Chandni Chowk (meaning ‘moonlight place’) is the iconic market located in Old Delhi, India. Established in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this historic marketplace continues to thrive as one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city. Situated near the Red Fort and the Yamuna River, Chandni Chowk offers a fascinating mixture of tradition and trade.
Offering everything from perfumes, clothing, and electronics to candles, jewelry, and religious artifacts, Chandni Chowk is a shopper’s paradise. With its cultural significance, rich history, and exceptional shopping experience, this market has remained a symbol of Delhi’s charisma for centuries.
Different Parts of Chandni Chowk Market
The market is basically divided into numerous small markets based on the category of products being sold there.
- Nai Sarak – Nai Sarak, a bustling market in Chandni Chowk, offers a wide array of textbooks, stationery, and books for competitive exams. It is also a treasure trove of fiction and non-fiction novels, available at wholesale prices.
- Dariba Kalan – Dariba Kalan sparkles with silver treasures and delicate jewelry, including Kundan and Meenakari pieces. From anklets to nose pins, earrings to necklaces, the collection is well-known for its beauty.
- Khari Baoli – Khari Baoli, a cook’s paradise, seduces with its exciting spices, fragrant herbs, and a lively atmosphere. It stands tall as one of Asia’s largest spice markets, offering a diverse range of flavors, from dried fruits and exotic teas to precious gold & silver vark.
- Chawri Bazaar – Chawri Bazaar, a busy hub in Chandni Chowk, is renowned for its wonderful collection of wedding cards. Whether you seek simplicity or grandeur, this marketplace offers a wide collection of invitation cards in various sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Fatehpuri Market – Fatehpuri Market, nestled in the heart of Chandni Chowk, serves as Delhi’s ultimate destination for paneer lovers. As a wholesale trading center for paneer and khoya, it caters to the city’s limitless demand for these dairy products.
- Chor Bazaar – Chor Bazaar, a renowned thrift market in Chandni Chowk, offers a treasure trove of second-hand items ranging from books and branded clothes to shoes, cameras, gym equipment, and antiques.
- Kinari Bazar – Kinari Bazar, a popular destination for wedding shopping in Chandni Chowk, offers a wide range of items such as zari trimmings, laces, fabrics, and more. It’s the perfect place to find lights, decorations, and embellishments for your special day
- Katra Neel – Katra Neel, located near Chunna Mal ki Haveli in Chandni Chowk, is a renowned cloth bazaar for wedding shopping. It offers a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, crepe, satin, cotton, and muslin.
- Bhagirath Palace – Bhagirath Palace is Asia’s largest wholesale market for electrical and electronics goods. This bustling marketplace offers a wide variety of fancy lights, from basic to decorative, along with an extensive selection of lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, lamps, hanging lights, and fairy lights.
- Moti Bazar – Moti Bazar, named after the pearls it offers, is renowned for its exquisite collection of pearls and beautiful shawls.
- Ballimaran Market – Ballimaran Market is a hub for opticians, footwear shops, sunglasses, and watches. Whether you’re looking for vintage-style glasses or the latest trends in footwear, Ballimaran Market has it all.
- Tilak Bazar – Tilak Bazar is a go-to destination for chemical dealers, manufacturers, and those in need of chemical lab equipment. This market offers a wide range of products, including plastic jars, bottles, vials, glass containers, beakers, and more, ideal for storage and laboratory purposes.
- Kucha Choudhary Market – Kucha Choudhary Market, also known as the Camera Market or the Photo Market, holds the distinction of being Asia’s largest market for cameras and related products.
Route and Transportation
To reach Chandni Chowk market, you have multiple transportation options:
By Metro:
- Yellow Line: Chandni Chowk metro station (1 km away)
- Jama Masjid metro station (10-15 min walk)
- Shastri Park metro station
- Violet Line: Lal Qila metro station
By Bus:
- DTC Buses: 117, 102, 429CL, etc.
- Nearest Bus Stations: Old Delhi railway station, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid bus stop, Red Fort, etc.
Other Transportation:
- Auto/Taxi Service: Use autos or Ola/Uber.
- Electric Rickshaw: From Chandni Chowk or Lal Qila metro stations.
Remember that the Metro is the fastest and most convenient option.
Where to Eat
When it comes to food, Chandni Chowk market offers a lovely culinary experience with its range of small stalls and kiosks. Here are some must-try eateries:
- Gali Paranthe Wali: Famous for its parathas.
- Bikaner Sweet Shop: Known for its delicious rasmalai.
- Annapurna Bhandar: Popular for Bengali sweets.
- Chaatwallah: Serving fruit chaat.
- Giani’s: Serving ice creams and Rabri Falooda.
- Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai: Offers ghee patisa, besan ke laddoo, and ghevar.
- Gol Hatti: Known for kullhad wale chhole chawal.
- Natraj’s Dahi Bhalle: A go-to place for dahi bhalle.
- Hazari Lal Khurchan Wale: Famous for khurchan, a milk-based delicacy.
- The Old Famous Jalebi Wala: Renowned for its crispy jalebis.
- Tewari Brothers Confectioners: Known for Motichoor Laddoo and Samosa.
Things you should keep in mind before visiting
Here are some important tips to keep in mind before visiting Chandni Chowk:
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated while going through the chaotic streets.
- Wear sandals as some shops don’t permit shoes inside.
- Always ask for permission before taking pictures.
- Verify the authenticity of products before making a purchase.
- Be cautious of pickpockets and bag snatchers.
- Bargain to get the best deals, as negotiation is commonly practiced in the market.
