Thing to do
Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi's main market street, laid out in 1650 by Jahanara Begum, lined with temples, a gurdwara and a mosque and branching into specialist bazaars and…
Dilli Haat INA
An open-air crafts bazaar and food plaza opposite INA Market, opened in 1994, where artisans from across India rotate through the stalls every couple of weeks.
At a glance
- Type
- Crafts and food market
- Area
- INA, Delhi, India
Good to know
- Craft stalls from across India
- Regional food stalls
- Paid entry
Why we recommend it
Dilli Haat at INA is a purpose-built crafts market and food court in South Delhi, opened in March 1994 and run by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. It was set up jointly by Delhi Tourism, the city government and several central ministries and handicraft bodies to give artisans from around the country a place to sell directly to buyers, and it has become one of the easiest places in the city to browse Indian crafts in one place.
The idea is based on the traditional haat, a weekly village market. The stalls are low, open-sided buildings set around courtyards, and most of them are allotted to craftspeople on a rotating basis, usually for about 15 days at a time. That means the mix changes from visit to visit. You might find rosewood and sandalwood carvings, camel-hide footwear, beads and gems, brassware and other metalwork, block-printed and woven textiles, silk and woollen shawls, and plenty more.
Food is the other half of the experience. The food plaza has space allocated by state, so you can try dishes from different regions of India in one sitting, depending on which counters are open on the day. It is a good introduction for visitors who will only see one or two regions on their trip, and an easy place to eat with a group whose tastes differ.
Entry is ticketed, so keep a little cash or a card to hand at the gate. Bargaining is normal at many stalls, but prices are generally more transparent than in the old city markets, and the environment is calmer, cleaner and more relaxed. Late afternoon and evening are pleasant times, when it is cooler and the stalls are lit; weekends are busier. Allow one and a half to two hours to browse and eat.
It suits first-time visitors to India, families and anyone shopping for gifts, and it is a comfortable option for those who find the old bazaars overwhelming. Most paths are paved and level.
INA station on the Delhi Metro serves the market, which makes this one of the simplest outings in the city. Dilli Haat also has branches at Pitampura, opened in 2008, and Janakpuri, opened in 2013, but the INA site is the original and the most central, and it sits opposite the long-established INA Market.
Dilli Haat INA FAQs
When did Dilli Haat open?
The INA site opened in March 1994.
Who runs Dilli Haat?
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, entry is ticketed.
What can I buy there?
Crafts from across India such as wood carvings, camel-hide footwear, beads, brassware and textiles.
Do the stalls change?
Yes, most stalls rotate between craftspeople, usually every 15 days or so.
Can I eat there?
Yes, a food plaza has stalls allocated by state serving regional dishes.
How do I get there?
INA station on the Delhi Metro serves the market.
How long should I allow?
About one and a half to two hours.
Are there other branches?
Yes, at Pitampura and Janakpuri, though the INA site is the original.