India’s traditional handcrafts are famous worldwide. These traditions are still thriving, passed down through generations of families who have practised them. Commercialised and tourist-oriented versions of these skills do not compare to the authentic living traditions. The work is diverse and stunningly high quality. Each region has its unique specialities.

Stone carving has been a tradition in India since the time of the Taj Mahal and continues to be practiced by the next generation of families.

Kashmir has a specialty in shopping, with paper-mache, cane work, pottery, and leather work being standout examples. South India is known for its wood carving and metalwork. Indian Sandalwood, Indian rosewood, and walnut from Kashmir are notable when it comes to wooden products in India. Metalwork from North India, Indian bird ware in Andhra, and Indian bronzes from the south are just a few of the specialties worth mentioning.

Shopping in India is an experience because it’s one of the most affordable markets in South Asia. Imports from India are increasing all over the world. Jewellery, carpets, and marble work from Agra, India are becoming more popular among tourists who visit India for travel.

Kashmiri carpet producers in India are highly regarded worldwide for their craftsmanship. They create excellent carpets from Indian wool and silk in the North of India. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, has become famous worldwide for its production of Tibetan rugs, Indian jewelry and gems, Rajasthani silverwork, Indian diamonds, lapis lazuli, moonstones, aquamarines, and pearls. Most of these stones are cut and polished in this Indian city. If you require any assistance or details regarding products in India, we will gladly supply the necessary information.

Each state possesses its own unique offerings and every town has its very own local artisans with specific skills passed down from one generation to the next. India provides an ideal shopping experience for fabrics, silverware, carpets, leathercraft, gems, and antiques.

Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, as well as several regional hotspots, are home to bazaars and well-organized melas.

Shopping alternatives are as diverse as India’s topography. There are markets that sell specific items like spices, coffee and tea (Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi) and streets in Jaipur that sell only one category of goods such as clothes, shoes and jewellery. Prices are not usually displayed and bargaining is common at most local markets.

India has one of the world’s biggest carpet industries and beautiful Persian rugs can be purchased across the country. If you want to shop in person, head to Jaipur or Jammu & Kashmir for handwoven carpets and pashmina shawls. But watch out for Shahtoosh shawls, they’re illegal.

You’ll also find pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, incense, puppets and musical instruments.

If you buy directly from the producers, your shopping can also benefit charity.

There is a ban on exporting antiques, art objects older than 100 years, livestock, animal skins, items made from animal skins, live plants, human remains, illegal drugs, firearms, ivory, ivory products, animal horns, endangered shells, gold and silver bars.