India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [377]
Khan Market & Sunder Nagar Market Sunder Nagar is considered the best market to trawl for authentic antiques, interesting secondhand goods, and unique artworks. Khan Market is good for books, music, and DVDs and increasingly for designer stores. Browse Anokhi (32 Khan Market; 011/2460-3423;www.anokhi.com), patronized by expats and locals alike for its highly fashionable blend of Western- and Eastern-style clothing (see “Jaipur: Shopping” in chapter 11 for full review of the Anokhi headquarters). The Neemrana Shop (23-B, Khan Market; 011/4358-7183; www.neemranahotels.com) has a range of homewares, trinkets, and pretty souvenirs that make ideal gifts and usable memorabilia; you can buy Kama Ayurvedic toiletries, gorgeous pewter teapots, and simple and stylish light cotton garments, perfect for you to wear during your travels in India. Whatever you do, don’t miss Good Earth (9 Khan Market; 011/2464-7175; www.goodearthindia.com)—it’s filled with fabulous homewares, furniture, and accessories and the perfect place to pick up beautiful linens, silk cushions, fragranced candles, glass votives, or colorful tea sets; it now also has the wonderful Latitude 28 on its second floor where you can enjoy Mediterranean fare to keep you going as you comb the stores in the area. There’s also a branch at Santushti (see below). If you want to pick some beautiful jewelry, head to Frazer and Haws (Shop no.11, main market, Lodhi Colony; 011/2464-7818;www.frazerandhaws.com)—they also have some very tasteful home and personal accessories which will dig a deep hole in your pocket no doubt but well worth it.
South Delhi Seek out Ravissant ( 011/2683-7278; www.cest-ravissant.com) in New Friends Colony for beautiful contemporary pewter and silver houseware items (or visit the outlet conveniently located in The Oberoi hotel lobby). Santushti Shopping Complex is an upscale collection of shops (predominantly boutiques) housed in landscaped gardens 15 minutes from the center. Shopping here is wonderfully hassle-free (and there’s parking); pick up cigars at Kastro’s, visit Tulsi for beautiful garments, and step into Anokhi for off-the-shelf cottonwear.
Even farther south (convenient to visit after viewing Qutb Minar) is trendy Hauz Khas Village, set against a 12th-century backdrop; and, slightly southeast (40 min. from the center), Greater Kailash—the latter shopping area (divided into M and N blocks) is the least atmospheric but has a large variety of shops that will delight the serious shopper. Hauz Khas is the place to seek out designer boutique outlets, like the legendary Ritu Kumar (34/42 Archana Shopping Complex; 011/2923-1612;www.ritukumar.com). Or head straight for Ogaan (H–2; 011/2696-7595)—the formalwear version of Anokhi, it’s perfect for unusual Indo-West and contemporary Indian designer clothing, and stocks a number of well-known labels. Natural Selection (1 Hauz Khas; 011/2686-4574) is an excellent space to browse for larger items like antique furniture; the proprietors can make all shipping arrangements. Hauz Khas also has a number of fine restaurants (see “Where to Dine,” earlier), although some have been shut down because of unsound ancient architecture. For wonderful tailor-made garments, make your way to Kavita & Vanita Sawhney (B-78 Greater Kailash I; 011/2923-1822).
Dilli Haat This open area imitates a haat (rural marketplace), where 200 little stalls form a permanent open-air arts-and-crafts market. It’s a unique shopping experience, and the most authentic and affordable in Delhi. Dilli Haat offers you the opportunity to buy directly from rural artisans and craftspeople who are allotted space rotationally for 2 weeks, making this a great place to browse the variety of crafts from all over India, whether you are traveling farther afield or not. From Bihar’s Madhubani art to silver jewelry and furniture, as well as unusual gifts