Whatsapp Icon

12 Best Cities for Shopping in India – From Sarees to Souvenirs!

By Harshita Nagdev on Jan 13, 2022
Themes:  Food & Shopping  | Category: Things To Do | Country:  Asia India

Summary:
Best Cities For Shopping in India (Last Updated: August 2025) – Discover India’s top shopping hotspots — from Kashmiri pashminas and Rajasthani handicrafts to South Indian spices and Kerala coir — all in one handy guide.

India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and known for its rich heritage and attractions. India is a place to explore honeymoon spots, spiritual places, historical places, desert safaris, national parks, mountains & beaches, and shopping places of India.

For many of us, shopping is a waste of money and time. But there are millions of people who love spending hours in and out of local shops and buying antique items from different places. India is one of the best countries to buy unique and extraordinary items.

Shopping in India is an extraordinary experience and interesting than visiting a higher-end shopping mall in your city. There is a myriad of local bazaars where you can stroll around and shop the local specialties of that city. These bazaars are crowded and colourful where you can try your bargaining powers and take a handful of shopping bags back home.

Check India Tour Packages offered by Flamingo Travels!

From jewellery to handlooms, from handicrafts to footwear, you list it and will find it in the local shops of India.

Best Cities for Shopping in India – Quick Guide

1. Srinagar – Shop Pashmina Shawls & Kashmiri Handicrafts in Paradise

Srinagar Tour Packages

Image Source: https://img.traveltriangle.com

Srinagar in Kashmir is known for Silk Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, and saffron. All these items will be expensive in your city but will be at the best price when you buy from the local markets in Srinagar. You can also bargain at the local shops.

Before buying Pashmina shawls, prefer to go to authorized outlets or take advice from your local guides to buy all these authentic kinds of stuff. Also, don’t forget to take back home Kashmiri embroidery and Paper Mache boxes for your loved ones.

  • Must Buy Items: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché items, walnut wood carvings, saffron.

  • Places to Buy: Lal Chowk, Polo View Market, Badshah Chowk, Floating Markets on Dal Lake.

  • Best Time to Shop: Spring & summer (April–June) when markets are vibrant; winter for woollens.

  • Unique Experiences: Shopping from a shikara (boat) on Dal Lake’s floating market.

  • Shopping Tips: Ensure authenticity of saffron & pashmina (buy from government emporiums).

  • Nearby Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple.

  • Local Food to Try: Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Kahwa, Gushtaba.

  • Budget Range: ₹500 – ₹20,000+ (shawls/carpets can go much higher).

Loading Packages...

2. Mumbai – The Fashion & Street Shopping Capital of India

Maharashtra Tour Packages

Image Source : https://media.tacdn.com

Mumbai, also known as the City of Dreams, is popular with tourists for its beaches, museums, and bazaars.  High-end malls, flea markets, designer boutiques, and street shopping in Mumbai attract huge people every day.

High-end malls, flea markets, designer boutiques, and street shopping attracts huge people every day in Mumbai.Hill Road, Colaba Causeway, and Fashion Street are the best places for street shopping in Mumbai. These places are hot places for youngsters and fashionistas to buy clothes, artifacts, shoes, and accessories. There are also many food outlets here in between your shopping. Try your strong bargaining skills here.

If you are fond of vintage items and move posters, you can go to the Chor Bazaar. And, don’t forget to visit High Street Phoenix Mall, one of the biggest malls in Mumbai.

  • Must Buy Items: Kolhapuri chappals, Bollywood souvenirs, imitation jewellery, fashion clothing.

  • Places to Buy: Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street, Chor Bazaar, Linking Road, Crawford Market.

  • Best Time to Shop: Evening markets are livelier; avoid monsoons for street shopping.

  • Unique Experiences: Treasure hunting at Chor Bazaar for vintage items.

  • Shopping Tips: Bargaining is expected at roadside stalls. Carry cash.

  • Nearby Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty.

  • Local Food to Try: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Keema Pav.

  • Budget Range: ₹300 – ₹5,000 (street), ₹10,000+ (designer boutiques).

3. Mysore – Famous for Silk Sarees & Sandalwood Treasures

North Kerala Tour Packages

Image Source : https://static.toiimg.com

Mysore is known for beautiful gardens, rich cuisine, ornamental palaces, laid-back history, royal heritage, and shopping. Shopping in Mysore is all about Zari & Gold Silks, Mysore paintings, sandalwood handicrafts, sweets, and more.

Mysore is a treat for every shopaholic. You will find many brands and labels of silk saris in the Devaraja Market. Also, don’t forget to buy a Mysore Pak for your friends and families from here.

  • Must Buy Items: Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood products, incense, rosewood artifacts.

  • Places to Buy: Devaraja Market, Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, Government Silk Weaving Factory.

  • Best Time to Shop: During Dasara festival (Sep–Oct) for cultural shopping.

  • Unique Experiences: Watching silk weaving process at factories.

  • Shopping Tips: Look for silk mark certification to ensure authenticity.

  • Nearby Attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills.

  • Local Food to Try: Mysore Pak, Ragi Mudde, Idli–Dosa.

  • Budget Range: ₹1,000 – ₹25,000+ for silk sarees.

Loading Packages...

4. Jaipur – The Royal Hub for Gems, Jewelry & Handicrafts

Jaipur Tour Packages

Image Source : https://static2.tripoto.com

If you have to select one city in India to shop ethnic and traditional, Jaipur comes to your mind. Jaipur markets are known for handicrafts & clothing, traditional items, lehariyas, bandhani, lac bangles, blue pottery, silver jewelry, and more. The famous shopping bazaars in Jaipur are Jhohari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.

All these items are authentic, affordable, and durable. There are many fairs organized in the city portraying arts & handicrafts from all over India.Shop traditional and handicrafts, test your bargaining skills and relish the best street food while roaming around in the markets. It is one of the best wedding shopping places in India.

  • Must Buy Items: Bandhani textiles, Kundan jewellery, block-printed fabrics, mojris, handicrafts.

  • Places to Buy: Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar.

  • Best Time to Shop: Winter months (Nov–Feb) are pleasant for walking bazaars.

  • Unique Experiences: Watching block printing & blue pottery artisans at work.

  • Shopping Tips: Bargain smartly; compare across shops.

  • Nearby Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace.

  • Local Food to Try: Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, Kachori.

  • Budget Range: ₹500 – ₹15,000 depending on items.

Loading Packages...

5. Delhi – Street Markets & Luxury Shopping in the Capital

Delhi Tour Packages

Image Source : https://delhitourism.travel

Delhi comes to the topmost list of favorite shopping places in India. Shopping in Delhi is best to buy contemporary, traditional, ethnic, designer labels, and street shopping items. You come across a variety of shopping items and one of the best places to buy western and traditional clothes in India.

The best markets to shop in are Janpath Market and Connaught Place. And, if someone is interested in street shopping, don’t miss to visit Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar. You can buy clothes and jewelry at a reasonable cost. The best part about this market is that you can bargain at the local shops.

  • Must Buy Items: Handicrafts, silver jewellery, antiques, clothes, spices, carpets.

  • Places to Buy: Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market.

  • Best Time to Shop: October–March (festive + pleasant weather).

  • Unique Experiences: Street shopping at Sarojini Nagar for trendy fashion at throwaway prices.

  • Shopping Tips: Bargain in flea markets; use metro for easy market access.

  • Nearby Attractions: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate.

  • Local Food to Try: Chole Bhature, Paranthas at Chandni Chowk, Kebabs at Karim’s.

  • Budget Range: ₹200 – ₹10,000 (street + premium markets).

Loading Packages...

6. Ahmedabad – Textiles, Patola Sarees & Vibrant Local Bazaars

Gujarat Tour Packages

Image Source: https://res.cloudinary.com

There are not many happening shopping places in Ahmedabad, but Ahmedabad shopping has the best options for ethnic & traditional wear. You will enjoy buying beautiful Ghaghara cholis, jewelry, and handicrafts at the streets of Law Garden and Lal Darwaja.

  • Must Buy Items: Bandhej & Patola sarees, mirror work fabrics, block prints, handicrafts.

  • Places to Buy: Law Garden Night Market, Manek Chowk, Rani No Hajiro Market.

  • Best Time to Shop: Navratri season (Sep–Oct) for festive collections.

  • Unique Experiences: Night shopping + street food combo at Manek Chowk.

  • Shopping Tips: Handicrafts & embroidery work are cheaper here compared to other states.

  • Nearby Attractions: Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake.

  • Local Food to Try: Dhokla, Fafda–Jalebi, Thepla.

  • Budget Range: ₹300 – ₹7,000.

Loading Packages...

7. Kolkata – The Cultural City Known for Handlooms & Terracotta Art

Kolkata Tour Packages

Image Source : https://www.orfonline.org

Kolkata is one of the largest shopping places in East India. You can find exclusive handicrafts from the North-Eastern part of India in Kolkata markets.

The famous shopping places in Kolkata are Nagaland and Assam Craft Emporium. Also, Kolkata is known for leather bags, red-border saris, books, and sweets. You can buy these items from shops at Park Street and New Market.

  • Must Buy Items: Tant sarees, terracotta items, conch-shell jewellery, sweets.

  • Places to Buy: New Market, College Street, Gariahat Market, Dakshinapan.

  • Best Time to Shop: Durga Puja season (Sep–Oct).

  • Unique Experiences: Book shopping at College Street – Asia’s largest book market.

  • Shopping Tips: Always check fabric quality; prefer reputed shops for sarees.

  • Nearby Attractions: Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial.

  • Local Food to Try: Rosogolla, Mishti Doi, Fish Curry.

  • Budget Range: ₹400 – ₹12,000+.

8. Pipli & Raghurajpur, Odisha – Villages of Handicrafts & Pattachitra Art

Odisha Tour Packages

Image Source : https://odishatourism.gov.in

If you want to have a different shopping experience, make a move towards the traditional villages of Odisha- Raghurajpur and Pipli. You will enjoy buying beautiful handicrafts and interacting with the artisans, knowing about their art and culture, and exploring the hook & corners of the villages. These twin villages will be the ultimate experience for shopaholics to buy ethnic products.

  • Must Buy Items: Pipli appliqué work, Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, masks.

  • Places to Buy: Local artisan houses, Pipli village markets, Raghurajpur craft village.

  • Best Time to Shop: Year-round, but special exhibitions happen during Rath Yatra.

  • Unique Experiences: Watching artisans hand-paint Pattachitra live.

  • Shopping Tips: Buy directly from artists to support local craft.

  • Nearby Attractions: Puri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple.

  • Local Food to Try: Dalma, Chenna Poda, Pakhala Bhata.

  • Budget Range: ₹200 – ₹15,000 (paintings & appliqué).

9. Kochi & Trivandrum – Kerala’s Spice, Saree & Antique Shopping Hotspots

Kerala Tour Packages

Image Source: https://i0.wp.com

The places in Kerala have many natural things to buy from here. You can purchase coffee, essential oils, spices, and each item has an aroma of its own. If you are a gold jewelry lover, you should visit jewelry outlets to buy pure gold ornaments.

The cities of Kerala have charming malls and markets where you can drop off for shopping. Do not miss visiting coffee and tea estates and plucking fresh tea leaves. You will enjoy shopping in Kerala.

  • Must Buy Items: Spices, coir products, Kerala sarees, kathakali masks, handicrafts.

  • Places to Buy: Broadway Market (Kochi), Chalai Market (Trivandrum), Lulu Mall.

  • Best Time to Shop: Onam season (Aug–Sep).

  • Unique Experiences: Exploring spice markets in Mattancherry.

  • Shopping Tips: Check authenticity of spices; buy sealed packs.

  • Nearby Attractions: Fort Kochi, Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

  • Local Food to Try: Appam with Stew, Malabar Parotta, Kerala Sadhya.

  • Budget Range: ₹300 – ₹8,000.

Loading Packages...

10. Hyderabad – Pearls, Biryani Flavors & Unique Shopping Finds

Hyderabad Tour Packages

Image Source: https://imgmediagumlet.lbb.in

Hyderabad is known for two things: Charminar and authentic pearls. The Charminar is located in the busy streets of Hyderabad, surrounded by many markets, shops, and stalls. It is one of the best places to purchase pearls and enjoy authentic food like kebabs, Haleem, and biryanis.

Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad is famous for shopping for semi-precious jewelry and pearls. Other items to buy from here are electronic items, Hyderabadi dupatta, and antiques from Begum Bazaar.

  • Must Buy Items: Pearls, lacquer bangles, Kalamkari fabrics, Bidriware, perfumes.

  • Places to Buy: Laad Bazaar, Charminar Market, Sultan Bazaar, Shahran Market.

  • Best Time to Shop: Evening shopping for vibrant atmosphere.

  • Unique Experiences: Buying pearls near Charminar’s heritage streets.

  • Shopping Tips: Always ask for authenticity certificates for pearls.

  • Nearby Attractions: Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Golconda Fort.

  • Local Food to Try: Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem (Ramzan special).

  • Budget Range: ₹500 – ₹20,000+.

11. Jodhpur – Blue City’s Antique Furniture & Handcrafted Souvenirs

Rajasthan Tour Packages

Image Source: https://media.cntraveller.in

Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, is shopping heaven for those who love ethnic wear, traditional wear, and handicrafts. The Jodhpur markets are known for tie-dye products.

You can also buy amazing mojarras and other footwear styles from the Mochi Bazaar. Other items to purchase are bedspreads, wall hangings, rugs, and ethnic wear from the Shri Mangalam store.

  • Must Buy Items: Bandhej fabrics, antiques, leather goods, Jodhpuri juttis.

  • Places to Buy: Clock Tower Market, Nai Sarak, Sojati Gate, Mochi Bazaar.

  • Best Time to Shop: Winter (Nov–Feb).

  • Unique Experiences: Exploring Sardar Market with Mehrangarh Fort in backdrop.

  • Shopping Tips: Leather goods & handicrafts are high-quality but bargain required.

  • Nearby Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace.

  • Local Food to Try: Mirchi Vada, Makhaniya Lassi.

  • Budget Range: ₹400 – ₹12,000.

12. Lucknow – The City of Nawabs & Exquisite Chikan Work Shopping

Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages

Image Source: https://www.deccanherald.com

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is popular for shopping for fine Chikan work dress materials. You will go crazy with the varieties of Chikan threadwork dresses available in this city.

Rather than going to the malls to shop in Lucknow, try to explore the local markets of Lucknow for an experience of unbeatable shopping in India.

  • Must Buy Items: Chikan work dress materials, lac jewellery, tie & dye fabrics, mojris.

  • Places to Buy: Chowk, Hazratganj, Aminabad, Mohanlalganj.

  • Best Time to Shop: Lucknow Mahotsav (Nov–Dec), Eid festivals.

  • Unique Experiences: Watching artisans hand-embroider Chikan garments.

  • Shopping Tips: Bargain politely; verify authenticity of hand embroidery.

  • Nearby Attractions: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza.

  • Local Food to Try: Tunday Kababi, Lucknawi Biryani, Basket Chaat.

  • Budget Range: ₹500 – ₹10,000+.

Conclusion

It is just a glimpse of the retail markets of India. There are many traditional cities in India known for their specialties. You can indulge in some good retail shopping. Share your shopping experiences with us and let the shopaholics know about it!

Happy Shopping!

FAQs: “Best Cities for Shopping in India”

Which city is India’s top shopping destination overall?

Delhi stands out as a premier shopping hub, with options ranging from historic lanes like Chandni Chowk and bustling street markets like Sarojini Nagar to modern malls at Connaught Place and the curated handicraft stalls at Dilli Haat.

What makes Jaipur unique for shoppers?

Known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur is famous for its rich handicrafts, colorful textiles, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani artifacts. Popular markets include Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar.

Where should I go for eclectic and vintage finds in Mumbai?

Mumbai is a fashion and vintage showcase—from the street fashion of Colaba Causeway and the antique charm of Chor Bazaar to designer labels and flea-market finds.

Which city is best for traditional embroidery and craftsmanship?

Lucknow is renowned for its delicate chikankari embroidery. Markets like Hazratganj and Aminabad offer exquisite embroidered textiles, perfumes (attar), and Nawabi-style handicrafts.

Which city is best for ethnic and handmade goods from South India?

Chennai’s T. Nagar district is one of India’s busiest shopping areas, known especially for its vast variety of silk sarees, gold jewelry, and textile stores.

What are the shopping highlights of Kolkata?

Kolkata’s shopping scene features New Market and Gariahat for sarees, terracotta crafts, books, and sweets—capturing the city’s artistic and literary vibe.

Is Bengaluru a good mix of modern and traditional shopping?

Yes! Bengaluru offers modern shopping at malls like UB City along with vibrant street markets like Commercial Street and Chickpet for fabrics, accessories, and daily essentials.

Check Other  India Tour Packages Offered By Flamingo Travels:

Kerala Tour Packages | Gujarat Tour Packages | Leh Tour Packages | Himachal Tour Packages | Uttarakhand Tour Packages | Rajasthan Tour Packages | Sikkim Tour Packages | Kashmir Tour Packages | Andaman Tour Packages | Maharashtra Tour Packages | Karnataka & South India Tour Packages | Golden Triangle Tour Packages | Northeast Tour Packages | North Kerala Tour Packages | Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages | Lakshadweep Island Tour Packages | Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages | Odisha Tour Packages

About Author

Harshita Nagdev
Read All Post ⟶