Mumbai (Bombay) Shopping

Crafts and textiles

Government emporia from many states sell good handicrafts and textiles; several at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade. In Colaba, a street Craft Market is held on Sun (Nov-Jan) in K Dubash Marg.

Jewellery

In Bandra, Turner Rd has about 10 jewellery stores in a row to cater to every price range and taste – from traditional Indian styles to contemporary updates in gold, diamonds, and other precious and semi-precious stones. The Cottage Industries Emporium, near Radio Club, Colaba Causeway, has affordable silver and antique jewellery from across India.

Music

Musical instruments on VB Patel Rd, RS Mayeka at No 386, Haribhai Vishwanath at No 419 and c at Bharati Sadan.

Mumbai

Most shops are open Mon-Sat 1000-1900, the bazaars sometimes staying open as late as 2100. Mumbai prices are often higher than in other Indian cities, and hotel arcades tend to be very pricey but carry good-quality select items. Best buys are textiles, particularly tie-dye from Gujarat, hand-block printed cottons, Aurangabad and ‘Patola’ silks, gold-bordered saris from Surat and Khambat, handicrafts, jewellery and leather goods.

It is illegal to take anything over 100 years old out of the country. CDs of contemporary Indian music in various genres make good souvenirs as well as gifts.

Bazaars

Crawford Market, Ambedkar Rd (fun for bargain hunting) and Mangaldas Market.

Other shopping streets are South Bhagat Singh Marg, M Karve Rd and Linking Rd, Bandra. For a different experience try Chor (Thieves’) Bazaar, on Maulana Shaukat Ali Rd in central Mumbai, full of finds from raj leftovers to precious jewellery. Make time to stop at the Mini Market, 33-31 Mutton St, T022-2347 2425, minimarket@ rediffmail.com (closed Fri), nose through the Bollywood posters, lobby cards, and photo-stills. On Fri, ‘junk’ carts sell less expensive ‘antiques’ and fakes.

Books

There are lines of second-hand stalls along Churchgate St and near the University. An annual book fair takes place at the Cross Maidan near Churchgate each Dec....read more