I can’t travel to India without going to one of the wonderful markets and bazaars. They are feasts for my eyes and soul causing me to have full sensory overload. I had a brief stay in Delhi where I wanted to explore a market close to my hotel and have it be a bit more upscale. The Khan Market fulfilled all my needs and gave me a fix of retail therapy Indian style!
Even though The Khan Market sits on one of the most expensive stretches of commercial real estate in India don’t expect valet parking, marble and crystal chandeliers. This is an outdoor market that has humble beginnings as a neighborhood bazaar. Through the years the older shops have moved out and more upscale shops and dining venues have moved in bringing in a new type of shopper and browser. The market is close to the parliament, Embassy and upscale residential and hotels so it draws all types of locals and tourist. I loved the fact that it is outdoors with a great selection all in one place.
Khan Market has retained its original charm while providing an assortment of stores for fashion, home, jewelry, food, home décor, and books, stationary and trendy restaurants. This “U” shaped pedestrian market has the upscale stores on the utter rim and more affordable stores and restaurants in the inner rim. There is something for everyone at ever price point.
I was there right before Diwali where locals where buying gifts, food and candy for their holiday. It was very festive with colored lanterns all over the trees. Traveling as a woman alone I felt very safe and welcomed in every store that I went into. India is a feast for one’s eyes and the Khan Market is a small microcosm of what one can encounter in India.