India, a country with myriad cultures and cuisine, is also a great shopping destination. With colourful apparel, handicrafts, gems, jewellery, and lots more, you will be bedazzled by the wide array of things that you can buy. The local bazaars are great places to soak in the spirit of India, while you can also visit the high-end emporiums where you can shop at leisure. There are many great places to shop in India that will surely not disappoint you. However, wherever you decide to shop and whatever you buy during your Indian journey, you will take along a piece of Indian culture and heritage with you.

Cottage Emporium, Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a great shopping destination. From local artifacts and traditional clothes to brass statues and vintage curios, the list is endless. The Cottage Emporium in Janpath, standing tall for years, is a hub for everything Indian and is the best place to shop in India. From authentic handicrafts, handlooms and textiles from different parts of India to exquisite brass statues and curios, the Cottage Emporium has everything. This multi-level shopping complex has enough English-speaking salesmen who can efficiently guide you through your shopping experience. This is a perfect place to buy gifts for your loved ones back home. From wooden chess boards, embellished miniature peacocks, pen stands, brass Buddha statues, jewellery boxes, earrings, bracelets, apparel, and handwoven carpets, the choice is endless. You can end your escapade at the Cottage Emporium with a cuppa at their cafe.

Shilparamam, Hyderabad

Shilparamam, a short drive away from Hyderabad city, is an oasis of tranquillity. This timeless sanctuary nicely preserves the traditional crafts and culture of India. Shilparamam is a hub of Indian art, culture, music, dance, and more. It is a holistic Indian experience where guests get a glimpse of the unique traditions of India in an open setting. A huge expanse of open area with waterfalls and open parks, there are also museums, shops, an amphitheatre, and restaurants where one can enjoy a scrumptious meal. Cultural performances and music sessions are held regularly. Here you can buy authentic textiles, artifacts, and handicrafts from the artisans directly. A visit to Silparamam is a holistic shopping experience and a melting pot of traditions and culture.

New Market, Kolkata

Located in the heart of Lindsay Street, stands the legendary Stuart Hogg Market, popularly known as New Market. The market was built exclusively for the English gentry during British rule. Having opened in 1874, the market has still stood its ground even after a century and a half. Despite the mushrooming of many malls and supermarkets, New Market remains at the core of the Kolkata shopping experience and is among the best shopping places in India. The market today houses shops selling everything under the sun. Textiles from different parts of the country, accessories, leather bags, handmade shoes, stationeries, flowers, and more. New Market is among the few traditional markets where you find separate sections for florists, shops selling raw meat, the latest food items, bakeries, and spices too. New Market still has shops that are century-old such as Nahoum & Sons, a popular bakery from 1902. This beauty in red is a shining jewel in Kolkata’s heritage experience.

Lal Chowk, Srinagar

Lal Chowk (Red Square), located at the center of the mesmerizing city of Srinagar, is the hub of all action. With a clock tower at the center and a long row of shops on both sides of the road, Lal Chowk is one of the best places to shop in India and spend an evening in leisure. Srinagar is known for producing many amazing products, including the most expensive spice in the world, saffron. You should buy some authentic saffron that will enhance the taste of your Indian dishes. Another gem of Kashmir is the Pashmina. Make sure to buy the exquisitely woven Pashmina shawls or stoles that will keep you warm even in cold winters. Handwoven carpets of Kashmir are world-famous, and you can surely buy them here, along with wooden artifacts and beautiful trinkets. Lal Chowk is also the perfect place to shop for the famous Kashmiri tea, known as Kawa. In the chaotic busy streets of Lal Chowk, you’ll find amazing handicrafts by local craftsmen that you can surely buy.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur

Johari Bazaar is one of the oldest and best places to shop for Indian jewellery and precious stones. It is a breathtaking experience to be in the midst of all the colourful ethnic garments, precious stones, and ornaments. The shops here sell traditional Rajasthani garments, bangles, earrings, leather shoes, sarees, and lots more. Though it can be a little intimidating at the beginning, experienced guides can help you maneuver and enjoy this truly Indian shopping experience. Many shops here let you customize your own jewellery with the gemstones of your choice, so you can choose from a wide variety of polki, kundan, or minakari. Jaipur is also famous for Mojaris, nicely crafted leather footwear that should definitely find a place in your wardrobe.