Shopping & Handicrafts

Shopping in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from handwoven textiles and intricate handicrafts to traditional jewelry, perfumes, and street markets. Each city has its own specialty, making shopping an essential part of the travel experience.

1. Lucknow – The Land of Chikankari & Nawabi Elegance

Famous for: Chikankari embroidery, handcrafted perfumes (ittar), and traditional jewelry.

Best Shopping Places in Lucknow

• Hazratganj Market – The heart of Lucknow, offering Chikankari outfits, handicrafts, and fine jewelry.
• Aminabad Market – One of the oldest bazaars, known for affordable Chikankari suits, sarees, and ittar (perfume).
• Chowk Market – Perfect for traditional jewelry, Nawabi handicrafts, and zardozi work fabrics.
• Nakhas Market – A Sunday flea market selling antiques, vintage items, and handicrafts.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Chikankari Sarees & Kurtas
✅ Zardozi & Kamdani Embroidery
✅ Ittar (Perfumes)
✅ Handmade Lamps & Jewelry

2. Varanasi – The City of Banarasi Silk & Wooden Toys

Famous for: Banarasi silk sarees, wooden toys, brassware, and Rudraksha beads.

Best Shopping Places in Varanasi

• Godowlia Market – The best place for Banarasi sarees, bangles, and souvenirs.
• Thatheri Bazaar – Famous for handmade brassware, copper utensils, and decorative metal items.
• Vishwanath Lane – A bustling market near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, ideal for Rudraksha malas, idols, and puja items.
• Lahurabir Market – Known for wooden toys, silk scarves, and handicrafts.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Banarasi Silk Sarees & Dupattas
✅ Brassware & Copper Utensils
✅ Handmade Wooden Toys
✅ Rudraksha Beads & Spiritual Souvenirs

3. Agra – The Home of Marble Handicrafts & Leather Goods

Famous for: Marble inlay work, leather shoes, and Petha (sweet delicacy).

Best Shopping Places in Agra

• Sadar Bazaar – The most famous market for marble souvenirs, leather goods, and handicrafts.
• Kinari Bazaar – A bustling market near Jama Masjid, great for ethnic jewelry, handicrafts, and embroidered fabrics.
• Shilpgram – A cultural village showcasing local crafts, paintings, and pottery.
• Subhash Bazaar – Best for authentic Banarasi silk sarees in Agra.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Marble Miniature Taj Mahal Replicas
✅ Leather Footwear & Handbags
✅ Handmade Rugs & Carpets
✅ Petha (Famous Sweet of Agra)

4. Mathura & Vrindavan – The Spiritual Shopping Hubs

Famous for: Religious souvenirs, idols of Lord Krishna, and Mathura Peda.

Best Shopping Places in Mathura & Vrindavan

• Krishna Nagar Market – Ideal for paintings, Krishna idols, and decorative temple items.
• Loi Bazaar (Vrindavan) – Best for handmade beads, puja accessories, and Radha-Krishna idols.
• Tilak Dwar Market – Offers brassware, colorful bangles, and sweets.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Krishna & Radha Idols
✅ Handmade Beads & Puja Items
✅ Mathura Peda (Famous Sweet)
✅ Brass Diyas & Decorative Pieces

5. Kanpur – The Leather & Textile Hub of India

Famous for: High-quality leather products, textiles, and perfumes.

Best Shopping Places in Kanpur

• Mahatma Gandhi Road – The best place for leather shoes, bags, and belts.
• Sisamau Bazaar – One of the oldest markets, selling textiles, home décor, and handicrafts.
• Naveen Market – A modern shopping area offering branded clothes, perfumes, and cosmetics.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Leather Jackets, Shoes & Bags
✅ Traditional Perfumes (Ittar)
✅ Handwoven Carpets & Rugs

6. Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Books, Religious Items & Street Shopping

Famous for: Spiritual books, wooden crafts, and religious souvenirs.

Best Shopping Places in Prayagraj

• Chowk Market – Famous for books, idols, and temple accessories.
• Katra Bazaar – Offers handmade rugs, carpets, and handicrafts.
• Johnstonganj Market – Best for affordable clothes and street shopping.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Spiritual Books & Ramayana Copies
✅ Wooden Crafts & Religious Souvenirs
✅ Traditional Clothing & Textiles

7. Bareilly – The City of Traditional Jewelry & Cane Furniture

Famous for: Zari embroidery, handwoven furniture, and kohlapuri slippers.

Best Shopping Places in Bareilly

• Kutubkhana Market – Known for handcrafted silver jewelry and bangles.
• Civil Lines Market – Best for trendy outfits, footwear, and handicrafts.
• Nawabganj Market – Offers wooden furniture and home décor items.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Zari & Embroidered Dupattas
✅ Handwoven Cane Furniture
✅ Traditional Silver Jewelry

8. Gorakhpur – Handicrafts & Religious Artifacts

Famous for: Terracotta pottery, handmade wooden items, and temple souvenirs.

Best Shopping Places in Gorakhpur

• Gorakhnath Temple Market – Sells religious items, bells, and spiritual books.
• Golghar Market – Best for handcrafted wooden products, idols, and home décor.

 Must-buy items:
✅ Terracotta Pottery
✅ Wooden Handicrafts
✅ Spiritual & Temple Accessories

Uttar Pradesh offers a diverse shopping experience, blending traditional craftsmanship, street markets, and modern shopping centers. Whether you're looking for a Banarasi saree, Lucknowi Chikankari, Agra marble handicrafts, or Kanpur leather goods, every city has a unique treasure to take home.