One Of The Oldest Markets, Mehrauli Market still Hasn't Lose It's Traditional Indian Bazaar Charm

Delhi is built on the rocks of its history & the most important pillars are its forts & cities. Delhi is known for its seven cities & Mehrauli is the oldest of them all, therefore, it has majorly influenced the architectural patterns of the other parts of Delhi. 

Although most parts of the old city are ruined & can only be found at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the new Mehrauli is seen to be bustling with its different scents & stenches coming from all different directions. With its narrow, busy lanes smelling of a concoction of cow dung, Indian spices & overenthusiastic high-pitched shopkeepers, Mehrauli in many ways is similar to Old Delhi. 

Mehrauli is located between Hauz Khas & Vasant Kunj and is best accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station would be Qutub Minar which is on the Yellow Line. The Mehrauli region is famous for its markets which start on both sides of the road & continue till the labyrinthine alleys of the Mehrauli Village. 

Non-Vegetarian Market

The first market near the metro station is the non-vegetarian market where you can purchase all kinds of fresh animal meat from. The best thing about this market is that the meat is not put into refrigeration or frozen but is freshly taken & picked up by its consumers. You will also get many varieties of fish here which aren't available in other parts of Delhi; the smell is a killer but it is worth its weight – quality wise & you will be glad to hear that the prices are also highly competitive as compared to any fish-market in South Delhi. 

Vegetable Market

The vegetable market starts right after; it is also known as Subzi Mandi or a hub for fresh & cheap vegetables. You would get most of the seasonable Indian vegetables here at very cheap prices & the best thing is that the stock comes & finishes off quickly here, unlike the big malls, hence, you can be almost certain about the quality & the fresh taste of the vegetables. The prices are competitive too & you can observe the shopkeepers literally crying their throats out trying to attract & negotiate with the customers. 

Furniture Market

The next market is the furniture market, stocking big almirahs (cupboards) & beds to dressing tables & shoe-racks, it is a fantastic place for getting all types of regular wooden & metal objects along with furniture for your house. This roadside market more or less finishes off here. On the right is Adham Khan’s Tomb – Bul-Bulaiyan, built by Emperor Akbar in the memory of his brother & on the left is the Mehrauli bus terminus.

Wholesale Market 

From here onwards, the market is located only in the narrow lanes of Mehrauli, a wholesale market where you would get all types of spices, pulses, grains & other day-to-day articles at very reasonable prices. In a lane by the name of Dudh Wali Gali, you can savour the best types of Indian sweets & snacks. After so many centuries & decades, Mehrauli still has that air of mustiness that pulls your senses towards it & thereon it keeps reeling you in with its different sights & smells.