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Flea Markets in Channai and Calcutta
If you are visiting the south of India and you happen to have a penchant for shopping then you might want to include a trip to Channai, formerly known as Madras, in your itinerary. Channai is known for being a sanctuary for shopping enthusiasts.
The Mount Road is a particular popular place for its line of shops and stalls. The emporiums in this area are particular idea for the ladies who are looking for great deals on clothing, jewelry and bags. Should you get hungry from your shopping conquests, the area also features some delectable Indian cuisine. If you are willing to spend a bit more money on designer fashion and other branded items then you can also go down to the Anna Nagar.
Another popular flea market in India is the one in Calcutta. Aside from being a great source of bargain products, Calcutta also features those old-fashioned trams, giving you a taste of Indian culture. If you’re after leather goods, you can go and visit Bentick Street which is known for its collection of leather footwear, accessories and other goods. Just like many flea markets in India, the ones in Calcutta also feature stalls where you can samples local Indian food. Sweet shops are particularly rampant around Calcutta flea markets.
May 18, 2010 No Comments
Mumbai Flea Markets to Visit
Whether you are going to India for a business trip or a leisurely vacation then the flea markets of India are some of the country’s features that you should be sure not to miss out on. If you happen to be heading to Bombay or Mumbai then you’re in luck. It is actually the home of the popular Chor Bazaar which is famous for its one-of-a-kind collection of jewelry, wooden handicrafts, leather goods and antique items. This is definitely a good destination for those who want to shop for souvenirs to bring back home. Just be sure to get your bargaining skills ready so you can strike a good deal with the merchants.
If you are looking for a place where you can buy some fresh and delicious food then the Crawford market should be your destination. A true slice of local Indian culture, the market is popular among both locals and tourists. You can buy plenty of meat and fresh fruits here. The variety of flowers being sold in the stalls also makes the Crawford market a favorite subject of photographs.
If you happen to be traveling to Mumbai for the summer then you should definitely pay a visit to the popular Fashion Street which offers a wide variety of summer clothes.
May 13, 2010 No Comments
New Delhi Flea Market
If you are going to New Delhi, India then one of the destinations that you should be sure to visit is the Connaught Place. The complex actually dates back to the time of the British Era in the country. Visitors to the complex are welcomed with a beautiful fountain and a sprawling park in the middle of the structure. If you are traveling with a rental car, you also won’t have to worry about secure parking since the place has plenty of parking spaces for shoppers.
The first place you may want to visit is the Palika Bazaar, a shopping plaza that is located in the underground area. This underground bazaar is a great place to find a wide range of fashion products such as clothing, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Another famous clothing shop is the Janpath which is usually swarming with college students who are looking for the trendiest styles in clothes.
If you are looking for handicrafts and other manmade knickknacks that you can give your loved ones back home then you can also visit the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. There are also plenty of stores that carry branded goods. Should you get hungry, there are also numerous food stalls around the area where you can stop and eat.
May 8, 2010 No Comments
Flea Market in Goa: A Must for India Visitors
If you are going to India for a vacation or a business trip then be sure you don’t miss out on the flea markets that the country is very famous for. If you are looking for little trinkets or souvenirs that you can give to your loved ones back home then the best place to visit would be the flea markets in Goa. The Anjuna flea market might just be a great destination for you. Built by hippies years ago, the market is now a famous spot which both locals and tourists love to visit. Aside from souvenirs, you can also be entertained by palm readers, street musicians and other interesting characters that can be found in this market.
The flea market at Goa is also a great place to sample authentic Indian cuisine what with the many food stalls lined up. So shoppers who are looking to take a break can easily grab a bite. There are many types of souvenirs that you can purchase in these flea markets such as handicrafts made from shells, bamboos and crocheted fabrics. You can also purchase some beach clothing for the nearby gorgeous beaches. Tasty cashew nuts are also a best-selling item for you to enjoy or take home to your loved ones.
May 5, 2010 No Comments
Flea Market Tips in India
If you’re a shopping enthusiast and you are planning a trip to India in the near future then one of the local features that you should be sure not to miss would be the local flea markets. The clothing tradition in India is a particularly rich one. Once you’re in the country, you will see both children and adults dressing up for any occasion. The young generation in India is particularly fond of branded or designer clothes. At the same time, they also value their money’s worth. So what do you get when you combine love of fashion and being frugal? Flea markets, of course!
If you are planning to shop at flea markets, you naturally would want to master the art of bargaining. Sometimes, the sellers in these markets jack up the price so much that it becomes twice what the product is really worth. As a buyer, you must try your best to negotiate to cut off at least 20% of the original price. For instance, if you found something you liked that costs 200 rupees, try to bring the price down to as much as 120 rupees. Before bargaining, familiarize yourself with the local customs first. Do locals bargain gently with a friendly tone or is the bargaining style more aggressive in nature?
May 4, 2010 No Comments
Black Market in the Country of India
Like most countries in the world, India is also a nation that faces problems regarding its black market. As you probably know, black market refers to the trade of selling and buying products and services in an illegal manner. Even though certain black market goods can be tempting, no tourist in India should make the mistake of coming near the black market.
Buying from the black market is a crime with severe punishments that spare no one, even tourists. If you are caught buying from the black market, you could be facing some jail time or paying thousands of dollars in fine at the very least.
So how do black markets come about in the first place? Black markets are formed when a country’s government implements limitations and sanctions in the distributions of certain goods. This is why black market sellers often make a lot of money by selling goods that are not available otherwise. The term “black market” hailed from the fact that these illegal transactions are often held in dark and hidden places.
If you get tempted to buy from these sellers, you might want to remember that some Indian police members dress up as undercover black market sellers so they can catch buyers red-handed.
April 29, 2010 No Comments
Clothing for Indian Seasons
If you are planning a trip to India in the near future then one of the preparation steps that you need to take is putting together your wardrobe. Many planning-to-be tourists to India ask about the standard manner of dressing in India so they can get an idea of what clothes they need to bring. However, there really is no one standard rule for dressing, except that women should avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing. Here are some more clothing guidelines to help you out.
Before you pack your clothes for India, find out first about the season and usual temperature in the region you’re traveling to. Many areas in India can get extremely hot or extremely cold so it’s best to know in advance so you can be prepared. If you will be traveling during the hot season, be sure to pack clothes that are made from lightweight and “breathable” material. However, women should refrain from wearing clothes that are too provocative like short shorts or tiny miniskirts.
When in doubt, bring basic casual clothing such as jeans and t-shirts. It’s also recommended that you stock up on long-sleeved t-shirts to protect your arms from the scorching sun rays during the day and insect bites during the night.
April 27, 2010 No Comments
Travel Advice for Female Tourists in India
If you are a planning a trip to India then one of the most important things you need to do in preparation for your trip is to familiarize yourself with the local customs. One of these customs would involve local practices regarding women.
Even though India is one of the most modern countries in Asia, most people still hold on to their conservative views over women. So female tourists who are planning to go to Indian may want to learn a thing or two about these customs.
One of the most important things you need to take note of is to dress appropriately. Leave the short shorts, low-cut blouses and other revealing clothes at home. Instead, wear t-shirts, modest tank tops, pants and long skirts. When going to visit one of India’s beautiful beaches, remember this rule as well. If you have to wear swimsuits, wear one-piece types that provide plenty of coverage.
If you decide to explore India’s nightlife, be sure to take a friend along with you. Going alone to bars, night clubs and discos might attract some trouble. If you can’t go through a day without lighting up your Marlboro Lights, it’s best to smoke in private. When in public, check first if you see any local women smoking in the open.
April 24, 2010 No Comments
Travel Tips for Female India Tourists
India is probably one of the most modern and fast-growing countries that you can ever visit in India. Despite its acceptance of Western influences and contemporary beliefs, the traditional culture of the Indian community remains intact for the most part. If you’re a female who is traveling to India on your own or even with a group, there are certain reminders that you might want to keep in mind. Women hold a position of respect in Indian society but it won’t hurt to apply these tips to make sure your trip goes as safely as possible.
Like many traditional countries in India, local society retains a conservative view when it comes to how women should dress. To avoid unwanted stares and attention, avoid wearing clothes that are too provocative—such as flimsy blouses, short shorts or miniskirts. Even though the heat can be unbearable and you might want to wear cool clothes, stick to modest tank tops, shorts or knee-length skirts.
If you are traveling with your girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse, avoid showing your affection to each other in public. Too much display of affection in public places will not only offend Indian sensibility buy may also make you the target of rude remarks, something that you probably don’t want in your vacation.
April 23, 2010 No Comments
Places in India: Hiring a Tourist Guide
If you are planning to go to India then you might want to consider hiring a tourist guide. Even though some travelers might see tourist guides as an unnecessary expense, a local guide can really help make your trip better. If you don’t know how to hire one then you might want to consult your hotel or travel agent. Accommodations and travel agencies are usually affiliated with tourist guides. Another advantage of hiring a tourist guide is that they can often get you access to certain places where tourists are not allowed otherwise. Worried about the language barrier? Don’t worry—most tourist guides are very fluent in English and some can even speak in other languages like French and German. Read on for some useful reminders when hiring a tourist guide.
Don’t just hire the first tourist guide who approaches you at the airport. To make sure that you are working with a certified guide, ask the hotel or your travel agency to make arrangements for you. When traveling with your guide, avoid displaying large amounts of money in front of him. Your guide may seem nice and trustworthy but the sight of a lot of money can easily change that in a flash.
When it comes to dealing with your tourist guide, it’s also important to be polite. However, don’t be so polite that your guide starts taking advantage of you. It’s also important to be firm in some cases.
To avoid overspending, agree on an amount for the day before the tour even begins. You can always leave a tip if you’ve had a particularly good service.
April 17, 2010 No Comments