Surprisingly for a hill station, there are quite a few places you can go shopping in Shimla. From strolling along the crowded Mall and browsing through an eclectic mix of stores, to shopping for junk jewellery and shawls at the Tibetan market, buying colourful bangles at Lower Bazaar, wandering through the maze-like lanes of Lakkar Bazaar while looking for wooden decorative items and stocking up on some freshly made jams and preserves at Minchy’s you’ll return from your trip with laden bags and lots of souvenirs for everyone back at home.
Lower Bazaar
Lower Bazaar is one of the prime locations in Shimla (3.5 km), just below the western end of the Mall. It starts from Shimla’s bus stand near the railway station, which can explore on foot. There are many shops on the street selling various items and various food stalls are also available for tourists to enjoy quick bites.
Himachal Emporium
If you’re in the mood to shop for locally made handicrafts at pocket friendly prices, Himachal Emporium is just the place for you. Located at the Mall Road in Shimla, the emporium offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh like locally designed woollens, pottery items and jewellery. There is an enormous range of Kangra silks, Kinnauri shawls and other Himachal souvenirs available here. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government, the emporium sells genuine handicrafts for the discerning buyers.
The Mall
In Shimla, the Mall Road lies at the heart of all the action and activity. Buzzing with shops, cafes, theatres, restaurants and a whole bunch of merriment, it is close to all places of interest. The restaurants here offer a wide range of cuisines, and the Gaiety Theatre is the place to go for cultural activities in Shimla. If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping, the Mall offers a number of emporiums, showrooms and storehouses selling everything from shawls and woollens to jewellery, pottery and books. Extending from Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west, this is the place to go when you’re looking to be entertained.
Tibetan Market
This makeshift market is perched on Shimla’s slopes and is the perfect destination for those who love a good bargain. Woollen clothes, Tibetan rugs and carpets, padded jackets, mufflers, scarves, sweaters as well as quality Tibetan accessories like bags, boots, shoes and jewellery are found in its bylanes. If you wander further into the chaotic lanes, you’ll also discover charming antiques and curios. Located just beneath the Ridge, the market is the preferred destination for travellers looking to shop at reasonable prices. Corn cobs swathed in butter, salt and lime are sold by wayside vendors and are a great snack to indulge in while you wander through the market.
Lakkar Bazaar
Adjoining the Ridge, Lakkar Bazaar is a marketplace which offers wooden articles targeted mainly towards tourists. The hand-crafted wooden items are truly worth the money and sell like hot cakes. Tourists take them back as a souvenir of their trip. Lakkar Bazaar is also famous for its dry fruits and natural herbs. Apart from the usual shops the market also has a roller skating rink and the state hospital known as Indira Gandhi Medical College and hospital. Many hotels such as Hotel White and Diplomat Hotel are famous of Lakkar Bazaar.
Minchy’s
For a taste of delicious and authentic jams and preserves, head to Minocha Industries’ manufacturing outlet located in the town of Shoghi. Minchy’s, their brand of fruit-based jams and preserves, are a popular souvenir to take back home from Shimla. This region is blessed with an abundant variety of fruits and Minchy’s processes these into delicious and high quality gourmet products. Their range covers everything from jams and preserves to squashes and even fruit wines. You can find multiple stalls selling these products everywhere on the Delhi-Shimla highway and even in the city.
Dockers San Francisco
Looking for an outlet where you can shop for designer labels in Shimla? Well your search ends here at Dockers San Francisco as this is apparently the only international brand outlet in the hill station. No wonder, it enjoys a large clientele of youngsters and students.