Chandni Chowk is the most traditional and must visit markets of Delhi. This pride of old Delhi is situated opposite to Red Fort in northern part of Delhi and is one of the noisiest, crowded and congested markets of Delhi.
Chandni Chowk was established during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and has survived for more than the three centuries. In the initial architecture of Chandni Chowk a large Chowk with a centrally located fountain was incorporated. Since then the market has come a long way and is now spread over kilometers with dedicated sub markets for books, paper, electronics, jewelry, garments etc. Even today, Chandni Chowk market has shops which are more then 100 years old. These congested looking small shops of Chandni Chowk are worth a visit as most of these do millions of rupees business daily and offer some of the best quality products.
Chandni Chowk market is a value for money market. It is one of the most recommended places to shop for in Delhi especially if you want to shop in bulk or large quantities. It is a preferred destination for marriage related shopping. People from all parts of India come here for buying wedding garments, wedding clothes, wedding suits, lehangas, saris, footwear, wedding cards, gift item etc, electronics, and all ethnic and traditional stuff.
Chandni Chowk comprises of wholesale as well as retail shops selling items at wholesale rates. Besides shopping the delicious street food like chaat , gol gappa , paratha , kachoris , aloo puri are some of the things not to be missed while on spree in Chandni Chowk. The world known famous street for Indian paratha Parathe Wali Gali is also located in Chandni Chowk market. These narrow street lanes of Chandni Chowk promise ample of surprises for the shoppers.
Famous street market Nai Sarak for shopping stationary items like notepads, pens, cello tapes, geometry items, ledgers, books (standard NCERT, author books and competitive books) at very low prices is also a sub market of Chandni Chowk markets. Even the smaller shopkeepers purchase the items from Nai Sarak at wholesale rates. Besides these One can shop musical instruments like guitar, harmoniums, etc at very economic rates and in all qualities from Nai sarak.
Another narrow shopping streets branching off from Chandni Chowk leads to Dariba Kalan. Dariba is known for its beautiful pearl, gold and silver jewelry. One can also buy natural perfumes or 'itra' here.
Then there is a narrow street called Khari Baoli, the world famous spice market of Delhi. Khari Baoli market is known for household items like pulses, food grains, spices and dry fruits. Spices of khari baoli market are famous all over India. Being the country rich in spices: Spices from Khari Baoli are must take away for the visitors.
Kinari Bazaar another submarket of Chandni Chowk is the best place to look for 'zari' and 'zardozi' trimmings and tinsel. Retaining the old-age charm, this market provides you the opportunity of witnessing skilled craftsmen at work, while manufacturing items for sale on site.
The other by lanes of Chandni Chowk that are popular include Katra Neel market, the cloth bazaar offering all kinds of fabrics such as silks, satin, crepe, cotton and muslin. It is also famous as Chooriwali ki Haveli or the Bangle Seller's Palace, amongst locals. Get the latest trendy Bangles for the special occasion.
The antique stores behind Jama Masjid, lining the entrance to the Red Fort, have replaced the Meena Bazaar of the yore and offer traditional jewelry, paintings and furniture.
Bhagirath Palace is Asia's largest market for electrical goods and also offers medical equipment and allopathic medicines.
Chandni Chowk is a recommended must visit for all travelers to view the real India culture as it use to be in Mughal era and is still there in most of the small cities of India.
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