Apparels at Aashka, Jaipur, India

Aashka

The pet project of the Princess Bhargavi Khumari Mewar of Udaipur, Aashka is a lovely boutique that sells fashion, jewelry and housewares made in India but with an updated aesthetic. The airy boutique, which is in the same heritage hotel as Hot Pink and Idli, is decorated with antique mirrors and furniture that have been white washed to create a more contemporary setting. Look out for lovely printed shawls, shift dresses, fine bed linens and pretty leather sandals. Polo enthusiasts can find everything from cocktail napkins with horseshoe motifs and polo shirts to leather saddles.

Merchandise at Adinath, Jaipur, India

Adinath

This sliver of a shop in the Taj Rambagh Palace has a wide range of jewelry from tribal silver necklaces to beads of precious and semi precious stones as well as gold and diamond jewelry.

Apparels at Ahilaya,  Mumbai, India

Ahilaya

A regular supplier to Bergdorf and netaporter.com, this pint-sized shop is worth seeking out for its hand-embroidered silk and cotton tunics and caftans in pastel hues such as lemon yellows, rose pinks and sea green. They will happily provide alterations for a tailored fit.

Merchandise at Amrapali, Delhi, India

Amrapali

One of India’s top jewelry brands, Amrapali carries traditional gold jewelry with precious stones and enamelwork.

Interior at Anantaya AKFD, Jaipur, India

Anantaya AKFD

Opened by furniture designer, Ayush Kasliwal, and his wife, Geetanjali, this design shop is a great place to find contemporary Indian craft. A graduate of the acclaimed National Institute of Design in Ahmedbad, Kasliwal is one of the country’s most forward-thinking designers and a champion for sustainability and fair trade for the artisans he works with. The shop carries the Kasliwals’ own line, along with a selected range of work by other designers who they admire. From beaten brass and stone carving to dhurrie weaving and mirror work, the design duo draws upon the local heritage of craft and employ skilled artisans. Signature products include the Trinetra ‘third eye’ candle holder, a cluster of beaten brass pods; Rohida wooden bowls, traditional vessels made from a native Rajasthan tree, used by Jain priests; and Tazia wooden sculptures.

Local Women in native Dress at Anokhi, Delhi, India

Anokhi

This textile house sells and exports its hand-block fabrics by the yard and in an array of products from sarongs to beaded jackets. All of their products are finished by artisans on a farm outside of Jaipur but are now sold in boutiques throughout the country. The proceeds benefit the artisans community, and products make for great gifts.

Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, Jaipur, India

Anokhi

This textile house sells and exports its hand-block fabrics by the yard and in an array of products from table and bed linens to sarongs to beaded jackets. All of their products are finished by artisans on a farm outside of Jaipur but are now sold in boutiques throughout the country. The Anokhi Foundation recently established a museum in nearby Amer to document the history and tradition of handblocking. If you are planning a day of Jaipur shopping, stop here in time for lunch at its Anokhi Café. Closed Sundays.

Editors' Picks
Apparel at  Anupamaa, Delhi, India

Anupamaa

Specializing in silks in eye-popping colors and patterns, Anupamaa celebrates the Indian color palette in flowing harem pants, loose tunics, long kaftans and dresses. Bombay Electric in Mumbai and other trendy boutiques carry the line, but the whole collection is on view at their shop in Khan Market.

Interior View - Bahri Sons, Delhi, India

Bahri Sons

Right inside the main entrance to the Khan Market is this Delhi institution, a small, family-run bookshop that stocks masses of English language books.

Merchandise at Bharany’s, Delhi, India

Bharany’s

One of the most impressive jewelry stores in this jewelry-obsessed country, Bharany’s supplies mega statement pieces to many celebrities as well as Middle Eastern princesses. The business is a family affair with the third generation now running the day-to-day operation. The exquisite show stoppers on display only hint at what can be created so it is worth asking to see what interests you or discussing a custom piece. This is a place for once-in-a-lifetime purchases.

Interior at  Bhuramal Rajmal Surana, Jaipur, India

Bhuramal Rajmal Surana

For more than two centuries, the Surana family has been crafting some of the finest jewelry in Jaipur. The company was established in 1735 and, in addition, to supplying various royals, it has been exporting its diamond-studded gold Kundan and Meena pieces to Hong Kong and the U.S. for years. You will find exquisitely crafted historic and contemporary Indian designs, including gold encrusted bangles, diamond chandelier earrings and elaborate rings and necklaces, many of which can be previewed on its web site.

Merchandise at  Bibaji Churi Wale, Jodhpur, India

Bibaji Churi Wale

Mr. Sattar Biba’s family has been selling glass wedding bangles in Jodhpur for more than 100 years. His small shop near the Clock Tower is piled high with bangle boxes of colors, decoration and sizes. Be sure to try bracelets on before buying as they come in various sizes, some of which are very small. If you call, the store will send someone to guide you to the shop. They make great, inexpensive souvenirs.

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Bougainvillea

This fabulous contemporary art gallery is owned by sculptor Bhupesh Kavadia and feels more like a lovely private home that is filled with art than a commercial enterprise. Rotating exhibits feature the work of talented Indian artists and include painting, prints, photography, drawing and sculptures in marble and bronze.

Boutique at Mehrangarh Fort

This sophisticated museum shop features a large selection of regional products, including high-quality cashmere embroidered scarves and an entire room devoted to miniature paintings. Prices are fixed but reasonable.

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Brigitte Singh

Among the most sophisticated hand-blocked fabrics being made in India are those designed by the French born Brigitte Singh. She moved to Jaipur more than twenty years ago and married Surya Vijay Singh. You may recognize some of her patterns, as they are sold in stylish shops in Paris and the States as well as in some of the gift shops of India’s top hotels. Her designs, which are influenced by her painting background and love for the natural world, have more exact, fine lines than most hand-blocked patterns. Expect both the hues and inspiration to come from flowers.

Indagare Tip: Stock can vary widely, so sometimes you may come and find a wonderful array of the soft quilts and fine scarves and clothing and bags, and other times, you may find very little to tempt you. If you see something you like in a shop in an Oberoi or Taj hotel gift shop, snatch it up.

Apparels at Carma, Delhi, India

Carma

Specializing in traditional Indian women’s wear, Carma offers pieces from multiple designers, some well established, others just setting out.

Charmica

One of the best shoe shops in Jaipur, this tiny store sells leather sandals in various styles including embroidered sandals.

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Chor Bazaar

Translating to “Thieves’ Market,” Chor Bazar lives up to its finder’s keeper reputation. Search high and low for everything from hand-painted ceramic doorknobs to vintage Bollywood movie posters. Daily Boss, which is similar to the U.S.'s Daily Candy, has a helpful map of Chor Bazaar, which is worth downloading before a visit.

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Clock Tower Market

The main market place where fruit sellers meet sari vendors sprawls around the historic Clock Tower. Intrepid photographers and shoppers will love the color and chaos. Those uncomfortable with crowds and hawkers may find it less appealing.

Exterior View - Cottons, Jaipur, India

Cottons

We fully admit that the tunics and scarves here may not be as precisely block printed as others in Jaipur, but what this textile emporium does get right is slim-fitting silhouettes and contemporary motifs. Translation: they’re easy, effortless and dare we say, kind of trendy, whether you live in Bangalore or Southampton. And at these prices, you’ll want to take home a dozen.

Courtyard

The best couture shopping in Mumbai is in the Courtyard. Behind an egg-shell–hued building lies a dozen designer boutiques (the who’s who of Indian design from Neeru Kumar to Rajesh Pratap Singh to Abraham & Thakore) anchored by a tranquil, central courtyard, making it a rare one stop-shop destination.

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Crawford Market

This sprawling marketplace is bustling during the early morning hours with fruit and vegetable vendors stacking okra and pomegranate in neat pyramid-shaped displays, and as the day goes on, everyone from spice stores to cookware shops open their stalls. During mango season the fruit's sweet aroma perfumes the air. Don't miss the lovely friezes on the exterior of the 1865-building, done by Rudyard Kipling’s father, who ran an art school in Mumbai at that time.

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Curio Cottage

Just off of Colaba’s main drag, this unassuming contemporary jewelry shop is a favorite of Bollywood A-listers. Browse everything from traditional earrings and trendy cuffs to gemstone encrusted rings and strands of turquoise and smoky topaz.

Dasktar

This NGO sells crafts like vibrant, printed tablecloths and embroidered purses that are made by a cooperative of local women.

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Devi Garh Shop

This hotel, housed in an 18th-century hilltop fort palace that feels steeped in history and heritage, has a fabulous boutique where you can shop for fashion, accessories and objects for the home. Local crafts and vintage items can also be found. It's also a very relaxed shopping environment at a place where haggling is not expected.

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Dhoop Crafts

In 2003, Aradhana Nagpal opened Dhoop with her husband, with the intention of showcasing pieces by weaving, bamboo craft, wood-carving, pottery and patchwork artisan communities across India. Look for everything from lamps made with recycled materials to craft kits to exquisitely woven chairs.

Exteriors at  Dilli Haat, Delhi, India-courtesy Meenakshi Madhavan

Dilli Haat

This permanent outdoor market is full of colorful crafts and homemade snacks. Favorite finds include embroidered textiles and painted ceramics.

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