Want to explore a maze of narrow lanes decked up with many shops, colours and bargaining that goes on and on? Then you should definitely visit the Chickpet market. This market is one of the most crowded and vibrant markets in the city of Bangalore. If you love street shopping and visiting local markets, then visiting this market is an experience quite different than modern shopping malls.
Chickpet is located in the centre of Bangalore and is famous for wholesale shops, classic silk sarees, clothing and affordable apparel. The market dates back many centuries and offers a unique shopping experience for locals and tourists alike, who seek diversity, affordability and authenticity of the old city.
Chickpet Market Timings
It is best to plan your trip to explore the places to visit in Bangalore along with this market as per the Chickpet market timings to avoid the crowds. The majority of shops in the market follow the same opening and closing time but there can be minor variations in timings from lane to lane and shop to shop.
Opening Time: 10:00 AM
Closing Time: 8:30 - 9:00 PM
Best Hours to Visit: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (less crowded)
The market is open on all days of the week. Chickpet Sunday market is really popular for the street vendors and the sale market. Many regular wholesale shops might remain shut.
Best Time to Visit Chickpet Market
The best time to visit Karnataka to explore the market in Bengaluru depends on how you prefer to shop - calm or crowded.
Best Season: October to February These months are ideal from a weather perspective in Bangalore as you can easily walk around crowded narrow streets and visit more than one shop
Best Time of Day: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Stores are open by late morning and it is less crowded. After 5:00 PM, it's very busy, particularly on weekends
Best Day: Weekdays
Saturdays and Sundays are busy, with a different atmosphere on Sundays due to the presence of street vendors and some shops being closed.
How to Reach Chickpet Market
Reaching the market is easy due to its central location in Chickpet Bengaluru Karnataka with multiple transport options available.
By Metro (Best Option): It is located near Chickpet Metro Station on the Purple Line. The market can be reached by walking from the metro station and is the easiest mode of transport.
By Road: BMTC buses, autos and cabs easily reach Chickpet from all corners of the city. But traffic can be congested, particularly during the busy shopping and Chickpet street shopping season.
By Rail: The closest train station is KSR Bengaluru City Junction (Majestic, about 2-3km from the area. You can reach here by metro, auto and cab
Things to Buy in Chickpet Market
Shopping at Chickpet wholesale market is one of the best things to do in Bangalore but it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But that’s exactly what makes it super exciting. Be it the traditional textiles or budget-friendly finds, this market is one of the best shopping places in Bangalore and it is really packed with items worth exploring.
1. Silk Sarees
Silk sarees are the main attraction of the market. This market has been a textile hub for hundreds of years with shops selling wholesale Mysore silk, Kanjeevaram, Banarasi and even local weaves like Pochampally and Paithani. Women from all over Karnataka come to shop for their weddings here as it is a sea of options and often cheaper than shops. Several stores buy directly from weavers so you can find high-quality and low-cost options in a single shop.
Best Lanes: Chickpet Main Road, Doddapete
Price Range: ₹800 - ₹50,000+ (depends on silk quality)
Shopping Tip: Always check for Silk Mark certification for authenticity
2. Dress Materials & Fabrics
The largest source of unstitched material in Bangalore is Chickpet, particularly for salwar suits, kurtis and tailoring. It is home to fabric shops selling cotton, georgette, chiffon, crepe and designer net in bulk and is a favourite of boutique shopkeepers and tailors. You can also get blouse pieces, lace borders, embroidery patches and lining materials in other lanes. The upside here is choice - each lane deals in a different type of fabric so you can buy each type in different colours.
Best Lanes: Doddapete Lane, BVK Iyengar Road
Price Range: ₹100 - ₹2,500 per metre
Shopping Tip: Buy in sets or bulk to get better bargaining rates
3. Imitation Jewellery & Bangles
There are many shops selling imitation jewellery in the streets of Balepet and its surrounding lanes including temple jewellery, jhumkas, bangles and wedding sets. These are used for weddings, festivals and even for photoshoots because they look very traditional but cost less than natural gold. You will also see a lot of coloured glass bangles, oxidised jewellery and hair accessories. The prices are often very low which makes this an always busy place.
Best Lanes: Balepet, Sultanpet
Price Range: ₹30 - ₹2,000+
Shopping Tip: Check finishing and polish quality before buying
4. Puja Items & Brass Decor
he market also has traditional puja items and brass decorations. Stores in places such as Nagarathpet offer diyas, bells, idols, pooja thalis along with other temple accessories for festivals and pujas. Items are often handmade and crafted of brass or copper. It is particularly crowded during Diwali and weddings when shoppers look for home décor as well as gifts.
Best Lanes: Nagarathpet
Price Range: ₹50 - ₹5,000+
Shopping Tip: Compare prices across shops as rates vary widely
5. Wholesale Clothing & Ethnic Wear
This is a very popular wholesale market, servicing the entire state of Karnataka and beyond. Readymade kurtis, leggings, men's ethnic wear and kidswear are just a few of the available options. The wholesale market is a popular destination for retailers as prices are much lower than in malls. Even individual customers can get deals if they're buying in bulk. This is one of the key benefits of the traditional wholesale market that really stands out.
Best Lanes: Mamulpet, Chickpet Cross
Price Range: ₹200 - ₹3,000+
Shopping Tip: Ask for wholesale rates even for small bulk purchases
6. Dry Fruits & Spices
You can find dry fruits, spices and local groceries on the KR Market side of the market at reasonable prices. Such shops my supply goods to small grocery stores and households which helps bring the prices down compared to supermarkets. There are bulk almonds, cashews, raisins and spices available in season. This area isn't as busy as textile shops but a good place for stocking up on groceries.
Best Lanes: Near KR Market, Nagarthpet stretch
Price Range: ₹200 - ₹1,200 per kg
Shopping Tip: Check freshness and quality before buying in bulk
Shopping Tips for Chickpet Market
Make purchases early to avoid crowds and to receive better service.
Never buy without bargaining, particularly in small shops and on the streets.
Bring cash with you because not all vendors accept cards.
Shop in different lanes as prices and items vary.
Carry comfortable shoes as you'll be walking considerable distances in narrow, crowded streets.
Be vigilant about your valuables because of the crowd.
When purchasing silk sarees, ensure they are certified such as Silk Mark.
Inquire about bulk discounts for multiple items.
Steer clear of festivals if you don't like crowds
Conclusion
Visiting the market is a trip back in time and you get the taste of the old-school charm through traditional street shopping experience. Here at Chickpet, you can find everything from silk sarees and fabrics to jewellery and wholesale clothes. It might seem overwhelming and busy at times but that's the charm. If you time it right and negotiate, you can get some really good steal deals and one-of-a-kind products. If you're interested in experiencing the traditional markets of Bangalore, it is not to be missed.
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