India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (248 page)
011/2334-0971;
www.theshopindia.com
), supplying textiles to all parts of the world from Bloomingdale’s in the U.K. to Au printemps in France. Just a (s)hop away is one of the coolest hangouts in Delhi:
The People Tree
. A studio-cum-store, it makes excellent use of a hole in the wall (read: crammed) location and revels in the creativity of its 2-decade-old existence. Funky T-shirts with tongue-in-cheek social and environmental messages are their claim to fame but you could easily spend a couple of hours (unbelievable for such a tiny space) browsing or simply enjoying the madness that meets the eye (8, Regal Bldg., Parliament St.;
011/2334-0699;
www.peopletreeonline.com
).
Khan Market & Sunder Nagar Market
Sunder Nagar is considered the best market to trawl for authentic antiques, interesting secondhand goods, and unique artworks. Khan Market is good for books, music, and DVDs and increasingly for designer stores. Browse
Anokhi(32 Khan Market;011/2460-3423;
www.anokhi.com
), patronized by expats and locals alike for its highly fashionable blend of Western- and Eastern-style clothing (see “Jaipur: Shopping” in chapter 11 for full review of the Anokhi headquarters).
The Neemrana Shop(23-B, Khan Market;011/4358-7183;
www.neemranahotels.com
) has a range of homewares, trinkets, and pretty souvenirs that make ideal gifts and usable memorabilia; you can buy Kama Ayurvedic toiletries, gorgeous pewter teapots, and simple and stylish light cotton garments, perfect for you to wear during your travels in India.
Whatever you do, don’t miss
Good Earth(9 Khan Market;011/2464-7175;
www.goodearthindia.com
)—it’s filled with fabulous homewares, furniture, and accessories and the perfect place to pick up beautiful linens, silk cushions, fragranced candles, glass votives, or colorful tea sets; it now also has the wonderful Latitude 28on its second floor where you can enjoy Mediterranean fare to keep you going as you comb the stores in the area. There’s also a branch at Santushti (see below). If you want to pick some beautiful jewelry, head to
Frazer and Haws
(Shop no.11, main market, Lodhi Colony;011/2464-7818;
www.frazerandhaws.com
)—they also have some very tasteful home and personal accessories which will dig a deep hole in your pocket no doubt but well worth it.
South Delhi
Seek out
Ravissant
(011/2683-7278;
www.cest-ravissant.com
) in New Friends Colony for beautiful contemporary pewter and silver houseware items (or visit the outlet conveniently located in The Oberoi hotel lobby).
Santushti Shopping Complex
is an upscale collection of shops (predominantly boutiques) housed in landscaped gardens 15 minutes from the center. Shopping here is wonderfully hassle-free (and there’s parking); pick up cigars at
Kastro’s,
visit
Tulsi
for beautiful garments, and step into
Anokhi
for off-the-shelf cottonwear.