products such as handicrafts, brass works, and sculptures, etc.

The best thing about this market is product affordability, so here you can buy handicraft items starting from 1 dollar(70 rupees).

Bapu Bazaar is famous for its camel skin footwear and also known as shoe lover paradise. 

• What to buy: traditional Rajasthani clothes, handcrafted items, home decor gifts & paintings, Juttis, aluminum & brass sculptures, antiques, precious gems stone, dupattas, bangles, etc.
• Buying tip: Bargain 10-20 percent from the original price before buying any product.
• Timing: opens at 10:30 AM and closes at  8 PM, every day of the week.
• Location: Biseswarzi, near the “New gate”.

 

6. Johri Bazaar in Jaipur, India 

Johari Bazaar is one of the famous markets in India for precious stones, gems, and jewelry items.

For this reason, Jaipur is also known as emerald city or city of gems.

In this bazaar, you will find varieties of precious stones, gems and Kundan jewelry – the famous product of Johari bazaar. 

Johri Bazaar is also famous for its gold and silver jewelry, handicrafts, antiques, Rajasthani sarees, metal works, pottery items, etc.

Johari Bazaar is must visit place for domestic and international tourists.

• What to buy: traditional Rajasthani clothes, handcrafted items, home decor gifts & paintings, marble statues, aluminum & brass sculptures, antiques, precious gems stone, silver jewelry, etc.
• Timing: opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 10:30 PM, A part of this market closed on Sunday.
• Location: Infront of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.

 

7. Anjuna flea market in Goa.

Apart from its beautiful beaches, Goa is also famous for its flea markets.

Shopping in goa is about street shopping, and Anjuna Market is one of the favorite places for street shoppers from around the world.

The interesting fact about this market is, products from all over India are available here such as handicrafts, clothes, junk jewelry, marble statues, etc.

Another really exciting thing about this bazaar is, both foreigners and locals are running shopping stalls here, which is amazing.

Anjuna flea market opens from Mid-October to May, the best time to visit this market is during Christmas and new year’s.

• What to buy: Handcrafted items, jewelry, bangles, clothes, scarves, hammocks, Indian spices, marble statues, etc.
• Buying tip: Bargain before you buy anything.
• Anjuna flea market timing: It opens on Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 8:30 pm, and on Saturday they have night market.
• Location: Anjuna village, Bardez taluka, north Goa.

 

8. Mapusa Market, Goa

For tourists, the Mapusa market is one of the best places for traditional shopping.

Mapusa bazaar is known for its vibrant and bustling nature and also famous for its Friday-market.

Every Friday vendors from nearby towns and villages come here to sell their products.

This bazaar is well known for its junk jewelry, Indian spices, handcrafted items, etc.

This Mapusa market makes you feel the real essence of goa culture.

• What to buy: handicrafts, traditional and junk jewelry, marble statues, Antiques, Goan pottery, local spices, pickles, fruits, etc.
• Buying tip: Try to bargain before you buy any product.
• Mapusa market timing: opens at 9:00 AM and closes at around 7:00 pm(Monday to Saturday).
• Location: 15 min away from Mapusa bus stand.

 

9. Lakkar Bazar in Shimla

According to my experience, this is one of the best bazaars in India for domestic and international tourists because of its exotic places.

Lakkar Bazar is must visit place for tourists and also this market is every shopaholic delight.

This bazaar reflects the real essence of Shimla because the majority of shops here sells local produce product such as Pashmina shawls, wooden decorative works, handicrafts, etc.

This place is especially famous for its wide range of wooden works, Kullu shawls, and beautifully carved wooden walking sticks.

After shopping, you can visit “Sitaram” to taste the famous “Aloo tiki” and “Chole Bhature”.

• What to buy: Antique items, Souvenirs, traditional clothes, Kullu shawls, handcrafted items, wooden works such as walking sticks, home decorative, beautiful jewelry boxes, etc.
• Buying tip: Try to bargain minimum 10-20 percent before buying any product
• Lakkar bazar timing: opens at 9:00 AM and closes at around 8:00 pm(All days of the week).
• Location: located in the mall road, Shimla.

Also Read: Interesting facts about Kerala, India

10. Commercial Street Bangalore

Bangalore city is also known as the silicon valley of India, Apart from this, it is also famous for its tourist attraction places.

Those who are shopaholics and love street shopping then the commercial market of Bangalore is the best place for them.

commercial street Market is a one-stop destination for purchasing antiques, ethnic wear, footwear, jewelry, etc.

In this market, you can also enjoy the Indian street food like Bhel puri, Allu Tikki, samosa chaat, etc.

• What to buy: Brassware decor items, Antiques, fashion accessories, silver jewelry, Kolhapuri chappal, ethic wears, gift items, etc.
• Buying tip: Bargain before you buy any product.
• Commercial street Bangalore timing: Opens at 10:00 AM and closes at around 9:30 pm(All days of the week).
• Location: Near M.G Road.

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