Urban Crayon
Page 19
>South Delhi
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm; closed Tue
Gujarati Market
The lane off Janpath that primarily offers saris, cushion covers, bags, beads and the like from Gujarati traders. Though Janpath is closed on Sundays, you can still shop here for bargains.
>Timings: Daily 11 am to 8 pm
Hauz Khas Village
Art galleries, high end designer boutiques, antique stores selling lots of old pieces that have been turned into interesting furniture and several nice family restaurants including Park Balluchi in the Deer Park; Naivedyam, a South Indian eatery or the Village Bistro.
>Hauz Khas Village (near deer park), South Delhi
Timings: Mon to Sat 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Hanuman Mandir
If it is a Tuesday, then the place to go is Hanuman Mandir. According to priests, one lakh devotees throng the temple on Tuesdays. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724 and is believed to be the only place where Hanuman appeared in his childhood avatar. Devotees come to have their wishes fulfilled and others come because a flea market of sorts has sprung up around the temple over the years. Over 70 stalls sell bangles from Hyderabad and Jaipur and do brisk business during the wedding season. There’s something here to fascinate every mom and her little princess. Also popular here are the mehendiwalis who charge a nominal Rs 10 per hand. Compare this to prices starting at Rs 275 per hand in Khan Market. Food is also a big draw here. Aam papads and choorans and deep fried pakoras served with mint chutney, can be bought for Rs 10. Astrologers can read your fortune for Rs 101.
>Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Timings: Tue market from 10 am; closed Sun
Janpath
Located near Connaught Place, it is open 7 days a week. Also, known as the Tibetan market, the shopping district has its origins after partition in 1947. Refugees from Pakistan began selling goods along this road. Go here for export surplus and rejects from international labels, cheap chic, contemporary clothing, ethnic jewellery, bags and handicrafts. Real antiques from Tibet can be found in the jumble of stores as well as real junk. So be wary of ‘authentic’ labels. It is also close to the metro.
>Near Connaught Place
Timings: Daily 10 am to 7:30 pm
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Jor Bagh Market
Why head to Jor Bagh Market? For pottery at C Lal & Sons; books at The Book Shop and cheeses and meats at The Steakhouse. Pop into other stores too.
>Near Safdarjung’s Tomb
Timings: Daily 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Karol Bagh Market
One of the oldest shopping areas in the city is also very close to many monuments including India Gate and the Zoo. Kids are likely to be fascinated by the cycle market at Jhandewalan. Moms ought to go to Karol Bagh with bare fingers, ears and necks as fabulous jewellery can be had from the stores. Furniture, fabrics, clothes, spices and teas can also be found here. You’ll also find a wide variety of imported goods at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh.
>Central Delhi, 2 km from New Delhi Railway Station
Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 8 pm
Khan Market
Pull out the movie star sunglasses and the designer bags as Khan Market is the most upscale place to shop in all of Delhi (Emporio Mall excluded). It is one of Delhi’s most expensive markets (in the top 20 internationally as far as retail space goes). Diplomats, Bollywood stars, expats and young politicians-in-waiting have been spotted casually strolling on the sidewalks along with the requisite entourage. Sure, the parking lot is pure chaos and the middle lane needs to be paved over, but the retail outlets, salons and restaurants will make you forget all of that in seconds. There are a wide variety of stores including Fabindia, Anokhi, Nike, Reebok, Hi-Design, Good Earth, Benetton and Kriti Creations. The Big Chill, McDonald’s, Café Turtle, Khan Chacha, Route 4, Blanco, The Kitchen, Market Café, Barista and Café Coffee Day are some of the eateries found here. Everything you can find in Janpath or the Cottage Emporium can also be found here at a premium. All of the eateries and some of the stores have toilets and there’s a free, though smelly toilet located near the McDonald’s. Also check out the Bombay Fruit Store for imported fruits and other goods and Sugar n’ Spice for meats, cheeses and baked goods. Khan Market is located very close to Lodhi Gardens, the India International Centre and the India Habitat Centre.
>Close to India Gate, South Delhi
Timings: Daily 11 am to 8 pm; some stores open on Sun
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
Where the locals shop to get everything from cushion covers to household appliances. Home decor, fabrics and other items to add pizzazz to your dream house can and should be bought here. You get excellent deals on electrical goods.
>South Delhi between Greater Kailash and South Extension
Timings: Tue to Sun; 11 am to 8:30 pm
Mohan Singh Place
Stores here stock ‘authentic’ labels for those who are fashion savvy but a bit light on the funds. Jeans can be had for as little as Rs 400.
>Near Connaught Place
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Timings: Daily 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Nai Sarak
The first and last stop for discounted and second-hand books. Most publishers can be found in the narrow lanes. It is very popular with students who buy textbooks here. Books in all languages spoken in India can be found in the stalls. Prices are low so no need to haggle. In many cases, there is no rhyme or reason to how the books are stacked so be prepared to search if there is something in particular you are looking for. Nai Sarak is also particularly well known for its musical instruments shops.
>Near Chawri Bazaar
Nearest Metro: Chawri Bazaar or Chandni Chowk on the yellow line
Timings: Mon to Sat
Palika Bazaar
The only air-conditioned underground market near Connaught Place is famous for cheap electronics and clothing—much of which is imported. Frequently raided by the cops, it offers a huge collection of ‘not always legal’ DVDs, video games, kids’ playstations, iPods and other electronics. This is as grey of a market as you are going to get. Dating back to the 1970s, the market has nearly 400 shops. Although it is a bargain-hunter’s playground, prices quoted are always high and you have to haggle to get the best deals. Be prepared to walk away as there will be 50 or more stores selling relatively the same things so you can leave with what you want and the price you are willing to pay.
>Under Connaught Place
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Paharganj
Across from the New Delhi Railway Station and within walking distance of Connaught Place, Paharganj divides Old and New Delhi. The stores in this area are mainly thronged by the budget minded tourist looking for funky T-shirts and affordable souvenirs. Bargaining here is a must, but the prices are so reasonable compared to Khan Market and even Janpath, don’t sweat it too much. Some great buys here include leather sandals, body art, bindis and bangles. Many handicraft stores can be found in the narrow lanes also.
>Near Connaught Place
Timings: Mon to Sat 10 am to 7:30 pm
Santushti Shopping Arcade
One would insult even the birds that grace the well-appointed lawns with their presence if Santushti Shopping Arcade was called a market. The complex with the lush gardens, and meandering pathways, was conceived in 1990 by the Air Force Wives’ association. It’s not for bargain shoppers, but for designer, high-end wares from clothing to jewellery to home furnishings.
>Race Course Road, Chanakyapuri (near Samrat Hotel)
Tel: 011 2467 9220
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 7 pm
Sarojini Nagar Market
Perfect export surplus market. Also a great place to buy shoes. Denims, shirts, dresses can be had for between Rs 50 and Rs 100.
>Near Dilli Haat
Timings: Tue to Sun 11 am to 8:30 pm
South Extension Market Part I and Part II
Yet another upmarket
shopping district where national and international brands reign supreme. Divided into 2 parts, South Extension I and South Extension II, the markets are relatively easy to navigate on foot, though parking is a royal pain. There’s an underground tunnel connecting the two parts which are separated by the Ring Road. Books, clothing, jewellery, mobile phones and restaurants abound. Go to Sancho’s (see Eats, pp.145–6) at E-3 in South Extension II for Mexican food.
>South Delhi, situated on the Ring Road
Timings: Tue to Sun 11 am to 8 pm
Sunder Nagar Market
The market is located in an upscale area near the zoo and specializes in Nepali handicrafts, copper, brass, semi-precious stones, textiles and silver jewellery from Ladakh. Some interesting tea shops are also located in Sunder Nagar Market, in addition to Baci, an Italian restaurant which is a great place to have lunch with the kids before heading to the Crafts Museum (see Co-ed, pp.48–9). Look for the sign with the lips.
>Off Mathura Road near the zoo
Timings: Mon to Sat 10 am to 7:30 pm
Shopping Malls
Ansal Plaza
A part of HUDCO Place built on 35 acres of land, Ansal Plaza is a shopping complex situated near South Extension, one of the posh markets of rich South Delhi. Branded clothes, trendy jewellery and other designer items are some of the things that you can shop for at Ansal Plaza. It has a slew up upscale stores including Marks & Spencer, Shopper’s Stop and Music World. Many restaurants and fast food outlets to choose from. Open all days. Kids will love Funkie Orbits (see Playground Paradise, pp.67–8) a fun indoor jungle gym with slides and plastic balls.
>Khel Gaon Marg, Andrews Ganj
Tel: 011 2625 5532
Timings: Mon to Fri 11 am to 8:30 pm; weekends 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Parking: Underground and outside parking; Rs 10 to Rs 30
Web: www.ansalplazadelhi.com
Centrestage Mall
Wave Cinema, food court, and a small children’s play area in addition to the usual mall shops.
> L-1, Sector 18, Noida
Tel: 0120 436 4600
Timings: Mon to Sat 9:30 am to 11 pm; Sun noon to 11 pm
Parking: Underground and outside parking, Rs 10 to Rs 20
DLF City Centre
Spread over 250,000 square feet. It houses all the big-name shops, a 4-screen movie theatre and a food court. Big-name eateries like Ruby Tuesday and Pizza Hut are also found here.
>DLF City Phase I, MG Road, Gurgaon
Tel: 0124 238 6296/97
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
Web: www.dlf.in
DLF Place
Third in a row of malls located in Saket after MGF Metropolitan Mall and Select Citywalk, which annoyingly, are not really connected so you have to risk your life walking or you have to get back into your car for a one-minute journey and deal with the hassles of parking again. The DLF Place has international brands, including Debenhams and Adidas and a 6-screen theatre. Wide open spaces inside are set aside for concerts, promotional events and children’s activities, so the kids will find loads to keep them entertained. The food court, which includes The Great Kebab Factory and Old World Hospitality, is so expansive, one could ideally bring a book and have breakfast, lunch and dinner there. The mall is new and plans are afoot for a Hilton hotel and cinema and other entertainment options. Parking can accommodate 900 cars.
>Press Enclave Road, Saket
Tel: 011 4601 0385/86
Timings: Daily 10 am to 9 pm
>DLF Place, Vasant Kunj
Tel: 011 4610 4466
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
East Delhi Mall
Popularly known as EDM and opened in 2005, this was one of the first major malls in East Delhi. The mall is spread over 3 floors and carries all the big brand stores, has a 3-screen movie theatre, food court, children’s play area and adjoining hotel rooms.
>1 Kaushambi, Ghaziabad
Tel: 0120 301 8004
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
Web: www.edm.com
The Great India Place
The Great India Place is a retail and entertainment behemoth that is part of Entertainment City, an all-encompassing amusement park. It is the largest mall in Northern India. All the branded players are here along with specialty jewellery shops, restaurants, including a food court (leading off on to a children’s entertainment zone and gaming area) that occupies most of the top floor, and a movie theatre. The mall takes family entertainment to a whole new level and it is easily a day-long outing. For the kids, the fun spills beyond the doors of the mall, with a variety of outdoor rides and a large fairground setting just a few metres away.
>Sector 38A, Noida
Tel: 0120 465 0300
Timings: Mon to Sat 11 am to 11 pm; Sun noon to 11 pm
Mega Mall
Five levels of shopping, entertainment and food options that span 16 international cuisines.
>Sector Road, DLF City, Phase I, Gurgaon
Tel: 0124 438 0352
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
MGF Metropolitan Mall
With 150 stores including Shoppers Stop and Om Book Shop, one can get quite a work-out window shopping. There’s also a McDonald’s and PVR Cinemas. Ample parking over 3 levels, though that doesn’t seem enough on the weekends.
>MG Road, Gurgaon
Tel: 0124 438 0352
Timings: Daily 9 am to midnight
Pacific Mall
One of the highlights of the Pacific Mall and something to wow the kids is the IMAX theatre, the second in India, and the fifth in Asia. Shopping in the mall is secondary, though all the brand-name shops (Globus, Westside, Spencers, Crosswords, Chunmun, Ritu Wears, Rough n Tough, Nike Adidas, Reebok and Louis Phillipe) are there. It’s more amusement park, night spot and food plaza rolled into one. There’s also a Clark’s Inn Pacific hotel attached to the mall.
>Plot No. 1, Site 4, Sahibabad, Industrial Area, Ghaziabad
Tel: 0120 301 2301
Timings: Daily 9 am to midnight
Sahara Mall
This mall started off the mall craze in Gurgaon in 2001. It prides itself on being built to be earthquake resistant. The mall has a beautiful atrium when you enter which is framed by 80 branded stores. There are several restaurants to choose from and many entertainment options including bungee jumping and a PVR theatre.
> Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 28 Gurgaon
Tel: 0124 238 7741; 0124 4048592
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
Shopprix Mall
Branded stores, restaurants, multiplex, a bowling alley and gaming zone including 2 pool tables, ice hockey and video games.
> C-134B, Sector 61, Noida, (opposite Flex Industries)
Tel: 120 249 0000
Timings: Mon to Sat 9:30 am to 11 pm; Sun noon to 11 pm
Spice World
The name is misleading. One’s first thought is of a mall dedicated to selling turmeric and garam masala. However, the mall is aimed at adding spice to one’s life with 4 floors of branded shops, a truly magnificent kids’ entertainment zone, India’s first 4D movie theatre, many restaurants and coffee shops.
>I-2, Sector 25A, Noida
Tel: 0120 436 6400
Timings: Mon to Sat 9:30 am to 11 pm; Sun noon to 11 pm
Web: www.spiceworld.co.in for booking movie tickets
Metro Walk Mall
It is one of the biggest malls in capital which also boasts an excellent amusement park, Adventure Island. Like all other malls, it has also a wide selection of the leading national and international brands including Pantaloon, Reebok, Nike, etc. There is an array of food options, from chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, and an extensive food court with a bounty of menu options of Chinese, chaat, pizzas and Mexican food. The USP of most malls the world over is the retail shopping. But for the Metro Walk Mall, it holds the distinction of having Adventure Island which has several rides and swings that are found in amusement parks around the world (see Playground Paradise, pp.59–60)
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>Unitech Metro Walk Mall, Sector 10, Rohini, Adjacent to Rithala Metro
Tel: 011 2757 3480
Timings: Daily 10 am to 11 pm
Select Citywalk Mall
Another mega mall located in South Delhi, the retail space has more than 150 shops, a huge food court, stand-alone restaurants, kids’ play area with Little Tykes toys for just Rs 150 an hour and movie theatres. Every weekend, there’s a Weekend Club from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Kids Fountain Terrace on the second floor of the mall where kids can do finger painting, pottery, caricatures, mini-golf. There’s also music and storytelling.
>Press Enclave Road, Saket
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
Web: www.selectcitywalk.com
Flea Market
Held every Wednesday at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, Flea@Nite offers great shopping, children’s toys, books, fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, deli products, jewellery and home linens among the many offerings. It has the feeling of Dilli Haat with live music, grills and gelatos, juice and mocktail bars, cafes and street art thrown in. It can get crowded, but the tents and big-tent feel will make for an enjoyable family outing.
>Select Citywalk Plaza, Saket
Timings: Every Wed 4 pm to 10 pm
Web: http://www.selectcitywalk.com/Flea-nite.htm
Bookstores
First-hand bookstores
Bookstores in and around town are great places to pick up city maps, guides, news magazines and books for the entire family. Some bookstores hold weekly story readings and art sessions to keep the kids entertained.