Uttarakhand is a timeless beauty continuously being nurtured amid the towering mountains, flourishing green landscapes, serene lakes, and a tranquil environment. Where travelers often zone out in the unrushed life surrounded by the Greater and Lesser Himalayas, they wish to cherish this memorable journey after getting back to their routine chaos.
However, buying souvenirs and antique mementos can help you remember this treasure and revive the feeling of magical moments during your trip here.
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and all the major cities of Uttarakhand have so much to offer to the buyers, from local handicrafts to woolen wear, from religious merchandise to western uniques, which all foster the state’s regional and cultural heritage.
This article is going to give a deep insight into the markets of Uttarakhand and the items that should be bought during your Uttarakhand visit.
Famous Markets of Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand has numerous markets that are renowned for their uniqueness and natural settings against the Himalayan backdrop.
Mall Road, Nainital:
Mall Road in Nainital is the heart of the city, running along the beautiful Naini Lake. It was built during British rule in India. This is the main shopping and tourist area of the town and is famous for its markets, where you can buy woolen clothes, unique candles, wooden items, and local handicrafts.
Along the street, you’ll see many cafés and restaurants serving delicious food items like Momo, Bal Mithai, Thukpa, Chainsoo soup, Bun Tikki etc.
The cool breeze from the lake makes evening walks here very pleasant. And, also because vehicles are not allowed during peak hours, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Mall Road is the perfect place to shop, eat, and enjoy Nainital’s beauty.
Tibetan Market, Dehradun:
Tibetan Market in Dehradun is another great option for shopping lovers. You can see a lot of youngsters here as the market is famous for selling colorful tees, tops, dresses and other stuff that are liked by youngsters.
It is also known as a hub for fashionistas and is counted among the best places to shop clothes in Dehradun. Also, small restaurants and street vendors serve multiple amazing Tibetan dishes that you can enjoy.
Paltan Bazaar, Dehradun:
Paltan Bazaar in Dehradun is very well-known and one of the cheapest market areas. The market seems a little more enthusiastic in the evening, with colorful bulbs adorning the streets.
This is an ideal market for travelers who belong to other countries and come from different cultures. It offers a wide range of local goods and authentic food, be it Indian, Chinese, or Italian, making it a paradise for food lovers.
You can also buy Doon Basmati rice, a specialty of Dehradun, from the Grocery shops. In addition to this, the market is also famous for its Garhwali woolen shawls, mufflers, and handcrafted jewelry.
Moti Bazaar, Haridwar:
Moti Bazaar is located en route to Har ki Pauri on the Kotwali Upper road. It is one of Haridwar’s bustling markets, which is renowned for religious items and books, and thus, makes it an ideal spot for devotees and tourists alike.
Street food at Moti Bazar is popular among visitors as one can find chaat, flavored milk, and jalebi stalls swarming with people who want to get a taste of it. The market comes alive at night when it is lit with hundreds of lights that look spectacular.
Kankhal Chowk Bazaar, Haridwar:
The Kankhal Chowk bazaar of Haridwar is quite famous for both religious and eatery purposes. There is a strong buzz about one of the tasty treats of the market, Pahalwan Ji’s Kachori. It may seem just like an ordinary little food corner, but is always packed with people who keep praising the taste. If you, as well, want to savor the local flavors, you have to try this.
While making your way to the ancient Sati temple, you will also come across numerous vendors who sell almost everything you need. The market generally opens between 7-10:00 am, and there are several religious sites in and around the market that you can visit additionally.
Char Dukan, Mussoorie:
Char Dukaan, near St. Paul’s Church in Landour, is a lively market often crowded with tourists from all over the world. If you’re in Mussoorie, you definitely do not wish to miss this market.
The area around Char Dukan displays the cultural sight of the Colonial era, present with plenty of cafés serving up freshly made Honey tea pancakes, waffles, and common foods like tea, maggie, momos, and bun.
As the name suggests, this market initially had only four shops, which expanded over time, given the large number of tourists regularly visiting here to relish their time in the placid surroundings of Mussoorie.
You may not find the spicy and tangy flavors here, but witnessing panoramic views of snow-covered peaks is amazing, and the birds chirping in the Oak and pine trees turn your breakfast into a very delightful experience.
Lala Bazaar, Almora:
Lala Bazaar is considered among the oldest market areas of Almora, suggesting to be 200 years old. This landmark also features a huge iron statue of a lion that navigates the bypassers.
This commercial hub of Almora is a vibrant mix of colorful shops, bustling streets, and a rich history that draws travelers from far and wide. The market has been promoting its cultural heritage since the period of Chand Rulers.
Now, when you check out the offerings, you will see different kinds of shops selling traditional Kumaoni accessories, wooden handicrafts, soft rabbit wool fabrics, spices, and other such things.
Besides, the market offers a variety of cuisines, including local delicacies such as the famous Bal Mithai of the region and Kumaoni dishes.
What to Buy?
Whenever we travel to a region with diverse cultures and beliefs, the one that follows dissimilar customs and rituals, worships different forms of God and is settled across unfamiliar tribes, we feel like bringing some of the memories back to our place. However, in the process, we get confused as to what to buy.
And hence, we are going to write down some popular and regional items of Uttarakhand.
Traditional Handicrafts:
Uttarakhand is a state that strongly believes in inspiring and boosting the art and culture of the region.
The major reason for the existence of this highly crafted work is that the state still consists of numerous towns and villages that are home to Indigenous and backward communities that are highly unknown to modernism.
They are primarily engaged in making handicrafts with limited alternatives to earnings. However, these works require a great focus, and the villagers excelled in this art, being taught by their predecessors.
Tourists who come from different corners of the world are fascinated with such charming folk crafts and often search for markets and antique items to buy.
Let us suggest a few famous items that you should consider buying as memorable Souvenirs:
- Ringaal products (A type of Bamboo)
- Intricate Paintings
- Pashmina Shawl and muffler
- Aipan Art
- Handloom Sarees and carpets
- Designed Candles
- Pine Needle Made Items
- Jute-made Items
Local Specialities:
Among the local specialties of Uttarakhand, you may get lost among plenty of items to select from.
Being nestled in the laps of the Himalayas, the villagers here are less fond of oily plus fatty foods, and hence, they prefer eating local herbs and vegetables that come fresh from their personal farms.
The state also provides very suitable weather for a variety of Fruits and plants to grow, which are later used in making juices, wines, pickles, Jams, and etc.
Here are some local specialties of Uttarakhand that you can bring your home to:
- Homemade Pickles
- Local Wines
- Local Spices, such as, Bhanga, Kala Jeera, Jakhaya, Lai
- Honey
- Rotana (local cookie)
- Rhododendron Jam
Religious Souvenirs:
Uttarakhand is referred to as Devbhoomi, i.e., the Land of God. Through various religious sites, it reflects the sense of high spiritualism across the state.
It serves as the birthplace of multiple Himalayan rivers and is home to numerous ancient temples and Ashrams.
Here are some notable religious Souvenirs that you can purchase:
- Statues & Idols of God
- Original Rudrakshas
- Pooja item holders
- Gangajal
- Religious Books
Woolen Goods:
Uttarakhand is situated in the Northern part of India and is renowned for producing high-quality wool clothing.
Due to its steep geography and mild environment, it presents beautiful woolen goods that keep you warm, made by the region’s talented artisans.
The crafters utilize local techniques to make woolen products of Uttarakhand which have been passed down through generations. These clothes are often made from natural wool which makes them comfortable and durable, perfect for the harsh winter of the Himalayas.
Visitors often seek out these unique woolen items as a memory to take home. Here are a few items you should definitely consider.
- Woolen shawls and stoles
- Woolen sweaters and Cardigans
- Kullu woolen caps
- Hand-knitted woolen socks and Gloves
Decorative and Utility items in Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand offers a variety of unique handcrafted items that represent themselves as perfect souvenirs:
- Stone and wood carving intricate sculpture inspired by temples and nature, perfect for home decor.
- Rudraksha beads: used for jewelry and rosaries, believed to bring peace.
- Copper and brass utensils, which are traditionally hand engraved, and ceramic utensils, including teapots and cups.
- Hand-painted wooden boxes: decorative, painted wooden boxes and trays
- Herbal products and teas: natural herbal teas, oil and skincare items.
We suggested some unique and antique souvenirs that you can buy during your Uttarakhand visit. Purchasing these memorable items not only pleases you but also provides artisans and local vendors a sense of pride and even helps them earn their livelihood.
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