Contrary to popular belief, Ahmedabad is quite the shopper's paradise. Markets overflowing with vibrant fabrics, chunky jewellery, traditional handicrafts and all things eclectic skinder this city's strong ethnicity growing with a splash of modernity. Due to its ubiquitous wholesale offerings, Ahmedabad has earned the nickname "Manchester of India" which goes to say that this city is just the place you want to be if you're haggling skills are on point.
We have curated a comprehensive list of places for Shopping in Ahmedabad:
1. Lal Darwaja
Source: Wikipedia CommonsA bustling area in the old city, Lal Darwaja is the most crowded yet most popular street shopping hub in Ahmedabad. With winding lanes that lead you to unknown treasures, you are bound to come back for more once you step foot here. If you're a foodie, you're in for a double bonanza because the dhoklas, pani puris, samosas and dosas here are likely to sweep your taste buds off its feet. Put on your bargaining hats and keep your valuables close while you're here and indulge in an authentic Amdavadi shopping spree.
What can you buy: Sarees, Fabrics, Shoes, Colourful skirts, Chaniya Cholis, Wallets, Second-Hand books, Belts, Garments for men and children, Dupattas Timings: 11:00 - 23:00 (All days of the week) Address: Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
2. Dhalgarwad
SourceThis shopping gem is nestled in the old city and is one of the oldest fabric markets in Ahmedabad. Though it is touted to be a bargainer's delight, be prepared to rummage through heaps of clothes for good quality material as this market is known for its notorious tactics of selling low-quality material.
What can you buy: Bandhej, Silk Patola saris, Cotton prints like Mangalgiri, Kalamkari, Jaipuri cotton, South cotton, bedsheet material, salwar suits Chaniya cholis and a fair share of silver jewellery Timings: 11:00 - 23:00 (All days of the week) Address: Dhalgarwad, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
3. Sindhi Market
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Near the iron-plated timber gates of Kalupur starts the Sindhi market which looks a lot like the streets of Lal Darwaja, but has a charm of its own. Alternatively known as Revdi Bazaar, this arena is mostly popular for household upholstery, traditional household artefacts and handicrafts as opposed to fabrics. However, you will find decent footwear and saree materials if you walk the length and breadth of the Sindhi market. Once again, haggle till you're convinced that your purchase is value for money.
What you can buy: Bedsheets, curtains, pillow covers, handicrafts, sarees, dress materials, handicrafts, footwear Timings: 11:00 - 23:00 (All days of the week) Location: Sindhi Market, Revdi Bazar, Kalupur, Ahmedabad
4. Manek Chowk
SourceA prominent city square located in Old Ahmedabad, Manek Chowk is a multilayered market that unfurls its different facets as the day progresses. In the morning it poses as a vegetable market, as the day goes by it recasts into a bullion market and shortly after sunset, it transforms into a street food paradise. This market has been named after Baba Maneknath who is said to have helped Ahmed Shah I in building the Bhadra Fort. The bullion market here is touted to be the second biggest in India with an annual turnover of over INR 3 million. So if wedding bells are ringing, you know where to head for jewellery shopping.
To the east of Manek Chowk lies Rani No hajirao ( Queen's tomb) and the alley that leads to this monument is famous for its myriad hues of block printed fabrics and chunky silver jewellery. During Navratri, women from all around Gujarat come to Manek Chowk for buying the traditional Garba attire as the choices here have no contender. Though it's a little on the expensive side, Gamthiwala is a favourite stop for traditional Gujarati fabrics and prints. Around 8 PM, the street food market comes alive and stays open till 1.30 AM. The best way to leave Manek Chowk after a fulfilling shopping excursion and the sumptuous meal is to walk out with a kulfi stick in your hand
What you can buy: Gold, block print fabric, Garba attire, traditional Gujarati material, bandini Timings: 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM (All days of the week) Location: Gandhi Rd, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad
SourceBang opposite an array of colleges on Ellis Road, Law college comes to life late in the evening and has a mix of western attires and Indian wares. However, it is famous for its traditional mirror work and beadwork Kutchi jewellery and dresses. Set on either side of the road, one side primarily sells garments, bags, handicrafts and jewellery while the other side has the latest tops, jeans, footwear, skirts, palazzos and dupattas for sale. Amdavadi's hold their food to be very dear while shopping, hence Law Garden is lined with stalls selling everything from pav bhaji to kulfi to Chola bhaturas.
What you can buy: cholis, Chaniyas, embroidered wall hangings, costume jewellery, handicrafts, bags, bedsheets, dress material, western wear Timings: 17.30 to 23.30 (All days of the week) Location: Netaji Road, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad
6. CG Road
SourceCG road, named after Chimanlal Girdharlal, one of India's significant businessmen during the '60s is a long stretch of retail outlets starting from Mahalaxmi Crossroads all the way up to Sardar Patel Stadium Crossroads. Shopping here wouldn't classify as street shopping mainly because it is a compilation of small shopping arcades and major shopping malls like Super Mall, Iscon Mall, CG Square Mall etc. Brands like Jade Blue, Blackberry, Reebok, Arrow etc. have brick and mortar outlets on this road, making it a popular hub for brand conscious shoppers. In 2010, it was ranked 3rd by real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield in their report on "Main Streets Across the World" for its most substantial growth in the Asia Pacific region. Ever since the real estate prices here have soared and only reputed brands can afford to set shop here.
SourceThe historical and architectural landmark, Teen Darwaza is an excellent sightseeing spot in Ahmedabad. A lot of tourists can be found around the Teen Darwaza, which is situated in the heart of the city, on the main road. The place is a hub for vendors who sell everything that one can think of. From shoes to clothes to household items, one can bargain and buy a whole lot of things. During festivals, the area becomes heavily crowded. The area is famous for its Patharnawala stalls, from where both rich and poor people purchase useful things. The wholesale market is a paradise for shopping lovers. It is recommended that you visit the place during the festival of kites because this is the time when the market is brimming with colourful kites. In fact, this is the kite market of India, where kites are made and distributed all over the country. If you want to pick some souvenirs, the market abounds in many such shops. Art lovers can buy rustic artefacts and showpiece made by local artisans. Here, you can also find speciality goods like Meenakari furniture and beautifully embroidered goods. Teen Darwaza market is particularly admired for its ethnic wear and artefacts. So, don't forget to bag them for yourselves and your loved ones when you are in Ahmedabad.
8. Rani no Hajiro
SourceThe area surrounding the complex of Rani no Hajiro, the popular tomb complex near Manek Chowk is a beautiful market, mostly flooded with women's clothing, jewellery and accessories. It is the perfect place to go if you are looking for traditional earrings and jewelleries. You can shop for traditional Garba clothes from here, and be assured that they are the best in Ahmedabad. The lively open square showcases some really intricate jewellery, that you will not find anywhere in the city. A lot of colourful fabrics are available at budgeted prices. The best handloom fabrics like Ikat, Mashrush and Ajrakh can be found here. The place which, was once a tomb of queens is sure to make the ladies feel like a queen once they shop from here. There are a variety of mouth freshener shops around the tomb complex.
9. Raipur Gate Market
SourceGujarat is famous for it's deliciously fried and steamed snacks and also for sweets. These snacks last for a long time without getting spoilt, which makes them a great gift for your friends and family. Raipur Gate Market is an old and famous market in Ahmedabad for buying and having various sweets and snacks like dhokla, khakra, fafda, jalebi, khandvi, etc. You cannot complete your trip to Ahmedabad without relishing the popular farsaans of Raipur Gate. There are some well-known farsaans vendors in the lanes of Raipur Gate area.
10. Fernandes Bridge
SourceAhmedabad also has something in store for the book lovers. There is a market under the Fernandes Bridge that sells old and new books, throughout the week. Bookworms can collect heaps of books from there at low prices. All genres of books can be found there - be it art, design, management or any other. If you are lucky enough, you can find some gems too- like the first editions, out of print books, rare books, collectables and a wide variety of academic and technical books at the lowest of prices. You can find a lot of magazines and journals too. Apart from buying books, you can also sell or exchange books here. This street book market will definitely not make you walk out with heavy bags in both hands, but you will for sure be walking out happy with something worthwhile.
11. Ghantakarna Mahavir Market
SourceGhantakarna Mahavir Market is known for fabrics and textiles of various kinds. You can also find printed sarees, dress material, and unstitched garments. There are many wholesale shops in the market. Other than that, you may find some readymade garment shops and other shops as well.
What can you buy: Textiles Timings: 10:00 - 21:00 Address: Sarangpur, Sherkotda
What to Buy in Ahmedabad
In Ahmedabad, there are many street-side shopping areas that cater to specific products like books, spices, snacks, shoes, stoles etc. In case you are looking for such specifics, the list below might come handy
Where: Shivranjani Crossroads Known for: scarves, stoles, dupattas in block printed design, tussar silk, silk crap, crushed material and bandhani
3. Accessories and Stitching Material
Where: Pankornaka, Bhadra and Ratanpole. Known for: Satin, Laces, buttons, imitation jewellery, turbans
4. Wooden Artefacts and Festival Decorations
SourceWhere: Ramakda Market Known for: Wooden toys, handmade wooden artefacts, painted dandiyas, festival decorations like Christmas trees and stars, Diwali lights
Famous Shops in Ahmedabad
1. Asopalav
Asopalav started as a suiting and shirting store in 1968 in Patan. Now they have become one of the most famous names when it comes to saree shopping in Ahmedabad. You imagine it, they have it! Asopalav stores have the most mind-boggling collection of sarees you will ever see. There are four stores of Asopalav in Ahmedabad.
What can you buy: Sarees, Lehengas Timings: 10:00 - 20:00 Address: four stores- Ratanpole; Shivranjani; Ashram Road; Nava Vadaj
2. Bandhej
Envisioned and brought together by Archana Shah in 1981, Bandhej was one of the first ‘designer’ labels in Ahmedabad. The brand supports sustainable fashion by using eco-friendly, home woven fabrics and natural dyes. The products are the works of craftspeople in and around Ahmedabad.
What can you buy: Bandhani Sarees, Stoles, Kurtas, fusion wear Timings: 10:00 - 20:00 Address: three stores- Mithakhali, Alpha One Mall, Prahlad Nagar
3. Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium
Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium was founded by Shri Kantibhai Kapasi in 1973. New designs from various traditional techniques of wood, metal, paintings were created in order to preserve the age-old art and culture. If you are looking for souvenirs, then this is the place to buy from.
What can you buy: Souvenirs, corporate gifts Timings: 10:00 - 20:00 Address: Jitendra Chambers, Behind Ajanta Commercial Centre, New R.B. I. Lane Income Income Tax Square, Ashram Road
4. Induben Khakhrawala
Are you craving for some Gujarati snacks? Induben Khakhrawala is the store to go to. You will find a variety of packaged snacks like theplas, khakhras, namkeens, pickles, papads, mathiyas, flavouring syrups and even sweets. This decade-old store is famous for manufacturing and exporting khakhras.
What can you buy: Gujarati snacks Timings: 10:00 - 21:00 Address: Various stores around Ahmedabad
5. Jai Hind Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth and want to try the authentic sweets for Ahmedabad, Jai Hind sweets offers the most mouth-watering delicacies that you can relish. Jai Hind sweets was established in 1948 and is one of the oldest sweet shops in Ahmedabad.
What can you buy: a variety of sweets Timings: 10:00 - 21:00 Address: Mon-Sat 8:00 - 22:00, Sun 8:00 - 19:00
Apart from streetside shopping and brick and mortar branded stores, there are many malls in Ahmedabad that are a delight to mall crawl at. In order of popularity, some are; Alpha One, Himalaya Mall, Iscon Mall, CG Square Mall, Acropolis Mall and Gulmohar Park Mall. During peak summers when Ahmedabad heat is unbearable, most shoppers prefer these malls that are well equipped with a great selection of brands and quality facilities. Most of these malls have lavish food courts and movie theatres making it a one-stop-shop for locals and tourists alike.
