"Delhi For Shopaholics"
The word "Shopping" and
"Market" themselves make me feel super excited and turn me on, the
very thought of getting a new dress or even a pair of footwear adds to my
satisfaction. Its just like whenever i feel low or need to charge myself..I
start exploring the new things around me..sometimes the malls full of people or
at times even the streets of delhi with lots of noise all over with the very
sound of "Le jao madam".... No matter what time of the day it is
(definitely not the night time as i am not allowed) but the beautiful and
attractive "Bazaars" of Delhi keep calling me.
My friends call me shopaholic and at times even i
feel the same when I find it so difficult to maintain my clothes without my mom
to dry clean them and take care of them..but then that's a different story
altogether. Today while writing this blog, the famous quote by "Bo
Derek" strikes me "Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply
didn't know where to go shopping" and I think this applies to most women
whether they agree or disagree to it.
Sarojini nagar gives you a amazing shopping
experience, for all the shopping crazy people , this is the best place to
visit. There are shoe shops, utensil shops, garment shops, food courts, and
furniture shops and so on, to cater to every need of an individual Sarojini
Nagar is most famous for its really cheap designer clothes and reputable brands
that have been rejected from export, either because of surplus quantity or
small manufacturing defects. Shops and stalls, selling all kinds of clothes and
fashion accessories, sprawl onto the streets. There's also a sweet market (Babu
Market) and vegetable market (Subzi Mundi) in the area. Monday is the weekly
off when this market is shut. Sarojini Nagar market is entirely a place for
street shopping at great bargain deals. The market gives you amazing shopping
experience with shops for footwear, utensil shops, garment shops, food courts,
furniture shops to cater to every need of an individual.
Kamla nagar market is completely students market situated
next to the North Campus of Delhi University. It is a lively market and a
popular hang-out for college students. It is famous for popular fashion
brands and spicy street food. There are roads, spreading out radially
from a huge roundabout, house several showrooms. The lower floors of the
market house retail stores and restaurants while most of the upper storeys are
residential quarters. A number of booksellers and publishers have their offices
in this market, especially on the Bungalow Road. You may check out a few
showrooms on Bada Gol Chakkar and Chhota Gol Chakkar.
McDonald's and Dominos outlets here are a big attraction for
the young regulars.
Classy and posh, Khan Market is a favourite of the expat
and diplomatic community. It was originally allocated as seed land to
immigrants from the North-West Frontier Province after the partition of India.
Today, it is a popular shopping destination in Delhi. It is a large U-shaped
market with two parallel turns and some extensions. There are excellent book
shops, up-market boutiques, opticians, grocers, tailors, brand showrooms,
lifestyle stores with a couple of boutiques selling up-market household
furnishings. Across the road are shops that specialize mainly in lighting. The
Market also has many eating joints: cafes, restaurants, bakeries and
street-food corners.
Khan Chacha is a landmark: its tikkas and seekhs are a rage with the crowd.
Amrapali is famous for its silver jewellery. Ranna Gill makes
two major fashion statements each year with her summer and winter lines.
Lajpat Nagar is a popular shopping area where you can
get whatever you desire - accessories, clothes, footwear, bags, etc. The
garments
at Hakoba range from saris and salwar
kameezes for women to kurtas and kurtis for both men
and women. The Lucknowi embroidery, which is mostly done in white-coloured
threads, is breathtaking and of very high quality. Shopaholics
can find everything starting from accessories to clothes and from foot wear to
bags in the uncountable shops of Lajpat Nagar Central Market. Where on the one
hand people can find exquisite, ethnic Indian wear in the market, on the other
hand western wear in the latest designs are also available. All the shopping
items in Lajpat Nagar Central Market are found either in the huge glittering
showrooms or the roadside stalls. The regular shoppers in the market does not
lose any opportunity for bargaining.
Lajpat Nagar Central Market is known not only for its shopping but for offering
other important activities as well. The appliers of Henna or the Mehndiwalas
are very famous in the market and people love to get their hands tinted in the
traditional Indian styles. The mouth-watering delicacies of Lajpat Nagar Market
such as steaming Tibetan Momos are another delight for all.
Shopaholics can find everything starting from accessories
to clothes and from foot wear to bags in the uncountable shops of Lajpat Nagar
Central Market. Where on the one hand people can find exquisite, ethnic Indian
wear in the market, on the other hand western wear in the latest designs are
also available. All the shopping items in Lajpat Nagar Central Market are found
either in the huge glittering showrooms or the roadside stalls. The regular
shoppers in the market does not lose any opportunity for bargaining.
Dilli Haat is the brain child of the Tourist Department of
Delhi. Delhi Haat was established to promote the arts and crafts industry of
India. Further, you can enjoy shopping the ethnic items of India and pamper
your taste buds with the lip smacking Indian dishes at a very reasonable rate
under one roof. Delhi Haat is a permanent haat where the craftsmen are mobile
and offer you a pleasing combination of arts and crafts, food and cultural
activities. Delhi Haat covers a vast area of six acres. Apart from the market,
Delhi Haat comprises of a separate corner for children to play. Delhi Haat
houses two things together - a food joint and a crafts market - both inspired
from the village style. The food brasseries offer you the rich Indian food from
all regions, all neatly and hygienically cooked.
At times Delhi Haat also conducts some regional food
festivals. Handicrafts at Delhi Haat are commendable. They include rosewood and
sandalwood carvings, camel hide Footwear, brass ware, metal crafts, gems and
jeweleries, etc. You can get the crafts work from all across the country
here.The best time to visit Delhi Haat would be in the evening when you can not
only enjoy the glitters of the village set up but also get to see the wide
diversity of Indian culture.
The market of Chandni Chowk is very old. The origin of
Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in Indian history. According to
legend, Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal
Emperor Shahjahan. The legend also says that Chandni Chowk market was designed
by Jahanara-Emperor Shahjahan's favorite daughter. A large 'chowk' or square
with a centrally located pool was incorporated in the initial design. The
market of Chandni Chowk prospered and grew through the ages. The present
Chandni Chowk market symbolizes the development through three centuries.
Chandni chowk is always buzzing with life. The environment
here is electric. Waves of people can sweep you away if you remain static for a
moment on the street. It doesn't take a scientist to know that it is one of the
busiest hubs in the entire country and in the world too. It can aptly be called
a living museum.
The ruins here are ironically beautiful. It is not as much about the ruins as
it is about fulfilling our inner quest of going back into time. Latest technology
shops in 17th century buildings are great mismatch. But these things sparks
interest and catch eyeballs. Anything can happen at the small pavement you are
passing through. A car can run into a cow and vise-versa. This place does not
shut any doors on anything. Here you can watch cars crawling at almost the same
pace with paddle Rickshaws and people on the pavement.
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest bazaar existing in India today. The
attraction here is that you can find almost anything in a small confine. If at
one corner you find painting materials at the next turn you'll find kurtas and
Saris. Some shops have continued for almost a century, continuously passing
down from one generation to another. And people here have tried to maintain the
originality. A Parantha at the Paranthawala gully or Jellibis at the
Jellibiwalla couldn't have changed too much over the years. Such strenuous
effort of maintaining their trademark has only surged their popularity.
Good food and great temples make Chandni Chowk a popular place for both
Delhites and tourists. Papri Chaat on the opposite side of Gurudwara, or
roadside kababs near Jama Masjid defines Chandni Chowk. A visit to the place
without trying such delicacies would be incomplete. Though the alleys are too narrow
for comfort, there are hardly any blind ends. The whole place is interconnected
by interesting webs of small alleys. Tea stands are common sight along with
small pan shops.
Connaught Place is one of the largest commercial and
business centres in Delhi. It is easily known as CP. Connaught Place is a
circular shopping centre surrounded by tall office buildings. The remarkably
built shops with tall circular pillars still stand strong and give a touch of
classiness. The landmark hasn't changed too much since its construction 1933
but it has become a lot more spacious after the renovation process undertaken
before the Commonwealth games in 2010. The shopping area surrounds a park
called the Central Park. It is now a place where cultural events are held from
time to time. Most recently, Central Park is the exhibition site for 'United
Buddy Bears'. It is to be exhibited in 25 places and 5 continents to promote
World's peace. The central Park sits on top of Rajiv Chowk Metro station. After
India's Independence, Connaught Place was renamed as Rajiv Chowk after India's
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. But Connaught Place is still more popular and
commonly used.
Connaught
place has more big brands but at the same time there are so many roadside
shops. I particularly like the book sellers; they perked up the Place.
Connaught Place is also popular for the underground market called Palika
Bazaar. It is a hub for cheaper products. You can get almost everything from
DSLR cameras to laptop at a much cheaper price. The range of goods available
here is extravagant.
Connaught
Place is like the heart of Delhi. It is a place where roads begin and shoot out
in different directions like arteries. It is one of the most happening places
in Delhi. Jantar Mantar and Janpath are just a stone's throw distance from
here. Over the years it has become a great tourist destination. Everyday in CP
is like a celebration.
The
Gold Souk Mall at Delhi is one of the few specialty malls in New Delhi and NCR.
They specialize in jewelery for women and men. Gold Souk Mall at Delhi houses
jewelers conducting their family business, rising jewelers and reputed
international jewelers. Situated in Vikaspuri in West Delhi AEZ Square is one
of the most posh malls in the city. The latest venture of the AEZ Group, a leading
name in the Indian real estate area, this mall has set a benchmark as far as
architectural planning, designing and construction quality are concerned. In an
attempt to compete with the best retail entertainment centers this masterpiece
created by the AEZ group is at par with some of the best international shopping
centers. Apart from sheltering the best brand names and designer wears this
mall also offers exclusive dining, leisure and other entertainment options.
Among
the most popular shopping malls in Delhi the DLF City Center is a perfect
example of good architecture and great ambiance. Built exclusively on the lines
of international malls DLF City Center was built way back in 2001. The mall is
divided into four different levels that have about 127 stores. Ethereal for
shopaholics the DLF City Center at Delhi is home to some of the finest
lifestyle stores. Ranging from ethnic to western wear the stores in this mall
are stacked with the best of Indian and international garments, footwear and
cosmetics. One of the major contributions of this mall is however in the
development of Gurgaon. The Pacific Mall at Delhi is located along the
Maharajganj UP Delhi border in Ghaziabad . This mall is one of the shopping
malls in the National Capital Region (NCR). It contains studios of many famous
designers in Delhi apart from housing regular apparel brands. This mall also
has an IMAX theater, the second in India and fifth in Asia. It is basically a
shopping megamall, multi-cineplex, amusement park, food plaza, night spot,
corporate center and a star hotel rolled into one.
Delhi
is quite popular for its huge malls, designer brands and international labels;
you can have an amazing shopping day at one of these fashionable malls, while
also eat and enjoy to the fullest. Here is a list of top 10 malls in Delhi.
Located in one of the best areas of South Delhi, Select City Walk, together
with a lot of other malls, form the mall hub area of South Delhi. From designer
labels to top international brands, you will find it all here; and the people
from all over the city and NCR creates a great crowd. You can eat, shop and
have a perfect day with your friends and family here. Located at a wonderful
area, in Gurgaon, Ambiance mall is a very popular destination for shoppers. You
will find some very popular international brands here like BMW, and Delhi’s
biggest bowling zone. Other attractions of this place are the golf outlet,
multiplex and amazing food court. Offering you more than 500 retail stores,
Ambience is a truly fantastic place for shopping.
Far
away from the crowd of the main highways and bustling roads, Cross River Mall
is located in the business district of Shahdara, East Delhi. Covering a huge
area, this mall offers you wide range of eating outlets, clothing brands, designer
showrooms, cinema halls, lounge and bar and other sources of entertainment.
Shop, eat and enjoy, and have a perfect relaxing weekend. Another important
part of the West Delhi hub of malls, TDI is another place where you can shop
till your heart’s content. Amazing brands like Adidas, Blackberry, Levi’s and
amazing food court, cafes and popular joints, TDI also offers you a very
spacious parking lot.
Often
called the Little Tibet in Delhi, this colony was originally set up to house a
few Tibetan refugees. Decades later, not only has the little colony market
grown in size but its name and fame have also spread far and wide. It is
popularly known as the Monastery Market. A nondescript gate under the arch of
the ISBT Shahdara Link Flyover on the Ring Road leads one to a suprisingly
large market, chock-a-block with stalls selling statues, incense, shawls,
paintings and Tibetan artefacts, including jewellery and semi-precious
stones.
Shops
sellingclothes and accessories are a huge hit among the young
crowd of Delhi. Also popular are the shops selling footwear and
other leather products. Most products are stylish and good
value-for-money. It is also a good place to sample some original Tibetan
home food. Restaurants like Zomsa and Shakura serve Tibetan delicacies
including thukpa. Momos and mouth-watering chow mein are also available in
this market.
Karol
Bagh is a shopper's delight for you can find virtually everything here. Ajmal
Khan Road has long been famous for inexpensivereadymades, cotton
yarn and embroidered garments. But now international labels have also
become equally familiar. At Arya Samaj Road you can buy second-hand books. Bank
Street has a row of shops displaying gold jewellery. Ghaffar Market is
famous for imported goods. As you step out of the New Delhi Railway Station and
cross the road, you stand at the entrance of Paharganj Main Bazaar. Stretching
for about a kilometre, it is a bargainer's paradise. Chaotic, noisy and
dirty, the market is only for shoppers who are rough and tough.
The whole Main Bazaar is lined with shops full to the brim with books,
music, jewellery, bags, clothes, shoes, incense, textiles, wooden statues, and
handicrafts. Shanti Handloom and other textile shops offerbags, bed spreads,
cushion covers, wall hangings, etc. The jewellery shops sell handmade
beaded necklaces and bangles in every shape, size and colour. Carved wooden
statues of gods and goddesses, brass wares and decorations are
available among handicrafts. Prayer Incense Worldwide specializes in incense
sticks, incense cones and Indian tea. Evenbooks, both new and second-hand,
are available.
The
underground, air-conditioned market called Palika Bazar is located
below the inner circle of Connaught Place was set up in the late 1970s. It is
especially famous for cheap electronic goods and clothes. From footwear to
clothing to nightwear to perfumes to accessories to electronic gadgets
to DVDs and CDs, you will get a wide range of products in this massive
market. You may also buy curios and small knick-knacks to take back home as
souvenirs. There are hundreds of shops in Palika Bazaar. It is estimated to
have some 15,000 people within its confines at any given time and
also attracts many foreign tourists. Although bargaining is the mantra for
shopping anywhere in Delhi, it must be followed here rigorously.
Overall,
Delhi is one place where shopaholics and explorers like me can shop and explore
plenty of things, no matter how heavy or light their purses are because
people.. "you have options of all street, window and mall shopping in your
own city unlike other metropolitan cities of India". So freinds...wat are
you waiting for..pick ur bags quickly and explore the changing and colourful
delhi around you soon..and yup.. as your shopping bags get heavy n your violets
get lighter...donnnnnnn't curse me..
