A treasure hunt at Mumbai's Chor Bazaar
Have you ever visited Chor Bazaar, India's largest flea market? It's a bargain hunter's paradise.
Chor Bazaar in Mumbai is almost like Aladdin's genie for lovers of art and artefacts. From antiques to new-age art deco cabinets, Chor Bazaar is definitely an antique hunter's heaven.
This 150-year-old market also has a story of its own. Apparently, during Queen Victoria's visit to Mumbai she lost a few of her belongings while the ship was being unloaded, and these were later found in this market. It was then that the market got its infamous name as Chor Bazaar or the thieves' market.
My day at Chor-Bazaar
As I was in Mumbai few months back to explore the city and meet few relatives, visiting Chor bazaar was on top in my to do list, I had wanted to visit this market and eventually ended up going there with a friend who was also my guide to this bazaar. While me and my friend were exploring the market, I realised that along with a shoppers' treasure trove, this market is also a photographer's delight. We started our trip on an early Sunday morning and saw the activities when the market actually comes alive. Hence we managed to capture a lot of action around the market too. I personally loved walking all around this market and exploring the small alleys, shops, and explored some hidden treasures. This market is in a conservative part of Mumbai, hence I recommend dressing a bit conventionally. Not that anyone says anything, but this just helps you to stay away from undue notice and stares.
The Area
Contrary to popular perception, the goods here are not really stolen(though, who's to verify), but second-hand. From gorgeous antique furniture to vintage Bollywood posters, from old Victorian-style furniture to spare parts, you name it and Chor Bazaar has it. Once in Chor Bazaar you will find yourself standing amid old-style buildings that seem crumbling and decrepit. On Mutton Street, an area full of decaying buildings, packed streets and crumbling shops, you'll breathe in a bit of old-world charm. Most of the lanes are crowded with vendors selling all sorts of antique goods at reasonable prices. The closest railway station is located at Grant Road.
The Bargains
Since this happens to be an 'organised' flea market, you'll have to look through and dig deep to find what you are actually looking for. If you are patient enough, you might get lucky! Haggling and bargaining is the norm here. The shopkeepers here usually quote a price much higher than the value and you must negotiate. You can seriously brush-up your bargaining skills here. Since this market has become a hotspot for foreign tourists, it becomes very tricky for Indian tourists to get a cheap deal. So your best bet is to bargain really hard! As all veterans will tell you, start by quoting half of what the seller says, and then take it from there till you hit the sweet spot.
Good to know
Location: Mutton Street, Near Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai
Famous For: Furniture, gadgets, books, kitchenware at off-the-cuff prices
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Bhendi Bazaar, Bandra, Linking Road
How to Reach: Local transport (buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws)
Timings: 11 am to 7.30 pm (Fridays closed)
Also read: Top 5 flea markets of India for the bargaining maniacs