Shopping Day

Our expert India

Shopping Day

Victoria Station, Bombay This Gothic-style train station was built in honour of Queen Victoria. It is from here that the first train in India departed, in 1853. © Bruno Perousse

You will find several markets in a large tightly-packed area around Wellington Circus. Close to Mahatma-Gandhi road, early in the morning dive into the vast covered halls of Crawford Market. Observe its bas-reliefs, Gothic façades and fountain. Behind, the section reserved for animals and parrots awaits. To the north of Crawford Market, look for the best deal in the labyrinth of alleyways with bazars at kalbadevi, a largely-Muslim neighbourhood. Turn back and stroll around Dhabu Street to view its leatherware and in Chor Bazar, the "thieves market". Here, you will find antiquities and replicas of renowned works (beware, however, of the numerous offers and check the amount of what you buy). Look for jewellery, gold and silver at the Javeli Bazar. And take in the smell of the tide in the fish market at Naal Bazar, which is solely for women. Take back Indian clothes from the Khadi Village Industries Emporium on Dr D-Naoroji road. Under the Victorian arcades, buy as many leather goods as basic products, including paintings on silk and miniatures.
In the Fort neighbourhood, discover Kashmiri handicraft at the Kashmir Emporium.
In the Colaba neighbourhood, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium offers all the handicraft in India. It is the ideal place to get souvenirs for your loved ones. The World Trade Centre Emporium is quite expensive. At the Bombay Store of Sir-P-Metha road, you can treat yourself to carpets and decorative objects. Close to the Jehangir art gallery, buy not only Indian music but also Western music at the Rythm House.