Have you ever been somewhere where every corner has a smell of fresh spices, colourful woollens, and delicious street food, all in one place? This is what Paltan Bazar Dehradun resembles. This bustling market is in the very centre of the city, and it greets you with vivid colours, loud noises, and friendly faces of shopkeepers in the town. Be it the love towards shopping, local culture, tasting the snacks at the street, or even walking along bright lanes, Paltan Bazar Dehradun will make you fall in love with it at first sight.
It has all that a shopper could dream of, starting with vintage woollen cloths and wooden furniture and continuing with Basmati rice and spice, a Dehradun speciality. If Dehradun is your next destination through the Uttarakhand tour package, you will find this place an enjoyable, affordable, and memorable experience that you cannot miss to visit. This guide will tell you about the timings, history, best time to visit, how to get there, and travel tips that will help you have fun in the market like a pro.
History of Paltan Bazar Dehradun
Shopping is not the only thing that makes Paltan Bazar Dehradun Uttarakhand, so charming; it is also full of past memories. The area was a busy meeting point of the soldiers, traders and travellers during the period of British rule. The name was derived from the word Paltan is translated to mean battalion or regiment, and the name was given by the Gurkha and armed forces surrounding the area at the time. Little local stores gradually appeared, and in a few decades it became a bustling marketplace to which residents of adjacent hills and plains flocked to sell their daily necessities, woollens, spices and artisan craft work.
As time passed by, the bazaar had turned into the centre of the Dehradun shopping culture where tourists, locals, students, shopkeepers and visitors all found themselves in a single colourful stretch. This has been reflected in modern times in terms of its old identity through old-fashioned shops, handicrafts and old-fashioned warm hospitality by the shopkeepers.
Fun Fact: It is both a shopping and a cultural experience as the market still has family-owned shops, which are over 60-80 years old.
Best Time To Visit Paltan Bazar Dehradun
The most appropriate time to visit the bazar will be determined by the type of experience you desire. When you like nice weather and leisurely, slow walks along busy streets, come between October and March when it is a cool breeze that makes the shopping experience enjoyable. The wintertime is also even more colourful with warm woollens, baked sweets, and festivities.
April to June would also be fantastic if you want more energy, longer hours of business and full inventory in each shop. The season creates an exhilarating atmosphere in this market due to the tourist season. The market remains open even in the rainy seasons, although one needs to carry an umbrella. Shopping is always fun here throughout the year; however, winters are always the best time to visit Dehradun to have comfortable weather and a better shopping experience.
Tip: It is best to visit between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm when the shops are open and the prices are better, as well as it is not as hot at noon.
How To Reach Paltan Bazar Dehradun
It is extremely convenient to reach here as it is located in the centre and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. You may use whatever transport you like, based on your point of departure:
By Auto E -Rickshaw: It is the quickest and most convenient mode to go anywhere in the city.
By Bus: Local buses can be used to reach Clock Tower or Prince Chowk, and the market is a few steps away.
By Private Cab/Taxi: This is the ideal choice when you are travelling with family or luggage.
By Foot: The market begins right after Clock Tower. It is a nice walk to go through.
Paltan Bazar Dehradun Location: Paltan Bazar Dehradun is located in the city of Dehradun near Clock Tower.
Paltan Bazar Dehradun directions: Inquire about Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), and the market will lie right before you.
Paltan Bazar Dehradun timings: 10:00 AM -10:00 PM (majority of shops)
Things to Do In Paltan Bazar Dehradun
Paltan Market Dehradun has much to enjoy, and it is a hub for shoppers from morning till late at night. Whether you like shopping, food, local culture, strolling, or simply watching people and street colours, this Dehradun market has something that every individual likes, making it one of the best things to do in Dehradun. The 10 best things to do on the visit are:
1. Buy Woollen Clothes-Winter Wear
The best pleasure of this Dehradun shopping market is getting winter clothes of good quality, and that too at affordable prices. Starting with cosy sweaters and jackets up to fashionable shawls and caps, the market is overwhelmed with warm and fashionable products. Most of these products are manufactured in the country and are long-lasting, hence convenient and economical.
Highlights:
Good collection of sweaters, mufflers, pullovers, caps, and winter clothes for kids.
The shopping season is from November to the end of February.
2. Taste the Famous Doon Bakery Sweets
You are not going to leave this market without tasting its melt-in-the-mouth bakery sweets. From rusks and cookies to pastries and cakes, the tastes have been cherished since time immemorial. There are still many bakeries that operate on the old-fashioned recipes that make them extra special to take back home as gifts.
Highlights:
Must try buttery rusks, plum cakes, dry cakes, and cream rolls.
They are delicious and available at cheap prices.
3. Visit Shopping Areas For Handicrafts and Souvenirs
The Dehradun city market is where the traveller is likely to find beautiful handicrafts that are created by local artisans. There are wooden decor, candles, traditional jewellery, miniature instruments, embroidered bags and Tibetan-inspired art. These would be the ideal souvenirs to go back with to remember your visit to Paltan Bazar Dehradun.
Highlights:
Good in gifts, decor, and cultural souvenirs.
Evening hours are the best for shopping.
4. Taste the Local Street Food
Make your shopping experience more enjoyable with delicious street food. Paltan Market Dehradun boasts of a good food aroma. Hot momos, chowmein, chaats, samosas and kulfi are all sold there. One can have a meal as they stroll down this famous market in Dehradun.
Highlights:
Must try the Momos, Bun-tikki, Gol-gappa, and Milk Shakes.
The peak period starts after 5 PM when food stalls are open.
5. Purchase Fine Spices & Dried Fruits
Head to the spice and dry fruit stores of the Paltan Bazar Dehradun, in case you have a taste for the spice. In the small streets, the air is filled with the smell of fresh tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and pulses. A lot of the Indians who travel here purchase the spices in large amounts since they are of great quality and are sold at reasonable prices.
Highlights:
You can buy Basmati rice, tea, cardamom, walnuts, and almonds.
It is ideal for long-lasting kitchen shopping.
6. Visit Cafes and Tea Spots Post Shopping
A nice cafe or a tea stand is a very nice place to have a rest after spending a huge amount of time in the Dehradun market for shopping. You will be able to take a sip of warm drinks while talking to your family or friends, watching the active crowd outside. These cafes offer Indian and continental snacks, hence they are the best place to have a relaxing break.
Highlights:
Taste the Masala tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and patties.
The best time to visit is in the late evening to have a quiet atmosphere.
7. Capture Photographs of The Colourful Moments
Paltan Bazar Dehradun, is very well-lit, colourful, and highly active and thus is ideal to take some really beautiful photographs. Get the pictures of the old shops, spice stores, winter clothes, smiling sellers, and people who are consuming street food. Those images depict the spirit of Dehradun.
Highlights:
The peak hours start between 5 pm -8 pm.
Never take pictures without asking permission from shopkeepers.
8. Pat A Visit To The Well-known Bookstores
The customary book stores located in the Paltan Bazar Dehradun, can be visited by book lovers. There are school books, exam guides, novels, travelling diaries, journals and stationery gifts. Several stores offer quality discounts, particularly to students, and the employees are amiable.
Highlights:
It is ideal for students, readers, and diary collectors.
You can also find pens, planners, and notebooks.
9. Buy Trendy Footwear & Bags
Paltan Market Dehradun is also a marketplace with a great variety of fashionable and inexpensive shoes and bags. You will be able to purchase sandals, leather shoes, boots, backpacks, handbags and travel bags. The diversity and choice are affordable to a large number of budgets, and it is a preferred destination for shopaholics.
Highlights:
The best time of the day is late evening.
You can experience affordable shopping with durable materials.
10. Enjoy the Market’s Night Vibe
Paltan Bazar is one of the best places to walk around in the market at night. The lights are shining, the stores are more beautiful, the food booths are appetising, and you hear joyful customers. The bazaar is worth visiting even without making purchases.
Highlights:
The best time to visit is after 7 PM to witness the night vibes.
Weekends are livelier but rather congested.
Conclusion
Paltan Bazar Dehradun, is a very vibrant and culturally endowed shopping street and also one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. It possesses a local market with various products at affordable prices. Clothing, handicrafts, spices, books, winter clothes or souvenirs, anything can be found to offer and for every age and budget. Street food restaurants also add excitement to the shopping experience. It is one of the major places that must not be missed in every trip to Dehradun because of its central location, ease of access and vibrant ambience. You get to experience and see the culture and the day-to-day life of the city, rather than just shopping.
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