Shopping in India
-
A
Juneja Art Gallery
Has some striking pieces of contemporary art by Rajasthani artists (prices from Rs500 to Rs50,000). There is another branch of the gallery, Artchill, at Amber Fort.
reviewed
-
B
Sosa’s
A chic boutique carrying local labels such as Horn Ok Please, Hidden Harmony and Free Falling, Sosa’s is the best place in Panaji to source upscale Indian fashion.
reviewed
-
C
Sankers Coffee & Tea
You’ll smell the fresh coffee well before you reach this dainty little shop. It sells Nilgiri Export OP Leaf Tea (Rs250 per kg) and a variety of coffees and nuts.
reviewed
-
D
Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan
Best known for its excellent khadi (homespun cloth) clothing, but also worth a visit for its handmade paper, incense, spices, henna and natural soaps.
reviewed
-
E
Fabindia
This popular chain of stores has oodles of fine Indian textiles, fabrics, clothes and home linens as well as accessories, personal care products and homewares.
reviewed
-
F
Gandhi Darshan Emporium
A good khadi (homespun cloth) shop around town selling fixed-price carpets, shawls and woven garments is the Gandhi Darshan Emporium.
reviewed
-
Mrignayani
MP government shop with fixed prices and dispassionate but helpful staff selling state-produced handicrafts. Also has a booth at the western group of temples.
reviewed
-
Central Market
At the fascinating if tiny central market, tribal people sell such ‘edible’ delicacies as borol (wriggling hornet grubs) .
reviewed
-
Sonam Chowmien Corner
In the covered alley part of the Tibetan Market, this authentic Tibetan dhaba whips up fabulous chow mein and momos for next to nothing.
reviewed
-
G
Hoova Craft Shop & Cafe
Here you can pick up sundry souvenirs made by women’s self-help groups of the village. It’s also a lovely place for a laid-back meal or snack (from Rs20).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Soma
Opposite PVR Plaza Cinema, 1st-floor Soma has brilliant block-printed textiles: anything from scarves to pyjamas, cushion covers to children’s clothing.
reviewed
-
I
LM Furtado & Co
The best place in Mumbai for musical instruments – sitars, tablas, accordions and local and imported guitars. It also has a branch on Lokmanya Tilak Rd.
reviewed
-
J
Lark’s Provisions
The best place to pick up Kalimpong cheese (Rs180 per kg) and a packet of Kalimpong lollipops (Rs25). Also sells groceries and yummy home-made pickles.
reviewed
-
K
Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan
Pyjamas, head scarves and shirts made from khadi cotton, plus some quality khadi silk garments. Next-day tailoring service available.
reviewed
-
L
Tibetan Refugee Market
The place to pick up winter woollens or textiles, and you’ll be helping the Tibetan community in exile. Elsewhere there are scores of souvenir stalls.
reviewed
-
M
Ladakh Bookshop
Ladakh Bookshop stocks Olizane’s excellent three-sheet Ladakh Trekking Maps (www.abram.ch/lzmmaps.php) for Rs1300 per sheet.
reviewed
-
N
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop
Wooden choktse tables carved with images of mythical beasts are available from the Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop.
reviewed
-
Mrignayani
Fixed-price government emporium with two floors crammed with handicrafts from across the state, including leather toy animals – an Indore speciality.
reviewed
-
O
Suvasa
Quality block-printed fabrics that include toiletry bags and salwar kameez (traditional dresslike tunic and trouser combination for women).
reviewed
-
P
Tripolia Bazaar
Home to an array of iron trinkets and kitchen utensils. Tucked away to the right is Maniharon ka Rasta, the domain of the lac (resin) bangle makers.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Khadi Gramodhyog
Khadi Gramodhyog, almost hidden on the main drag, is a fixed-price shop selling traditional hand-woven shirts, scarves and shawls.
reviewed
-
PL Traders
PL Traders opposite the turning up to the Tourist Lodge, sells handicrafts and traditional clothing (including gurdam ).
reviewed
-
R
Artfed
Well stocked with bargain bamboo crafts, wickerwork and many a carved rhino. Several nearby shops specialise in Assam’s famous golden-toned silks.
reviewed
-
S
La Boutique d’Auroville
It’s fun browsing through the crafts here, including jewellery, batiks, kalamkari (similar to batik) drawings, carpets and woodcarvings.
reviewed
-
T
Books Corner
A wide range of English-language books and magazines; sells the informative Jaipur Vision (Rs20) and Jaipur City Guide (Rs30).
reviewed