An overwhelming yet sensational experience is the best way to describe what it’s like stepping into Asia’s biggest spice market! Khari Baoli in the Chandi Chowk district of Old Delhi is a colourful palate offering vibrant shades and textures at every corner. With four hundred years of history saturated in its every lane, you will find clouds of spices and their flavourful aromas blanket the usual scramble of the crowd. So ensure you are well hydrated and carrying a scarf unless you catch a sneezing fit!
Explore the wide variety of spices and more at Khari Baoli!
With people travelling from far-off states to stock up on their supplies, Khari Baoli offers a wide range of local and exotic spices. Grounded cinnamon, fresh batches of Kashmiri red chillis, piles of Khara masalas among countless more. You can also find dried fruits, nuts, high-quality tea, grains, and herbs among its long and narrow alleys. I bought, well let’s just say a fair share of mango tea here and I cannot stop advocating it enough!
When to visit Khari Baoli Bazaar?
The market welcomes people from 10 am to 8 pm every day except on Sundays. It tends to get pretty crowded so it is recommended you pay a visit during opening hours. Catch the aesthetic of the bazaar and stock up on your wares well before the mid-day rush. This usual bustle of the market, however, does well to hide the fact that a large number of stalls passed down through the generations have an excellent and well-organised system in place to ensure the smooth running of the business. From the seamless transportation to the stocking and distribution of the supplies, the spice market follows an orderly fashion.
Sneak Away to the Gadodia Market rooftop that offers a picturesque view of Old Delhi
As mentioned, it is easy to get overwhelmed when visiting the streets of Khari Baoli (most specifically known as Gadodia Market to refer to the spice bazaar). So to take a breather you should head up the staircases in the courtyard to its hidden rooftop. Spot the Red Fort, and the Fatehpuri Mosque among other landmarks, and just like that you will be transported back in time away from the scurry down below. Take in the spirited lanes of Chandni Chowk and fall in love with the intoxicating charm of Delhi.
How to reach Khari Baoli?
You can take the metro to Chandni Chowk station and walk a mere fifteen minutes to the spice market. You can even hire rickshaws available here if you do not want to walk for long under the sun.