By Rohit Gohri, Batch of 2017
Delhi, indeed, is a shopper’s paradise. Irrespective of your taste and budget, you will always find something which will be of your interest in the numerous pocket-friendly flea markets of Delhi. These are a flourishing treasure trove among shopaholics, undeterred by the mammoth shopping malls across the mega city, due to their real cost benefits. Here’s The Alliance giving you a sneak peek into few of Delhi’s famous markets:
1. Sarojini Nagar
How to get there? Get down at INA station on the yellow line and take an e-rickshaw from there.
Opening hours: The market opens at 11am on all days, except Monday.
Does your pocket cry and your mouth drool seeing the branded, high-end clothes? Don’t worry! Sarojini Nagar Market in South West Delhi comes to your rescue. One of the major attractions of this market is that it provides designer and branded clothes at throwaway prices. This is so because these have been rejected from export, either because of small manufacturing defects or export surplus. Beautiful neckpieces are also available at Rs. 200 each. Brush up your haggling skills to get 60% off the marked price.
Tips:
• Tired and hungry? Gorge on Indian snacks at the Haldiram’s outlet at Lane G.
• Check the clothes carefully for small holes or other manufacturing defects, before buying.
• Reach the market as soon as it opens to avoid heavy rush.
2. Janpath
How to get there? A ride in mango rickshaw from Rajiv Chowk Metro station will take you to one of Delhi’s oldest market.
Opening hours: The market opens around 10am on all days, except Sunday.
Despite dating back to 1950, Janpath has not lost its sheen among the college going students and foreigners. Some of the latest designer wear, bags, palazzos and attractive leather footwear (jutis, mojris, and kolhapuris) can be found here. It is also famous for second hand novels and junk jewelry. If you’re always on a lookout for the latest fashion trends and are able to drive a hard bargain, this market won’t disappoint you.
Tips:
• Janpath Market is popular for the exquisite Pashmina Shawl from Kashmir.
• Tired of shopping? South of Rajpath is the National museum.
• Next to Janpath Market is Tibetan Market, popular for Tibetan artifacts like Buddhist gongs, bamboo-shoot, and little metal Budhhas.
3. Lajpat Nagar (Central Market)
How to get there? De-board at Lajpat Nagar metro station on the violet line and walk your way to the market.
Opening hours: The market is open on all days, except Monday.
Famous for ethnic wear, this market houses reasonably priced kurtis (available for as low as Rs. 150), Indian footwear and accessories. Garam Gali, a lane especially for brides, has the latest ‘inspired’ designs in bridal wear. The Mehndiwalas (Henna appliers), sitting on the pavement, will surely astonish you with their swiftness. After all that shopping, relish some delicious Lebanase Shawarma Rolls, Tibetan Momos, and Chinese Garlic Prawns with Banta.
Tips:
• Maximum Outfits and a few other retail stores sell branded clothes at a cheap rate. Do not forget to visit these. • The market is crowded on weekends. So, the best time to visit is on weekdays, from 11am-8pm.
4. Karol Bagh
How to get there? Get down at Karol Bagh metro station and lo, begins the huge Karol Bagh market.
Opening hours: The market is open from 10am to 7pm on all days, except Monday.
Karol Bagh Market gives you a glimpse of integrated India. Here, you’ll find almost everything, from ornaments to footwear to beautiful costumes for wedding trousseau. Paul Garments, Madan Store, and Tip Top offer quality clothes at a reasonable price. If you happen to visit this market on a Monday, do splurge on export surplus garments, which are available at Rs. 100-150. Karol Bagh market is also known for the traditional jewelry street, The Bank Street.
Tips:
• Beware of the pick-pockets active in this market!
• Gaffar market, located near Karol Bagh, is one of the best spots to buy electronics, gadgets and gizmos at a lower price, but they do not provide you with a proper bill.
• Bargain hard!
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