Top 10 Places to Buy Indian Handicrafts in Mumbai

Avante Cottage Crafts, founded in 1950, is a family-owned business Initially, they sold mostly wall hangings and paintings. However, due to customer demand, the range has been expanded to include brass artifacts, pottery, woodcraft, silver jewelry, tribal crafts, and hand-embroidered linens.

The owners source the items from their travels all over India, and there's something for everyone. Prices are fixed and reasonable, service is excellent, and the staff isn't intrusive. You'll probably find that you'll do most of your souvenir shopping there.

Address: Shop 12, Wodehouse Road, Indian Mercantile Mansion, Colaba.

The Central Cottage Industries Emporium is owned by the Indian government and has branches in all major cities. It's another fixed-price store with a wide variety of traditional handicrafts made by artisans from all over the country.

Items include textiles, tea, wood carvings, brass and bronze items, marble work, pottery, silverware, jewelry and other accessories, toys, paintings, and embroidery. You won't get a bargain but you will get an idea of the upper end of pricing on items you are shopping for.

Address: 34 Chatrapathi Shivaji Marg, Colaba.

One of Mumbai's top markets, Colaba Causeway attracts foreign tourists and Indians alike to browse through the multitude of stalls that line the road.

Shoes are a popular purchase, along with bronze statues, textiles, and jewelry. The colorful markets also are popular with photographers. 

Haggling is expected, so put your bargaining skills to good use! 

Address: Colaba Causeway (Shahid Bhagat Singh Road), Colaba.

If you're looking for an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Indian handicrafts, head to The Bombay Store. This historic company dates back more than 100 years, to the time of British rule and the Swadeshi Movement which served to remove the British from power and included boycotting of non-Indian made products and processes. 

The shop was set up during the movement to help revive and sell furniture and handicrafts made in India. The Bombay Store, a specialist in home decor, remains a treasure trove of all things Indian and it has some intriguing custom designs.

The prices are on the higher side but the items are top quality and unique.

Address: The flagship store is located in Western India House, Sir P. M. Road, Fort. There's also an outlet at High Street Phoenix Mall in Lower Parel, central Mumbai.

Stocked with so many items that are absolutely gorgeous, Contemporary Arts & Crafts was set up in 1962 by a couple of architects and furniture makers to fill the void in the market after British department stores closed.

The owners have worked with artisans all over the country to promote Indian handicrafts and come up with a diverse range of products for the modern home.

Address: Taj Building, 210 D.N Road, Fort.

Artisans' is a boutique art gallery that opened in 2011 to provide a way for artisans and designers to reach urban customers. It was founded by Radhi Parekh, a designer and art promoter who comes from a family that has a long-standing association with local textiles.

The Gallery Shop sells a range of fine-quality handmade items including women's apparel, scarves, jewelry, and bags. The designs range from traditional to leading edge. Special exhibitions of art are held throughout the year.

Address: 52-56 V B Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) has a small and inviting handicrafts shop near its entrance.

Most of the items are made under charitable trusts. There is a collection inspired by objects in the museum. 

Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort.

Indian folk art, especially tribal art, is the specialty at Baaya Design. This studio and store were founded by designer Shibani Jain in 2009.

It's named after the Indian weaver bird, baaya, which makes hanging nests woven from leaves. More than 40 different Indian art forms are creatively displayed in this pleasing shop.

Address: Radhuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel.

Kulture Shop has made their mark with unique products by leading Indian graphic artists. Their first store was founded in Mumbai's suburban Bandra West.

The current flagship store in south Mumbai's Kala Ghoda arts precinct is a spacious store spread over two levels. It's is stocked with all kinds of products including t-shirts, framed prints, tote bags, stationery, cushion covers, notebooks, and phone cases. It's a great place for hip, trendy gifts.

Address: 115 Nagindas Master Road (behind Trishna and next to AKA Bistro), Kala Ghoda, Fort.

Mela has an attractive store in R City Mall. They feature ethnic products and arts from all over India.

Find jewelry, wooden boxes, furniture, and textiles. 

Address: S54, R City Mall, 2nd Floor, North Wing, L.B.S. Road, Ghatkopar West