By the number of countries I've been to, I can be called a mini globe trotter. And whenever I am in country, I try to spend a lot of time exploring the famous and not so famous markets in the country. I believe that shopping is the easiest and most entertaining way of getting to know the culture, traditions and tastes of a country. In most of the countries, you will notice that if you have seen and explored the markets of one part of the country, it is as good as experiencing the entire nation. As there is not much difference in the two parts. However India is a country, where, if you have missed any section of the country, you have missed out on a lot. As north and south of the country are as different as chalk and cheese. What you get in South India, will be nowhere to be seen in North India.



Enter India, and you have the option of super luxurious malls, crowded city super markets, or traditional bazaars squeezed into narrow streets. Everybody knows what to expect from the extravagant malls stashed up in the posh localities, same Lacostes, Swatch, Adidas. But in the street markets, you will find something unique in almost every shop. The arts and crafts of India are the best thing to shop for in India as you still get to buy the traditional items that have stayed on for centuries. You name it and you have it, ivory items, brass, gold leather goods, precious stones and many more great buys. And do not forget to bargain hard here, as after knowing that you are a foreigner, rest assured, they will tell you a price two folds the original price.

Every place is famous for one thing or the other. Get the information about it and try to shop for what you need from the place that is famous for it. Like for beautiful silver jewelry, Zaveri Bazaar in India is the best place. Similarly for silk saris, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram are the best bet. And if you are in India during a festival season, it is a treasure out there for shopaholics. You will find Government emporiums and cottage industries anywhere in India. They have a good variety of traditional clothes and arts and crafts collected from different states. Though their prices tend to be on the higher side, there is an assurance of good quality. When shopping in street markets, watch out for imitations, they are common. Visit few shops before buying the desired product. This will let you know of the quality and the prevalent prices. For branded items, Shopper's stop is the leading departmental chain in India. Right from cosmetics, leather goods, to garments and watches for both men and women can be bought from under one roof itself.

Trendy shopping malls, and retail outlets are a new phenomenon in India, and no stone is left unturned by both, government and the builders, in making them among the best in the world. Announcement of a shopping festival in Hyderabad is one big step in this direction. This being an annual event, is considered as good as the ones in Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore. The Andhra government is reportedly acquiring new technology from Dubai to make their malls competitive on the global stage.

India is going under a massive economic shift, and it is visible in all sectors, more so in shopping. Having kept its past alive and tempting all big brands towards itself, it is a perfect blend of yesteryear marvels and wonders of the coming era.