Janpath Market is not just a market, it’s a phenomenon. It’s a place where you can find anything and everything, from clothes and accessories to books and antiques, from street food and cafes to art and music, from history and heritage to modernity and diversity. It’s a place where you can shop till you drop, eat till you burp, and explore till you marvel. It’s a place where you can experience the essence of Delhi, the capital of India.
But how do you make the most of your visit to Janpath Market? How do you find the best deals and quality? How do you avoid the crowds and scams? How do you enjoy the culture and attractions? How do you get there and when do you go?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered. In this article, we will give you a complete guide to shopping, eating, and exploring at Janpath Market, from its history and culture to its products and prices, and how to plan your visit like a pro.
The Story of Janpath Market
Janpath Market has a long and rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It was originally called Queen’s Way and was part of Lutyens’ Delhi, the area designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens for the new capital of India. The market was renamed as Janpath (meaning People’s Path) after India’s independence in 1947. The market has seen many changes over the years, from being a place for elite shoppers to being a place for bargain hunters. Today, Janpath Market is a vibrant and bustling bazaar that reflects the diversity and richness of India’s culture and heritage.
One of the most distinctive features of Janpath Market is its sub-markets that cater to different communities and regions of India. For instance, you can find the Gujarati Market that sells colorful clothes, accessories, and handicrafts from Gujarat, or the Tibetan Market that sells woolen clothes, jewelry, and antiques from Tibet. You can also find the street art and live music that add to the charm and ambiance of the market.
Another feature of Janpath Market is its proximity to some of the most iconic attractions in Delhi, such as Connaught Place and India Gate. Connaught Place is one of the largest commercial and financial centers in Delhi, with a circular layout and a colonial architecture. It is also home to many shops, restaurants, cinemas, and clubs. India Gate is a war memorial that commemorates the soldiers who died in World War I and other wars. It is also a popular spot for picnics, boating, and sightseeing.
What to Buy at Janpath Market
Janpath Market is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of products and services for every taste and budget. You can find almost anything at Janpath Market, from clothes to accessories, from handicrafts to books, from antiques to souvenirs. Here are some of the categories and items that you can find at Janpath Market:
Clothes
If you love clothes, you will love Janpath Market. You can find all kinds of clothes here, especially ethnic wear and western wear. You can find kurtas, sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez, dupattas, shawls, and other traditional outfits at reasonable prices. You can also find jeans, t-shirts, dresses, skirts, tops, jackets, and other trendy outfits at affordable prices. You can choose from different brands, styles, designs, colors, materials, and sizes.
Home Decor
If you love home decor, you will love Janpath Market. You can find all kinds of home decor items here, such as cushions, curtains, carpets, rugs, and many more things at reasonable prices.
Antiques
If you love antiques, you will love Janpath Market. You can find all kinds of antiques here, especially brass items and wooden items. You can find idols, statues, vases, and other types of items at reasonable prices. You can choose from different ages, origins, and conditions.
How to Shop Smart at Janpath Market
Shopping at Janpath Market can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging and overwhelming one. Here are some tips and tricks for shopping smart at Janpath Market:
Bargain:
Bargaining is the key to getting the best deals and quality at Janpath Market. The sellers usually quote a higher price than the actual value of the item, so you have to negotiate and haggle until you reach a fair price. You can start by offering half or less than half of the quoted price, and then gradually increase your offer until you reach a mutually agreeable price.
You can also compare prices with other shops or stalls, or walk away if you are not satisfied with the price. Bargaining can be fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating. So, be polite, respectful, and firm while bargaining, and don’t take it personally if the seller rejects your offer or gets angry.
Check Sizes:
Checking sizes is another important tip for shopping at Janpath Market. The sizes of clothes and footwear may vary from shop to shop, or even from item to item. So, don’t rely on the labels or tags, but try on the items before buying them. You can also carry a measuring tape or a reference item to check the sizes. Some shops may not have trial rooms or mirrors, so you may have to use your judgment or ask someone else for their opinion. Checking sizes can save you a lot of time and hassle later, as most shops do not have a return or exchange policy.
Inspect Fabrics:
Inspecting fabrics is another important tip for shopping at Janpath Market. The quality of fabrics may vary from shop to shop, or even from item to item. So, don’t judge the fabrics by their appearance or feel, but check them for any defects, damages, stains, tears, holes, or fading.
You can also check the stitching, seams, buttons, zippers, or hooks for any flaws or faults. You can also wash or dry clean the fabrics before using them, as they may have dust, dirt, or chemicals on them. Inspecting fabrics can ensure that you get the best quality and value for your money.
Where to Eat at Janpath Market
Shopping at Janpath Market can make you hungry and thirsty, so you will need some food and beverages to refuel and refresh yourself. Luckily, Janpath Market has plenty of options for eating and drinking, ranging from street food to fine dining, from Indian cuisine to international cuisine, from snacks to meals.
Here are some of the eateries and cafes that you can visit at or near Janpath Market:
Depaul’s
Depaul’s is one of the most famous and oldest cafes in Delhi, known for its coffee and sandwiches. It is located at the entrance of Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for shoppers and tourists. You can try their cold coffee, hot coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, or mocha, along with their cheese sandwich, veg sandwich, chicken sandwich, or ham sandwich. You can also try their pastries, cakes, muffins, or cookies. The prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and the ambiance is cozy.
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is one of the most famous and authentic South Indian restaurants in Delhi, known for its dosas, idlis, vadas, uttapams, and other delicacies. It is located near Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. You can try their plain dosa, masala dosa, rava dosa, onion dosa, cheese dosa, or paper dosa, along with their sambar, coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or mint chutney. You can also try their idli, vada, uttapam, pongal, upma, or bisi bele bath. The prices are moderate, the service is courteous, and the ambiance is spacious.
Wenger’s Deli
Wenger’s Deli is one of the most famous and oldest bakeries in Delhi, known for its pastries, cakes, pies, tarts, and other desserts. It is located at Connaught Place, near Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for sweet lovers and dessert lovers. You can try their chocolate pastry, pineapple pastry, black forest pastry, truffle pastry, or fruit pastry, along with their chocolate cake, pineapple cake, black forest cake, truffle cake, or fruit cake. You can also try their apple pie, lemon tart, chocolate tart, or fruit tart. The prices are reasonable, the service is fast, and the ambiance is charming.
Keventers
Keventers is one of the most famous and oldest milkshake outlets in Delhi, known for its thick and creamy milkshakes. It is located at Connaught Place, near Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for milkshake lovers and beverage lovers. You can try their chocolate milkshake, vanilla milkshake, strawberry milkshake, butterscotch milkshake, or banana milkshake, along with their oreo milkshake, kitkat milkshake, brownie milkshake, or snickers milkshake. You can also try their cold coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. The prices are affordable, the service is friendly, and the ambiance is retro.
Triveni Terrace Cafe
Triveni Terrace Cafe is one of the most famous and artistic cafes in Delhi, known for its fusion food, live music, and art gallery. It is located at Triveni Kala Sangam, near Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for art lovers and music lovers. You can try their kebabs, biryanis, parathas, sandwiches, salads, soups, or pizzas, along with their tea, coffee, juice, or lassi. You can also enjoy their live music performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and events. The prices are reasonable, the service is warm, and the ambiance is serene.
Cafe Turtle
Cafe Turtle is one of the most famous and cozy cafes in Delhi, known for its vegetarian food, organic products, and bookstore. It is located at Khan Market, near Janpath Market, and is a popular spot for book lovers and health lovers.
Also check out: 10 Famous Markets In Delhi And What You Can Find There
How to Reach Janpath Market
Janpath Market is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as metro, bus, auto, and taxi. You can choose the mode of transport that suits your convenience, budget, and preference. Here are some details on how to reach Janpath Market by each mode of transport:
Metro:
Metro is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to reach Janpath Market. You can take the yellow line or the violet line and get off at Rajiv Chowk station or Janpath station, respectively. Both stations are within walking distance from Janpath Market. The metro fare ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 60, depending on the distance and the type of card you use. The metro timings are from 6 am to 11 pm, with a frequency of every few minutes.
Bus:
Bus is another convenient and economical way to reach Janpath Market. You can take any bus that goes to Connaught Place or India Gate, and get off at Janpath bus stop, which is right in front of Janpath Market. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 5 to Rs. 25, depending on the distance and the type of bus you take. The bus timings are from 5 am to 10 pm, with a frequency of every few minutes.
Auto:
Auto is another easy and comfortable way to reach Janpath Market. You can hail an auto from anywhere in Delhi, and ask the driver to take you to Janpath Market. The auto fare ranges from Rs. 25 to Rs. 100, depending on the distance and the traffic conditions. You can also use apps like Ola or Uber to book an auto online. The auto timings are from 6 am to 10 pm, with a availability of every few minutes.
Taxi:
Taxi is another quick and hassle-free way to reach Janpath Market. You can hire a taxi from anywhere in Delhi, and ask the driver to take you to Janpath Market. The taxi fare ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500, depending on the distance and the traffic conditions. You can also use apps like Ola or Uber to book a taxi online. The taxi timings are from 6 am to 10 pm, with a availability of every few minutes.
Best Time to Visit Janpath Market
Janpath Market is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit Janpath Market depends on the weather and crowd levels. You can choose the time and season that suits your preference, comfort, and convenience. Here are some suggestions on the best time to visit Janpath Market:
Morning:
Morning is a good time to visit Janpath Market, as it is less crowded and more peaceful. You can enjoy shopping at your own pace, without having to deal with long queues, pushy sellers, or noisy customers. You can also get better bargains and quality, as the sellers are more willing to negotiate and offer discounts. The morning timings are from 10 am to 12 pm.
Evening:
Evening is another good time to visit Janpath Market, as it is more lively and colorful. You can enjoy shopping with more variety, as new products and sellers
arrive at the market. You can also enjoy the cultural and artistic aspects of the market, such as the street art, the live music, and the nearby attractions. The evening timings are from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Winter:
Winter is a good season to visit Janpath Market, as it is more pleasant and comfortable. You can enjoy shopping without sweating, feeling thirsty, or getting sunburnt. You can also wear more layers and accessories, and buy more woolen clothes, jewelry, and antiques. The winter season is from November to February, with an average temperature of 15°C.
You may also like to check out: Shopping in Delhi: The City's Best Bargaining Zones
Janpath Market is a place that you should not miss if you are in Delhi. It is a place that offers you a glimpse of the culture, history, and diversity of India. It is a place that satisfies your shopping, eating, and exploring needs. It is a place that makes you feel alive, happy, and inspired.
We hope that this article has helped you in planning your visit to Janpath Market like a pro. We hope that you have a wonderful time at Janpath Market and enjoy its beauty, charm, and magic.
And we hope that you share your feedback, questions, or experiences with us in the comments section or on social media.
