5 Best Shopping Places in Jodhpur

Most travellers keep the famous Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar on their sightseeing plan while boarding their flights to Jodhpur. You probably have this tower on your must-see list too! When you are visiting the tower, make sure to visit the surrounding market. Because this local market in Jodhpur is one of the favourite shopping places of the locals as well as tourists. The most famous item of this market is its wide range of spices, Mathaniya’s red chilli being the must-buy. Once you have filled your shopping bag with as much spice as you want, you can also have a look at the market’s collection of flavoured teas, handicrafts, antiques and hand-embroidered fabrics.

The shopkeepers here are quite welcoming and helpful. But do bargain before buying any item for the best price. Also, remember the opening hours of the market. All days except for Sundays, from 11 am to 11 pm. With that, your shopping diaries here are sorted. And after all that shopping, you may feel a little hungry or even if you don’t, you must try some of the street food sold in this market. We have two suggestions. A glass of Makhania lassi that both the locals and the tourists love with a plate of hot shahi samosas, which are delicious!

Guessed already? Well, just like the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the market will give a royal vibe. And the credit goes to the exquisite collection of metal works, antiques and designer furniture. Just find the road between the Umaid Bhawan and the Ajit Bhawan and you will get to see an array of stalls selling many tasteful and well-crafted items. The market is open from 9 to 5 pm, except for Mondays. So, plan your visit accordingly.

Here are what you can look forward to buying in this famous market in Jodhpur. Handicrafts made of sequins, pottery, mirrors and beads, metal and marble works, paintings, brass and copperware, textiles, silver jewellery and puppets. In between shopping, you can also grab some tasty bites from the many street food joints around the market. There is one catch. Most stalls here have a fixed price policy and that means you will not get to bargain. But don’t worry, shopping here will not burn a hole in your pocket because items here are not that expensive.

Remember the famous bandhani fabric, the colourful one that is used to make traditional Rajasthani clothes? Set foot in the Nai Sarak and you will see a pool of the beautiful bandhani fabric. Yes, you can buy the bandhani fabric or you can buy Rajasthani pagri (turban), sarees, suit pieces and dupattas made of the bandhani fabric. Buy as many items as you can because these will make for the perfect souvenirs for you and gifts for your loved ones. There is another thing that the market is famous for and that is a huge number of leather items.

Some shopping tips! Bargain to get the best price. The market remains open for long hours (10 am to 10 pm). But it remains quite crowded throughout the day, so make sure to have some time in your hand when you visit. Also, avoid visiting on a Sunday, because all shops are closed on that day.

A large number of tourists visit this Jodhpur famous market every year. And judging by the huge number of items sold in the many stalls here, the popularity of the market is not surprising! Traditional tie and dye fabric (bandhani), jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs, you name it and the market will supply. And another good news is that you can bargain! Buy as many Jodhpur famous shopping items as you want, but don’t limit your experience to shopping only.

While you roam around this market, you will see many traditional henna stalls. You can visit any of the stalls and get some beautiful henna designs on your hand. This is not like the liquid henna that you have to dry for some time. This is more like a sticker and takes just a few seconds. Before you ask, you can visit the market between 7 am and 11 pm, all week except for Sundays.

The name gave it away, didn’t it? Mochi Bazaar translates to Cobbler’s Market and it has in store a mind-blowingly huge collection of shoes. Wherever you look in this market, you will see a sea of shoes. Well, you have shopped for traditional handicrafts, antique pieces and clothes, but you are yet to buy shoes. So, head towards the Mochi Bazaar. Now, when we say shoes, we are talking about the traditional Rajasthani mojaris. Which are not only popular all over India, but also has a certain craze among foreigners.

So many different colours, patterns, designs, you will not be able to return empty-handed. And when you are buying the mojari(s), buy a matching one with the traditional clothing that you bought from the Nai Sarak market. Also, buy some matching bangles and junk jewellery (yes, the market has these items as well). And you will have a complete Jodhpuri look! The opening hours are between 8 am and 9 pm, so visit accordingly.

Shopping in the colourful markets is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Jodhpur. And that is why we suggest you visit these markets and fill your bags with some Jodhpur souvenirs before you leave the city.