It's a lot more fun exploring the street markets for goodies than checking out a shopping complex. Hawkers, buyers, hagglers, all add to the charm. These street markets are where you are going to find some of the best local handicrafts, best local street food, clothes, accessories, you name it! And the best part is that they are super cheap and popular among travelers.
It is the bustling street markets that hold the real gems; it is the almost-chaotic-looking shopping areas where you come across the rare and the fresh. So, if you fancy strolling in the swamped street markets and frequently travel across India, check out this list of some iconic places that will quench your thirst for the ultimate retail therapy.
Police Bazar, Shillong
Police Bazaar is the most renowned market in Meghalaya. There are numerous options to shop from the place and many different kinds of attractive merchandise are arranged in the chain array, while other stuff is located around the different corners of the market. The bazaar is a beautiful showcase of the local arts and crafts of Meghalaya; and the handicrafts and artistic products are made out from cane and bamboo, which form the major attractions here.
Different colorful varieties of cotton and silk materials are also displayed. A heavy bargain would give you some of the best deals. The Police Bazaar is a great venture to keep alive the tribal and local traditions and is also a wonderful place to take a stroll around.
Serenity Beach Bazaar, Pondicherry
Predominately a handicraft market, the Serenity Beach Bazaar in Pondicherry is one of the most beautiful and interesting markets and also one of the most happening places in the locality. The market is set up under the shade of coconut palms and is located within a walking distance of the sea.
One can find a wide variety of things here which range from traditional handicrafts, garments, bags, ceramics and much more. To add on, one would find several eating outlets as well, which serve mouth-watering snacks and refreshing beverages, while the nearby garden adds on to the overall charm of the place.
New market, Kolkata.
An exquisite hub of around 2,000 stalls, the New Market in Kolkata is the oldest Indian street market. New Market holds an assortment of options from grocery products to garments and accessories. Ironic to its name, New Market is apparently old and was built in 1874.
But it is since 1985 that the number of visitors has increased in the market. Moreover, the colonial architectural structure of the New Market adds to the number of visitors and attracts many tourists as well. Don’t forget to buy Kolkata cotton sarees when here.
Begum Bazaar, Hyderabad
Begum Bazaar is another wholesale market, an old and traditional shopping area and is the biggest commercial market in the city. An elegant and graceful abode to everything that might captivate a shopper’s heart is the Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad. You cannot forget this old charm street market when talking of street shopping in India. It has a wide range of products from colorful bangles to pearls and from ‘khada dupattas’ to naturally scented perfumes. Moreover, Laad Bazaar is located in the close proximity of the world famous Charminar which eventually attracts tourist attention as well.One can find here all kinds of goods including gold, silver, dry fruits, household items and more. Also, find the second largest fish market here in Hyderabad here.
Jew Town Fort, Kochi
Jew Town, located in Mattancherry in Fort Kochi, is a popular street market for antique shops all around its sides. The market is a narrow stretch that is located between the mattancherry palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, which is the central spot situated right in the middle of the market. There is a good and an elegant variety of various things that are prized both in its value and rarity.
The Jew Town still retains some of its old world charm and one can still find Jewish names atop a few buildings. It is nevertheless one of the beautiful places to spend time at with a number of cafes and snack outlets in the area.
Which street market are you adding to your street shopping list?
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