It’s often said that if Jaipur is the heart of Rajasthan, then Udaipur is its soul. While Udaipur is globally acclaimed for its palaces, lakes, and majestic forts, there’s another side of this city that often goes unnoticed but leaves visitors equally enchanted – its traditional markets and shopping areas.
Let’s embark on a shopping spree in the Venice of the East, discovering not just places to shop, but stories, history, and the very soul of this Rajasthani marvel. Here are 10 renowned shopping spots in Udaipur that would turn even the royals into retail enthusiasts!
Exploring Udaipur: A Guide to 10 Iconic Shopping Destinations
1. Hathi Pol Bazaar: Art on Canvas
Renowned for: Rajasthani Folk Art
Emanating a rich fragrance of Rajasthan’s illustrious artistry, Hathi Pol Bazaar offers more than just souvenirs – it offers stories. Here, artists showcase the splendors of Pichwai and Phad paintings, the kind that once adorned the royal palaces.
These paintings are deeply rooted in tradition, often portraying tales of Lord Krishna or heroic Rajasthani legends. Apart from paintings, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon some hidden gems like handcrafted toys or ornate home decor.
- Location: Near City Palace, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, closed on Sundays
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2. Bada Bazaar: A Blend of Tradition & Modernity
Renowned for: Ethnic wear, jewellery, and authentic Rajasthani footwear (Juttis)
Bada Bazaar isn’t just a market; it’s an experience. Every corner is a burst of color, with traditional fabrics like Bandhani, Leheriya, and Batik inviting you with their intricate designs.
This bazaar is also a paradise for jewellery aficionados, offering a variety of handcrafted silver trinkets, tribal jewellery, and ornate Kundan pieces. And before you leave, don’t forget to slip into a pair of hand-stitched juttis!
- Location: Old City, Udaipur
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
3. Mochiwada Bazaar: The Cobbler’s Dream
Renowned for: Leather Products
Imagine a place where every article has a touch of timelessness. Mochiwada Bazaar, with its array of leather products, offers precisely this.
From supple leather bags and journals that feel like holding a piece of history, every item here carries an air of vintage charm and meticulous craftsmanship.
- Location: Near City Palace, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
4. Shilpgram: A Village of Craft
Renowned for: Handicrafts and Rural Art
An artist’s dream and a culture enthusiast’s paradise, Shilpgram is a harmonious blend of artistry from various parts of India.
This rural complex showcases the diversity of Indian handicrafts. Stroll around and you’ll be greeted with live folk performances, pottery sessions, and artisans working on intricate weaves.
- Location: 3 km west of Udaipur, near Havala village
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Jagdish Temple Street: The Spiritual Sojourn
Renowned for: Religious artifacts, idols, and decor
The spiritual aura of the Jagdish Temple spills over to the adjoining market. Amid the resonating temple bells, you’ll find intricately crafted idols, aromatic incense sticks, and a myriad of spiritual souvenirs to encapsulate your Udaipur experience.
- Location: Near Jagdish Temple, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
6. Clock Tower: Ticking Times and Textiles
Renowned for: Textiles, silver jewellery, and antiques
The regal aura of the Clock Tower lends itself to the market below. Here, antiquities jostle for space alongside silver jewellery and vibrant textiles.
Each artifact, whether it’s an ornate clock or a vintage coin, seems to whisper tales from the annals of Rajasthan’s history.
- Location: City Centre, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
7. Lake Palace Road: A Shopper’s Shimmering Shoreline
Renowned for: Precious stones, jewellery, and trinkets
This marketplace captures the magic of Lake Pichola and infuses it into its collection. As the waters of the lake shimmer in the daylight, the stores alongside offer a radiant collection of semi-precious stones, bejeweled accessories, and traditional Rajasthani trinkets.
- Location: Adjacent to Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
8. Sadhna Emporium: A Collective Craft
Renowned for: Textiles and hand-printed apparel
Beyond its impressive collection of textiles and hand-printed apparel, Sadhna tells a tale of empowerment. An initiative to uplift rural women, every garment purchased here supports a vision of a more equal society.
- Location: Fatehpura, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
9. Rajasthali: The State’s Souvenir
Renowned for: Rajasthani handicrafts and artifacts
A treasure trove of Rajasthani art and culture, Rajasthali is a testament to the region’s unparalleled craftsmanship. Governed by the Rajasthan Government, this place promises not just quality but a genuine slice of Rajasthani heritage.
- Location: Pannadhay Marg, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10. Chetak Circle: Circling Craftsmanship
Renowned for: Stationery, handmade papers, and street shopping
From handmade papers that bear the touch of tradition to a kaleidoscope of stationary, Chetak Circle is a dream for those who cherish the written word. Amid this, the vibrant street vendors enhance the charm, offering an array of products that cater to every whimsy.
- Location: Near Sukhadia Circle, Udaipur
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Conclusion:
Shopping in Udaipur isn’t just about purchasing items; it’s about touching the very essence of its culture, traditions, and heritage. With each item you buy, you don’t just own a product; you own a piece of Udaipur’s heart, an essence of its soul, and a fragment of its tale.
So the next time you’re in this city of lakes, take a detour from the palaces and step into its bustling bazaars. Who knows, you might just find a story waiting to be taken home with you. Happy shopping!
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