Khari Baoli, Spice market in Old Delhi, India
Khari Baoli is a spice market in Old Delhi with hundreds of shops spread through narrow lanes. The sellers trade in bulk quantities of spices, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, and tea leaves, serving wholesale buyers and food businesses.
The market started in 1551 near a stepwell and grew significantly during the Mughal period under Shah Jahan. From that era comes the structure and importance of the trading center we see today.
Merchant families who have worked here for generations operate from the same numbered shops their ancestors established long ago. This continuity shapes how the market feels and functions today.
Early morning visits between 8 and 10 AM let you watch fresh deliveries arrive and sidestep the intense midday crowding. The foot traffic is heavy, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to navigate through tight passages.
The Gadodia Market building from the 1920s has multiple stories of spice sellers offering hundreds of varieties under a single roof. This multi-story arrangement creates a concentrated display of colors, scents, and Indian flavors all in one place.
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