10 Best Destinations For Shopping In Karnataka: Explore Culture, Crafts & Modern Retail

The interior of UB City Mall showcases luxury brands and a vibrant atmosphere for shopping in Karnataka.

Shopping in Karnataka is a vibrant blend of tradition, culture, and modern retail, offering something for every type of shopper. From the bustling commercial streets of Bengaluru to the handicraft-rich bazaars of Mysuru, shopping in Karnataka is more than just a pastime—it’s a cultural immersion. Discover the elegance of Mysore silk saris, the heritage of Bidriware, fragrant sandalwood, and the buzz of global brands. Whether exploring street markets or air-conditioned malls, each shopping stop reveals Karnataka’s rich artisan legacy and cosmopolitan spirit, making it a truly unforgettable retail journey.

10 Best Shopping In Karnataka

Discover ten vibrant places for shopping in Karnataka, from Mysore silk saris to sandalwood crafts, perfect for tourists, culture lovers, and souvenir hunters.

1. Commercial Street

Commercial Street is bustling with shops and shoppers, a top destination for shopping in Karnataka.

Photo: Mayur_Mehta / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Bengaluru’s Commercial Street is actually one of Karnataka’s busiest shopping spots, where thousands of people throng into it daily. The densely populated bazaar is famed as being something cheap, multiracial, and vibrant in nature that instantly strikes familiarity with natives and tourists alike. The congested, busy streets are lined with shops, boutiques, and street stalls selling anything and everything from the latest wear and the latest shoes to glittering jewellery, home wearables, and everyday domestic commodities. What is special about this place is that there is diversity here; it has Indian ethnic clothing, hip Western clothing, and even fusion clothing, but at affordable prices.

How To Reach: Shivajinagar area, which is serviced by the metro and local transport buses.
Main Attractions: Sarees, accessories, replica jewellery, and footwear.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Church Street Bangalore

2. Mysore Silk Udyog

Close-up of bright red material with detailed gold paisley prints, classic saree.

Photo: Kiranravikumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

No shopping in Karnataka is ever complete without getting a glimpse of the ageless beauty of Mysore silk. Mysuru is renowned all across the globe for stunningly exquisite silk saris with intricate designs of strings made of pure gold zari, telling centuries of history and tradition. The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) showroom is the ideal location to purchase these authentic saris, each with a government-verifying hallmark guarantee of purity and cleanliness. Mysore silk sari is not merely an article of clothing, but an art reflecting the state’s heritage, decent workmanship, and tradition of culture. Heavy texture, rich colour, and beautiful zari borders make saris a family heirloom for women, generation to generation.

How To Reach: Chickpet Market, Bengaluru.
Main Attractions: Decorated Mysore silk saris, scarves, and dress material.

3. Chickpet Market

Elegant silverware display at Chickpet Market, a prime spot for shopping in Karnataka.

Photo: mana5280 / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Chickpet in the city centre of Bengaluru is the busiest and the city’s oldest bazaar, and has a history of over 400 years. This vibrant wholesale market is famous particularly for apparel, jewellery, and wedding shopping and is a haunt of generations of families. The market is most famous for its stunning range of Kanjivaram and Banarasi saris, reasonably priced, stunning gold jewellery, silver ornaments, and assorted dress material. Striding the narrow, coloured streets of the market is to walk into the city’s history. Old-style shops, frenzied, busy dealers, and the omnipresent hubbub of haggling define the atmosphere as both romantic and thrilling.

How To Reach: Adjacent to Majestic, reachable by metro and city buses.
Main Attractions: Saris, gold jewellery, silver items, bulk garments.

Suggested Read: Karnataka Travel Guide

4. UB City Mall

Modern interior of UB City Mall with spacious walkways and luxury shopping in Karnataka.

Photo: Tuur Tisseghem / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

For the upscale shopper and owner of upscale stores, UB City Mall is quite possibly one of the most opulent shopping stores to shop at in Karnataka. Located in the capital city of Bengaluru, this legendary mall boasts some of the world’s most recognised luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Rolex, and many more. Sophistication exudes every nook of UB City because it’s the crème de la crème of fashion and luxury aficionados. But UB City is not just a shopping excursion; this is a lifestyle excursion. Guests can have meals in elegant restaurants, eat global cuisine, shop for modern art at trendy galleries, or be guests at functions being held in its empty space.

How To Reach: Vittal Mallya Road, near MG Road, walking distance.
Main Attractions: Designer garments, watches, and gourmet restaurants.

5. Krishnarajendra Market

Crowded flower market in Karnataka with vibrant marigolds, vendors, and shoppers enjoying shopping in Karnataka.

Photo: Fi11222 / Wikimedia Commons

KR Market, or Krishna Rajendra Market, is a section of Asia’s biggest wholesale flower market and a complete bet when shopping in Karnataka. Renowned for its colourful and energetic atmosphere, the market comes to life at sunrise with lines of beaming stalls brimming to capacity with marigolds, roses, jasmine, and several hundred more blooms. The splash of colours, along with the fragrance which saturates the air, make this destination a photographer’s dream, a dealer’s paradise, and a wandering tourist’s melting pot eager to imbibe it all in. KR Market is not yet just flowers. It is also a centre for raw vegetables, fruits, spices, and household homeware, drawing bulk buyers and locals.

How To Reach: Near Kalasipalya, reachable by metro and city buses.
Main Attractions: Flowers, spices, fruits, and traditional items.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Karnataka

6. Devaraja Market

Traditional street market in Mysore with women’s jewelry, handmade bags, and vibrant local shopping.

Photo: elinaxx1v / Shutterstock

Devaraja Market in Mysuru is a century-old landmark that tastefully captures the cultural ethos and vintage shopping ambience of the city. Over 100 years old, the market remains a thriving retail icon of Karnataka. Its multihued alleys are spanking clean and segregated into flower, incense stick, fruit, vegetable, and household sections, offering a hygienic but lively shopping experience. Its alleys provide the visitors with a glimpse of the real flavour of Mysuru’s mundane life. The market is famous especially for providing sandalwood products, scented incense sticks, and the legendary sweets of Mysore pak, which tantalise every visitor’s taste buds.

How To Reach: In the city centre, near Mysore Palace.
Main Attractions: Incense sticks, Mysore pak, Flowers, Sandalwood items.

7. Janatha Bazaar

Spice stall close-up at Janatha Bazaar, showcasing vibrant spices in Karnataka’s shopping scene.

Photo: Jason Leung / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Janatha Bazaar is among the best shopping destinations in Karnataka when it comes to affordability without compromising quality. Government-owned, Janatha Bazaar has been people’s saviour for years now, stocking all kinds of household-use items at low prices. From kitchen and food products to household appliances and personal care items, the bazaar shelves are filled with products that bring an end to the daily woes of families. Its focus on price gives rise to it being an extremely popular destination among price-sensitive shoppers who never settle for anything less than the best or at any cost.

How To Reach: Various branches are spread across Bengaluru, with the MG Road branch being one of the most popular ones.
Main Attractions: Foodgrains, kitchen utensils, and cheap household items.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Sirsi Karnataka

8. Badami And Ilkal

Traditional handloom weaving equipment displayed in Badami and Ilkal, Karnataka.

Photo: DSLucas / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Badami and Ilkal towns of North Karnataka are renowned for their centuries-long handloom weaving tradition, which continues to be popular even today. Their most prized product is the ubiquitous Ilkal saris, identified by their rich, deep red pallu and simple traditional designs. The reason for the differentiation of these saris is the expert weaves, handed down generation after generation by skilled weavers, so that every one of them is a masterpiece of art. A trip to such towns is more than a shopping experience; it is a living culture experience. Shopping from weavers offers not just authenticity but also benefits the local economy and upholds a much-coveted cultural heritage.

How To Reach: Road and railway connectivity in the Bagalkot district.
Major Attractions: Ilkal saris, handloom weaving, and souvenirs of local culture.

9. Malleswaram Market

Malleswaram Market vegetable stalls are bustling with shoppers, showcasing shopping in Karnataka.

Photo: Antonio Araujo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Malleswaram Market is one of Bengaluru’s most popular shopping destinations, which gives a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and daily activity. Malleswaram Market is particularly famous during festive seasons, when multi-hued stalls are laden with fresh jasmine flowers, aromatic garlands, fruits, coconuts, and puja items that overwhelm locals as well as visitors. The festive atmosphere here is special, where groups of people march in flocks to purchase items for religious ceremonies and celebrations. But Malleswaram is not just a festival shopping destination. It’s also famous for its traditional South Indian snacks, strong filter coffee, and fresh local spices, so foodies’ heaven.

How To Reach: North Bengaluru, metro accessible.
Main Attractions: Flowers, fruits, spices, snacks.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Malleswaram

10. Forum Mall

Spacious interior view of Forum Mall with multiple retail stores and shoppers browsing.

Photo: SHOX art / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Forum Mall is one of the first-generation malls of the newer Bengaluru and remains a popular local and tourist haunt. Thoughtfully situated in Koramangala’s happening zone, the mall is an adrenaline-infused blend of shop, dine, and entertainment and is more or less an all-under-one-roof destination. There is an option of a combination of international brands and India’s top brands, giving the shopper a chance to pick and choose among options for fashion lovers, technology lovers, and lifestyle lovers. Forum Mall is a place of shopping as well as entertainment. Its multiplex cinema beckons the cinema lover, while big food courts and specialty restaurants provide international cuisine to tantalise every taste bud.

How To Reach: Koramangala. Easily accessible by bus and taxi.
Main Attractions: Apparel, electronics, restaurants, multiplexes.

Shopping in Karnataka is an enriching experience that blends heritage, culture, and modern flair. From Mysore silk saris and sandalwood crafts to Bengaluru’s sleek malls, every spot reflects the state’s creativity. Whether in bustling bazaars or upscale avenues, each purchase becomes a memory. Bring home souvenirs that tell stories of tradition and craftsmanship. Plan your visit with TripXL and discover the unique charm of Karnataka shopping!

Cover Photo: Wendy Wei / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

UB City Mall in Bengaluru offers top international brands, fine dining, and art galleries—perfect for a luxury shopping experience.
Top souvenirs include Mysore silk saris, sandalwood items, Bidriware, Ilkal saris, Coorg coffee, and Mysore pak.
In addition to Devaraja Market, visit Ashoka Road and Sayyaji Rao Road for textiles, handicrafts, and local sweets.
Yes, especially in markets like Chickpet and Mysuru bazaars, where traditional gold, silver, and stone jewellery is widely available.
In bigger stores and malls—yes. But in traditional markets, cash or digital wallets like PhonePe and Google Pay are more common.
Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal is a travel writer who finds inspiration in the winding roads of hill towns, crisp mountain air, and the quiet stories hidden in everyday journeys. With a soft spot for the Himalayas and small-town simplicity, her writing blends personal discovery with practical travel insights. She enjoys writing pieces that help readers feel more connected to nature, to adventure, and to themselves. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her planning her next trek, journaling in a hillside café, or chasing the sunset.
Harshita’s Top Travel Highlights:
Harshita’s travels include memorable treks and quiet hill escapes, offering experiences of nature, peace, and simple moments that stay long after the journey ends.
1. Treks That Stay With You:
Completed treks like Triund, Kheerganga, Tosh, and Malana, each offering its own lesson in resilience, stillness, and the quiet power of nature.
2. Offbeat Hill Escapes:
Explored peaceful spots like Jibhi, Shoja, Barot Valley, and Mashobra, where there’s more pine than people, and every corner feels like a postcard.

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