THINGS TO BUY IN INDIA

The Taj or the Palace on Wheels or Mount Annapoorna?

FABRICS – Absolutely great dress material , curtain material and cushion covers. The bedsheets are rich in colour and design and a must. The double bedspreads make great wall hangings, too.

Try Bombay Dyeing, Raymond and Color Plus for some brand names. Street side stuff is good for a short while. The best shops locally are always asked to the locals.

SHIRTS , TROUSER,SHOES The branded stores offer great value for formal dressing back home. For men’s try Raymond’s. Shoes for men and women can be sourced at Bata shoe chain

TEA Darjeeling Tea is great and available everywhere. Try the CTC tea and also the tea masalas of Everest.

SPICES Indian spices are great and great value compared to back home. However, they can take up a lot of space. Everest , Praveen’s Masalas are great. Check the locals for the best unbranded shops where quality is guaranteed.

BOOKS While lugging books back home is difficult – the best books are available at used stores in the major tourist centres for a maximum of Rs 100 each. Ship them home using sea mail.

HANDICRAFTS Simply superb , they are breathtaking in quality and variety. You can check at the local government emporiums.

CARPETS Kashmiri carpets are the best as well as those from Bhadohi.

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