Almost all cities in the world are filled with malls, boutiques and branded showrooms. But there are also many exciting places which have great throw away prices and offer fantastic deals, we are talking about street shopping. There are several pockets or areas in cities that have the best and latest fashion at absolutely nominal prices with great bargaining going on at every nook and corner. They are an absolute shopper’s delight who like to hunt for a steal. Mumbai and Delhi, are best known for their street shopping. Here is a list of my nine favorite shopping destinations in India where you can find the most pocket-friendly deals:
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Linking Road, Mumbai
Bandra is a shopping hub! From latest clothes, shoes and accessories, Linking Road has it all. Bargaining is uncontrollable here, you can be assured to find the trending fashion at unpredictable prices at Linking Road. Its best for all range of casual wear to party wear shoes and junk jewellery.
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Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
Best for books, junk jewellery, accessories, bags, shoes, handicrafts and clothes. International tourists are highly attracted to this area and the vendors even speak several languages. If you have good eyes for fashion and a smart mouth to bargain, then your shopping here would be great.
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Janpath Market, New Delhi
It is situated opposite the famous Connaught Place, in New Delhi. There are fixed small shops and local stalls, there are also traditional clothes, mojari or jutti (a Punjabi / Rajasthani footwear)/ purses and other handicraft artisans sitting between the lanes. Embroidered stuff at this market is amazing. There is no limit to bargain here.If you want the desi stuff like jhumkas, juttis, and jholas, you should make way to the streets of Janpath. Here one can find fashionably trendy as well as traditional stuff.
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Shanivari Market, Surat
The place where the market happens is not a street, nor a building, it is just an open space between two bridges across the river Makai Bridge. The Shanivari or Saturday market near Makai Pul is one of the largest flea markets in Gujarat. It sells antiques, small jewellery pieces, old furniture and pretty much anything one is looking for. Ladies usually shop here for their household stuffs and antiques but you can be sure to find unique or quirky stuff too.
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Pondy Bazaar, Chennai
One of the prominent places in Chennai. Its official name is ‘Soundarapandia Bazaar’ was named after Justice Party politician W. P. A. Soundarapandian Nadar whose statue is situated in the square. Both locals and tourist like the Pondy Bazar. Ethnic wear at large and at extremely reasonable rates are sold here. collections of kurtas, sarees and chappals found here to perfect to survive the climate in Chennai. Along with independent retailers, there are many branded stores too especially know is the Sarvana store.
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Commercial Street, Bangalore
It is one if the oldest and busiest shopping area of the city. It’s famous for its clothes, shoes, accessories, junk jewellery and lots more. From the simplest traditional clothes to the trendiest western styles you will find them here. There are many tailors who can stitch anything from salwar suits to saree blouses within 24 hours. There are a plethora of restaurants too in this area.
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Gariahat Road, Kolkata
One of the Finest Bengali Traditional Textiles can be found here from the Benarasi silk to Kantha stich everything is available. Electronics, good restaurants & all together provide a very long stretch for window shopping too. Gariahat shops are reasonably priced allowing shoppers plenty of scope for bargaining. Recently several mega-stores and malls have sprung up in the area. After a long day of shopping you can refuel from any of restaurants and food stalls serving kathi rolls, cutlets, chowmein, phuchkas, pastries and samosas.
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Baapu Bazaar, Jaipur
A quintessential Indian bazaar where reasonably priced ethnic stuff can be found is Baapu Bazaar. It’s known for selling bed-sheets, jutti (ethnic shoes), salwar suits, cushions, home decor artifacts. A rich variety of various prints and designs-sanganeri, bagru, batik, and bandhej can be found here. It is located in the old city area where one can find beautiful Rajasthani things out here. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself with the local food from kachoris to lassi and a lot more.
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Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad
Popularly know as the Choodi Baazar also it is situated next to the very old area in of Charminar in Hyderabad from the time of Nizams. It is very well known for its Laad meaning lacquer used to make bangles, on which artificial diamonds are studded. Various kinds of saris, wedding related items, and cheap jewellery, as well as fabrics like brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics, are also found here.
Street shopping is exciting convenient and affordable. So next time before going shopping to malls try out these local markets, not only to save your money but have a great local experience which cannot be matched.
