Must explore markets in Old Delhi for ardent shoppers

The narrow and chaotic bylanes of Old Delhi are flooded with colourful markets which are no less than a paradise for shoppers. There’s an array of pocket-friendly items available in the region which includes spices, apparels, footwears, perfumes, electronics and jewellery. So that you don’t get lost in this shopping bhoolbhulaiya, here is a guide that will help you navigate your way in Old Delhi’s prominent markets.

For the lovers of silver jewellery, this place is a heaven. Dariba Kalan translates to ‘incomparable pearl’ and was constructed by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. But in the early 18th century, Persian invader Nadir Shah attacked Delhi and plundered all the shops and carried out a mass execution of civilians. Today, this historic street is dotted with myriad stores selling gold, silver and precious stones.

If you want to buy authentic spices in Delhi, you come to Khari Baoli. The place was constructed somewhere around 1650s by Fatehpuri Begum, who was one of the wives of Shah Jahan. The stepwell was used to bathe animals but gradually the place was converted into a street market. Now it is the biggest wholesale spice market in Asia selling exotic spices, dried fruits and tea, among others.

Book lovers and students must be well-aware of this old market. The long stretch of road here is lined with street shops selling second-hand and low-priced books. Here you can find any book of your choice, be it an international bestseller or schoolbook, Nai Sarak has them all. Stationery and office supplies are also available.

Years back, this used to be home of indigo manufacturers and traders. But later, Katra Neel became a wholesale clothes market in Delhi. The place has stores selling all kinds of fabrics available in almost all possible shades. The market is also famous for its menswear fabric collection, but one can easily find a variety of lehengas and sarees too.

One of the oldest markets in Old Delhi, this is a wholesale bazaar that deals with paper products. There are hundreds of shops selling wedding cards, wallpapers and gift wrappers. Besides, the place also has aces in stores selling kitchen products and brass utensils.

This Old Delhi market is noted for being the largest wholesale electrical good market in India and Asia. This is the place where one can stumble upon some gorgeous vintage clocks, lamps and chandeliers. Affordable colourful lights are the prime attraction of this market.