It is a pretty common assumption that India hits you the moment you step off the plane. The sights, the sounds, and the incredible colours are unmatched. But I reckon it is those brilliant, bright and beautiful colours of the clothing that I love most about India. I loved it right away! My next question after stepping out into the vibrant chaos of Delhi and without forgetting to sort out a SIM and a taxi, was of wear to buy those beautifully bright clothes to wear in India.
We have travelled to India seven times now, and every single time we visit, our very first stop is to buy those traditional, local clothes to wear in India as a traveller.
Not only does this mean we can pack incredibly light (or light-er). But wearing the local clothing is also a great way to show respect for Indian culture and traditions. It makes for a good connection point striking up a conversation when you are travelling India. Plus, frankly, loose cotton kurtas are the absolute best way to stay cool in the intense Indian heat!
Shopping for Indian Clothes in India
Getting to join in with those epic colours that make the country so vibrant is one of the coolest parts of being a traveller in India.
Because we believe so strongly in this (and I may or may not be a little bit obsessed with the beautifully coloured Kurtas) we now take our Group Trips straight to the markets on day one of our tour to get everyone kitted out with local travel clothes.
If you want to experience this too you need to head straight to Sarojini Nagar Market. We reckon this is the absolute best place in Delhi to find beautiful, budget-friendly Indian wear.
Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi
Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi is exactly like the bustle of Indian markets that you see in the pictures. It is a chaotic, exhilarating whirlwind of colour, noise, and unbeatable bargains.
There are shops inside and stalls outside. The narrow lanes are packed with open-air stalls where vendors call out prices over the chatter of the crowds, selling everything from high-street fashion leftovers to beautiful traditional wear.
What is Sarojini Market Like as a Tourist?
Shopping for a kurta (a traditional Indian tunic) here as a tourist is an interactive adventure. (I think that is the best way to describe it!).
You will find yourself weaving through these tight alleys flanked by massive piles of bright cottons, intricate chikankari embroidery, and bold block prints. The vendors will easily spot you as a traveller and typically quote a premium price. But this is your cue to dive into the market’s biggest custom: friendly bargaining.
Either that, or let me tell you about our few favourite shops we always go to. Because inside the shops the chances are they have fixed prices and that is a better start for finding your dream outfit to buy to wear in India.
What to Wear in India (Females, Males & Kids)
Dressing appropriately in India means keeping your shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting religious sites. Know though that you don’t have to go all out and be adorned head to toe in traditional wear!
Here is what we recommend buying for your travels:
- For Females: The go-to outfit is a Kurti (a long tunic top) paired with Leggings or loose Salwar trousers. A Dupatta (a lightweight scarf) is also essential for draping over your chest or covering your head when entering temples.
- For Males: Men generally wear a Kurta-Pyjama set, which consists of a long-sleeved cotton tunic top and lightweight drawstring pants. It’s casual, respectable, and very breezy.
- For Kids: Children can wear similar miniature versions of local clothes. Our boys wear the lightweight cotton kurtas, and they find them comfortable for exploring. Though I admit the majority of the time they wear their own travel pants and a t-shirt!
Shops to Check in Sarojini Market to Buy Clothes
Clearly, there are shops and stalls galore.
To bypass the chaos, head straight to the main storefront line near Entrance #1. Tucked just behind the temporary market stalls, you will find a row of reliable, permanent shops that offer everything you need.
These are where we go back to each time and where we recommend you check out:
- Chacha Saree Bazar: This is my favourite women’s clothing shop in Delhi, and a mandatory stop on all our group trips. They sell beautiful readymade (stitched) kurtas both individually and in sets. Prices range from 800 to 2,000 INR, with inclusive sizing available up to XXXXL.
- Go Colours: A few doors down, this shop specialises in bottoms. It is the perfect spot to pick up leggings, tights, trousers, and shalwar or churidar pants in every style and shade to pair with your new kurta. Prices between 1,000 and 1,500 INR.
- Sabhyata: This is a franchise store with high-quality kurtas, dresses, menswear, and an incredible selection of plain-coloured, lightweight dupatta scarves. These scarves cost just 300 to 400 INR and come in every colour of the rainbow.
Getting to Sarojini Nagar Market
Sarojini Nagar Market is located in South West Delhi.
- Logistics Tip: The market is open every day except Monday, which is when most vendors close up shop. For the best experience, arrive around 11:00 AM just as the stalls open and before the heavy evening crowds roll in.
Driving with Sunny
For our trips, we always use our trusted local driver, Sunny. Having Sunny navigate the chaotic Delhi traffic and drop us at the market gates is a game-changer.
If you are hiring a private driver for your Delhi sightseeing, arranging for them to drop you off and pick you up near the designated parking zones at Sarojini is by far the most stress-free option.
Contact Sunny
- Sunny in Delhi: +91 95997 59259
Taking the Metro
If you are traveling independently, you can take the Delhi Metro. Hop on the Pink Line and get off directly at the Sarojini Nagar Metro Station. The market entrance is just a short, two-minute walk from the station exit.
Tips for Shopping at Sarojini Nagar
Navigating Sarojini for your first time in Delhi is somewhat of an art form. The market is a maze of permanent shops and tiny, open-air stalls with clothes piled high on tables.
There are a few things I can think to share before you set out for your first time shopping:
1. Bargaining is OK (Sometimes)
Bargaining is completely expected here. As a general rule of thumb, whatever price a vendor quotes you, you can counter with about half of that amount and work your way to a comfortable middle ground.
If you are buying multiple kurtas from the same stall, you have a much better chance of securing a great bulk discount.
But do remember that the shops inside (the ones that we recommend) have fixed prices. So don’t try and bargain inside!
2. Check the Quality and Sizing
A lot of the stock at Sarojini Market is of export surpluses or minor factory rejects. So before handing over your rupees, do give the clothing a look-over.
Keep in mind that South Asian sizes are unflatteringly small by Western standards. I usually wear a ‘Size 44’ or XL/XXL for comparison!
3. Bring Cash
While digital payments are growing, cold hard cash is king when you are haggling over small amounts with street vendors. Carry plenty of small-denomination rupee notes (100 and 200 rupee notes are perfect).
4. Match Your Dupatta
Bring your freshly bought kurta into the shop and ask the staff to help you match a few different scarves so you can easily switch up your outfits while traveling through India!
Where to Stay in Delhi
There are some great places to stay in Delhi.
I’ll be the first to admit that starting out searching for accommodation in India is another of those needle-in-a-haystack type challenges.
However, these are the hotels and accommodation we use regularly on our trips to Delhi and that we can recommend for your trip.
- New Delhi Airport – Mid-Range
Taurus Sarovar Portico
We always stay here as a great first stop arriving in India. A tasty buffet breakfast is included and there is a licensed restaurant onsite. - Delhi – Budget
Hotel Hari Piorko
Basic (very) but good location in the heart of the Main Bazaar. No view from rooms. In-house restaurant is not good but location is central and close to many other cafes and places to eat. - Delhi – Budget
Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar. Simple, small clean rooms.
Final Thoughts
Shopping at Sarojini Nagar Market is an awesome start to your travels in India. You see, it isn’t just about consumerism; it’s more like a fast-paced rite of passage for anyone traveling through Delhi!
Book a driver like Sunny, take the time (and bravery) on your first day in Delhi to dive into the market stalls, and you’ll score an entire wardrobe of comfortable, respectful travel clothes that will serve you perfectly across India.
It makes packing a breeze, supports the local vendors, and sets the perfect cultural tone for the rest of your Indian adventure. Enjoy the colours! 🙂
Questions answered and ready to plan your adventure? Check out our Ultimate Golden Triangle Itinerary to see how to link Jaisalmer with Jaipur and Agra!
Do you want a good driver for your first time in Delhi? Let us know in the comments if you connect with Sunny!
Safe travels, adventurers!
Read More India Inspiration
- Our Detailed & Easy 2-Day Itinerary Of Jaipur.
- Train Travel In India.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Mumbai.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Especially for your first time in Delhi!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
