The famous lake city of Udaipur in Rajasthan is among the top tourist destinations in India as it is home to some of the most scenic lakes in the country as well as many royal structures, which are the epitome of architectural beauty. Besides exploring these lakes and royal buildings, there are several things to do in Udaipur and one among them is shopping at its ever effervescent markets that offer a variety of authentic Rajasthani products. So, if you are planning to come and explore this amazing city, we suggest that you spend some good time shopping here. We bring you a list of shopping places in Udaipur that are a must-visit!
Udaipur is mostly known for its vibrant lakes and temples. Being a part of Rajasthan, Udaipur has the tints of bright colors and you can certainly find these colors in its lively markets. One can experience the markets of Udaipur to get the best deals and capturing most of Rajasthan. Udaipur has a myriad number of small shops, big showrooms and roadside stalls that would offer you an extensive variety to choose from. While passing through the markets of Udaipur, you would trace many articles that can make part of your wardrobe and lifestyle too. These markets present an assortment of items covering handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, antique items, and paintings. Udaipur is particularly famous for its miniature paintings inspired by the style of Rajputs & Mughals.
Coming to the shopping places, Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar and Palace Road are some of the popular shopping arcades of Udaipur. While shopping in these markets, don’t forget to bargain with the shopkeepers to get the value of your money. If you are running short of time to explore the markets, the Government of Rajasthan has made adequate arrangements for you. Rajasthali and Sadhna are two government emporiums that offer all the products under a single roof. Here you will get the quality product at a fixed price. However, the real charm of shopping comes in exploring the streets of Udaipur bargaining with the local vendors. So, while touring Udaipur take out some time to shop in the vibrant markets of Udaipur.
With a little bargaining acumen, and proper knowledge you could tick off every item from your shopping list and that too without burning a hole in your pocket. You cannot just deny the fact that shopping in these markets is a lot more fun and lighter on the pocket than actually paying retail for similar items in big shopping malls and designer shops. Give an end to your shopping woes because we have done the research for you about the famous shopping markets of Udaipur! Pick up your bags and head out to these places. But be careful, you might end up purchasing more than you need. Have a look:
Famous Shopping Markets of Udaipur
Hathipole
Hathi Pol is an important market in Udaipur where you can find a huge variety of handicrafts and folk arts of Rajasthan. It is frequented by locals and is hence fairly priced. If you are a fan of true Rajasthani art, this market is the place for you to shop in Udaipur. This is one of the most popular markets for locals as well as tourists. Even the most reluctant shoppers will find it difficult to resist themselves here. The market reflects the eminence of Rajasthan. The exquisite handicrafts, garments and colorful footwear are popularly known as Mojadis or jutis are the souls of this market. Different styles of fabric called Bandhej or Bandhani and Leheriya which are created using ‘tie and dye’ techniques are available here at quite affordable prices. The Rajasthani quilts or Jaipuri razai are something you just can’t ignore from having a look at.
One of the most famous markets in Udaipur, Hathi Pol Bazaar is visited by tourists in large numbers. This is the ideal market to shop for souvenirs from. Here you can find beautiful handicrafts and artwork like the traditional Rajasthani Pichwai and Phad paintings done by the local artists. Here, you will come across some shops selling Rajasthani folk art, miniature paintings, all at a price that is bargainable. If you are one of those who appreciate art, then this is the place for you. You can take home an artwork that will always remind you of Udaipur.
The Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate is situated in the North and leads to City palace, the main Royal residence in Udaipur. This is the monument of Udaipur, a walled city that was established by Maharana Udai Singh and it was the capital of Mewar after Chittorgarh, which was sacked by the Mughal Army in 1567, gate’s door panel is studded with sharp spikes. Hathi Pole is also now a beautiful and colorful market of modern Udaipur, and markets attract the visitors for special Mewar’s crafts and art. If you have an eye for art, do shop for the famous Pichwai and Phad paintings of Rajasthan, apart from other miniature paintings and traditional Rajasthani artwork at Hathi Pol Bazaar. In this market prices are not fixed so a bargain is essential. This gate is quite significant having two gates adjoined at the right angle, fountains and garden may be the later addition and above the gate, special quarters are built. Though in front of the gate Bhama Shah’s Statue, who was a great donor, reminds a great memory as he helped Maha Rana Pratap. One Road leads to the City Palace, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Jagdish Temple, Gulab Bagh, etc attraction are nearby.
Hathipole stands among the most-popular markets in the city for locals as well as tourists. Craftworks, traditional clothing, and designer footwear are famously known as Mojadis or juttis are the souls of this market. You can also buy beautiful fabrics of Bandhej and Leheriya at reasonable prices here. The Rajasthani blankets or Jaipuri Razai is another must buy the thing in the market. If you are an art enthusiast, you will find Pichwai and Phad arts mesmerizing and you will be compelled to purchase them. The market mirrors the cultural greatness of Rajasthan wonderfully. A must visit place for tourists and the hub of shopping for every Udaipurite, this lively market is swarming with customers from all over the world to buy famous handicraft items, silver jewelry, bandhani print outfits, souvenirs made with brass, marble, etc. You can also find a lot of shops to buy Rajasthani traditional footwear like Mojris, Jootis, and other leather products at very cheap rates.
Bada Bazar
Bada Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city located close to Clock Tower, remains buzzing with tourists and locals all through the day. There are several shops and showrooms in the bazaar offering traditional Rajasthani clothes, expensive gold and silver jewelry, Bandhani and Batik print sarees and textile, cosmetics, and souvenirs. An important segment of this market is Mochiwada Bazaar, where you can shop from a range of beautiful handmade juttis. Make sure to bargain while purchasing this market. The oldest market place in Udaipur. Here you can get a lot of stuff from shoes to expensive gold jewelry, clothing to cosmetics and also if you’re looking for Rajasthan’s ethnic poshak this is the place to find one. If you think something is cheap, it can become cheaper with your bargaining skills. Bargaining is the mantra that works here. If you aren’t sure where this market is: it’s near the clock tower.
Maldas Street
Looking for a perfect outfit for a wedding at low prices? This is exactly the right place for you. The cloth market for all ethnic wear. This place is always flooded with lots and loads of ladies hustling to get the things they want for exactly the amount they wish to pay. You’ll find various options for the same price and it becomes very difficult to choose from so many options. This is another age-old market in the walled city area. It has a wide range of shops selling women’s clothing, items of personal decor, and cosmetics. Don’t forget to bargain. The best time to visit this market is during the afternoon. This bustling market offers a mind-boggling variety of extremely affordable items of clothing, making it very hard for a shopper to resist.
Bapu Bazaar
Bapu Bazaar is among the many popular markets in the city of Udaipur. This is the place where you can purchase a range of books, electronic gadgets, bags, clothes, shoes, crockery and specially Khadi products. Besides these, you can also visit shops that deal in Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs. While you are wandering through Bapu Bazaar, do binge on the street food on offer here; you will not be disappointed! Bapu Bazaar is another great shopping place and market where you can find a lot of souvenirs and traditional items to buy. Bapu Bazar is a market in Udaipur to purchase clothing, crockery, gadgets, shoes, school uniforms, and khadi products. It is a vibrant market buzzing with activities at every hour of the day. From enthusiastic vendors to eager tourists, the market never sees a dull moment on a normal day. It is also popular for its street food. Bapu Bazar Udaipur is known for its authentic handicrafts and Rajasthani souvenirs. The market is also famous for its variety of street food specialties, especially the mouthwatering gol gappas.
Bapu Bazaar is Udaipur in a nutshell! You can find everything you want in this vivacious market. From antiques to electronics, and clothes to books, there’s pretty much everything in this lane. Bapu Bazaar even has some famous street food shops where you can soothe your taste buds while you absorb the surreal sight of life in Udaipur. Bapu Bazaar is another popular shopping area in Udaipur where you can find everything from clothing to pottery. The market is usually bustling with activity. Therefore, it would be better to come here during the early hours. At this market, you can spend an entire day, exploring the lanes selling crockery, clothes, gadgets, khadi products, and even school uniforms and when satisfied, you can satiate your hunger by indulging in the Rajasthani street food especially the gol gappas.
City Palace Street
If you love purchasing handicraft items, then do include visiting the City Palace Street, where you will find a variety of handcrafted, embroidered bags and carpets on sale; you will be spoilt for choices! Also, you can buy a range of beautiful Rajasthani clothes as well as Batik and hand-printed garments at this market at reasonable prices.
Jagdish Temple Street
Jagdish Temple Street is a bustling commercial center, where you can purchase items like customized wooden toys, multi-shaded woven artwork, brilliant hued lamps, painted wooden items, and handcrafted postcards. You are also likely to find mud and metal articles in the shops here. The market is particularly known to offer diaries and journals made of camel leather. You can likewise search for good earthenware and metal products here. Jagdish Temple Street is a very busy marketplace where you can shop for items like traditional wooden toys, vivacious puppets, multi-hued tapestry, bright-colored cloth lanterns, painted wooden objects, and handmade postcards. You will also find a good deal of mud and metal articles in the shops here. This market is famous for its camel leather journals and diaries. Apart from traditional wooden toys, the street is full of vivacious puppets. You can also shop for good terracotta and metal curios.
Located close to the famous Hindu temple Jagdish Temple, this street is famous for camel leather journals and diaries. It is located close to the City Palace and usually remains very crowded. It is advisable to come here as soon as it opens as that would give you ample time to explore this iconic place for shopping in Udaipur. Here, you can also find handmade wooden toys and colorful puppets that would make for perfect decoration around the house. This is a market worth exploring where you can spend hours.
Ghanta Ghar
Located near Ghanta Ghar and Jagadish Chowk, this bazaar features several little shops offering excellent handicrafts, besides a range of designer jewelry including meenakari, Kundan and polka works. There are some other shops, from where you can purchase antique silver gems and other decorated souvenirs at quite affordable prices. Another interesting thing that you can buy at this market is the traditional Rajasthani turbans, replete with beautiful embroidery. Just like other markets in the city, eating options at this place is fantastic and you can savor several local delicacies here.
Sindhi Bazaar
Move a bit farther away from Bada Bazaar and you will enter the Sindhi Market having all sorts of clothes for kids, men, and women on offer. Sindhi Bazaar is thriving during the daytime and way too crowded to explore with a car. Use of a two-wheeler is recommended and with proper bargaining, you can take a dozen shopping bags home.
Lakhara Chowk
This shopping market is hugely famous for bangles, artificial jewelry, cosmetic products, and items of personal decor. Lakhara Chowk has several shops in narrow lanes of the walled city area and sometimes even the use of a two-wheeler gets cumbersome. Walking through these jolly markets should be the choice. Also, if you want bangles to go with a sari or any other outfit, bring the outfit with you so that the seller can match and suggest accordingly.
Mochiwada
The name speaks for itself here! This market is chiefly popular for traditional Rajasthani and leather footwear. This place is never short on varieties to offer. Shopkeepers sell locally produced sports shoes, formal shoes, and so on at very cheap rates. These are often quite durable and made with good quality materials. Also, bargaining is quite rampant and you can get awesome footwear at very cheap prices. Mochiwada Bazaar forms a part of Bada Bazaar and is located close to the City Palace. The market is one kilometer long and is a must-visit if you come to Bada Bazaar. Mochiwada Bazaar is a shoe market where you can find beautiful colorful handmade juttis. These traditional shoes are ideal as a souvenir for yourself and your loved ones.
Ashwini Market
Another dynamic market bustling with people all through the day is Ashwini Market. Known for a variety of shops selling attractive home decor items, designer sarees, and electronics, this market is located at a walking distance from Hathipole. The market is also popular for electrical equipment, sanitary, and hardware shops.
Chetak Circle
Chetak Circle is the go-to place for shopping in Udaipur for everything Rajasthani. Here, you will come across beautiful traditional jewelry, salutation cards, hand-painted jewelry boxes, lanterns, brass wares, and the famous colorful Rajasthani puppets. The market is visited by many tourists, especially for the dancing puppets. At the back of Chetak Circle is Mandi Bazaar, where you can find locally grown and freshly ground spices that you can take back home. Chetak Circle is a buzzing market place where you can find a great assortment of handicrafts, brass wares, salutation cards, valuable stones, traditional jewelry boxes that are superbly painted, and hand-stitched papers. This makes this market popular for street shopping in Udaipur.
Clock Tower
If you are an admirer of traditional Rajasthani lac, Kundan, Polki, and Meenakari jewelry, then this is the place for you. Clock Tower is a famous landmark of Udaipur which is surrounded by a market. It is located close to the City Palace and is easy to find due to the iconic landmark. Here, you can also find gold and silver jewelry, copperware and earthenware. You can spend hours going through the bustling lanes of the Clock Tower area, and the city looks even better when the Clock Tower is all lit up, at night. This market is famous for the legendary Polki, Lac, Kundan, and Meenakari jewelry design of Rajasthan. Even gold and silver jewelry with meenakari and Kundan work is very popular. Beautifully crafted copperware is another item for which clock tower is widely known. You can pick some very unusual souvenirs in metal from here.
Shilpgram
Located close to Havala village, Shilpgram gives the illusion of a traditional Rajasthani village as the shops are set up inside mud and wooden huts. Here you can find anything Rajasthani from handcrafted and leather goods to authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The market has stalls that sell jewelry, paintings, leather products, handmade goods, terracotta craft items, and even footwear. Shilpgram is a one-stop-shop for everything related to arts and crafts where the prices are fixed. You can spend hours exploring the market and shopping to your heart’s content, and when tired, you can indulge in traditional Rajasthani food. There is also an amphitheater on the premises where folk dances take place from time to time.
The streets of Udaipur are shopper’s paradise. Street shopping has it all: traditional crafts, vintage wares, authentic artifacts and so much more. Each street has its tale and every piece reflects the radiance of this town. You can get the best articles at affordable prices in these local markets. The colorful vivacious streets would not only be a feast to your eyes but also a delight to your pockets. The ‘City of Lakes’ is a delight for shopping enthusiasts coming over from around the world. The local markets here have an alluring atmosphere and as soon as you enter a market, there’s absolutely nothing you would not want to buy. Udaipur is full of boutiques, shopping malls, and almost everything is available at a stone’s throw but the real charm lies in its dazzling local markets with beguiling handicraft items, ethnic jewelry, and authentic leather products.
A trip to Udaipur remains incomplete without shopping for some locally made products and traditional Rajasthani fabrics and handicrafts. The main thing to remember while shopping in Udaipur at the local marketplace is that a lot of items are bargainable and you shouldn’t shy away from hassling over the price.
