SHOPPING/TRAVEL SPECIAL...SHOPPERS’ PARADISE ...INDIA SPECIAL

SHOPPERS’ PARADISE INDIA SPECIAL 

Bargain Deal destinations

Take to the streets for authentic shopping deals around India

    We’re all looking for ways to bring back a bit of our holiday home with us. And most of us do this via photographs, videos and souvenirs.

    Shopping is an important part of the travel experience. It shows appreciation for the local talent and back home it creates lasting memories of your holiday destinations.

    India’s travel hotspots boast of their unique handicraft industries as well as their own shopping style. Right from handicrafts to decorate the house with, to spices, wood and metal work to jewellery and hand-embroidered clothes... India’s markets truly have their own specialities.

    In this issue, we move beyond the high-end malls and luxury brand stores, and take you through the market places and bazaars that sell souvenirs of India, along with the essence of the destination.

    Let’s begin with everyone’s fave locale - Goa, experience flea markets selling bikinis and Tibetan prayer beads. Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s fondness for richness come through in their silks, wood work and jewellery.

    Delhi and Mumbai as two cosmopolitan cities have a multitude of brands to offer, but the spice of street shopping is what really forms the actual city connect.

    Come shopping with ET-Travel!

HOME DECOR, MOJRIS, EMBROIDERED TEXTILES

REGION: Rajasthan and Gujarat

    Find colourfully dyed and embroidered textiles along with decorative items for your home, which are made in traditional Rajasthani and Gujarati style. In Jaipur, make your way to the leather and spice markets as well. Gujarati jewellery is very unique to the region. Pick up earrings and bangles made by tribeswomen of the villages here.

SAFFRON

REGION: Kashmir

    Kashmir is a land of extensive beauty and is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly yet shy locals and delicious cuisine. The mild slopes of the area are also famous for their saffron fields, which account for a great deal of the export from this region. The delicate saffron threads are harvested from the flowers and sold in Kashmir as well as around the world. Make a trip to a saffron field and buy your stock straight from the farmers.

    www.jktourism.org

INDIAN WEAR, BANGLES

REGION: Delhi Delhi may have the biggest fashion brands and some of the largest malls in India, but street shopping in the capital still holds a unique charm. Head to Dilli Haat for some handicrafts and kurtas. Janpath is famous for its hippie clothing, brasswear and leather works. Lajpath Market is the place to go to for glass and metal bangles and other costume jewellry. Need to buy some electronics, then head to Chandni Chowk. You can also pick great cloth material here.

SILK, SANDALWOOD, AYURVEDA POTIONS

REGION: Kerala, Tamil Nadu With the recent shopping fest in Kerala making the headlines, it seems like the state will soon be a popular buyer’s market. While the sales offer discounts on Ayurveda products, electronics, home furnishings, etc, we recommend taking a more traditional route through your travel shopping. Kochi in Kerala is known for its handicraft stores selling works in cane, coconut shell and clay. Head to Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the silk capital of India for the best deals on saris and silk shawls. Sandalwood carvings are also very popular in TN.

OLD AND NEW BOOKS

REGION: Mumbai

    Most of the stalls have already been removed, but the few still dotting the footpaths of Fort area in South Mumbai are a treasure trove for bibliophiles. Find rare editions of classical novels or even books that are not in circulation in India on subjects that vary from art to anthropology and medicine.

JUNK JEWELLERY, PORTUGUESE ANTIQUES

REGION: Goa When in Goa, most people visit the various flea markets around and bring back something to remind them of their beach holiday. The Wednesday Market at Anjuna is a good place to shop for Tibetan silverwear and coconut shell souvenirs. The Saturday Night Market in Arpora offers a mix between local and international crafts. Shop for German-designed jewellery or local wall decor made from shells. The beach belt offers many opportunities to shop for knick knacks. If you’re looking for some antiques head to one of the antique stores selling Portuguese era furniture and home furnishings. www.goatourism.gov.in

Compiled by Lara Rebello ETTR 130425