India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (249 page)
Even farther south (convenient to visit after viewing Qutb Minar) is trendy
Hauz Khas Village,
set against a 12th-century backdrop; and, slightly southeast (40 min. from the center),
Greater Kailash
—the latter shopping area (divided into M and N blocks) is the least atmospheric but has a large variety of shops that will delight the serious shopper. Hauz Khas is the place to seek out designer boutique outlets, like the legendary
Ritu Kumar
(34/42 Archana Shopping Complex;
011/2923-1612;
www.ritukumar.com
). Or head straight for
Ogaan
(H–2;011/2696-7595
)—the formalwear version of Anokhi, it’s perfect for unusual Indo-West and contemporary Indian designer clothing, and stocks a number of well-known labels.
Natural Selection
(1 Hauz Khas;011/2686-4574
) is an excellent space to browse for larger items like antique furniture; the proprietors can make all shipping arrangements.
Hauz Khas also has a number of fine restaurants (see “Where to Dine,” earlier), although some have been shut down because of unsound ancient architecture. For wonderful tailor-made garments, make your way to
Kavita & Vanita Sawhney
(B-78 Greater Kailash I;011/2923-1822
).
Dilli Haat
This open area imitates a
haat
(rural marketplace), where 200 little stalls form a permanent open-air arts-and-crafts market. It’s a unique shopping experience, and the most authentic and affordable in Delhi. Dilli Haat offers you the opportunity to buy directly from rural artisans and craftspeople who are allotted space rotationally for 2 weeks, making this a great place to browse the variety of crafts from all over India, whether you are traveling farther afield or not. From Bihar’s
Madhubani
art to silver jewelry and furniture, as well as unusual gifts and souvenirs or colorful linens and other furnishings, the range is exhausting, the prices excellent and you can bargain further. If you are in Delhi in early December, be sure to check out the
Master Crafts Fair
(normally held Dec 1–15), where award-winning artists and craftspeople display and sell their work. Numerous food stalls serve food from all over India, but the hygiene is questionable, and there’s more flogging of Coke and mineral water than anything else—opt for the fruit beers instead. It’s open daily from 10am to 10:30pm
Aurobindo Marg, opposite INA Market.011/2611-9055.
www.india-crafts.com
. Entry Rs 15.
Fabindia
If you’ve coveted Indian ethnic-chic at stores like the Conran Shop in London or New York, here’s your chance to buy the fabrics and crafts at one-tenth the price. Fabindia sources its products from more than 7,500 craftspeople and artisans around India. Their distinctive use of handloom weaving techniques, natural dyes, and both vivid and earthy colors have made their products very desirable. Do bear in mind that these fabrics usually require gentle hand washing and drip-drying. Also, sizing and quality can be inconsistent, so it’s best to try on any item of clothing before you buy. There are branch stores all over India as well as in Rome and Dubai. The Connaught Place store is open daily from 10am to 7pm; the Khan Market store is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
N-Block Market, Connaught Place:011/4151-3371
or -3372. Greater Kailash Part I:011/2923-2183
or -2184. Fabindia Craft Store: Central Hall, Khan Market.011/4368-3100.
www.fabindia.com
.
