Mumbai's Chor Bazaar is a shopper's utopia, where you can find almost anything under the sun at throwaway prices. If you want to know more about this interesting shopping destination, read on.
Chor Bazaar
| Location: |
Mutton Street, Near Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai |
| Highlights/Famous For: |
Goods (fashion, furniture, gadgets, books, kitchenware) at off-the-cuff prices. |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions: |
Bhendi Bazaar, Bandra, Linking Road, the Mumbai Mint |
| How to Reach: |
Local transport (Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws) |
| Timings: |
11 AM to 7.30 PM (Fridays remain closed) |
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Mumbai's Chor Bazaar is the pride of the city in terms of shopping. Located in South Mumbai, Chor Bazaar literally translates to 'thieves market'. One of the oldest markets in Mumbai, the place has a fascinating history that dates back to over 150 years. Initially, Chor Bazaar was known as 'Shor Bazaar', which means 'noisy market'. However, the British, during their reign in India, mispronounced the word and the market eventually became known as 'Chor Bazaar'. One of the most fascinating souks, Chor Bazaar is home to many stolen goods, just as the name suggests. You will usually find shopaholics rummaging for goods at throwaway prices. From antiques to Victorian furniture and fashion to electronics, a wide array of goods available here is staggering. Most of the shop-owners are used to the whims and fancies of the shoppers; therefore, if you are good at bargaining, then this might be the place to be! One of the main tourist attractions in Mumbai, Chor Bazaar is also one of the busiest places in this metropolitan city. To know more, read on.
A Shopper's Utopia
History And Surroundings
Chor Bazaar has a history that spans over 150 years. The market was initially known as 'Shor Bazaar' and eventually got changed to 'Chor Bazaar'. Over time, illegal and stolen goods found its way to the market, vindicating the new name of the market. It is believed that this place was a favorite with the British during their reign in India. They would often purchase grandfather clocks, furniture, brassware and other household items at offbeat prices. These souks were considered to be the only place in Mumbai selling goods at such unusual rates.
Once in Chor Bazaar you will find yourself surrounded by Muslim architecture buildings and surrounding. Located on Mutton Street, the area is full of dilapidated buildings, crowded streets and crumbling shops, retaining a bit of the old world charm. Most of the lanes are crammed with vendors selling all sorts of goods at very fluid prices. The closest railway station to Chor Bazaar is located at Grant Road.
Chor Bazaar Trinkets
- Brassware
- Electronics
- Hardware
- Tools
- Meats
- Fashion
- Footwear
- Bronze items
- Furniture
- Cane goods
- Vintage goods
- Stolen artifacts
Popularity
The popularity of Chor Bazaar has grown over the years. Several Bollywood films have been shot in the alleyways of this crammed street. Mini Market and Juma Market at Chor Bazaar are two small subdivisions of this famous market. At Mini Market, tourists can find posters and all other trinkets related to the Bollywood industry. At the Juma Market, hardware, tools and furniture can be found aplenty. The Chor Bazaar has also been mentioned in a popular novel by Rohinton Mistry, called 'Such a long journey'.
How To Reach
By Road
By road, one can take the local transport. The MTDC buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis will bring you straight to Chor Bazaar. It takes approximately 25 minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
By Rail
The closest railway head is located at Grant Road, and tourists can get off here and walk towards Chor Bazaar. Trains to Grant Road leave from CST and even the Central Junction station.
Chor Bazaar is a popular market place in Mumbai and should not be missed! Apart from being one of the remnants of the old-world Bombay, Chor Bazaar is also a popular place where you can pick up some good deals for yourself. If you are a shopaholic, then Chor Bazaar might just be the place for you! Come and explore the old-world charm of Mumbai!