Here is a detailed list of the top 5 best places for shopping in Chikkamagaluru (Chikmagalur), perfect for new tourists and visitors who wish to explore the town’s unique shopping experiences.
1. Chikmagalur Mall
- Location: MG Road, Chikkamagaluru
- Description: Chikmagalur Mall is the town’s primary modern shopping destination, offering a variety of retail outlets selling everything from clothing to electronics. The mall is ideal for those looking for a more conventional shopping experience.
- What to Buy:
- Clothing: Western wear, casual clothing, and accessories from popular brands.
- Footwear and Accessories: Shoes, bags, and fashion accessories.
- Electronics: Mobile phones, gadgets, and accessories.
- Best For: Modern shopping experience and branded products.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy better shopping deals.
2. Malleshwara Bazaar
- Location: Malleshwara, Chikkamagaluru
- Description: Malleshwara Bazaar is a well-known market for traditional shopping. It offers a mix of street vendors and small shops where you can find everything from clothing to spices. This place is a paradise for anyone looking for traditional Karnataka-style sarees and jewelry.
- What to Buy:
- Sarees: Traditional Karnataka silk and cotton sarees.
- Spices: Freshly ground spices, especially pepper and cardamom.
- Handmade Jewelry: Silver jewelry and other locally crafted accessories.
- Best For: Traditional clothing, jewelry, and spices.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tip: Bargain with the vendors for the best prices on sarees and spices.
3. Café and Coffee Shops in Chikkamagaluru
- Location: Various cafés across the town
- Description: Chikkamagaluru is famous for its coffee, and several cafés and coffee shops not only serve fresh coffee but also sell coffee beans and coffee-related products. You can experience the town’s coffee culture while shopping for local coffee and related products.
- What to Buy:
- Coffee Beans: Locally grown coffee beans are a must-buy for coffee enthusiasts.
- Coffee Powder: Freshly ground coffee powder, especially the town’s signature varieties.
- Coffee Filters: Traditional Indian coffee filters for brewing authentic South Indian coffee.
- Best For: Coffee lovers and those looking for traditional coffee-making equipment.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tip: Visit cafés that are located in coffee estates to buy fresh beans directly from the source.
4. Chikkamagaluru Local Market
- Location: Main Market Road, Chikkamagaluru
- Description: The Chikkamagaluru Local Market is a bustling hub that offers a wide range of goods, from fresh local produce to handicrafts and traditional items. It’s the best place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
- What to Buy:
- Coffee: The town is known for its coffee plantations, so buying freshly roasted coffee beans or coffee powder is a must.
- Spices: You’ll find aromatic spices like pepper, cardamom, and cloves.
- Handicrafts: Wooden artifacts, jewelry, and local crafts.
- Best For: Local food products, coffee, spices, and souvenirs.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tip: Visit early to get the freshest produce and avoid the crowds.
5. Square Mall
- Location: Near Bus Stand, Chikkamagaluru
- Description: Town Square Mall is a small yet charming mall in the heart of the town. It’s an ideal place to shop for casual wear, home décor, and small souvenirs. The mall has a cozy vibe with a few food outlets to relax in between shopping.
- What to Buy:
- Clothing: Casual wear for all ages, including trendy outfits for both men and women.
- Home Décor: Handcrafted wooden décor, paintings, and small decorative items.
- Souvenirs: Keychains, trinkets, and local products for gifting.
- Best For: Casual shopping, home décor, and gifts.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tip: Look out for discounts and sales, especially on clothing and accessories.
Summary Table of Top Shopping Places
| Place | Best For | What to Buy | Opening Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikkamagaluru Local Market | Local food, coffee, spices, souvenirs | Coffee, spices, handicrafts, fresh produce | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Main Market Road, Chikkamagaluru |
| Malleshwara Bazaar | Traditional clothing, spices, jewelry | Silk sarees, silver jewelry, spices | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Malleshwara, Chikkamagaluru |
| Café and Coffee Shops | Coffee-related products | Coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee filters | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Various cafés |
| Chikmagalur Mall | Modern shopping experience | Clothing, footwear, electronics, accessories | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | MG Road, Chikkamagaluru |
| Square Mall | Casual wear, home décor, souvenirs | Clothing, home décor, souvenirs, small gifts | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Near Bus Stand, Chikkamagaluru |
Things to Do While Shopping in Chikkamagaluru
- Bargaining: In local markets like Malleshwara Bazaar, bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for better deals.
- Sample Local Spices: Many of the vendors will offer you a sample of freshly ground spices like pepper and cardamom. Don’t miss the chance to try them before purchasing.
- Explore Coffee Farms: For coffee lovers, a visit to the local coffee farms will allow you to buy fresh beans and understand the coffee-making process.
- Enjoy Local Snacks: Try the local snacks like Mangalore buns and vadas from market stalls to enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
Best Time to Visit:
- October to March: The weather is pleasant and cool, making it the perfect time to explore the shopping scene in Chikkamagaluru, whether you are strolling through local markets or shopping in modern malls.