Shopping
in Delhi
There are some antique stores behind Jama Masjid, and more lining the entrance
to the Red Fort, where the Meena Bazar once was. These offer items arranging
from jewellery to painting and furniture, and cater almost entirely to tourists.
Connaught Place, New Delhi's original shopping arcade was planned as part of
the Imperial capital in 1911. On Baba Kharak Singh Marg, are the numerous government
State Emporia. Which afford a glimpse of the handicrafts of each state. So does
the recently- inaugurated new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath.
Across the road from "Cottage" as it is popularly known, are the inviting
stalls along Janpath.
The Tibetans sell jewellery and ritual objects, while closer to Connaught Place
are available embroideries from Gujarat and Rajasthan, readymade garments and
bric- a - brac. When the wheather is good it is pleasant to amble down Janpath,
where bargaining is the order of the day. Sundernagar Market is a fine place
to shop for antiques and silver jewellery. The well - appointed stores keep
a choice selection, especially of silver jewellery from Ladakh, semi- precious
stones, some textiles and brass, copper and silver object d'art.
Not far from Sundernagar is the Crafts Museum Shop, attached to the museum in
Pragati Maidan. Moving further south are the up market shopping centers of South
Delhi- South Extension, Greater Kailash I and II, Green Park and Hauz Khas Village.
The haunt of the nouveau riche, these markets offer a combination of ethnic
chic and designer lebels, Indian and international. Hauz Khas Village has set
a very interesting trend as market. Over the countries, a village had developed
around the medieval college and the tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. A few years
ago, an association called Dastakar - set up a showroom in the village. Now
the village has a plethora of boutiques, galleries and restaurants which coexist
with the buffalos, cow pats and men smokking hookahs on charpoys. Far from being
a deterrant, the "rural" ambience is a positive attraction.
Other villages like Mehtauli, Khirkee and Lado Serai are fast following suit.
Seeing the popularity of crafts bazaars held periodically in the capital, Delhi
Tourism has set up a permanent outlet for craftspersons at Dilli Haat, where
space and the availability of Indian cuisines make the visit a very pleasant
experience. A more up market outlet for Indian handicrafts and antiques is the
bazaar near the Qutub Minar.
The Santushi Shopping Arcade opposite the Ashoka Hotel has become another popular
up market haunt. Developed by the Air Force Wives Association, it has a select
number of boutiques where apparel, furnishings and accessories are available.
A restaurant and patisserie add to the quiet charm of the place.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
