Mumbai’s Crawford Market is a wholesale and retail market that has been renamed Mahatma Jyoti Phule Mandai.
Crawford Market: Mumbai’s Gem
Crawford Market bears the name of Arthur Crawford, who served as Bombay’s Municipal Commissioner from 1864 until 1884. Fresh vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, and home goods are among the many products sold at the market.
Both visitors and locals like visiting this place. The structure is a significant Mumbai historical monument and a good illustration of Indian Victorian Gothic architecture.
See also: Colaba market in Mumbai: Where to shop, what to buy, and how to reach?
The architecture of Crawford Market
Source: Pinterest/DesignPataki
The structure is renowned for its stained glass windows, beautiful stone carvings, and towers in the Gothic style. The building’s south side is where the main entrance is situated, and it is identified by a sizable archway.
The building’s interior is organised in a rectangular layout, with smaller rooms and stalls branching off on each side of a central hallway that runs the length of the structure.
The structure is made of stone and brick, has a slate roof, and accents made of stone. The Crawford Market building is regarded as a remarkable example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India and is a significant historical monument in Mumbai.
Shop like a local at Crawford
Mumbai’s Crawford Market is a wholesale and retail marketplace. It is renowned for offering a range of products, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Livestock and meat
- Seafood
- Condiments and spices
- Coffee and tea
- Items that are dried, such as grains and pulses
- Household products, including cookware and cleaning products
- Products for personal care, such as soap and cosmetics
- Wearables and accessories
- Gifts and toys
- Books and office supplies
- Antiques and fine art
This is only a generalised list of some of the commodities that Crawford Market frequently offers for sale. The market is renowned for its large assortment of commodities, and other items could be offered for sale.
How to reach Crawford Market?
By public transportation: Crawford Market is conveniently close to the centre of Mumbai and is reachable by local taxis, trains, and buses. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a significant transit centre in the city, is not far from the market.
By car: Crawford Market has many parking areas where you may leave your vehicle if you’re driving there. Be advised that traffic in this area of the city can be intense, especially during rush hour.
By foot: Crawford Market is close to several residential areas, making it simple for pedestrians to go there from these areas.
Planning your journey and giving yourself plenty of time to get there is a smart idea, regardless of how you intend to visit the market.
Famous restaurants near Crawford Market
Some famous restaurants near Crawford Market in Mumbai include:
- Mughlai restaurant Bademiya
- The Bohri Kitchen
- Kala Ghoda Café
- The Sassy Spoon
- The Table
- The Bombay Canteen
- Dishkiyaoon
- Café Moshe’s
- Trishna
- The Bombay Sweet Shop
Crawford Market: Mumbai’s Bazaar timings
Seven days a week, in general, Crawford Market is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Please be aware that depending on the precise sort of commodities offered, the market time may change. To enable vendors to set up their stalls and buyers to get the freshest products, the fresh produce part of the market can, for instance, open earlier in the morning. Additionally, the market may be busier at particular times, such as early in the morning or late in the day when more people are out shopping.
Activities at Crawford Market
Source: Pinterest
Tourists and locals alike enjoy visiting Crawford Market in Mumbai, India. While at the market, you can perform the following things:
- Shop for commodities such as meat, poultry, fish, and fresh veggies. In addition to having a large assortment of goods, Crawford Market is an excellent place to locate unusual and difficult-to-find things.
- Look at the market’s Victorian Gothic structure. The Crawford Market building is regarded as a remarkable example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India and is a significant historical monument in Mumbai.
- Take a market tour with a guide. A lot of businesses provide guided tours of Crawford Market, which may be a terrific opportunity to discover more about the market and its past.
- Visit the market’s Pet Corner. You may discover a variety of creatures, including birds, fish, and small mammals, in the market’s area devoted to pets.
- Attempt some of the fried fare found on the streets. In and around the market, there are many street food sellers selling a wide selection of scrumptious and reasonably priced snacks and meals.
- Visit a café or restaurant in the market to relax. The market’s numerous cafés and restaurants serve a variety of foods and beverages.
The best time to visit Crawford Market
Depending on your particular interests and the exact things you want to do while you are there, you should decide when is the best time to visit Crawford Market in Mumbai, India. Here are some things to think about:
Peak season: Crawford Market is a well-liked tourist attraction; thus, it can get very crowded during this time. Visit the market in the off-season if you’d rather stay away from the throng.
Weather: Mumbai’s year-round temperatures range from the low to mid-30s Celsius and may be fairly hot and muggy. If you dislike the heat, you could go to the market from November to February when the temperature is milder.
Special events: Crawford Market may operate on varied schedules or close altogether on certain occasions. Check the schedule in advance if you intend to go to the market for a certain event.
Experience Crawford Market Mumbai
While visiting Crawford Market in Mumbai, bear the following in mind:
Since Crawford Market is a big, busy market, you should wear comfortable shoes because you’ll probably be walking around a lot while you’re there. To enjoy your stay more, put on some comfy shoes.
Crawford Market is a popular location and may get extremely busy, particularly during the busiest travel season. Allow additional time for your visit and be ready for crowds.
Respect local customs and traditions: Crawford Market is situated in a city with a variety of cultural influences, so it’s crucial to do so when you’re there. This involves acting correctly in public and wearing modestly.
Be aware of your surroundings: It’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to safeguard your personal goods in busy areas, just like anywhere else. Keep an eye on your belongings and limit the amount of cash you carry.
Remain hydrated: Mumbai’s weather can get rather hot and muggy, so it’s crucial to keep hydrated when exploring the market. Carry a water bottle, and stop whenever you need to drink and relax.
Enjoy yourself; there is a lot to see and do in Crawford Market, which is a busy and energetic location. Enjoy your visit, and take your time.
Advice for Crawford Market shopping
Comparing costs before making a purchase is a smart idea because there are many stalls and dealers at the market.
- Negotiate: Many sellers at Crawford Market are open to price discussions, especially when it comes to larger purchases. Never be scared to bargain for a lower price or to ask for a discount.
- Look for special offers and discounts: Some market merchants provide discounts on particular goods, so it pays to keep an eye out for them.
- Buy in bulk: If you want to buy a lot of an item, you might be able to negotiate a lower price by doing so.
- Visit wholesale marketplaces to locate inexpensive goods: Crawford Market is a wholesale market where you may find a large range of products.
What makes Crawford Market well-known?
In Mumbai, India, Crawford Market is renowned for its extensive assortment of products, which includes fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, and home goods. It is a well-liked location for both visitors and residents and is renowned for its energetic and dynamic environment.
The market’s Victorian Gothic structure is also well-known. The structure is a significant Mumbai historical monument and a good illustration of Indian Victorian Gothic architecture. A number of cafés and restaurants that provide a variety of foods and beverages may be found inside the market.
Attractions near Crawford Market
- Crawford Market is situated in the centre of Mumbai, India; hence the neighbourhood is home to a number of worthwhile attractions. Here are some recommendations:
- Crawford Market is a short distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railroad station. It is a crucial transit hub in Mumbai and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Crawford Market is around 2 kilometres away from the famous Gateway of India. It is a well-liked tourist spot and a fantastic location to see the port and the city.
- Crawford Market Pet Corner: In the pet part of Crawford Market, you may discover a variety of animals, including birds, fish, and small mammals.
- Crawford Market is roughly a kilometre away from the famous Flora Fountain. It is a well-liked gathering spot and a fantastic spot to observe the metropolis.
- The Prince of Wales Museum, which is about two kilometres from Crawford Market, is well-known for its collection of artwork, antiques, and specimens from the natural world.
- The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a museum with a collection of artwork, antiquities, and specimens from natural history. It is situated approximately two kilometres from Crawford Market.
- About two kilometres from Crawford Market lies the Taraporewala Aquarium, which is home to a variety of aquatic creatures like fish, sharks, and rays.
- The Nehru Planetarium is a fantastic location to learn about astronomy and space science and is situated approximately two kilometres from Crawford Market.
- About a kilometre from Crawford Market, Kamala Nehru Park is a favourite place for picnics and leisurely strolls.
- Bombay High Court is a significant judicial hub in Mumbai and is situated approximately a kilometre from Crawford Market.
FAQs
What are the opening hours of Crawford Market?
Crawford Market is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day except on public holidays.
Is Crawford Market only for wholesale, or can I buy as a retail customer too?
Both wholesale and retail customers can buy from Crawford Market. The market has separate sections for wholesale and retail customers.
Is there any entry fee to Crawford Market?
There is no entry fee to Crawford Market.
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