Where to send out-of-towners

Winter is drawing your friends and family to Delhi, and they’ll all be looking to you for what to do. So here’s the first of our three-part essential Delhi guide, with top shopping spots for you and your pals.

Crescent at the Qutab
Check out designer Western and Indian wear – from psychedelic skirts to staid sarees – by Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Satya Paul and Manish Arora. The Lado Sarai mall is home to several pret labels as well, so it suits all budgets.

Dilli Haat
It’s the perfect time of the year for a browse through the fortnightly-renewed artisan stalls of handlooms and handicrafts opposite INA Market. The food court fuels the shopaholic.

Connaught Place
If Janpath promises nirvana for the bargain-hunter, The Shop (8, Regal Building, 23340971, 23360972) is a must-stop for bric-a-brac. Nalli’s (P-7/90, CP, 23747154, 23361357) is the can’t-go-wrong store for saris while Rikhi Ram (G-8, Marina Arcade, 23327685, 41516141) does musical instruments like no one else. Drop by Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan (Regal Bulding) and Cottage Emporium (Janpath) to complete the India experience.

Greater Kailash-I
At N-block, zero in on home accessories at The Next Shop, Krishna Arts & Brass Emporium, Tarini’s, Jainson’s Tycoon and Apartment 9. Try Fabindia and Cottons for casual Indianwear. Hop across to the M-block market for everything that’s hip.

Chandni Chowk
Never mind the narrow, crowded alleys. Dariba and Kinari Bazaar will blitz your senses with jewellery shops and kitschy add-ons like tassles, lace, and other trimmings.

In Doing Delhi Part 2, Bukhara and Bengali Market (Coming on Thursday).