Any traveller would want to bring back a memory with them of a new place that they visited. The Souvenir is a reminder of the beautiful memories that one had in the destination. Meghalaya is one of the best places to visit in the northeast and are the most sought after yet untapped destination in India. Anyone who visits the state wants to bring a piece of the place and their memory back with them. This is for those people. The best places to go shopping in Meghalaya.

8 best places for shoppers in Meghalaya

If you are looking to shop in Meghalaya to get a little something back home, be it a souvenir, a winter jacket, some local delicacies or even shop for the trip further into the Northeast, these are the best places to shop in Meghalaya. The 8 recommended places are

1. Dawki Market
2. Hat Thymmai
3. Gokolgre daily market
4. Lew Sohra Bazaar
5. Bara Bazar
6. Laitumkhrah Market
7. Polo Bazaar
8. OB Shopping Mall

1. Dawki Market

Let me start with my favourite place on the list, The famous Dawki Market. The Dawki Market has enough variety and diversity in terms of options such that you needn’t visit any other shopping mall during your visit. Near the banks of the famous Dawki river, this market is most well known for its eateries and delicacies. If you are to visit the market, do not miss out on trying the rice cakes, steam rice and the famous Meghalaya non-veg curries. As the market is close to the famous tourist attractions such as the Dawki river, The Dawki Kali Mandir and the Dawki boating point, this is an apt place to relax after visiting all the places and have a tasty snack. The market is open from 8 Am till 5 Pm on all days.

2. Hat Thymmai

The Hat Thymmai Market is famous for its exotic location and geographical backdrop. The market is known to be a place that offers everything possible from cosmetics to chocolates to even a pint of beer along with essentials such as groceries and medicines. The market is aimed at the youth and mountaineers who purchase before going for a trek. One day in a week, the market also displays Bangladeshi products for extremely cheap rates. This is a very good opportunity to collect some cross country souvenirs. The market is open from 9 Am to 6 Pm on all days.

3. Gokolgre Daily Market

The Gokolgre Daily Market offers one of the most important things for any traveller – Authentic local cuisine. Yes, that’s right, upon your arrival in Meghalaya if you want to right away experience the local cuisine, delicacies and snacks, this is the best place to be. Apart from this the market also offers groceries, meat, and clothing items for your stay and trekking in Meghalaya. Another unique feature of the market is the picturesque background of the mountains. The market is open from 9 Am to 6 Pm every day.

4. Lew Sohra Bazaar

The Lew Sohra Bazaar is a collector and a hoarders delight. This market is one of the best places to go for souvenir, jewellery and accessory shopping in Meghalaya. Right from the young to the old, you can find people from different walks of life selling locally produced and sourced products here. The market lanes are also famous for artificial jewellery and in dirt-cheap prices. Junk jewellery, as they say, is one of the best finds in this market. Apart from that, you can find souvenirs such as miniature figures, sandals, hats, wooden decor items etc. This is the place to be if you want to take something back home. The market is open from 7 Am to 9:30 Pm every day.

Also read: Meghalaya Festivals That You Must Experience in Your Next Visit!

5. Bara Bazar

The Bara Bazar which is also known as Lewduh Bazar in Shillong is one of the largest market areas in Shillong. This market alone can be allocated for one full day of exploration. The market area is so vast that you might get lost without a proper guide. I would suggest you to pre-book a guided tour of the market to get the best experience.

The Yoh Doh markets as called in the local dialect is famous for its small shops selling meats such as chicken, beef, ducks and pigeons along with fresh fruits and vegetables right from farmers. The market is also famous for thrift shopping and you can find products ranging from INR 100 to INR 850. This one of a kind street shopping experience is the best place to practice your bargaining skills. The market is open from 7 Am to 9 Pm.

Also read: Shillong, the Scotland of India

6. Laitumkhrah Market

The Laitumkhrah Market is one of the more upscale markets in Meghalaya. Whilst you are in search of the perfect shopping spots in Meghalaya, this ends up as one of the more unique options. There are two sides to this market. If you are looking for some western delicacies and want to quench your cravings you can find some of the best pizzas and burgers in this market. Post which you can venture deeper into the markets and get some of the freshest produce in the cheapest rates. This is one of the best markets to get local produce such as bananas or lemons or any other vegetables for a cheaper price. This is an authentic Meghalaya experience, thanks to the farmers who come from the nearby villages selling their own harvested produce. The market is open from 10 Am to 9 Pm on all days.

7. Polo Bazaar

The Polo Bazaar is one of the most primary markets in the Shillong area of Meghalaya. The Polo Bazar is located in the junctions of the Police Bazar area of Shillong which happens to be the city centre. This is one of the best places to purchase fruits and vegetables, clothes and local delicacies. The Polo Bazaar is also frequented by locals and is one of the best nightlife areas in Shillong. The market is open until late for the youngsters. Whilst you are at the market don’t forget to get some Jadoh, a local Khasi snack. The market is open from 8 Am to 9 Pm.

8. OB Shopping Mall

The OB shopping mall is yet another famous location in the police bazaar area of Shillong. The OB shopping mall is the best of the shopping malls in Shillong and has various outlets inside the tall building. You can get everything here right from everyday use and branded clothes, winter wear at discounted rates, liquor and showrooms of some of the top brands. The mall is open from 9 Am to 9:30 Pm.

Reach out to the destination experts at Pickyourtrail.com to customize your Meghalaya vacation package.