JackGlasser

on my possible future trip to india; spend small amount of time shopping. Wife interested in well made (good quality) cotton tops to wear (western style), one daughter may be interested in some jewelry (possibly semi precious stones). We are looking at shopping as a small component of the trip. Not thinking of tiffany or cartier but still good quality. Also not thinking of high style- might as well do that in manhattan. Will intend to go to dehli, jaipur, agra, varanasi, bombay

kmkrnn

Try Anoki... There are several of them in various Indian citys. They have westernized Tops. I bought some in 2006 and am still wearing them, so the quality is there also.

Craig

I second Anokhi, although it is hit or miss - each branch seems to have different inventory. Go on the website for shop locations - multiple stores in Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai.

We found jewelry to be overpriced in Jaipur in spite of the fact that Jaipur is known for it's gems. We found some really nice, unique pieces at excellent prices in Delhi - your best bet is to shop the hotel arcades - Oberoi, Sheraton etc.

JackGlasser

thank you. Which sheraton in delhi?

Craig

The "Sheraton" I was actually referring to is now known as the ITC Maurya. There are other new upscale hotels that have opened up in the 5 years that have passed since I was there which will also likely have arcades. The jewelers seem to prefer to locate themselves where the money is.

rhkkmk

might you be interested in chickan work?

JackGlasser

what is chickan work? Also there is two obero/i. I suspect not the one in north dehli. Other suggestions

kmkrnn

Chickan work is embroidered 3D designs( not braid or sparkly stuff added) , usually flowers, done on cotton. If you get white on white (ie white fabric and white embrodery) it is nice. Some of the multicolored examples are a bit "touristy" when you get them home. Chickan work tends to be made in the Indian tunic style. Some are done on silk and can be very dressy. If interested in cotton ones go to Lal Behari Tandon. It is at 20 Palika Bazar (Central Hall) Connaught Place Delhi. It is in an underground shopping mall. Interesting place.

Fab India in Delhi might also have some things you are interested in.

Jaya

Chikan work is an embroidery style from Uttar Pradesh. It can be simple to elaborate, cotton on cotton or silk on silk.

Chikan work is found on clothing, tablecloths, and sarees. The better quality chikan work is finer embroidery work. After you see enough, you'll know the difference.

Each state in India has handwork and handicrafts that are traditional to that area. Last time I was in Delhi, Cottage Industries Emporium had a good selection of it. That is also a good place to go to see (and buy) handicrafts from all regions of India. Usually there is a sign indicating the type of work and the region it represents.

JackGlasser

it seems theres plenty to see and do in new dehli. multiple dimensions

Jaya

Delhi is a huge, sprawling city. It can take 2 hours to drive end to end. When you plan your stay in Delhi, make sure you get a hotel that's in the general area of where you will be sight-seeing, shopping. I haven't been back since the Metro got up and running, so that might help a lot.

devikasinghds

Go to Connaught Place and Palika Bazar in New Delhi for these things. Bur there is too much bargaining in Palika Bazar.

Jaya

Just an FYI, when you're busy shopping make sure to check all of the Rupee notes you are given and never accept any that are torn, crumpled, or in bad condition. Why? because the next vendor will not accept the damaged bills.

If a shopkeeper hands you any damaged Rupees, hand it back and ask for another one.

Also, in India most purchases are final sale/no returns/no exchanges. Inspect anything you want to buy before you pay for it. Once it's sold, you own it.

JackGlasser

please advise regarding the differences between greater kaliash M block, hauz khas village. Khan market, palika bazae. For female cotton tops, maybe reasonable price jewelry and stones--where? What do these markets offer== what traditional tourist sites are they near?

BostonHarbor

You can't really advise reasonable prices---you can buy blouses for $5 and for $75. It depends on what you consider nice and would wear. I bought a number of Chikan blouses in India. Four I bought at Lal Behari Tandon and they are great. However, my favorite Chikan blouse I bought in the gift shop of the Oberoi in Jaipur--it was at least five times as much in cost, but far more delicate embroidery and the fit is perfect; I haven't taken it off. Which one was the better buy? In my book the one I bought at the Oberoi. You will find the same with shawls. I paid $15 for some and $200 for others. It is a personal choice and, with the exception of the oberoi gift shop, : ) you can bargain.

Here is some information on chikan embroidery: http://snips.ly/S1U

rhkkmk

BH---it might be a good idea to take it off to wash at least!!

BostonHarbor

LOL Bob. Ok, I'll take it off.

JackGlasser

what and where is lai behari tandon

BostonHarbor

Karen posted the address to Lal Behari Tandon inher post above.

If interested in cotton ones go to Lal Behari Tandon. It is at 20 Palika Bazar (Central Hall) Connaught Place Delhi.

You can google-map it