India is a vast and diverse South Asian nation offering ancient temples, vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and the majestic Himalayas. From the iconic Taj Mahal to spiritual Varanasi and tropical Kerala backwaters, India delivers unforgettable experiences across its 28 states and 8 union territories.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Pashmina Shawl
Luxurious hand-woven shawls from Kashmir made from Pashmina goat wool. Available in plain, embroidered, and kani weave patterns in a rainbow of colors.
Price: $30-200
Where: Kashmir Government Emporiums, Janpath Market Delhi, Lal Chowk Srinagar
Marble Inlay Box (Pietra Dura)
Intricate inlay work boxes and decorative items from Agra, using the same technique as the Taj Mahal. Semi-precious stones are set into white marble in floral and geometric designs.
Price: $15-150
Where: Agra marble shops near Taj Mahal, Shilpgram Crafts Fair, Dilli Haat Delhi
Rajasthani Bandhani Dupatta
Vibrant tie-dye scarves and fabric from Rajasthan featuring intricate dot patterns in bold colors. A traditional textile art practiced for centuries in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Price: $5-40
Where: Johari Bazaar Jaipur, Jodhpur Clock Tower Market, Rajasthali Government Emporium
Blue Pottery
Distinctive turquoise-glazed pottery with Persian-influenced floral motifs made exclusively in Jaipur. Plates, vases, and tiles make lightweight, beautiful souvenirs.
Price: $8-60
Where: Kripal Kumbh Jaipur (the original workshop), Neerja International Jaipur, Dilli Haat Delhi
Spice Assortment
Premium Indian spices including cardamom, saffron, turmeric, and specialty masala blends. Khari Baoli in Delhi is Asia's largest spice market with authentic wholesale-quality products.
Price: $5-30
Where: Khari Baoli Old Delhi, INA Market Delhi, Crawford Market Mumbai, Spice Bazaars nationwide
Meenakari Jewelry
Colorful enamel jewelry from Jaipur featuring intricate floral patterns on gold and silver. Earrings, bangles, and pendants showcase a 500-year-old Rajasthani craft tradition.
Price: $10-200
Where: Johari Bazaar Jaipur, Tribal Arts Jaipur, Taj Arts New Delhi
Woodblock Print Bedspread
Hand-stamped cotton bedspreads and tablecloths from Bagru and Sanganer near Jaipur. Natural vegetable dyes and carved wooden blocks create unique floral and geometric prints.
Price: $20-80
Where: Bagru village workshops, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing Jaipur, Fabindia stores nationwide
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Chandni Chowk
One of India's oldest and busiest markets established in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. A warren of specialty lanes selling spices (Khari Baoli), electronics, wedding supplies, silver, and street food.
Where: Old Delhi, near Red Fort Metro Station
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, closed Sundays
Johari Bazaar
Jaipur's legendary jewelry market stretching along Johari Bazaar Road, lined with shops selling precious stones, gold, silver, and Rajasthani gems. Jaipur is the world's biggest gem-cutting center.
Where: Old City, Jaipur (near Hawa Mahal)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, closed Sundays
Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market)
Mumbai's Victorian-era market with a beautiful Gothic-Flemish building housing shops selling fresh produce, imported goods, pets, and household items. Norman Shaw designed the friezes depicting Indian agricultural life.
Where: Lokmanya Tilak Road, South Mumbai
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, closed Sundays
Dilli Haat
Open-air crafts bazaar where artisans from all Indian states rotate monthly, offering authentic regional handicrafts directly from makers. Also features regional food stalls making it a cultural showcase of all India.
Where: Sri Aurobindo Marg (INA Market), New Delhi
Hours: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Sarojini Nagar Market
Delhi's most popular budget fashion market selling export surplus clothing, Western brands, and fashion at rock-bottom prices. Extremely busy on weekends with bargain hunters from across the city.
Where: Sarojini Nagar, South-West Delhi
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, closed Mondays
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Connaught Place
New Delhi's colonial-era circular commercial district with high-street brands, government emporiums, banks, and restaurants across its inner, middle, and outer circles. Central Park in the middle is a pleasant rest spot.
Best for: Government emporiums, brand stores, souvenirs, dining
Linking Road, Bandra
Mumbai's trendiest shopping street with a mix of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and street stalls selling fashion, accessories, and footwear. The Bollywood neighborhood atmosphere adds to the charm.
Best for: Fashion, footwear, accessories, street shopping
Commercial Street, Bangalore
Bangalore's busiest shopping street spanning two kilometers with hundreds of shops selling sarees, salwar suits, jewelry, cosmetics, and branded clothing at competitive prices.
Best for: Indian clothing, textiles, jewelry, cosmetics
Colaba Causeway
Mumbai's iconic tourist shopping strip near the Gateway of India, lined with street vendors and shops selling antiques, silverwork, curios, clothing, and souvenirs. Good for browsing and bargaining.
Best for: Antiques, silverware, tourist souvenirs, beachwear
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Select Citywalk
Delhi's premier upscale mall in Saket with 200+ international and Indian brands, a multiplex cinema, and top-tier restaurants. Considered one of India's best managed and most stylish malls.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Phoenix Palladium
Mumbai's luxury mall in Lower Parel connecting the Palladium luxury wing to Phoenix Market City. Houses international luxury brands, high-end restaurants, and a multiplex across two interconnected buildings.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
DLF Promenade
Upscale Delhi mall featuring luxury international brands including Zara, Mango, H&M, and fine dining options. Known for its sophisticated ambiance and well-curated brand selection.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at street markets, tourist shops, and bazaars — never at fixed-price stores, malls, or government emporiums
Start by offering 40-50% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle around 60-70% of original price
Walk away if you can't agree on a price — vendors often call you back with a better offer
Compare prices at multiple shops before committing, especially for jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts
Buy in bulk for bigger discounts — purchasing multiple items gives you stronger negotiating leverage
Be polite and friendly throughout; aggressive bargaining is counterproductive in Indian culture
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 100 years old cannot be exported without Archaeological Survey of India permission. Wildlife products (ivory, animal skins) are strictly prohibited. Check gold jewelry export limits.
Tax Refund: Foreign tourists can claim GST refund at international airports on purchases over INR 2,000 from Tourist Facilitation Centres. Keep all original receipts with GSTIN numbers.
Duty Free: Duty-free allowance includes 2 liters of alcohol, 100 cigarettes, gifts up to INR 10,000, and personal effects for own use.
Shipping: International shipping available through India Post, FedEx, DHL, and private couriers. Large purchases like carpets and furniture can be shipped by sea; shops often arrange this service.