Shopping in Delhi

Delhi has been the capital city eight times since known history. This has also translated into it being an important trading place. Localities like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai trace their names origin from their trading backgrounds. Though today there are no demarcated trading localities but some markets are famous fro being the 'it' place for shopping. This is one activity every tourist has on the top of his must-do list. Each market in Delhi has its own environment and forte, however modern they may look but they still have some traditional aspects.

Some famous markets in Delhi are:

Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is an old centre of shopping in Delhi but it gained more popularity under the patronage of Mughal Rulers. There are many lane and bylanes specializing in different things including jewelry, clothes especially bridal trousseau, food items like kulfi and parathas. Dariba Kalan is famous for its jewelry shops selling exquisitely designed silver ornaments. Katra Neel is famous for its silk, satin, crepe, cotton, muslin and a variety of other textiles

The Parathewali Gali is obviously known for its assortment of stuffed and fried Indian bread. Bhagirath Place is Asia's largest electronic market, also known for selling medical equipments and antibiotic medicines. Kinari Bazaar is exclusively known for latest copies of Indian designer wear and replicas of saris from soap-operas; it is frequented by brides.

Connaught Place
Named after the Duke of Connaught, this place served as a largest market in India in the time of British Raj. Today it is full of designer and branded clothing showrooms, hordes of restaurants, makeshift pirated book stalls and watering holes. Connaught Place, also called CP, is divided into inner circle, outer circle, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Palika Bazaar and Janpath. A first time visitor is bound to forget his way in Connaught circles so it would be better to take a local along.

Dilli Haat
The name, literally meaning Delhi Market, houses handicraft and food stalls from all the states in India and sometimes international ones during festivals. Located bang opposite INA market, one can look for genuine crafts from every part of the country and then tuck in from the cuisine of your favorite state. This place gives you a complete Indian experience.

Market & Lajpat Nagar Markets
Both of these markets are famous for clothes. Sarojini Nagar is known for its dirt-cheap but stylish western outfits and Lajpat Nagar is Asia's largest salwar-kameez market. Both of them, located in South Delhi, can be covered in a day. You need to have a nose for choosing the right stuff while shopping here. If you love bargaining you can just shop away to your delight. Since weekends see the locals pouring in here so it is better that one can visit the market on weekdays when the place is less crowded.

Closing Days for Shopping Complexes in Delhi

Greater Kailash Market
You have enough cash and you want to add some style straight from the latest issue of Vogue. Head to either Greater Kailash market, fondly called as GK, or South Extension market, commonly known as South Ex. Both these markets have a stunning mix of national and international brands. You can even find designer showrooms here.

Paharganj Market
The name Paharganj derives its name from the small erstwhile hills in the area, a few decades ago. It was once significant hamlet of Shahjahanabad, one of the five main markets situated outside the walled city. It was also a major grain market with the head office of the17th century tax collector.

Sarojini Nagar Market
Sarojini Nagar is one the best known flea markets in India, often compared to the similar markets in Malaysia. Named after freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu, the area has government residence quarters and the markets primarily were established to cater to them. Early on it was known as Vinay Nagar market but gradually the entire area is called Sarojini Nagar in common tongue.