Introduction

Shimla is a great place to shop for woolens. You get a variety of other things including tweeds, hand-woven carpets, embroidered pashmina shawls, wooden artifacts, antique furniture and an assortment of Tibetan handicraft. Though, at every step you will need to put up a bargain with the salesman.

The Mall is the main shopping district of Shimla. The 2-kilometer-long stretch of the Mall Road is lined with attractive shops selling pretty Himachali souvenirs, handicraft, shawls, rugs, and an array of wooden artifacts. T

he state-government-run Himachal Emporium is a place to shop for genuine Himalayan souvenirs. Look-out for the hand-woven carpets and traditional blankets hand-woven to depict different themes, the most popular of which being the way of life in the Himalayas and the verdant Himalayan scenery. You can also pick up some interesting pieces of wooden furniture, dolls, wall hangings, traditional hats and such like. There will not be a need to bargain at the emporiums, for everything sold here is for a fixed but reasonable price.

Tourists looking for some great bargains should head straight to the Tibetan Refuge Handloom Shop. The Tibetan Handloom Shop is run by Tibetan refugees, and houses a one-off collection of quaint carpets, clothes and padded jackets, accessories such as jewelry and quilted felt boots and other Tibetan handicraft.

For more in wooden artifacts, proceed to the Lakkad Bazaar at the Ridge. It is like a wholesale market of wooden furniture and artifacts. Unlike a run-of-the-mill wholesale market, this one has a very impressive collection of intricately carved wooden furniture, antiques, carved walking sticks and handicraft made from softwood. The products made from softwood are especially popular as this wood is found only in hilly regions, and the workmanship on them is too fine.

Among other knickknacks you can buy armloads of woolen garments, pottery, pretty little handicrafts, jams and pickles, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Special Attributes

The Mall is the heart of Shimla; it gives you a glimpse into its colonial heritage.

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Taxis, Bus, On Foot

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

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

Avoidable Season

None. You can shop at anytime!

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions.

Tip

The shops remain open from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, though most of them are closed on Sundays.

Type of site

Shopping