7 Oldest Bazaars In India That'll Fill You Up With Pride, Emotion & A Love For Culture!

As all of us Delhi walas know, being in Chandni Chowk is the closest we can come to time travel. Shops and eateries that are over hundreds of years old, narrow and crowded lanes and roads, flocks of people of all kinds - it feels like time has been standing still here for ages. It is the best place to revel in the beauty of culture, tradition and heritage. Well, here’s a list of some ancient bazaars all over India that are the prized possessions of the seemingly modern cities. 

1. Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Picture Credits: yarrowart

Perhaps the most famous market in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is flocked by gazillions of people every day, and not just from the city but from the entire world. The bustling market is home to the largest wholesale spice market in Asia, Khari Baoli and many legendary shops that date back to the 17th century. You can score any kind of stuff here ranging from electronics, royal jewellery, traditional clothes and whatnot. Fun fact: any wedding shopping is incomplete without visiting Chandni Chowk and don’t forget to try out the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali too!

Where | Delhi

2. New Market, Kolkata

Picture Credits: soham

Nestled in the City Of Joy, the New Market, also known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market is built in the charming Victorian Gothic style architecture. It is a hub of a whopping 2,000 stores that sell all kinds of ah-mazing stuff that will not let you leave the market empty-handed at any cost! As you stroll through the colourful market's buzzing lanes, do not forget to land at the famous Chamba Lama and snag awesome silver jewellery. So, when you are in Kolkata do head over to this shopper’s paradise!

Where | Kolkata 

3. Sardar Market, Jodhpur 

The kingdom of Marwar shelters one of the most colourful and exuberant markets named after its famous landmark, Ghanta Ghar. Built by Maharaja Sardaar Singh in 1880, this market is home to more than 7,000 shops. These shops specialise in tie and dye fabric work, furniture, textiles, handicraft items and many fabulous traditional things. The market has an old-world charm and passing through the vibrant lanes and bylanes is a visual and olfactory retreat in itself as the stunning handicrafts and the pleasant aroma fill the entire market. As you drop by here, don't forget to get your hands on Bandhani, which is a traditional Rajasthani handcrafted cloth.

Where | Jodhpur

4. Johari Bazaar, Jaipur

Picture Credits: joel.pixelpusher

Johari Bazaar doesn’t need any introduction for being one of India's most iconic and historic bazaars. Located just where Hawa Mahal is built, this oh-so-famous market proudly boasts a cluster of small shops that sell superlative traditional jewellery for special occasions and are a perf blend of vintage and modern. When you pop by this place, do check out their exquisite range of Kundan, Meenakari and Polki jewellery intricately designed by skilled craftsmen through the ages!

Where | Jaipur

5. Chor Bazaar, Mumbai

Picture Credits: nidhisunil

The largest flea market in India, the Chor Bazaar in Mumbai is a paradise for any shopaholic. Here, you can find literally anything on this planet! However, this market has many amusing legends associated with it and two of them are quite funny. One is that it was initially named Shor Market, but later was spelt differently cause of Britisher’s mispronunciation and another one is that you get to score stolen items here! This crowded market is famous for antiques and second-hand items at dirt cheap prices. When you drop by here remember that bargaining is a must!

Where | Mumbai

6. Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad

Picture Credits: the.rover.infinito_

Laad Bazaar is the pride of the City Of Pearls as it symbolises its glorious past in the form of the vast number of workshops located here that curate the finest bangles in the country. This gave it the name ‘Choodi Bazaar!’ You can grab the best variety of lac bangles, glass bangles, and stone studded bangles which is not so common elsewhere! Along with bangles, you can score many wonderful things such as traditional Hyderabadi artefacts, silverware, fabrics and other goodies that are the highlights of this shopping gem. The bazaar is located near Charminar and vehicles are not allowed here.

Where | Hyderabad

7. George Town, Chennai

Picture Credits: minion_clicks

George Town is ideal for a brilliant shopping experience where heritage, culture, shopping and food meet together in one place. Sowcarpet, Perumal Mudali Street, Burma Bazaar, Kasi Chetty street, and many other streets display extraordinary items such as aesthetic clothes, bangles, electronics, perfumes, and cosmetics and the list doesn’t end here! We warn you to carry your wallets filled to the brim ‘cause you’ll be tempted to spend it all on snagging as many items as your eyes can see. 

Where | Chennai

So, guys, here are some of the historic Bazaars in India that stood the test of time. So unleash your inner shopaholic and loot!