Shopping in India

India- a place where the culture & tradition are the essence of life and its beauty enthrals the people visiting this magnific land. Bounded by the splendid Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches in west & south, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.

Absorbing and reflecting these overwhelming endowments are the shoping places of India. Always warm and inviting, shopping in India can prive to be an exciting acquaintance with ethnic India.

India seize a paragon of exquisite handicrafts, textiles and artifacts, sold in all major cities from high profile shoping malls in posh surroundings to the colourful local bazaars. In tune with the unique culture of each state of India, the various products for sales retain this distinction and possess uncommon traits. Each stale has something different and exclusive, offering you a wide variety in metal crafts, jewellery, handicrafts, textiles, stone crafts, wood crafts, paintings etc., to choose from.

Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers, who can buy objects ranging from the simplest of Indian handicrafts to international designer labels, and often within the same shopping area. There are some antique stores behind Jama Masjid, and more lining the entrance to the Red Fort, where the Meena Bazar once was. These offer items arranging from jewellery to painting and furniture, and cater almost entirely to tourists. Connaught Place is New Delhi's original shopping arcade. On Baba Kharak Singh Marg, are the numerous government State Emporia. Which afford a glimpse of the handicrafts of each state. So does the recently- inaugurated new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath.

Near by state like Uttar Pradesh is famous for sweets and savouries from Mathura; Gold, silverware and bidriwork articles, from Lucknow; copperware, brassware, white metal utensils, enameled trays and boxes from Moradabad, Varanasi and Mirzapur; cast images, copperware, pottery from Khurja, Meerut and Hapur; Leatherwork, carpets, durries, zare and embroidered works, stone craft and marble inlay work crafts from Agra, brocaded textiles from Varanasi, chicken work garments and saris from Lucknow, etc.

Himachal Pradesh is known for its carpets, garments, shawls, head scarves, knitted socks, Chamba rumals, Pahari miniature paintings, Chamba embroidered chappals, embroidered leathers, belts, rugs and namdas, woollen blanket called oGudma', floor coverings, woodcrafts, carved silver lamp stands, tea pots. wine cups, metal sculpture, silver and gold jewellery.

South India is a treasure trove of silk and rooden handicrafts. In Kerala you can buy ;oir mats and floor coverings, handcrafted oosewood artifacts, traditional brass lamps, lags and cotton fabrics. Tamil Nadu is amous tor its handloom silk and cotton saris ind fabrics, finely Grafted South Indian ironzes, brass lamps, wood and stone :arvings, Thanjavur paintings, brass plates imbossed in copper and silver, palm baskets 'ie Andhra Pradesh is famous for Bidri work handicrafts, pearls, Ikkat fabrics and silk saris from PochampaHi, lacquerwarj and black gun metpl handicrafts, painted leather puppets, carpets from Warangal and wooden toys.