Indian Street Markets and bazaar

Indian street markets are a sensory overload, an explosion of colors, sounds, and smells that awaken your senses and take you on a journey through the heart of Indian culture. The hustle and bustle of the markets, the vibrant fabrics fluttering in the wind, the aroma of spices and street food wafting through the air, and the cacophony of vendors shouting out their goods, allcombine to create an experience unlike any other. From the iconic bazaars of Delhi and Mumbai to the quaint markets of small towns and villages, Indian street markets are a feast for thesenses, and a true reflection of the diversity and richness of India. These markets have been around for decades and still invoke the old-world charm that is unsurpassable. So put on your bargaining hat, get ready to haggle, and let's take a stroll through some of the most famous street markets in India.

• Chandni Chowk, Delhi A market that needs no introduction and is known by all, Chandni Chowk truly defines Indian shopping experience and is one of the oldest and busiest markets in north India. It is believed to be the largest wholesale market in Asia and was established by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during his reign. According to the common folklore, Shah Jahan erected this market so that Jahan Ara, his one of the daughters, and other royal ladies of the court could buy anything they wanted. And this, now remained for us to savor. The narrow and bustling by lanes of Chandni Chowk are home to several sub-markets for specific items and come alive every morning with hundreds of thousands of shoppers visiting every day. From the Meena bazaar of bridal shopping to Kinari bazaar for jewelry and accessories, Dariba Kalan for silverware and Nai Sarak for the book worms, Chandni Chowk is a mind and sensory treat for all your desires. Not only shopping, but the market is also famous for its food indulgence with streets such as ParathewaliGali, Chaat Gali, etc., amidst the colony that still exhumes old-world charms of the Mughal era.
• Address: Chandni Chowk Road, Fatehpuri, Old Delhi, Delhi.
• Timing: 11am to 8pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Pure silverware and gold jewelry, Zardozi embroidery works, Kinari Bazaar sells beautiful wedding lehengas.
• Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi The South Market, or SN, is another name for it. At prices that are unbelievable, Sarojini market offers all the most recent trends and fashions. Most Delhi residents couldn't even fathom shopping without it as there are so many options, and everything is so easily accessible. You can buy nearly everything depending on your budget, including cotton clothing, stylish purses, cosmetics, home furnishings, sweaters, shoes, and other accessories. Sarojini Nagar Market in South Delhi is a well-liked hangout for locals, visitors, and students and remains crowded every weekend. You must master the skill of bargaining if you want to receive the best deal because most retailers overprice their goods first. There are also some excellent confectionary shops offering delectable snacks. Some of the items sold by the sellers may not be of very good quality so make sure to be patient while purchasing and don’t get swept away by the dirt-cheap prices. 
• Address: Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi.
• Timing: 10am to 9pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Bohemian clothes, trendy tops, jackets, shoes, handbags, and fashion accessories.
• Johari Bazaar, Jaipur An understatement to say that Pink City's oldest market is a shoppers' paradise. At the Johari Bazaar, you can find exquisite jewelry made of gold, emeralds, diamonds, and silver in several shops. The public can visit the Johari Bazaar every day of the week except Sunday. Along with tourists from around the world, the extravagant display of various types of Rajasthani jewelry draws visitors from different regions of India. The Johari Bazaar, which is in a prominent part of Jaipur, is known for its bandhani and block-printed textiles, so come prepared to browse through a dizzying array of patterns and stock up on vibrant fabrics. Don't forget to visit Laxmi MishthanBhandar, widely regarded as Jaipur's best candy store, while you're there. The other end of Tripolia Bazaar, which begins at Badi Chaupar, is to the east and has metal businesses. You may observe lac bangle manufacturers at work in a tiny alley off Tripolia Bazaar called Maniharon ka Raasta. The Kishanpol Bazaar in the south sells silver goods, jute strings, and wooden cots.
• Address: Johari Bazaar, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Timing: 10am to 8pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Kundan and Meenakari jewelry, Jaipuri quilts, bandhani sarees, and colorful jootis.
• Floating Vegetable Market, Srinagar In Srinagar, the lovely Dal Lake is well-known for having a floating vegetable market. The floating vegetable market in Srinagar is a captivating sight, a stunning blend of nature and commerce. On the lake, vendors congregate in Shikaras, the traditional Kashmiri boats, to sell tourist-friendly local wares like saffron, wood carvings, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is now primarily visited by tourists, and each morning, large people arrive (often on their own boats) to enjoy this unusual market. The market is a unique example of the resourcefulness of the people of Srinagar, who have adapted to the challenges of their environment, creating a bustling trade center on the waters of the lake.
• Address: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Timing: From sunrise till midday (depending on weather conditions).
• Must Buy:PuFresh produce such as lotus roots, water chestnuts, and Kashmiri saffron.
• Kannauj Market, Uttar Pradesh Kannauj, a small city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its perfumes and fragrances. The city has a rich history of perfume making, dating back to the 6th century AD, and the tradition is still thriving today. The Kannauj market is a bustling hub of activity, where local perfumers sell their wares, from traditional ittars to modern fragrances. The narrow streets of the market are lined with shops and stalls, each one filled with bottles of fragrant oilsand essences. The air is filled with the heady aroma of sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and other exotic scents. Visitors can watch the perfumers at work, as they blend and mix different oils andextracts to create unique fragrances. The market is a sensory delight, a place where the sense of smell is heightened, and the beauty of fragrances celebrated. For anyone interested in the art of perfume making, the Kannauj market is a must-visit destination.
• Address: Kachehri Road, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Timing: 11am to 8pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Pure and organic Attars and perfumes madeof natural essential oils.
• Colaba Causeway, Mumbai There are two things that Colaba Causeway is well known for: shopping and dining. Colaba Causeway, one of Mumbai's most popular street markets for shopping, is a hub for stylish clothing and accessories. The financial and commercial hub of Mumbai, Fort, is close by. Both the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India are nearby Colaba Causeway. You can browse the newest fashions in apparel, shoes, handbags, and jewelry in one of the boutiques in addition to taking a stroll through the streets. The causeway that joins Old Woman's Island and Colaba is known officially as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road. The entire street is lined with structures from the colonial era, and each one has a unique personality. You can find some of Mumbai's most popular and internationally renowned eateries in Colaba Causeway along with many upstanding theatres like Regal Cinema. 
• Address: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Timing: 11am to 9pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Leather jackets, Kolhapuri chappals, junk jewelry, and Bandhani saris.
• Chor Bazaar, Mumbai The Chor Bazaar, which translates literally to "Market of Thieves," is one of the biggest and most well-known flea marketplaces in the nation. The market's name was given to it because British colonists mispronounced the market's original name, "Shor Bazaar," as "Chor Bazaar." There are numerous stalls selling second-hand goods, handicrafts, antiques, and vintage items in this market. It is said that if anything goes missing on the streets of Mumbai, it will end up in Chor Bazaar. Spend the day here browsing some high-quality items to find some genuine discounts. Some of the treasures to be found here include old handicrafts, God and goddess statues made of bronze, vintage gramophones, bronze bells, Bollywood posters, colonial-era lamps, antique Smiths clocks, vintage cameras, power tools, real Victorian furniture, and souvenirs of all kinds.
• Address: Mutton Street, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Timing: 11am to 7:30pm (closed on Friday for the day and only opens from 4am to 8am).
• Must Buy:Vintage cameras, gramophones, old coins and notes, and unique Bollywood memorabilia.
• Arpora Saturday Night Market, Goa We all believe that Goa is only about the beaches and energetic dance music. The Arpora Saturday Night Market is a well-known street market in the city that is known for its nightlife. Only on Saturdays after 6 o'clock in the evening does Arpora Market, which is situated between Arpora and Anjana City Resorts, open. You can buy leather goods and gipsy boxes in addition to locally manufactured Indian handicrafts, stylish clothing, and jewelry. Arpora Market has a wonderful atmosphere reminiscent of Goa, and there are attractions like live music that make shopping there memorable.
• Address: Arpora, North Goa, Goa.
• Timing: 6pm to 12am (Saturday to Sunday).
• Must Buy:Handmade pottery, jewelry, dreamcatchers, and vintage items.
• New Market, Kolkata The New Market district of Kolkata has access to everything you could ever want or need from a market. It serves as a one-stop shop for all shopping requirements. Whatever your buying goals are—extravagant or on a tight budget—this celestial Indian market has you covered. Nearly 2000 shops and numerous kiosks can be found in the New Market, selling everything from needle to fine glassware made exclusively for Kolkata. Silverware and sarees in Bengali weaves like Jamdani, Tangail, Dhakai, Baluchari, and Tant are some must-have items to purchase from this Indian market.It's customary to stop by Nahoum& Sons following a lengthy shopping trip. It is a vintage candy shop that offers fruit cakes, tarts, and other treats from the bygone era.
• Address: Lindsay Street, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Timing: 10am to 8:30pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Tibetan handicrafts, Bengali cotton sarees, and local street food.
• Ima Market, Manipur Also known as Ima Keithel or Khwairamband Bazar, Ima means mother and Keithel means market, which literally translates to ‘mother’s market’. What makes this market unique is the fact that it is the world’s only market that is run by only women. The markets in Manipur were run by women in open areas during the 18th century, especially in the mornings. But between 1948-52, the markets were proposed to be demolished because of a certain businessman who had interest in the market. But the women never gave up and stood against all odds which stands as a legacy till today. The market is a one-stop destination for the locals who wish to buy everything from utensils, clothes, footwear to meat, fish, accessories, and handicrafts. The women selling the produce are always dressed in their traditional attire which includes a Phanek that resembles a sarong and Innaphis which is like a scarf along with sandalwood mark in their foreheads.
• Address: MG Avenue, Imphal, Manipur.
• Timing: 10am to 5pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Tribal handicrafts and shawls,bamboo products, and fresh Manipuri black rice.
• Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad Since the time of the Qutub Shahis and Nizams, Hyderabad has had a functioning bangle or "Choodi" market. Lacquer is what Laad is. The bazaar is well known for its beautiful selection of lacquer bangles embellished with fake diamonds. Most of the stores along this one-kilometer-long retail street sell bangles, saris, wedding-related items, and fake jewelry. Burka-clad ladies, bangle shops and antique buildings with wooden balconies line the small street while bargaining and haggling are essential elements of this market like any other street market in India. Shop owners use "gesturing" techniques by stationing an employee at the entrance to the business and pleading with onlookers to enter. Everything from semi-precious stones, pearls, jewelry, to items like silverware, Nirmal, Kalamkari paintings, bidriware and lacquer bangles embellished with crystals, handwoven materials of silk, brocade, cotton, traditional dupattas, and perfumes can be found here.
• Address: Near Charminar, Pathergatti, Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Timing: 11am to 10pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Lac bangles with intricate designs, Hyderabadi pearls, and antique gold and silver jewelry.
• Jew Town, Kochi In the beautiful town of Kochi in Kerala lies Jew Street/Town with narrow and well-maintained streets adorned with antique shops and food cafes. Jew Town was built in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth along with one of the few specimens depicting early Jewish settlement in India. The area around the Synagogue is a hub of spice trade and curio shops which is swarmed with thousands of visitors every day. The market is lined with small and big shops and stalls that sell curios, carved wooden furniture, antique crockery, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewelry. The sellers who sell antiques in this market are mostly the descendants of the Jews who settled down in Kochi in AD 52. Every antique item sold here has a tale to narrate – of a once famous palace, of the nobility, and of travel across many lands and ages.
• Address: Jew Town Rd, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala.
• Timing: 10am to 8pm (closed on Sunday).
• Must Buy:Antique pieces like lampshades, carved doors, and brass items, traditional KasavuMundu.