Introduction

"Located in the diplomatic neighborhood of Chanakyapuri near Ashok Hotel, Santushti Shopping Complex is a cluster of chic designer boutiques on a sprawling garden courtyard. The garden is interspersed with cobbled pathways and lush lawns dotted with flowering planters. Santushti is the place in Delhi to find one-off creations, traditional and contemporary clothing, home furnishings, Ayurvedic beauty products, silverware, gem embossed jewelry, paintings, leather goods, handicraft, and oddball antiques. The shops here house works by some of the country’s most notable designers and artists.

A favorite shopping haunt of the Diplomatic Corps and Delhi’s expat community, the complex has everything arty and exclusive such as bejeweled men’s sherwanis by Raghavendra Rathore, and finely handcrafted kurtas and bridal wear from Rohit Bal among other top-of-the-line designers. Browse ‘Lotus Eaters’ for its collection of exquisite gold and silver jewelry. For off-the-shelf block-printed cotton wear, head to ‘Anokhi’, visit ‘Ensemble’ for ethnic and exclusively Indian clothing and pick up some Cuban cigars from ‘Kastro’s’. After shopping, you can stop at the in-site ‘Basil and Thyme’ restaurant that only serves contemporary Euro-American lunch, and not to mention some lip-smacking desserts.

Before leaving, don’t forget to stop at ‘Claire’s’ for delicious breads and jams. Even if you do not intend spending too much on shopping, a trip to Santushti Complex is highly recommended, not only because it gives you a glimpse into the richness of Indian design and craft, also because it is a relaxing place to stroll and browse.

Special Attributes

Santushti is the place in Delhi to find one-off creations, traditional and contemporary clothing, home furnishings, Ayurvedic beauty products, silverware, gem embossed jewelry, paintings, leather goods, handicraft, and oddball antiques.

Nuisance

None, it is a very peaceful area surrounded by lovely gardens.

Dressing restrictions

Wear anything you are comfortable in. If you are visiting in the evening, you can weary anything from skirts, shorts, gowns, jeans, trousers with a light shirt or spaghetti top.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Shopaholics wishing to splurge

Exposure

It is spread across a quiet garden courtyard and you will mostly be hopping from shop to shop, so the level of exposure to the sun is not very high. You are, however, advised to carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

There is a spacious parking lot and some good cafes and restaurants where you can stop by after shopping.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Visit slightly towards the evening when it is pleasant and you can shop comfortably without caring too much about the scorching sun. Shopping complex is ideal for traditional Indian apparel, home furnishings and jewelry.

Type of site

Shopping complex for traditional Indian apparel, home furnishings and jewelry.