Chhatta Chowk Bazaar
Chhatta Chowk Bazaar
3.5
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Neighbourhood: Chandni Chowk
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1,530 within 5 kms
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300 within 10 kms
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3.5
40 reviews
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Anna M
Nottingham, UK74 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Pretty decent prices and some nice stuff.
I bought a few things. Great on a Sunday when the shops are shut.
In the grand entrance of the red fort and there’s been a market here since the fort was built so historic and good shopping
I bought a few things. Great on a Sunday when the shops are shut.
In the grand entrance of the red fort and there’s been a market here since the fort was built so historic and good shopping
Written April 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramesh B
Rawatbhata, India1,541 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Adjacent to the Lahori Gate is a covered two-story market that contains 32 arched bays serving as shops. An octagonal court in the middle left open for sunlight and natural ventilation. This divides the market into two sections, eastern and western. Shops have vaulted roofs supported on a series of broad arches given at regular intervals. The roof of the shop is made of inlay work in which various types of waves and curves are carved.
Chhatta Chowk translated into English means, "covered bazaar". It is a unique example of Mughal architecture in which bazaars were typically open-air. During Shah Jahan's reign, the Chhatta Chowk was very exclusive, specializing in trading goods such as silk, brocades, velvet, gold, silverware, jewellery, gems and precious stones, catering to the luxurious tastes of imperial.
Today, the shops in the chowk sell souvenirs, eatables and drinks. They are now located only in the lower arcade of Chatta chowk of Red Fort Delhi. Red Fort is an iconic symbol of India and world heritage site declared by UNESCO. The walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone. The fort lies along the Yamuna River.
Visiting Hours: 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily (except Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs.10/-(For Indian Citizens) and Rs.150/- (For foreigners)
Entry Fee for Sound and Light Show: Rs.50/-
Light & sound show is closed on Monday and viewed daily in the evening time contact phone no. is 011-23274580 .
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Phone: 011 2327 770
Nearest metro station is Chandani Chowk.
Chhatta Chowk translated into English means, "covered bazaar". It is a unique example of Mughal architecture in which bazaars were typically open-air. During Shah Jahan's reign, the Chhatta Chowk was very exclusive, specializing in trading goods such as silk, brocades, velvet, gold, silverware, jewellery, gems and precious stones, catering to the luxurious tastes of imperial.
Today, the shops in the chowk sell souvenirs, eatables and drinks. They are now located only in the lower arcade of Chatta chowk of Red Fort Delhi. Red Fort is an iconic symbol of India and world heritage site declared by UNESCO. The walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone. The fort lies along the Yamuna River.
Visiting Hours: 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily (except Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs.10/-(For Indian Citizens) and Rs.150/- (For foreigners)
Entry Fee for Sound and Light Show: Rs.50/-
Light & sound show is closed on Monday and viewed daily in the evening time contact phone no. is 011-23274580 .
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Phone: 011 2327 770
Nearest metro station is Chandani Chowk.
Written April 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dilip S
Vadodara, India1,110 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We stepped into the shadows of 69.0 m long , 3.90 m wide , two storeyed vaulted arcade presently known as Chhatta Bazar / Meena Bazar . In the bygone days it was called Bazar E Musaqqaf ( Market with saqaf i e roof ) . The magnitude , subtle grace and symmetry of the bazaar defining a strong straight axis linking Lahore gate to Naubat Khana and Diwan E Aam made it more mesmerizing than the one in Isfahan or the other in Peshawar after which Mukarmat Khan under the order of Shah Jahan constructed it . At the centre of the bazaar an octagonal court called Chhattar Manzil facilitating sunlight and ventilation divided the bazaar in eastern and western parts .
Both these parts had vaulted roofs supported on series of broad arches . The intermediate space ( vault ) between them had stalactite ( honeycomb motifs ) in stucco . It seemed the entire bazaar was initially stuccoed , painted and gilded to give a gorgeous effect . There were 32 arched bays serving as shops on each side of the bazaar . The lower cell comprised of two rooms . The front room was used for display and the back room was used for either assembling or manufacturing and storage . The upper cell was used in those days for either conducting business transactions or dwelling .
The bazaar was exclusively constructed for providing shopping luxury to the hundred members from the harem of Shah Jahan who used to go for shopping to Chandni Chowk . Therefore exclusive goods such as brass & copper wares , costumes , exotic jewellery & indigenous ornaments , exquisite carpets , intricate ivory & wood lattice work , gold & silver utensils , imperial households , musk , pashmina & shatush shawls , rare spices , saffron , etc were available in those shops .
When we visited the bazaar , bags , bangles ,decorative items of onyx , ethnic kurtas , hand embroidered & sequined dresses and purses , imitation & silver jewellery , inlaid marble topped tables , kashmiri wooden masks , necklaces of semi precious stones , paintings , pashmina shawls , replicas of manuscripts , sandlewood figurines , silk scarves & stoles , stone & wood idols of Gods & Goddesses and figurines , etc were being sold .
Unfortunately the shopkeepers were more interested in foreign tourists so they were quoting the exorbitant prices affordable to them only . I could not complain as I had told Vaijayanti that in my earlier birth , when she was Anarkali and I was a prince Salim , I was taught Mirzanama ( a treatise on social etiquettes ) in which it was instructed , “ A noble should never haggle with a merchant over the price of an article and pay whatever the latter demands immediately”. Being native tourist , I could not purchase what Vaijayanti wanted , but I cooled down her by offering her orange juice , which I could afford .
Both these parts had vaulted roofs supported on series of broad arches . The intermediate space ( vault ) between them had stalactite ( honeycomb motifs ) in stucco . It seemed the entire bazaar was initially stuccoed , painted and gilded to give a gorgeous effect . There were 32 arched bays serving as shops on each side of the bazaar . The lower cell comprised of two rooms . The front room was used for display and the back room was used for either assembling or manufacturing and storage . The upper cell was used in those days for either conducting business transactions or dwelling .
The bazaar was exclusively constructed for providing shopping luxury to the hundred members from the harem of Shah Jahan who used to go for shopping to Chandni Chowk . Therefore exclusive goods such as brass & copper wares , costumes , exotic jewellery & indigenous ornaments , exquisite carpets , intricate ivory & wood lattice work , gold & silver utensils , imperial households , musk , pashmina & shatush shawls , rare spices , saffron , etc were available in those shops .
When we visited the bazaar , bags , bangles ,decorative items of onyx , ethnic kurtas , hand embroidered & sequined dresses and purses , imitation & silver jewellery , inlaid marble topped tables , kashmiri wooden masks , necklaces of semi precious stones , paintings , pashmina shawls , replicas of manuscripts , sandlewood figurines , silk scarves & stoles , stone & wood idols of Gods & Goddesses and figurines , etc were being sold .
Unfortunately the shopkeepers were more interested in foreign tourists so they were quoting the exorbitant prices affordable to them only . I could not complain as I had told Vaijayanti that in my earlier birth , when she was Anarkali and I was a prince Salim , I was taught Mirzanama ( a treatise on social etiquettes ) in which it was instructed , “ A noble should never haggle with a merchant over the price of an article and pay whatever the latter demands immediately”. Being native tourist , I could not purchase what Vaijayanti wanted , but I cooled down her by offering her orange juice , which I could afford .
Written November 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PrestonGuild
United Kingdom56,052 contributions
Mar 2012 • Family
Chatta Chowk means covered market. It is in the entrance to the Red Fort and was built by Shah Jahan. When he built the Red Fort in Delhi, he wanted to have all the amenities especially for his harem.
Nowadays its bric brac, expensive souvenirs all aimed at the tourists. Looking at the prices the well heeled tourists. Still, it is in a very nice location.
Nowadays its bric brac, expensive souvenirs all aimed at the tourists. Looking at the prices the well heeled tourists. Still, it is in a very nice location.
Written February 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GRIMS
Island of Malta, Malta1,062 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
There are better places to buy your India memories from, but not too bad. The shops are lined up on both sides and sell fairly standard items. As usual, bargain hard and if unhappy thank them and walk away.
Written January 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyendra Garg
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India6,946 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
An entry at the Red Fort through Lahore Gate takes you to Chhatta chowk market, created at the orders of builder of the fort, Shahjehan to cater to the needs of women of the royal household who did not want to venture to the bigger Chandni Chowk market. High end articles including silk, velvet, gold and other jewelry was bought and sold here. Nowadays these shops cater to high end, foreign tourists. One definitely can have a look at the shops and its glittering merchandise. Buying of articles depend on the need of the person and how much one can afford. Similar items can be bought outside in lower prices.
The market adds to the glitter of the fort and attracts those who are new to India.
The market adds to the glitter of the fort and attracts those who are new to India.
Written December 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China175,619 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
You can find the Chatta Chowk "covered market" shortly after you enter the Red Fort past the Lahore Gate. This is a historic "covered market" that occupies the passage area, just inside the Red Fort, as you enter through the Lahore Gate.
History suggests that the market area was built at the order Shah Jahan in the mid 17th century to satisfy the shopping needs and desires of the Mughal women of rank, who resided within the fort but wished to not venture outside its gates. This explains the peculiar small market of 40 or so shops lining the covered passage way into the main interior of the fort.
The historic element of the Chatta Chowk makes it of interesting note but the shopping experience here is nothing you can't find in the nearby Chandni Chowk street markets or in the shops that line Janpath Rd. and others near CP. Shop prices are clearly marked up for the tourists that tend to pass by and potentially patronise these shops.
Overall, we found Chatta Chowk to be a minor point of interest only but you can't help but pass through if you are planning to visit the Red Fort so a quick peek inside a few of the shops can do you know harm.
History suggests that the market area was built at the order Shah Jahan in the mid 17th century to satisfy the shopping needs and desires of the Mughal women of rank, who resided within the fort but wished to not venture outside its gates. This explains the peculiar small market of 40 or so shops lining the covered passage way into the main interior of the fort.
The historic element of the Chatta Chowk makes it of interesting note but the shopping experience here is nothing you can't find in the nearby Chandni Chowk street markets or in the shops that line Janpath Rd. and others near CP. Shop prices are clearly marked up for the tourists that tend to pass by and potentially patronise these shops.
Overall, we found Chatta Chowk to be a minor point of interest only but you can't help but pass through if you are planning to visit the Red Fort so a quick peek inside a few of the shops can do you know harm.
Written August 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaushik G
Mumbai, India4,065 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
During my holidays in Delhi, I had visited the giant Red Fort complex and this is a market inside the fort. The word Chhatta Chowk means covered bazaar. We entered the fort through the Lahori Gate and immediately came across this market where tourists can buy different types of souvenirs, gifts, artifacts, jewellery items to take back home as memory. We enjoyed walking through the market window shopping and the good thing was no nagging from the vendors.
Written March 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Flores & Jones Co.
Mexico City, Mexico485 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
This Bazaar is located inside Lal Quila (Red Fort) in Old Delhi's Area. Recommended for first time visitors mainly, but worth to stop by if taking friends to visit this area. Handcrafts, fabrics, wood & marble stuff and many other things will do the day for you. Be ready to bargain because their real prices are at least 20% off. Try not to spend more than an hour (this process is slow and somehow aggressive, and avoid taking it personally, it is a local custom in many Arab countries too.
Written June 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lordjimbob
United Kingdom472 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Same old junk you can buy just about anywhere else in Delhi, cheaper. Not one was selling drinks, the only thing I wanted to buy in 47C heat!
Written May 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. I want to knoww how long it will take to visit all the red fort. Thank you.
Written March 11, 2017
It depends on your interest and if you have a guide with you to explain the history. We had a guide and spent almost 2 hours there
Written March 12, 2017
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