Inorbit Mall: Located in the western suburbs of Mumbai, Malad, Inorbit Mall is counted among some of the finest malls in the country. It has grown in popularity ever since its inception. Committed to setting new benchmarks in the Retail Industry of India, its success is largely attributed to its unique positioning as a one-stop lifestyle destination.

Its superior design and excellent retail mix has made Inorbit Mall the most sought after destination in the city today.  Inorbit Vashi (New Mumbai), conceptualized by the UK’s Chapman Taylor Partners, is an architectural marvel. Inorbit has brought to Vashi a stunning aesthetic grandeur bang opposite Vashi railway station.

Shoppers’ Stop: The premier shopping destination is positioned as a complete family store that delivers a complete shopping experience. Setting up shop way back in 1991 with its first store in Andheri, the western suburbs of Mumbai, this retail venture by the K. Raheja Corp. has made a name for itself in short span of time.

With its huge range of merchandise, excellent customer service and exclusive shop-in-shop counters of leading international brands, Shoppers’ Stop provides with a world class shopping experience. The stores offer a wide range of apparel and lifestyle accessories from apparel brands like Provogue, Arrow, Levi’s, Scullers, Zodiac and Color Plus  to cosmetic brands like Le Teint Ricci, Lakme, Chambor, etc.

Big Bazaar: Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd. is among India’s leading retailers, which operates multiple retail formats of the Indian consumer market - in both the value and lifestyle segment. Based in Mumbai, they operate well over 11 million sq ft of retail space in over 1000 stores across leading cities of India. Mumbai is one of them.

The company’s leading formats comprise a chain of fashion outlets, Pantaloons; a uniquely Indian hypermarket chain, Big Bazaar and supermarket chain Food Bazaar that blend the look, feel and touch of Indian bazaars with modern retail concepts (choice, convenience and quality).

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In the previous blog, we checked a few possibilties of shopping for tourists in Mumbai. Moving away from Mumbai, Maharashtra has many tourists spots each famous for its special offerings to tourists and shoppers. Aurangbad is a region rich in the art & culture. It has a legacy of fantastic handicrafts. The legendary beauty of pretty Paithani silk saris, the intricate silver inlay craft of Bidri, and the deftly woven silk Himru, Mushru shawls cast their spell on visitors.

Nashik: Since a large number of visitors come here to see the famous religious sites, there are several shops that are geared to meet their demands. You can get some lovely little brass statues and beautiful beaded necklaces. Nashik is well known for its jewelry. The holy city will provide some good memorabilia for the religiously inclined.

Kolhapur: The destination is famous for its textiles, in particular Kolhapuri saris. It is, of course, most famous for its jewelry and leather sandals (popularly known as Kolhapuri chappals). They are an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. The jewelry here is dazzling. It is beautifully crafted and comes with delicate embossing. Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are good areas to shop. You can get a good variety of Kolhapuri chappals on Bhausinji Road. 

Pune: A visit to Pune will be incomplete if you do not go to Laxmi Road, the heart of Pune, as attested by the crowds and the constant hustle and bustle here. The countless narrow streets that crisscross it offer a wonderful shopping opportunity. It is literally lined with a variety of shops on both sides. Mahatma Gandhi Road (or M G Road) is also perfect for leisurely shopping. An evening is well spent here! 

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Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is famed for its cosmopolitan nature, which also reflects in the shopping opportunities that can lead you to some fantastic gifts. The city’s famed streets, corners, gullies and pavements are lined with exquisite shops.

Virtually anything that you want is available in its famous bazaars, malls and markets. There are malls that have sprung up across the city - its eastern suburbs as well as the western - that provide ample shopping options when you are in this dynamic city.

The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism) curiously mentions Chor Bazaar, commonly known as thieves’ market, a term coined by the British but perhaps mistakenly so - as a great avenue to get something unconventional.

The website notes: “It is thought that the original name was perhaps shor Bazaar (Noisy Market) that aptly described the yelling and shouting doe by local traders while selling theri second hand household goods. Today, it has turned a hustling bustling market selling a wide range of goods. The traders, whose families have been in this business for several generations, scour the countryside to buy goods that they sell in the market.”

You must visit Chor Bazaar, the site states, for here you can come across some fabulous shops that you can rummage through as  you never know what you may discover a hidden treasure, a bargain or just exactly what you need for your collection or something that your friend or colleague needs - an antique piece, an old book or a Gramophone record.

The main areas to get bargain clothes are around Colaba Causeway and the famous Fashion Street that stretches along the Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan. Showier, trendier articles can be done at Breach Candy and Kemps Corner.

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Orissa boasts a rich and enduring cultural heritage. Owing to the reigns of different rulers over the centuries, the culture and arts and crafts traditions of the state underwent many modifications, assimilations and new creations.

The skills of the native artists are spellbinding. They produce various intriguing objects, and compiling them is an exciting part of a holiday in the state. The sacred land of Lord Jagannath of Puri has on offer many charming and colorful gifts.
 
Handicraft items (Appliqué work, Brass and Bell metal, Silver Filigree, Stone Carving, Lacquer, Papier Mache, Horn Work, Wood Carving) and Handlooms make a must-buy. Of all the handicrafts available in Orissa, probably the most unique and the finest is silver filigree. This ethnic piece of creation is called tarakasi locally.

Metal craft of Orissa is also renowned and widely practiced. It is perhaps the most important craft in terms of the number of craftspeople engaged in it. It harbors close links with the daily life of the people of this state. The craft has been mastered by the Kansari caste termed metalsmiths. Another variety dhokra is also popular.

Appliqué is a French term. It is a technique by which decorative effect is attained by superposing patches of colored fabrics on a basic fabric. It is different from what is known as patchwork. Though the form is not unique to Orissa, it is the state and especially its Pipli region that the craft has been followed over centuries.

Horn articles of the state are mystical. They are blended with contemporary designs. Their lively appearance and dynamism vie with the real objects of nature. They are available in a wide spectrum of utilities like combs, pen stands, and decorative figures. The art and craft articles form Orissa form a memorable memento for your near and dear ones.

Check more varieties of art and craft articles in Orissa here

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“The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone, which shines forth, but in the deep planning design and thought that went into its making, and also the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for one’s attention. Lapiz, Lazuli, Emerald, Carnation, Mother of pearl and Agate are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself.

“This enchanting mausoleum built on the bank of river Yamuna began in 1631 and took 22 years to complete by an estimated 20000 workers.” This is how the official UP tourism website depicts Taj Mahal.

Agra, the home of Taj Mahal, is also famous for its fabulous handicrafts that are made of marble and softstone inlay work. You can also get in Agra fine leather products, brassware, carpets, jewelry and exquisite embroidery work. You can carry a Taj replica as a treasured memory.

The city is also renowned for its sweets ‘gazak’ and ‘petha’. The city’s main shopping areas are Kinari Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi and the Taj Mahal Complex. Prefer shopping at the Government Emporia or authentic Souvenir Shops.

For religious minded, Varanasi, Kashi, Banaras or Benares is a must-visit destination. Silk weaving is the most popular art of Varanasi. Banarasi silk sarees are an indispensable part of a bride’s trousseau. Besides the gold and silver brocades and richly worked sarees, you may look for brassware, copperware, antique designs of heavy gold jewellery and wooden and clay toys in Varanasi.

The shopping hotspots in the city are are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Vishwanath Gali, Godoulia and Golghar. One can also buy shawls, carpets, Zari work, lampshades and wall hangings that make a good gift. However, one should be watchful while buying them. See to it that you get the authentic silk sarees at the right price.

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Uttar Pradesh is a fascinating state with a rich history. The largest state of India, it has had a great tradition and culture. It was a dwelling of spirituality, and great mythological epics like the Ramayana revolved around UP.

Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Saranath. The city became known as a prominent centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction. As the official tourism website mentions: “The city reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah, a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh.

Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past.” UP retained its intellectual leadership even under the British administration that united Agra and Oudh into a province. The United Province became Uttar Pradesh post-independence. With such a rich history and tradition, it is no surprise that UP has a great choice in terms of exquisite cultural souvenirs as well as art and craft varieties.

The first thing, which comes to mind when mention is made of Lucknow, is the famous Chikan work of the city. Chikan is a famous delicate threadwork done by the skilled craftsmen. It is combined with Zardosi (embroidery with silver and gold threads) and crystal work on clothes. They are great gifts.

Lucknow is known for its elaborate, mouth-watering cuisine and ‘Chikankaari’ (exquisite shadow-work embroidery done on fine muslin cloth).  The city is a tourists’ attraction for its historical monuments and its jewelry. The pieces with unique work of metal ornamentation look splendid.

The city is famous for its big danglers and Jhumkas. Some of the major shopping places here are Kapoorthala, Hazratganj and Aminabad. For exquisite jewellery, visit Gadbadjhala.

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The desert state of Rajasthan is a diverse kaleidoscope of beautiful art-de-facts. The fascinating range is simply breathtaking and sophisticated. The state has on offer something for each and every tourist who gets amazed by its rich culture-scape, presenting a varied range of arts and crafts. It is a treat for one’s visual senses. The bazaars are full of lovely craft varieties. These products spread a magnificent glow of colors all over.

Wonderfully intricate work finely carved on handicrafts or the gorgeous gems and stones - the state of Rajasthan has it all and even more. The splash of colors on the tantalizing textiles and fabrics with gold or silver thread settings, complimented with variety of silk-threads, beads, zari, zardosi, etc. are designed by the traditional families of skilled artisans.

Leatherwear: Skilled cobblers make use of the hides of dead animals for  jooties’  (footwear), ‘mojadis’, musical instruments, etc. These reflect the unique style of every district where they are made. The leather is beaten, tanned and dyed, and then punched and gouged for creating a variety of patterns. They are enhanced and embroidered. These can be widely found in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer.

Blue pottery: Among the prominent designs are conventional floral or arabesque, lovely handmade patterns and the elegant animal figure patterns. Flower pots, lamp shades, ashtray, tiles, jars are examples of the art of pottery.

Metal craft: Some of the finest metal work in the state uses enameled silver used for everything from figurines to pillboxes. Brass enamel is less expensive and hence more widely used in making dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, camels, swords and shields.

Hand crafted jewelry: Rajasthan is famous for its hand crafted jewelry.

Wooden Artifacts: Wood – sometimes plain, often painted - is used in everything from artifacts to furniture in their antique to its contemporary variants that include camel-hide stools, chairs with painted backs, marble-top tables and carved cabinets. There are a range of artifacts like horses, elephants and parrots, boxes; chests, snuff boxes, dancing figurines, dwarpals (guardians of the doors) and other magnificent memorabilia that are beautifully painted.

To Beautify your home with icons of Rajasthan, here are more ideas…

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As you travel to any favorite part of the country during the extended holiday season, so to say, starting from Diwali and stretching up to the new year, you can come back with some scintillating souvenirs for your friends, family and colleagues.

In the heartland of India lies the scenic and historic state of Madhya Pradesh. It is filled with lush green forests, exuberant festivity and magnificent monuments. In this land of contrasting and wonderful variety, handicrafts add a touch of mystique and charm unique to Madhya Pradesh. They exude an unmistakable aura, represent hereditary skills, and symbolize exquisite craftsmanship.

A deftly woven wonderful cotton or silk saree, folk paintings, stuffed leather toys, fine floor coverings, bamboo, cane or jute. Woodcraft, stone craft, iron craft. metal craft, pieces in terracotta, papier mache…each hand-crafted product of the state is exquisite enough to enamor you. The artisans have harmonized their hereditary knowledge with contemporary techniques and new designs, to fulfill modern market demands.

Bamboo and cane: All varieties of handicrafts in the state Pradesh are made available in the Mriganayanee Emporiums under the brand Mriganayanee Collections from Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation in all leading cities of the state. Mriganayanee Emporiums across all leading cities of India also stock these beautiful handicrafts.

Dolls: Cute little dolls of small cloth pieces are available in Gwalior and Bhopal.

Metal craft: Ornaments boxes, rice measure bowls, lamps, animal figurines are a few fine examples of the ingenuity of craftspeople of Madhya Pradesh. These metal images invested are with peculiar indigenous socio-religious aspects. They are considered auspicious.

Ornaments:  The folk jewelry of the state is highly artistic and elaborate. It is available in gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal.

Zari Work: The craft of Zari work is found in Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore.

Stuffed Leather Toys: Cute looking stuffed leather toys are very attractive.

Papier Mache: Craftspeople in Bhopal and Gwalior conceive superb birds, animals, decorative panels and statues. The craft of papier mache in Ujjain brings varied natural objects and landscapes.

For more information, contact:
Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation
Hamidia Road, Bhopal - 462 001
Tel.: 0091-755-536 313 / 532 159 / 533 335.
Fax: 0091-755-533 691

You can shop online through official portal of M.P. Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation.

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