The Best Shopping in India's Golden Triangle

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
10 Places
@afar
Shopping in India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra is a treasured affair for both locals and tourists. Open-air markets, government approved shops, bazaars, and luxury boutiques line the streets with goods ranging from precious gemstones to traditional attire. Several markets, including Dilli Haat, feature permanent and transitional vendors who showcase products from across India. Get lost in the labyrinth of silver and spices at Chandni Chowk or bargain for handicrafts and textiles at Janpath. Work with a perfumer to create your perfect scent at Bapu Bazaar. Credit: Collected by Allison Sodha, AFAR Local Expert

Home Saaz

Home improvement store · Defence Colony

"Home Saaz Home Furnishings Home Saaz is an Indian version of Bed, Bath and Beyond. The modern space offers large showrooms and solutions for interior decor. Although many items are contemporary and westernized, the real gems are the bedspreads, duvet covers, tablecloths, pillow coverings, and linens. There is also a line of women's ethnic wear."

Photo by Patti Haskins/Flickr

"Signature Souvenirs Skip the hassle and haggling of street souvenir shopping—and be assured of the quality of the goods—at this government-run emporium stocked with examples of all of Rajasthan’s signature arts and crafts. It’s easy to get carried away amid the swirl of colors and textures, surrounded by hanging wooden puppets dressed in traditional garb, shelves lined with bright blue-and-yellow pottery, and stacks of block-printed and tie-dyed textiles. Larger items like rugs, trunks, and furniture (including bed frames, cabinets, and doors) will probably need to be shipped, while giftables like painted picture frames, carved figurines, pillow cases, brassware, and embroidered wall coverings should fit nicely in a second suitcase."

Photo by age fotostock

The Gem Palace

Jewellery Store · Jaipur

"All That Glitters For centuries, Rajasthan—and Jaipur in particular—has served as the epicenter of India’s gemstone industry; as far back as the early-1700’s, the skilled craftsmen of this region were cutting, shaping, and polishing about 90 percent of the stones used by the country’s jewelry makers. This legendary Jaipur shop has been witness to nearly all that history, with the founding Kasliwal family serving as jewelers to the Maharajas of the Mughal empire—followed by a long list of international royalty, presidents, and celebrities; they’ve even been granted honors by the British Crown, and their pieces have been exhibited at London’s Somerset House and New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Stop in to ogle the glittering goods—which are available in traditional, modern, and vintage-inspired styles—and learn a bit about the expert artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating them. Prices run the gamut, so there’s something for most budgets, but be warned that most of the pieces are designed to dazzle. There are also Gem Palace outposts in luxury hotels throughout India (including some Oberoi and Taj locations), as well as a few partner boutiques outside of the subcontinent."

Photo courtesy of Gem Palace

Khadi India

Clothing store · Connaught Place

"Garments Galore at Khadi Bhawan There is nothing fancy or flashy about this popular garment shop in Connaught Place - and that is just how the locals like it. Its unassuming exterior leads to a space filled with woven and fashion textiles. The outlet, established in 1956, recently expanded its product line to include leather, bamboo, and cane. Many garments are designed by professionals at the National Institute of Design and National Institute of Fashion Technology."

Photo by RubyGoes/Flickr

Kaccha Bagh Area

Chandni Chowk Area

"Exclusive Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk Rickshaw rides are common in Chandni Chowk, the vast andcrowdedmarket in the Old Delhi quarter, but book a comprehensive rickshaw tour for an immersive experience that lasts longer than 15 minutes. Witness the architectural marvels, multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historic alleys. The tour covers 20 main sites—palaces, mansions, elegant shrines, and colorful bazaars—and finishesat an 1860 haveli (mansion) where you'll visita gallery of photos depicting the lifestyle of Mughals, as well as a small lounge where you can relax andtry sometypical snacks."

Photo by Peter Rivera

"Markets - Jaipur at night I happened upon this moment at a night market in Jaipur, India, which has some of the best shopping for beaded crafts, jewelry, ceramics, carpets and textiles. This jewelry stand in Johari Bazaar was crowded with women interested in the necklaces, bracelets, and trinkets on offer in abundance. Markets all over India are fascinating, colorful places and provide a great sense of nearly every aspect of the culture, whether it be the degree of religious devotion, the styles of dress and adornment, or the delicious gastronomy. Soak it all in, but give yourself plenty of time.... By Ivan Cheng"

Ogaan

Designer clothing store · Safdarjang Development Area

"An Indian Designer Showcase Ogaan both exhibits and sells the latest in Indian fashion. It is a showcase and retail space—a unique experience that pairs design and canvas. Some of the biggest names in Indian fashion have launched their collections at Ogaan. The 6,000 sq ft flagship boutique features clothing, jewelry and accessories."

Photo by zaphodsotherhead/Flickr

Forest Essentials

Cosmetics store · Hauz Rani

"Ayurveda at Forest Essentials Forest Essentials bath and body products were developed after years of research with Ayurvedic physicians. They use their own spring water in each item, and its therapeutic properties have been certified as being rich in mineral deposits. The company also employs local labor in the villages of Uttaranchal. Try the the Mashobra Honey and Vanilla Bath and Shower Oil, Rose and Cardamom Butter Soap, Kashmiri Walnut Gel Facial Scrub, Jasmine Madurai Diffuser Oil, and Cane Sugar and Tamarind Body Polisher. There are several retail stores in Delhi, including Khan Market and Greater Kailash Market."

51, Bapu Bazaar

Market · Jaipur

"Bespoke Scents While shopping the Bapu Bazaar, don't miss the opportunity to chat with a perfume wallah and have a custom scent mixed while gazing upon hundreds of natural oils. Leave with a small roller bottle or pick up a delicious glass perfume bottle in a nearby shop to display on your bureau upon your return home."

Meena Bazar

Jama Masjid

"Sarees and Lehengas at Meena Bazaar Meena Bazaar carries an extensive collection of traditional attire, including lehengas, sarees, kurtis, and suits. Shopping here is a sensory experience - the textures, beads, colors and embellishments reflect both customary and contemporary designs. The store was established in Delhi in 1970 by Suresh Manglani and has expanded to locations in Agra, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Noida, and Lucknow. At Meena Bazaar the costs reflect the quality. Prices are affordable - not cheap - but the clothing is hand-crafted, durable, and will last years after being unpacked from the suitcase."

Photo by Worldizen/Flickr