Shopping & Handicrafts

Shopping & Local Markets

Maharashtra is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from street markets and flea bazaars to luxury malls and traditional handicrafts. Whether you're looking for designer wear in Mumbai, Paithani sarees in Aurangabad, Kolhapuri chappals, or authentic Maharashtrian spices, Maharashtra has something for every traveler!

Here’s a guide to the best shopping destinations and local markets across Maharashtra.

 1. Colaba Causeway – Mumbai’s Best Street Shopping Market

 Location: Colaba, South Mumbai
 Best For: Fashion, Jewelry, Accessories

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ The best place for budget shopping in Mumbai.
✔️ Famous for imitation jewelry, handbags, footwear & trendy fashion.
✔️ Street-side cafés (Leopold Café, Café Mondegar) add to the experience.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Boho-style handbags & footwear.
✔️ Silver & oxidized jewelry.
✔️ Bollywood-inspired outfits.

 Price Range: ₹200 – ₹5,000 (Bargaining Recommended).

 Best Time to Visit: Morning to Late Evening.

 Tip: Start bargaining at 50% of the quoted price!

 2. Fashion Street – The Trendiest & Cheapest Market in Mumbai

 Location: Churchgate, Mumbai
 Best For: Budget Fashion, Footwear, Accessories

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Over 150 stalls selling affordable clothing & accessories.
✔️ Best for college students & budget travelers.
✔️ Shop for export-surplus branded clothes at throwaway prices.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Trendy jeans, T-shirts, and jackets.
✔️ Sneakers, sandals & funky flip-flops.
✔️ Junk jewelry & funky accessories.

 Price Range: ₹100 – ₹2,000.

 Best Time to Visit: Weekdays (Less Crowded).

 Tip: Test clothes before buying, as return policies are non-existent!

 3. Crawford Market – The Best Place for Spices & Dry Fruits

 Location: South Mumbai
 Best For: Spices, Exotic Fruits, Home Décor

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Mumbai’s oldest markets (British-era architecture).
✔️ Best place to buy authentic Maharashtrian spices, nuts & chocolates.
✔️ Sections for home décor, crockery & gift items.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Saffron, dry fruits, and tea leaves.
✔️ Handmade soaps & essential oils.
✔️ Antique wooden handicrafts.

 Price Range: ₹500 – ₹10,000.

 Best Time to Visit: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Sundays).

 Tip: Check the "Masala Lane" inside the market for the best spice deals!

 4. Tulsi Baug – Pune’s Favorite Shopping Street

 Location: Pune
 Best For: Traditional Wear, Maharashtrian Jewelry

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ The most famous shopping hub in Pune.
✔️ Best for Maharashtrian sarees, oxidized jewelry, and handbags.
✔️ Lanes filled with affordable footwear, accessories & home décor.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Paithani & Nauvari Sarees.
✔️ Maharashtrian Nath (Traditional Nose Ring).
✔️ Kolhapuri Chappals & Handmade Purses.

 Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000.

 Best Time to Visit: Evening (Less Heat).

 Tip: Shop early morning to avoid the rush!

 5. Kolhapur – The Best Place for Kolhapuri Chappals & Jaggery

 Location: Kolhapur
 Best For: Handmade Leather Sandals, Spices, Jaggery

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Famous for handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals.
✔️ Authentic local spices & jaggery (gul).
✔️ Best place for Marathi-style jewelry & bangles.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Kolhapuri Chappals (Leather Sandals).
✔️ Kolhapuri Saaj (Traditional Necklace).
✔️ Spicy Kolhapuri Masala & Jaggery.

 Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000.

 Best Time to Visit: Year-round.

 Tip: Visit Gargoti Market for the best quality chappals.

 6. Aurangabad – The Best Place for Paithani Sarees & Handicrafts

 Location: Aurangabad
 Best For: Handloom Sarees, Himroo Shawls, Traditional Artifacts

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Famous for handwoven Paithani sarees & Himroo shawls.
✔️ Best place for Bidriware artifacts (Silver & metal inlay work).
✔️ Perfect for collectors of traditional Maharashtrian crafts.

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Paithani Sarees (Gold-Zari Work).
✔️ Himroo Shawls (Soft Wool).
✔️ Bidriware & Metal Handicrafts.

 Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹20,000.

 Best Time to Visit: Year-round.

 Tip: Shop at Paithani Weaving Centre for authentic handloom sarees.

 7. Mapusa Market – The Best Shopping Market in Goa (Maharashtra-Goa Border)

 Location: Mapusa, North Goa
 Best For: Goan Spices, Handicrafts, Beachwear

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Best market for travelers exploring the Maharashtra-Goa coastline.
✔️ Known for locally grown Goan spices, handicrafts & artifacts.
✔️ Best place to buy Cashew Nuts & Feni (Goan liquor).

 Must-Buy Items:
✔️ Goan Masalas & Kokum.
✔️ Sea Shell Jewelry & Beachwear.
✔️ Handwoven Goan Baskets.

 Price Range: ₹300 – ₹3,000.

 Best Time to Visit: Fridays (Weekly Market).

 Tip: Buy spices in bulk for better discounts!