RETAIL THERAPY
With handicrafts and local souvenirs on offer, the bazaars and emporiums still rule the shopping landscape of Indore.
With the nearby towns of Chanderi and Maheshwar boasting a rich weaving culture, Indore is a hub for handcrafted fabrics and saris. The city has also earned a GI (geographical indication) tag for its handcrafted leather toys.
Packets of namkeens like Indori sev, dalmoth, and dhania-chivda stay fresh for several weeks and make for good gifts. Head to 23 Om Namkeen to get your hands on the best of such savoury local snacks ( omnamkeen.com).
Madhya Pradesh state emporium, 24 Mrignayanee, stocks some good pieces of leather toys ( mphandicrafts. com). For a more authentic small-town experience, you can check out smaller shops in Imli Bazar and Chimanbagh.
Mrignayanee is also a great place to pick up bagh prints in Chanderi and Maheshwari fabrics—both are specialities of the state, known for their delicate handloom weaving. 25 Avanti Handloom is a tried and tested place to get chanderi apparels (501, MG Road), and 26 Rehwa is popular for authentic Maheshwari clothings ( rehwasociety.org).