Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities of India, and as a result, a shopping spree in one of the most happening commercial hubs in the country is a must when you visit Tamil Nadu. After all, exploration of any city cannot be complete without taking a peek at its shopping culture, especially when you are in a heart-warming city like Chennai. Chennai has something to offer everyone, and there are many great shopping spots in the city.
From shopping for traditional items like Pattamara mats to the metal works from Thanjavur, traditional jewelry from Kumbakonam, and the silk sarees of Kanchipuram, Chennai will not disappoint shopping lovers. Here are some of the best places to shop to your heart’s content in Chennai-
# Thyagaraya Nagar (popularly known only as T. Nagar)T. Nagar is today one of the largest shopping markets in Chennai and a prominent shopping hub in Tamil Nadu. Once you enter the market of T. Nagar, you will be spellbound to see the endless retailers of sarees and jewelry on one side. At the same time, other apparel, utensils, craftworks, and other items are being sold on the other side.
T. Nagar is a very crowded market, regardless of what time of the day you visit here. The market is known for the incredible scope of bargaining it offers, especially if you are well versed in speaking Tamil. Otherwise, also there are significant discounts and price reductions during the festival season. The T. Nagar market is famous for its massive collection of sari and gold jewelry stores. This is the place to go to if you want to get a good bargain on some very expensive items.
# Pondy Bazaar
Another extremely popular market of Chennai city is the Pondy Bazaar. The Pondy Bazaar is known for selling kurtas, dress materials, salwar kameez, fashion accessories, handbags, trendy clothes, mobile phones, accessories, and footwear. The streets of Pondy Bazaar are also crowded with many small and big shops selling everything and anything you can possibly imagine. The Pondy Bazaar is popularly referred to as the ‘college tee fashion destination,’ and you will see many youngsters thronging the market at all times.
This bazaar is located in T. Nagar itself, but it is home to the city’s famous Naidu Hall and Ratna Stores. The Pondy Bazaar is such a renowned market in all of Tamil Nadu that it is often known as the ‘Mecca of all Shopping.’
# Besant NagarBesant Nagar is another famous place for shopping in Chennai. Its close proximity to the sea, and a popular beachside ensures that the market remains crowded throughout the day. Besant Nagar is known as one of the posh shopping streets of Chennai, but at the same time, it can alsonbe a shopping haven for the thrifty shopper who is looking for a great deal.
Take a break at Besant Nagar and try out the fashionable footwear or browse through the many shops of cotton handloom and mill material. You will be surprised to see some of the most striking, bold ikats, striped mangalagiri, and printed cotton fabrics here.
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The Pantheon RoadIf you desire to buy some good quality cotton fabric and clothes at affordable places, then head on over the Pantheon Road market in Chennai. This is the best place in Chennai to find high-quality cotton fabric and clothes. From bright shades of cotton to the pastel shades or neutral colors, you can find all types of eye-popping colors here in this market. Not only is the right place to find cheap fabrics, but the wide variety of most expensive, high quality, and newly designed materials that carry the trendiest of patterns will leave you amazed. The availability of premium cotton fabrics at the most reasonable of rates has made Pantheon Street one of the most sought after shopping places in Chennai.
# The SowcarpetA visit to the Sowcarpet will give you a glimpse of North India in the midst of Tamil Nadu. Sowcarpet is the on-stop market you need to head to for buying churidars, lehengas, cholis, fashion accessories, and other dresses typically native to the northern part of the country. Interestingly, this market is also located in the north part of Chennai. If you have a problem understanding the local langue in Chennai, then the Sowcarpet is the ideal market for you as language is no barrier here. Most of the shopkeepers also descend from the north itself, thus making conversing in Hindi easily.
# Ampa SkywalkSimilar to the other metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, Chennai also has no shortage of big and majestic shopping malls, with the Ampa Skywalk leading the list. Even though the Ampa Skywalk is not the biggest mall in Chennai, the location of this mall in the heart of the Chennai city has made it very popular.