8 Best Traditional Markets in India

A unique part of any travel is “Shopping”. Well, shopping may not necessarily imply buying fashionable attire or luxurious products. Several tourist spots are prominent in their hereditary and traditional customs, along with rich historical heritage. It's always a pleasure and a part of experiential travelling to collect souvenirs, gift items, local handmade products, and traditional jewellery, dresses etc. They are a miniature replica of the tours you undertake and help to retain your travel memories a long time. In the article, I will specify some of the key traditional and unique markets in India, a shopping guide for travel enthusiasts and shopping lovers.

New Market, kolkata

Kolkata, my hometown and located in eastern part of India, is a bustling city booming with life and energy. Shopping is the USP of the City of Joy, comprising of age-old markets from the British era to the modern day markets. New Market is one of the happening and prominent markets in India, located in this wondrous city.

The giant shopping complex has been existing since the year 1874, gifting the people of Kolkata with a plethora of shops selling a wide variety of products. Travellers from different parts of India and international travellers must definitely hop into the market to purchase authentic and traditional items. Food stalls, garment shops, jewellery, bags, etc you can name any, the market will not disappoint you.

Ima Keithel, Imphal

Ever witnessed a market entirely managed and run by a group of women traders? Ima Keithel market in Imphal is one of them, one of the oldest and largest markets in India. The famous All Women's market started in the 16th century, and slowly converted into a massive business and trade hub. Thousands of women folk of Manipur sell a wide variety of items starting from fresh fruits, vegetables, grocery items, dresses, ornaments, handicraft items and many more.

The trade is now being passed on form generations, carried on by married women. They even have introduced a business loan facility for the women traders for smooth functioning of the trades. The entire market is well organized and maintained by the union, flourishing more and more each year.

Floating Vegetable Market, Srinagar

Kashmir, a heaven on Earth, is the pride of India. Its lakes, gardens and mountains create a stunning and enthralling environment, much to the awe of the tourists. Within this grandeur beauty, you will be mesmerized to visit the vegetable floating market in Srinagar, its capital city.

It is one of the colourful and unique markets in India. The market is a photographers delight, capturing the traders rowing their boats over the lakes and the wetlands. The boats filled with various type of vegetables present a eye-catching view to the shoppers.

Arpora Saturday Night Market, Goa

Goa is a travelers paradise, enticing tourists all over the year into its breathtaking beaches and panoramic landscape. North Goa hosts Arpora Saturday Night Market, one of the most lively markets in India. It is a perfect place to spend a day full of fun, frolic, and entertainment.

The shops are run by both the Indians and the Europeans. Multi-cuisine food stalls, street shops, and restaurants are its key attractions. Other shops are also in abundance selling dresses, home decor items, bags, jewelry, etc.

Police Bazaar, Shillong

The spectacular capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, is a popular tourist destination in India. Waterfalls, majestic mountain ranges, and gorgeous valleys are its treasure trove. The other bright side of the city is its huge shopping arcade at Police Bazaar. It is one of the most popular markets in India.

From traditional stalls to modern-day shops, you can find them all in this market. The entire area is in the form of a circle, the locals term it as the chowk. Plants and trees adorn the marketplace, enticing the tourists to fulfill their shopping desire. Fresh grocery products, spices, dry fruits, winter clothes are some of the specialty products of the market.

Janpath, Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, has a grandness of its own. Its shopping areas and marketplaces are popular around the world. Janpath is one of its renowned shopping complexes, located at Connaught Place in Delhi. A market is an ideal place for tourists to buy souvenirs and gift items to carry back home.

Junk jewelry, colorful dresses, funky attires are key attractions for the young generations in the Janpath market. The shoppers crowd the food stalls and beverage shops after completing their purchase spree.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur

Royal grandeur and charm, historical valor, and architectural beauty are the treasures of Rajasthan tourism. Its capital city, Jaipur, upholds the pride with its magnificent palaces, monuments, and curated gardens. Venturing around the city for shopping is a delightful experience. Johari Bazaar is a must-visit in the city. It is one of the best markets in India, specializing in jewelry created from precious and semi-precious stones.

If you love traditional outfits and want to try them out, then you must definitely visit Johari Bazaar. Clothes made out of the famous tie and dye fabric of Rajasthan are available here, mostly at fixed rates.

Begum Bazaar, Hyderabad

Begum Bazaar in Hyderabad is one of the largest commercial markets in India. The market mainly comprises wholesalers and retailers selling household products. It remains crowded almost all days of the week and is very popular in the city.

Grocery items, precious stones, bags, home decor and furnishings, utensils, dry fruits, are some of the items available in the market. The Marwadi community runs and maintains the market. It is said that the traders are basically migrants who were provided shelter by the Nizam of Hyderabad. You can find big sweet shops, electric equipment manufacturers, plastic bags manufacturers in the market.

There are a huge number of markets in India to name. I have pointed out a few of my favorites to provide a glimpse of their unique feature.