Mumbai’s Kalbadevi Market is a must-visit place for people who love street shopping. Known for its versatility and range of products, the market is a hub for small shops, street vendors, and stalls. This market has trendy clothes, bags, shoes, jewelleries, and is very popular among people who love shopping.
From textiles, fashion jewellery, kitchen wares, to mouth-watering street food, the Kalbadevi Market has all. The market has both wholesale as well as retail outlets, making it a favourite destination for tourists and local people.
See also: Colaba market: A vibrant shopping destination in Mumbai
Why is it called Kalbadevi Market?
The market is named after the Kalbadevi temple, a Hindu temple in the area. This region has a deep historical significance and is one of the earliest established areas in Mumbai. The Kalbadevi Market reflects the traditional essence of Mumbai. Despite rising trends in online shopping, the Kalbadevi Market has managed to retain its old-world charm, making it a fascinating place to explore.
How to reach the Kalbadevi Market?
If you are travelling within the city, the most convenient way of reaching the Kalbadevi Market is through local transport. The market is well-connected by the local train network and the nearest station is the Charni Road station on the Western Line. From the station, it’s a short walk or a quick ride by taxi. If you are travelling by the Harbour Line, you can get down at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and take a taxi to the market.
If you’re coming from the Mumbai Airport, the most convenient way is to hire a pre-paid taxi. The distance between the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Kalbadevi Market is approximately 20 km and it takes about one hour to reach, depending on the traffic conditions.
Fare to reach Kalbadevi Market
If you’re traveling by local train, the ticket price varies between Rs 10 to Rs 20, depending on your starting point. Taxis charge as per the meter reading, and this varies depending on the distance and traffic conditions. Further, a pre-paid taxi may charge around Rs 400 to Rs 600 from the Mumbai Airport to reach the market. Note, these fares are approximate values and may change.
Timings and days of operation
The Kalbadevi Market opens at around 10 am and remain open till 8 pm. The market remains open from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays, except during the festive season. It’s always advisable to visit the market early in the day to avoid peak crowd hours and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
What to buy at Kalbadevi Market?
The Kalbadevi Market is a shoppers’ paradise, offering a wide range of products. It is particularly known for its textile shops, having a variety of fabrics, sarees, and other clothing materials at reasonable price. Besides clothing, you can also find a multitude of fashion accessories, costume jewellery, and footwears. The area is also known for shops, selling religious items, handicrafts, and antiques, making it a wonderful place to buy souvenirs. Note, bargaining is common in this market.
The market also has numerous food stalls, offering delicious street foods, including Mumbai’s famous Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji and Chaat.
Parking and contact information
Parking at the Kalbadevi Market can be stressful due to heavy congestion in the area. There are a few paid parking areas available nearby, but these get filled quickly, especially during peak shopping hours. It’s more convenient to use public transport or hire a taxi to reach the Kalbadevi Market. For those who are driving, it’s advisable to park your vehicle at a distance and take a taxi or walk to the market.
Things to note before visiting Kalbadevi Market
While shopping at the Kalbadevi Market, it’s essential to be mindful of a few things.
- The market gets very crowded, especially during the weekends, so always take care of your belongings.
- Check the quality of products before purchasing them to avoid getting cheated.
- Carry a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes as you might have to walk a lot.
- While the street food at the market is delicious, it’s important to ensure that it’s hygienic. Avoid eating at stalls that don’t appear to be clean or if the food has been left uncovered.
FAQs
Are credit/debit cards accepted at the Kalbadevi Market?
While some shops might accept credit/debit cards, majority of the shops in Kalbadevi prefer cash transactions. Nowadays, people also accept UPI transactions.
What is the best time to visit the Kalbadevi Market?
The best time to visit the Kalbadevi Market is during weekdays in the morning.
What are the other markets near Kalbadevi Market?
The Mangaldas, and Crawford Market are other markets near the Kalbadevi Market.
What time does the Kalbadevi Market open?
The Kalbadevi Market opens at 10 am and closes at 8 pm.
Is Kalbadevi a fixed price market?
No, it’s not a fixed price market. Depending on the quantity of products you buy, you can bargain at the Kalbadevi Market.
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