A Major Shopping Hub of Delhi A visit to Delhi would be incomplete without a trip to Chandini Chowk.

A very well known market, this was once visited by merchants from Turkey, China and even Holland. Some of the more important bylanes now are listed below.

Katra Neel Katra was a separate wing for tradesmen and craftsmen in the same business who lived and worked together. This particular katra is the cloth bazaar. Silk, satin, crepe, cotton, muslin and any other fabric you can think of.

Bhagirath Palace Said to be Asias largest market for electrical goods, it is also known for medical equipment and allopathic medicines. Locals know this as Chooriwali ki Haveli (The Bangle Sellers Palace). This was originally the mansion of Begum Sumroo, a Kashmiri nautch girl with the most accomplished band of dancers in her troupe. The story of her life would actually make a sensational film a drama of almost epic scale. This bewitching seductress was not only an accomplished dancer and singer but a shrewd businesswoman who knew precisely when to grab an opportunity. She converted to Christianity and married two mercenary European adventurers in succession and it was thanks to them that she ultimately became Begum of a principality at Sardhana, near Meerut.

Kinari Bazaar Check this place out for any kind of zari and zardozi work - the sheer burst of colour will overwhelm you. This street has everything an Indian bride could need for her trousseau.

Dariba Kalan Once upon a long, long time ago, there were rows of jewellers specializing in gold and silver ornaments in this lane. Today a few remain, producing silver jewellery. Do visit Gulab Singh Johri Mal, a shop established in 1819 they are well-known manufacturers and exporters of natural attars (perfumes).

Chhatta Chowk Bazaar This covered bazaar dates back to the 17th century, to the days when ladies used to practise the purdah (veils) very rigorously. Caravan traders used to lay out their wares in a covered thoroughfare leading up to the Red Fort and moved away to allow the ladies to come and make their choice. Things continued like this till the British turned the fort into a garrison for their troops. Today the Chhatta Chowk has around forty shops selling artificial and semi-precious jewellery, embroidered bags, hand painted wall hangings and fake antiques. (They are definitely not originals, so dont get taken in.)