9 Shops Buy Indian Handicrafts in Mumbai

Avante Cottage Crafts is a family-owned business that was founded in 1950. Initially, it mostly sold 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 linen. 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 aren't intrusive. You'll probably find that you do most of your souvenir shopping there!

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

The ubiquitous 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 how much you should pay for items elsewhere.

• 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. Haggling is expected, so put your skills to good use! Here are some tips for bargaining at markets in India.

• 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. It was set up as part of the movement, to help revive and sell products made in India. The Bombay Store remains a treasure trove of all things Indian and it has some groovy custom designs. The prices are on the higher side but 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 simply 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 had 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 platform 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 groundbreaking. Various diverse exhibitions 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 by charitable trusts. Keep an eye out for the new 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 was founded by designer Shibani Jain in 2009. It's named after the Indian weaver bird, baaya, which creates functional yet aesthetically crafted space. More than 40 different Indian art forms are displayed and presented in an innovative way.

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

Kulture Shop have made their mark with unique products by leading Indian graphic artists. Their first store in Mumbai's suburban Bandra West has been open for a while. However, what's really exciting is that they've opened a brand new flagship store in south Mumbai's Kala Ghoda arts precinct. The spacious store is spread over two levels, and is stocked with all kinds of products including t-shirts, framed prints, tote bags, stationery, cushion covers, notebooks, and phone cases. Come here to buy gifts for your hip friends!

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