When it comes to travelling in the land of kings, your options for exploration are plenty. Whether it’s splendorous, sprawling citadels, iconic temples, marvellous palaces, you’ll find countless places to visit in Rajasthan to make your trip memorable. Among the top attractions are the thriving bazaars and markets.
Shopping places in Rajasthan are perfect to acquaint yourself with the history and culture of this massive state. From town squares full of carts, to streets lined with rainbow-coloured shops, marketplaces in Rajasthan are vibrant, lively, and bustling. Let’s take a look at the top 10 marketplaces in Rajasthan for foreigners that are packed with splurge-worthy shops.
10 Best Marketplaces in Rajasthan
Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Jaipur and colourful marketplaces are almost synonymous with one another. One of the attractive marketplaces Johari Bazaar is the place to be if you’re planning to take home a piece of the authentic culture. Johari means jewellery. Hence, this is a marketplace specially dedicated to selling gorgeous traditional Rajasthani jewellery, namely Kundani and Meenakshi. A place catered towards people with all budget ranges, you can find every kind of ornament in this market, from precious gems to intricate accessories.
Nehru Bazaar, Jaipur
Nehru Bazaar is another famous marketplace located near Johari bazaar. The cynosure of this marketplace is the beautiful footwear that can enhance the look of any outfit modern or ethnic. Apart from this, there are also other souvenirs and artefacts you can take home. You can find wide range of products right from authentic handlooms, local handicrafts, stunning pottery to handmade jewellery.
Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer
The streets of Jaisalmer are smothered with colourful shops with items of Rajasthani ethnicity, and Sadar Bazar is one of the best markets for foreigners. It offers some guilt-free shopping.
You can buy antique jewellery, pretty souvenirs, ethnic apparels, warm rugs, along with the traditional tie-and-dye fabric of Rajasthani origin. The best part is that most of the items are available at wholesale rates. And if you wish to keep your wallet intact, a stroll around this marketplace can be a treat for your senses.
Nai Sarak, Jodhpur
Bandhani or Bandhej is a tie-dye textile adorned with several tiny bindings by plucking the fabric with fingernails forming beautiful designs. They come in different colours and combinations and as various products like dupattas, turbans, and sarees.
Without a piece of this authentic tie and dye fabric in your bag, your shopping experience in Rajasthan remains incomplete. And the best place to buy these vibrant, traditional pieces of the garment is Nai Sarak in Jodhpur. Though mainly known for its textiles and handlooms, Nai Sarak market also has great displays of leather goods.
Sadar Bazar, Pushkar
Pushkar- the land of hundred temples, a hippie paradise, a place so calm and serene, it exudes a constant sense of spirituality all-round the year. For the shopaholics, this place is nothing short of heaven. There are several marketplaces scattered throughout the town of Pushkar, but the prominent one is the Sadar Bazar. It is essentially a 1 km long street flanked by colourful shops on both sides. Whether you merely want to experience the vibrant culture of this magnificent place, Pushkar has something to offer to all kinds of tourists. From enamelled jewellery, exquisite pottery, and finely cut precious stones, Sadar Bazar is an ideal place to visit.
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Clock Tower Market, Jodhpur
Located in the heart of the blue city, the Clock Tower market in Jodhpur is one of the best places. Lying in the shadow of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, this colourful place is a popular shopping hub of Jodhpur. Popularly known for stalls and wagons selling a wide variety of aromatic spices, herbs, and condiments. Moreover, it’s also the place of the iconic landmark Ghanta Ghar, sight of it illuminated in the night is a vision to behold. This marketplace opens early in the morning, and most of the shops close by 10 pm.
Pansari Bazar, Jaisalmer
Known as the villagers’ market, Pansari Bazar is the oldest marketplace in Jaisalmer and a shopper’s heaven. Besides hosting a wide variety of exquisite products, it has managed to preserve its ancient and cultural appeal. From bells and puppets to ethnic wear and wall hangings, this is the perfect place to buy a piece of Rajasthan to take back home.
Hathipol Bazaar, Udaipur
A popular hangout place for locals and tourists alike, Hathipol Bazaar is an art lover’s paradise. Home to traditional Rajasthani folk, ethnic décor items, and miniature paintings, Hathipol Bazaar is perfect to buy handicrafts of Rajasthan that are high in quality while being reasonably priced. Besides this, you can also find intricately woven handbags and colourful, stunning, glass-adorned umbrellas displayed at every storefront. And if you crave a small break, Lake Pichola is at a stone’s throw, where you can relax while gorging on delicious snacks sold at the food stalls nearby.
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Tripolia Bazaar, Jaipur
Fancy buying those red and green traditional turbans to flaunt your Rajasthani flair? Then Tripolia Market is the best place for you. Marked by the famous Tripolia Gate, Tripolia Bazaar is one of the oldest, busiest, marketplaces in Rajasthan. From traditional Rajasthani fabrics to the famous lac bangles, this is one of the best places in Rajasthan for tourists to pander in well-deserved spree session. This is also the place to buy exquisite Indo-Heretic-styled rugs and carpets, rare and precious gemstones, along with ancient brassware. Make sure your bargaining game is on point here, as the prices may be significantly high for tourists.
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bikaner
If you’re looking for a less crowded and peaceful place to shop to your heart’s content, then Bikaner should be your go-to destination. One of the most popular and largest marketplaces of Bikaner is the Station Road or Mahatma Gandhi Road market. Lined with shops selling a wide range of products, from the famous snack Bikaneri bhujia to the traditional jewellery, textiles and handicrafts of Rajasthan.
That was a list of the best bazaars in Rajasthan for foreigners to visit. Whether you wish to possess an ancient piece of Rajasthani relic as a souvenir or a gorgeous piece of tie-and-dye fabric for your next outfit, these marketplaces can satiate all your needs.
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