A Guide For Some Retail Therapy In The City of Lakes
Udaipur is fantastic for traditional crafts and everything from wooden statues to silk ties and high-end fashions can be had. The best shopping is in the many bazaars that can be found all over Udaipur. The bazaars have just about everything on offer, including sari silk-clad photo albums, and all items can be haggled for. The cooler, drier November to February months are the best months for shopping in the markets and when the main festivals are not on.
Udaipur also has popular shopping malls and department stores where you can pick up brand labels in relative comfort, although the main appeal of shopping here is to get into the bustle of a traditional bazaar. The crafts village of Shilpgram is located on the outskirts of Udaipur, near Fateh Sagar Lake, and has a traditional haat (market) selling pottery, terracotta work, wooden carvings, furniture, and accessories. Its two museums exhibit objects of everyday use. There are displays and demonstrations by local artisans and performers, camel and horse riders, and an open-air restaurant. The government run-emporium Rajasthali has a store near Jagdish Temple, which offers a selection of local handicrafts at fixed prices.
Popular Shopping Items of Udaipur City
- Folk Toys
- Tie and Dye Saris
- Clothes
- Turbans
- Hand-painted Fabrics
- Silver Jewelry
- Pichwais (Themed Wall Hangings)
- Miniature Paintings (Rajput Style)
- Images of Gods and Goddesses (Made in Molalla Village Near Nathdwara)
Famous Shopping Places in Udaipur
- Clock Tower
- Lake Palace Road
- Rang Niwas Palace Hotel
- Jagdish Temple Street
- Hathipol
- Chetak Circle
- Bapu Bazaar
- Ghanta Ghar
- Shilpgram Museum
- Ganjaur Ghat
Clock Tower
Udaipur’s Clock Tower is one of the top landmarks in the old town center where there are excellent shopping options. It is one of the typical winding alleys where all manner of exotic goods can be had, including gold and silver items. Copper goods churned out by master coppersmiths are particularly good and it is nice to shop here at night when the clock is lit up.
Lake Palace Road
Lake Palace Road is good for picking up all types of textiles, including embroidered and woven items. It is also good for wooden statues of Hindu gods. You will find loads of stores and gift shops either side of the street although it is best avoided during prominent religious festivals due to crowds.
Jagdish Temple Street
Jagdish Temple Street is known for its bustling shopping bazaar, which sells an array of local handicrafts. Prices here are among the most competitive anywhere in the city and it is also good for jewelry. Be sure to haggle.
Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar Road has the widest selection of fabrics in Udaipur. There are oodles of shops along here, and while it is a bit of a squeeze, it has bags of appeal and every color and style of fabric imaginable.
Ganjaur Ghat
The eastern side of Ganjaur Ghat is the best bet for shopping as it comes with several bazaars that stem out from the Clock Tower. Ganjaur Ghat is especially good for carpets, pottery, paintings, and anything made with cane and tends to be popular with locals. The earlier in the day you get here the better.
Shilpgram Museum
The Shilpgram Museum is a popular crafts village a few kilometers from the town center. It sits on the west bank of Lake Fateh Sagar and is easily visited by rickshaw. Handicrafts abound and there is a popular crafts fair held every December here. The other main attraction is the traditional Indian mud huts, many of which have been beautifully decorated inside.
Udaipur Shopping Tips
The main thing to remember when shopping anywhere in India’s markets is to have a range of small notes to buy merchandise as it will generally be tough getting change for high-value notes. Also, most places won’t accept torn or overly scruffy banknotes. For authentic handicrafts, the government-run Rajasthali in Chetak Circle is a good bet.
What to shop in Udaipur is also very important to know. Udaipur is known for the amazing handicrafts work that has made Rajasthan unique and one of its kind. Rajasthan’s best-selling items range from valuable stones, dazzling colorful textiles, meenakari items, gemstone paintings, oxidized silver/ copper items, Pichwai/ miniature paintings, sculptures, panels, paintings, and another item in marble stone making. If you are buying handicrafts item in Udaipur, there are two places you can hit. If you are into local products and love to get a good bargain on new land, we suggest you visit the street markets. And in case you are not the one for negotiations, the shopping emporiums set by Rajasthan Government are your place to be! Jewelry shopping in Udaipur is also a fun activity. The shopping places in Udaipur are varied in nature which adds to the real fun.
Located near Jagdish Temple, Sadhna is part of an award-winning NGO which sells clothes, jewelry, bags, and home furnishings made by women artisans from the rural, urban slum and tribal areas in and around Udaipur. The textiles are embellished with the local technique of applique work. The proceeds from the sales go to the artisans and towards furthering Sadhna’s community activities. City Palace Complex is home to Aashka, a charming and airy boutique. It was conceptualized by Bhargavi Kumari, a member of Udaipur’s royal family. It stocks arts, crafts, jewelry, clothes, and organic beauty products, manufactured by local craftspersons. It is also conveniently located inside the City Palace complex and the Shiv Niwas Palace. Now with a well-known chain of stores, Anokhi is a classy boutique that has been dedicated to reviving traditional handicraft techniques such as block-printing. Its store stocks cool and well-designed cotton clothing that’s perfect for Jaipur’s sweltering summer, as well as home accessories like bed covers and bags. Its premises also house a nice vegetarian café serving salads, sandwiches, juices, and cakes. If you’re intrigued by the history of textile design, you can also visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing near Amber Fort.
We hope you will enjoy shopping in Udaipur!
