India is a treasure trove for shoppers: block-printed textiles, handwoven shawls, brass lamps, carved wood, sparkling jewelry, fragrant teas, and spice blends that perfume your kitchen long after the trip ends. This page shows you where to shop, what to buy, how to bargain with a smile, and the smart checks to ensure quality, authenticity, and fair prices—so you go home with pieces you’ll love for years.
Indian textiles are legendary. Look for Banarasi silk (Varanasi) with intricate zari work, Kanchipuram silk (Tamil Nadu) with bold borders, and Pashmina shawls (Kashmir) that are feather-light and warm. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, you’ll find hand-block prints (Bagru, Sanganer) and ajrakh (Kutch) in deep indigo and madder tones. For everyday wear, Indian cotton kurtas and scarves are breathable and stylish.
From delicate kundan setting in Jaipur to bold tribal silver from the Northeast and Rajasthan, there’s something for every style. In cities, contemporary studios blend traditional motifs with modern lines—great for daily wear. Always ask about metal purity and hallmarking.
In Rajasthan, pick up blue pottery, leather journals, and carved sandstone. Kashmir is known for papier-mâché decor and walnut wood furniture. South India offers brass lamps, bronze idols, and rosewood inlay from Mysuru. Madhubani and Warli paintings are striking folk art to frame at home.
Tea lovers should grab Darjeeling first flush or malty Assam. Kerala’s markets overflow with cardamom, pepper, cloves, and vanilla pods. Packaged masalas (chaat, pav bhaji, biryani blends) keep flavors authentic at home. For sweets, try Mysore pak, soan papdi, or dry fruit barfi in sealed boxes. Pickles (mango, lemon, garlic) travel well if vacuum-sealed.
Lightweight kurtas, scarves, and stoles are easy wins. In Jaipur and Kolhapur, look for handcrafted mojari/kolhapuri sandals. Leather belts, bags, and journals in Rajasthan age beautifully— choose vegetable-tanned where possible.
You’ll find three broad shopping scenes in India: atmospheric old bazaars, curated craft emporiums, and modern malls. Bazaars are perfect for souvenirs and great deals; emporiums are reliable for authenticity (often fixed-price); malls showcase Indian designer labels and contemporary fashion. Mix all three for the best experience.
Haggling is part theatre, part math. Keep it light and polite. If the first quote feels high, begin around 50–60% and move in small steps. Smile, compliment the craftsmanship, and be ready to walk away—often the best true price appears just then. Fixed-price shops and malls usually don’t bargain, so don’t push there.
Many shops ship worldwide. If you choose shipping, photograph the item, note dimensions, and list agreed finish/color. Use insured shipping with tracking. For fragile crafts, ask for bubble-wrap + double boxing and keep the unboxing video until delivery. Check your home country’s duty-free limits and restricted items list before you buy bulky or metalware.
Pay by card in established stores; keep small cash for bazaars. If a shop offers a “special discount” for paying cash, compare the final amount with your own calculation. Never hand over your card out of sight; ask for the machine to be brought to you. For gems or high-value art, ask for certificates and a clear return/repair policy.
Your money shapes livelihoods. Choose fair-trade, co-ops, and family workshops where possible. Avoid items made from endangered woods, animal parts, or protected shells. Handloom and handmade pieces may have minor variations— that’s the beauty of craft, not a defect. Ask where the item is made and how; many sellers love to share the story.
Compare 2–3 shops, ask your hotel/guide for a ballpark, and check a fixed-price emporium first. In haggle-friendly markets, opening quotes are often high—start near 60% and settle where it feels fair for the workmanship.
Yes—ask for insured courier with tracking, double boxing, and “fragile” labels. Photograph the piece and packing, keep invoices, and pay by card for extra protection. Retain the unboxing video until you confirm condition.
Sealed tea/coffee, packaged spices/masalas, and boxed sweets without fresh dairy. Avoid fresh fruits, meats, and liquids over your allowance. Always check your country’s latest rules before you fly.
In touristy bazaars and bigger stores, yes. Still, carry small cash for stalls and last-mile bargaining. Ensure the POS machine is brought to you and verify the total before entering your PIN.
Don’t buy anything claimed as “antique” without government certification; export of genuine antiques is restricted. Avoid ivory, certain shells, and exotic skins. Choose certified reproductions and sustainable materials.