Top Delhi Shopping Destinations for Handicrafts

I know lots of people who come to Delhi just for shopping! Can you believe this? Delhi is, in fact, a shopping paradise for shopaholics. However, that doesn't mean I suggest you become a shopaholic and visit Delhi just to shop for handicrafts or other things. I just want you to explore Delhi handicraft markets if you come here as a tourist or for any other purpose. You will love the vibrant Delhi markets and the vast variety of handicrafts here- that come from all around and even faraway places. Here is a list of all important markets and places where you can find the right spirit of Delhi- the heart of India!

Dilli Haat

The most important and the exclusive market for handicrafts in Delhi. The rural ambiance here gives a special experience. You will find all kinds of handicrafts from all over India- carved wood furniture, bamboo artifacts, beaded jewellery, handloom sarees and other clothing, hand made footwear, home decor items- all with a nominal entry fee of Rs 15 (35 cents). And yes- don't miss what you like. You might not find that vendor after 15 days when you visit again to buy your choice of thing. Don't forget to enjoy the regional cuisine specialties of India in the food stalls here.

Location- Shri Aurobindo Marg, Opposite INA market, New Delhi.
Opening Hours- Daily 10.30 am. to 10 pm., including national holida

Connaught Place

It is a 'must visit place' of Delhi. The perfect circular markets are a delight to explore. However, you won't find handicrafts in the big showrooms situated here. They all are specialty stores for branded items. Look for the street vendors sitting with their mobile shops (on floors) all around the verandas of the markets. They come from different states of India and sell their handicrafts here. You'll find beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths and other textile furnishings, hand made jewelery, show pieces and smaller decorative.
Location- Connaught Place (in itself is enough landmark)
Opening Hours- Monday till Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday Closed

Janpath

Janpath is the low profile area within Connaught Place vicinity. Although it is more famous for its cheap clothing and other tit bits, you can actually find good handicrafts at the 'Central Cottage Industries Emporium' situated here. Go here for some delicate materials shopping- silk scarves and rugs, embroidered Kashmir shawls, marble table and all. They also deliver your bought items to your place- even to international destinations.
Location- Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath
Opening Hours- Daily 10am-7pm

State Emporia Complex

Again situated within Connaught Place region, this is a true delight for handicrafts lovers with all its state-run emporiums. Go for the top picks here- shawls from Zoon, the Kashmir Emporium; silk sarees and other silk items from Cauvery, the Karnataka Emporium; bronze lamps and icons from Poompuhar, the Tamil Nadu Emporium; Madhubani paintings and gems from Amrapali, the Bihar Emporium; Jaipur cottons, miniature paintings and jewellery from Rajasthali, the Rajasthan Emporium; tea and Bengal handloom sarees from Manjusha, the West Bengal Emporium; and wood carving from Mrignayani, the Madhya Pradesh emporium.
Location- Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Delhi
Opening Hours- 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday Closed.

Palika Bazar

Although this underground market with around 400 shops is best for those finding cheap bargains for electronic goods and clothes, it doesn't house many handicrafts shops. However, a couple of handicrafts and artifacts shops situated here might have something very unique that couldn't be find in high society markets. And the interesting fact is that you can buy these things in almost half the cost demanded or even less than that depending upon your bargaining skills but don't try the trick in the shops having boards of 'fixed rates.' Go here if you actually want to have the feel of local shopping experience of Delhi. Location- Inner Circle, Connaught Place
Opening hours- Monday till Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday Closed

Tip for Shopping in Delhi

Bargain and bargain hard- that's the mantra for shopping in Delhi. However, don't try to bargain at Government Emporiums. They have fixed prices for all their commodities.