Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping.”- Bo Derek.

India is a diverse country with a multicultural influence. With every passing state, the culture changes including food, dressing sense, and language. There is so much fashion hidden inside rural areas and villages. The talent of traditional old weavers is unmatchable. Whether it is a wedding or just for handloom shopping, India can serve as one of the hot-spots for fashion lovers. Right from world-famous thin pashmina shawls to shiny colorful Kanjeevaram sarees in Chennai, from the bohemian style of the northeast of India to mirror fitted Phulkari dupatta of Punjab and Gujarat, the variations are many. Going for a fashion hunt once in a while is not only satisfying but informative on so many other levels. When you are out there for a business meeting at a hotel at Mumbai or a hotel at Bangalore, there is no harm in getting a day off from work and just go out for some shopping. You will be amazed to see the stuff made by local talents.

As said by the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

People go for leisure travel, food travel, business travel, but what the new trend is traveling in the hunt for different and unique sarees, ornaments, and handloom stuff produced in India. Here are the top destinations in India for people who love shopping,

1-Sarees and Lehangas of Kolkata

The city of joy, “Kolkata” is every fashion lover’s ultimate destination. Apart from being the pioneer of delicious street food, the city has a very exquisite taste in saris. The design, fabric, and style of the saris quite validate the unique talent and creativity of the local people. If you are getting married, then you do not have to go anywhere else. Simply book a couple-friendly hotel at Kolkata and visit the place with your partner to do the wedding shopping. Saris such as authentic Benarasi sari with gold and silver thread work, Kantha stitch saris, Dhakai Jamdani saris, and Baluchari saris are a must-have in your wardrobe for your wedding. With affordable prices, the varieties are many. If you want to do high-end shopping, then there is the flagship store of famous fashion designer, Sabyasachi at Lake Road. You can get your dream lehenga there.

2-Bollywood fashion at Mumbai

The commercial capital of India, Mumbai is also the home to one of the biggest film industry of the world, Bollywood. The fashion sense in the city is heavily influenced by Bollywood. The high-end Bollywood fashion designers like Manish Malhotra, Neeta Lulla, etc. have their flagship stores at different locations at Mumbai. Apart from international brands, street shopping in Mumbai is of great value. The local markets near the gateway of India in South India are a must-visit to add few accessories to your wardrobe. Booking a room at a hotel on an hourly basis at Mumbai just for shopping is simply worth it.

3-Classic style in Delhi

International brands, high-end fashion, leather jackets, colorful kurtas, and the desi vibes Are what the capital city of India, Delhi is all about. With so many colleges around, the city has a style of elegant classic style with vibes of newness. The bazaars like Karol bagh, Chandni Chowk, Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar, Connaught place are one of the places where you can visit to start with your wedding shopping. Plan and book a couple friendly hotel in Delhi and start with your desi wedding shopping.

4-Beach Fashion at Goa

Sand, sun, ocean, and freedom are what defines “GOA”. Eat, Shop, and Chill is the only motto while you are at Goa. The beachy gowns, floral shirts, flowy shirts, and shorts are included in the Goan fashion quotient. There are many flea markets at different parts of north and south Goa where you can shop at your heart’s content. Some notable mentions are Anjuna Market on Wednesdays and Saturday Night Market at Arpora. Apart from various trinkets on sale, there are many live performances by the rock bands.

5-Kanjeevaram Saree of South India

Dear Western outfits,
Try all you want but only I only bring out her true beauty and elegance.
Your’s sincerely,
Kanjeevaram Saree

Saree is considered as the most elegant outfit for a woman and when it is a kanjeevaram silk saree, then it’s a win-win situation. Made in the Kanchipuram region of Tamil Nadu, it slowly widened its wings to Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. It also got a Geographical Indication tag by the government of India in the year 2005-06. Depicting the stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana in the pallu, the silk sarees are a must-have in your wardrobe. No wedding, no party is complete without a kanjeevaram saree. So, when you are spending time with your partner at a couple-friendly hotel at Bangalore for a pre-wedding shoot, do not forget to explore the markets there to get your red and golden bridal kanjeevaram saree.

6-Ikat silk saree of Odisha

Situated in the eastern part of the country, nobody could have thought that Odisha could have such rich and traditional fashion sense. The Sambalpuri ikat silk saree, which is one of the most famous saree produced in India, comes from this region. Made by the weavers of western Odisha region, this saree became popular when the late Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi started wearing them. the designs incorporated are those of Lord Jagannath, shells, wheel, and flowers symbolizing the Odia culture.  

7-Westernized fashion in Shillong

The culture of Shillong, Meghalaya has more western influence with street style fashion, brightly colored mix and match designs, hip hop style, baggy pants, and trendy hairstyle. The fashionists of the city can give a tight competition to the fashion culture of metro cities. Visit this place is a must to witness how to live with freedom and be super cool with your dressing sense.

8-Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir

The softness of Pashmina shawls, the hue of chinar leaves, the giant Himalayas, and the beautiful nature, and this are what defines Kashmir. Made from the animal hair fiber of Changtangi boat, especially found in Kashmir, Pashmina shawls is a favorite internationally. Though its inception is since the Mughal era, it has grown its wings till France because of its royal touch. It is a matter of great pride to own a royal piece of this beautiful creation in your wardrobe. So when you are on your honeymoon at Kashmir, do not forget to get one piece of this fabric.

9-Phulkari suit of Punjab

Punjab means fun, frolic, food, and fashion. The Phulkari design of Punjab has a folk influence. It means embroidery of flowers. It is part of a girl's wedding collection in their culture. Embroidered by the local women, it is a must-have in your wardrobe. A Patiala suit with phulkari dupatta is like “Waah Ji waah!”

10-The trend in Bengaluru

Mostly occupied by the IT Professional and start-ups, the crowd of Bengaluru is in a hunt for easy, trendy yet classy dressing style. With the major population being young, they prefer something fun. You can simply book a hotel on an hourly basis at Bengaluru near the commercial street area and guiltlessly shop there.

11-Bandhani sarees of Gujarat and Rajasthan

The age-old technique of tie and die in making this particular saree is still a top runner in being preferred by many women. Not only sarees, even beautiful “pagris” are made out of this fabric. Started by the people living during Indus Valley Civilisation, this technique creates a beautiful pattern in the fabric. A must-have in your collection.

12- Chikankari work fabric from Lucknow

Lucknow is known for it's royalty, delicious Kababs and Chikankari work. The thin thread work over plain cotton fabric material is something to get for your wardrobe. There are many places in Lucknow who give beautiful options of Chikankari work of great expertise. The next time you are on a trip to explore the place, make sure to book room at a couple- friendly hotel at Lucknow near a posh area before you hit the market.

Some notable mentions- Kerala Sarees of Kerala, Pochampally Ikat of Andhra Pradesh, Chanderi Silk sarees of Madhya Pradesh.

Among all the fashion advice and materials provided in the market, it is your own choice to create a unique style statement of yourself. Spend your hard-earned money in getting something that you can cherish forever.

Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress, and the way you live.” – Gianni Versace