India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [376]
It is probably a good idea to kick off your shopping expedition with a stop at Dilli Haat (reviewed below) to get a perspective of the range of regional arts and crafts, and approximate prices. And if something here really captures your heart, purchase it and have it shipped home, for it may not be available when you return. Note that most shops (and markets) are open from 10am to 7pm and are closed on Sunday, unless mentioned otherwise. Besides the areas described below, you can spend an entire day covering the old city of Shahjahanabad (see “The Top Attractions,” earlier in this section). Finally, keep in mind that the recommended shops that follow are only a fraction of what’s out there; if you know what you’re looking for, it’s best to inquire at both your hotel and the Janpath tourist office for alternatives.
Connaught Place If you want to get an idea of what lies ahead on your travels, visit a few of the 22 State Government Emporiums that line Baba Kharak Singh Marg; some recommended options are Himachal for blankets and shawls in particular ( 011/2336-3087); Tamil Nadu (“Poompuhar”) for sandalwood objects ( 011/2336-3913); Uttar Pradesh (“Gangotri”) for the stone-inlay work made famous by the Taj, as well as copper/brasswork and leather goods ( 011/2336-4723); Kashmir Emporium for superb carpets; and Orissa (Utkalika) for fabrics and traditional paintings (the latter off the beaten tourist track). If you’re not moving on to Rajasthan, don’t miss visiting both this and Gurjari Emporium. These State Government Emporiums (like Central Cottage Industries Emporium (www.cottageemporiumindia.com) on nearby Janpath) have fixed prices, so you are spared the incessant haggling you’ll have to master elsewhere. One place where it’s worth bargaining is Tibetan Market (on Janpath), where it is said you will pick up a better selection of items (from antique locks to silver jewelry) at better prices than you will anywhere in Tibet. Having walked its length, you will find yourself in Connaught Place, the retail heart of imperial Delhi, where hundreds of outlets vie for your rupees. Visit Banaras House for saris and the most beautiful fabrics on earth (N-13 Connaught Place, opposite Scindia House; 011/2331-4751). Head to Jain Super Store (172 Palika Bazaar, Gate 6; 011/2332-1031;www.jainperfumers.com) for perfumes, incense, and teas; it also has a store on Janpath called Arihant Fragrances (17 Main Market; 011/2335-3949), which sells lovely silver jewelry alongside fabulous scented products. Stop at Shaw Brothers (Shop 8, Palika Bazaar; 011/2332-9080;www.shaw-brothers.com) for pure, high-quality Kashmiri shawls and elegant Pashminas—even if you don’t buy, this is pretty much a must-see (note that the main showroom is in Defence Colony; call 011/4155-0858 for free transport if you’re very serious about buying). For beautiful (and expensive) gemstones, gold jewelry, and bridalwear, try Bholanath Brothers (L-23 Connaught Circus; 011/2341-8630) or nearby Kapur di Hatti (L-16; 011/2341-7183), which also has Kundan jewelry. The most famous shop in Connaught Place is Fabindia (see review below), specializing in stylish ethnic Indian homewear and clothing for all ages, at unbelievably low prices. Along the same lines is The Shop (10, Regal Bldg., Parliament St.; 011/2334-0971; www.theshopindia.com), supplying textiles to all parts of the world from Bloomingdale’s in the U.K. to Au printemps in France. Just a (s)hop away is one of the coolest hangouts in Delhi: The People Tree . A studio-cum-store, it makes excellent use of a hole in the wall (read: crammed) location and revels in the creativity of its 2-decade-old existence. Funky T-shirts with tongue-in-cheek social and environmental messages are their claim to fame but you