Located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its magnificent landscape, distinct Pahari culture and welcoming people. The different cities and town in the state are popular for different shopping items. While towns like Kullu are famous for its medicinal mushrooms, Kinnaur is known for its apple juice factories. One must check out different Shimla packages to plan exclusive itineraries keeping in mind the cities they want to visit based on the shopping items they wish to buy.
Read on to know what all you can pick and from where when in Himachal Pradesh:
1. Lakkar Bazar, Shimla
One of the star attractions of the state, Shimla is famous for its colonial charm. It is best to visit Shimla in summers when the weather is pleasant. The Mall Road here is full of bookstores, antique stores, and shops selling different decor items. However, it is the famous Lakkar Bazar, which sees most tourists flock from shop to shop in search of economical wooden pieces to take back home.
The items available here are popular for intricate carvings. Most of the work is done on softwood which is sourced from the mountains itself.
2. Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala & McLeodganj
The most prominent Tibetan settlement in India, McLeodganj has its streets crowded with shops selling different artefacts from Tibetan culture. To find the best items at budget prices, you should head to Kotwali Bazaar, where you will find everything from Buddhist murals to Tibetan prayer wheels, singing bowls and other items. You can also scour for Buddhist prayer flags, beautiful paintings depicting traditional stories, jewellery items and Tibetan herbs in this market. Another thing to keep in mind to pick when visiting McLeodganj is the ‘itr’ or the perfume. Available in different fragrances like vanilla and oakwood, these perfumes are evenly priced and once sprayed, also last a long time.
The shopkeepers here are warm-hearted and polite. There are many restaurants and stalls in the area to grab a quick bite to eat (think delicious momos and healthy Thupkas).
3. Mall Road, Manali
There are rows upon rows of shops selling everything from embroidered sarees, hand-knit sweaters, light jackets to snow boots, Tibetan items and shawls here. The woollen items here are of native Kullu design, but you can find many Kashmiri sellers here as well with delicate pashmina shawls, suit-pieces, scarves, etc.
4. Himachal Emporium, Chamba
You can find this shop in almost all the big towns of the state. Known for authentic, top-of-the-class items, Himachal Emporium is a one-stop place to shop for wooden items, antiques, artworks and other items. You will find artefacts from different parts of the state like Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley, Chamba – all at one place.
Shopping in Himachal Pradesh is a must, given the variety and quality of the produce here. Look for the best deals and don’t hesitate to bargain while visiting the local markets!
