India’s Public Markets from Fish to Flowers

Whenever I am researching a new city or country to visit, one of the first things I do is Google public markets as they are a fun way to mingle with locals. It can be a farmers’ market or a flea market, maybe a night market or a flower market. Some of my most memorable market experiences were: the flower market in Las Angeles, the huge flea market along the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico (complete with cock fighting), the bird market in Hong Kong and the colour and smells of the farmers’ market in Loule, Portugal.

While doing some research on India recently, I found several public markets (often called bazaars) that caught my attention so I thought I’d share them with you.

FYI: After hours of exploring public markets online or in person, you might want to relax, put your feet up and enjoy some online betting india style.

Mullick Ghat Floral Market, Kolkata

Flower Markets

Mullick Ghat Floral Market in Kolkata

This is Asia’s largest flower market with a colourful sense of place. Here you can be engulfed in flowers of all shapes, sizes and colours. The speciality of this market is freshly harvested marigolds. You can easily access this market from Howrah railway station. This flower market is animated from dawn to late in the night.

Ghazipur Flower Market in Delhi

This market comes alive before dawn -  around 3 am - and is open until 7 pm. The florists’ stalls, create a picturesque scene especially when the petals glow with morning due. Here you will enjoy fresh orchids, roses and peonies, but it is also known for the gorgeous gerberas, tulips, and asters. It is near the Anand Vihar railway station.

Dadar Flower Market in Mumbai

The oldest flower market in the city starts welcoming florists and locals from 6 am and continues to 8 pm. Here the specialty is lotuses and chrysanthemums in dozens of different varieties. You will find the market just outside the Da Gudimalkapur station.

Fish Market

India is blessed with a vast coastline and diverse aquatic ecosystems, which has resulted in a rich variety of seafood being integrated into its culinary culture.  While researching I came across the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market – I had never heard of a dry fish market before.

The Jagiroad Dry Fish Market (established in 1940) is the largest dry fish market in Asia, located in Jagiroad, Assam. The fish are preserved by drying them in the sun, a traditional method that uses wind and sunlight to slowly remove moisture. This ancient technique helps preserve the fish's quality and gives it a special flavor and texture. When travelling it is always fun to try different things. You may not like it, but at least you tried.

Flea Market

I love flea markets because you never know what you will find. They often have lots of smaller items that make for unique souvenirs. Located in South Mumbai, Chor Bazaar or 'Thieves Market' is one of the largest flea markets in India. With over 150 years of history, the market began as a place to trade stolen goods, hence the nickname.

Today, it offers a wonderful diversity of items from curios, old clocks/watches, vintage cameras, and other memorabilia. Fridays are the busiest day when you can browse through old Bollywood posters, coins, crystal ware and pottery.

Craft Market

To experience arts and crafts from all over India, head to Shilparamam Crafts Village in Hyderabad. Meaning 'hill of rocks', Shilparamam is a picturesque arts and crafts village nestled amid rock formations. With different stalls dedicated to distinct crafts like Bidriware, Nirmal paintings, stone carvings, Kalamkari, and more, it is a crafter’s dream.

Wander through the open-air stalls, interact with artisans, and learn about ancient craft-making traditions. Pick up exquisite handicrafts like rosewood carvings, Warli paintings, copperware, and Banarasi silks as souvenirs.

Dilli Haat is an open-air food and craft bazaar located in South Delhi. Meaning 'Delhi Market', Dilli Haat has kiosks representing each state in India showcasing handicrafts, fabrics, and regional cuisine. Wander through the vibrant stalls selling silk scarves from Assam, clay pottery from Uttar Pradesh, precious gemstones from Rajasthan, and more.

You can also try the local cuisine - like Momos from Sikkim or spicy Goan fish curry.  Look for various cultural performances, including folk dances and music, Dilli Haat is an excellent place to experience India's diverse cultures.

Jewellery Market

The lively Johari Bazaar in Jaipur is renowned for being the city’s jewelry center. As you walk along the narrow lanes, the glass-fronted stores dazzle with spectacular diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and gold jewelry. Established in the 18th century, skilled artisans still craft precious stones in traditional ways. You can watch as goldsmiths carefully work and give final touches to elaborate Indian bridal jewelry. For those on a budget, affordable options include lac bangles, enameled silver jewelry and bead necklaces are available.

Last Word

I hope you enjoyed this quick tour of just a few of India’s amazing public markets. Remember, always haggle for a better deal when you are at a public market in Asia.