In an era of when everything is available on the press of click, and same-day deliveries are a norm, digital experience has taken over our lives. There remains something special about physically going out to shop. Flea markets are different from your average shopping experience in a mall or a store, they are polarizing experiences. It's not always about that item you got for a cheap price, but it is more about the feeling when you get it. It's about the memories you share with your friends when you went for some flea market hopping post-college, had some amazing street food. It's the priceless memories you make that make flea market special.

1. Chandni Chowk, Delhi

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One of the oldest market's in India, if you are aware of one flea market of India, it is this one. With multiple appearances in Bollywood movies, to being a synonym for a flea market, if you are in Delhi, especially if you staying over at a hotel in Paharganj you are bound to visit Chandni Chowk just to see the chaotic symphony of people moving around. Probably the oldest market in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi's primary lane, is a tumultuous shopping road filled by vendors and doormen with limited paths offering full medieval bazaar experience. It is a significant historical site prestigious for the accessibility of each sort of products, from goods to foods and everything in between. It was built in the seventeenth century by the Mughal leader of India, Shah Jahan. It is located opposite the Red Fort and gives a perspective on the Fatehpur Mosque. During the rule of Shah Jahan, there was a tree-lined waterway going through its inside, mirroring the moon. Henceforth, the name "Chandni Chowk" came to being which signifies "moonlight place".

2. Krishna Rajendra Market, Bengaluru

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Once a battlefield in the 18th century, Krishna Rajendra Market is one of the most famous and vibrant markets in Bangalore. This flower market is considered to be one of Asia's largest, hosting vendors of all kind but majorly consisting of flower vendors. The market is great for early morning explorations, selfies or just experience the floral beauty flowers you have never seen or can't even pronounce and get some groceries on the way. The market is highly famous among photographers due to the different hues one can experience and it is recommended to visit the market as early as 4 Am for that perfect shot. Also, the back of the market different kinds of metal crafted things is available like gym equipment for workout freaks or some cheap refurbished electronics for the tech-savvy people. If you are planning to visit the market as a tourist getting a hotel in basavanagudi is highly recommended. You can also get hotels in basavanagudi on an hourly basis if you are looking for a short stay.

3. Chor Bazaar, Mumbai

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The saying goes 'If you have gotten something stolen in Mumbai, you'll probably end up finding it in Chor Bazaar'. This historic flea market is renowned all over India, and even outside such, it has become a famous tourist destination. A story suggests, in its initial days it used to call 'Shor Bazaar' due to the loud vendors, but due to mispronunciation of the British it started knowing 'Chor Bazaar', and they stuck to it because of the presence on stolen good in the market. In a list to do things in Mumbai for a weekend, a visit to Chor Bazaar would always be there for the right reasons. A students favourite for the obvious reason, Chor Bazaar is the home to all kinds of vendors, from Antiques to Chinese electronics, vintage music records, decorations to a lot of useless cool stuff, it has it all. It doesn't matter how many items you buy from here, every time leaving this place is gonna give you that sense of regret of 'maybe I could have bought that antique, I might never see it again'. If you are visiting Chor Bazaar as a tourist having a local with you is recommended and taking a hotel in Marin Lines would allow you to visit other adjacent markets like Crawford market and Fashion street.

4. Dilli Haat, Delhi

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Delhi is home to three Dilli Haats. The oldest covers a 6 acres area, established in 1994 located opposite the INA metro station. The other two have been established recently, one in Pitampura (North Delhi) and another in Janakpuri (West Delhi). While the latter two are much bigger, they are of much significance as they are either underutilized empty stalls or are not quite up to the mark in contrast to the original Dilli Haat. The original Dilli Haat is home to the finest fabric in town, putting most top brands out there to shame. Vibrant phulkari dupatta, Sarees from West Bengal, kurtas, shawls, jackets, and ponchos with vibrant Kashmiri embroidery, Lucknow's signature chikankari fabric and clothing and even handloom textiles, they have it all. Just remember when shopping at Dilli Haat, multiple stalls have the same collection, so scavenge through the stalls for the best of deals. If you're looking to visit the original Dilli Haat, a hotel in Hauz Khas is the most appropriate for a commute.

5. New Market, Kolkata

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New market is the historic flea market situated in Kolkata. Full of maze-like stalls and variety of good, you are likely to get lost here either metaphorically in the variety of items at cheap prices or literally. New market is renowned for it's heavy crow throughout the year, so having a local is highly recommended. The busiest time for New market is pre-Durga Puja, the biggest festival in Bengal when there is barely space to breathe. While such visits are not suggested for the faint-hearted, it is truly a spectacle to watch so many people at the same time in search of the perfect clothing item. New Market also happens to be home of amazing street food, and some legendary restaurants and hotels. If you are planning on exploring this chaotic market you can get a hotel in Esplanade, and also visit other tourist attraction nearby.

Visiting one of these giant flea markets is an experience to remember. The thing is, it's not the product you are paying for, but the experience. The joy of getting that perfect matching lehenga, or getting a vintage music CD of your favourite band after hours of scavenging, is something no e-commerce website can match. Memories you make in flea markets, let it be finding a new shop or having a perfect plate of momos is something unparalleled.