If you’ve ever wanted to experience Bangalore in its purest, most chaotic, most colourful form, just head straight to Chickpet. One step into this centuries-old bazaar and you’re greeted by a riot of silk sarees, sparkling bangles, honking autos, and shopkeepers yelling out deals like it’s a sport. It’s not your fancy mall experience — this is chickpet street shopping at its rawest best.
Whether you’re hunting for wedding sarees, imitation jewellery, brass decor, or just want to feel the pulse of Chickpet, Bengaluru, Karnataka, this guide spills everything you need to know — from location, directions, things to buy, how to reach, timings, and those tried-and-tested local hacks only smart shoppers know.
History & Significance of Chickpet Market in Bangalore
Chickpet isn’t just a market — it’s Bangalore’s past still breathing. Established over 400 years ago during Kempegowda’s rule, this sprawling bazaar was once the heartbeat of the city’s textile and trade routes. Merchants travelled here with silks, spices, and shiny trinkets, setting up tiny shops inside narrow lanes that still exist today.
Even with Bangalore transforming into an IT powerhouse, Chickpet has held on to its old-world charm — brick-sized shops, vintage signage, tile roofs, and that infectious hustle you don’t find in modern markets. Its cultural importance lies in its resilience: it continues to be the go-to hub for wedding shopping, wholesale sarees, cheap jewellery, brassware, and puja items.
Simply put: if you want to see real Bangalore, skip the malls… explore Chickpet.
Chickpet Market Location & How To Reach there
Chickpet Market is located in the very heart of Chickpet Bengaluru Karnataka, close to KR Market and Avenue Road. The lanes are tightly packed and buzzing nonstop — so it’s best you go prepared.
- Exact Location: Chickpet, Bangalore – 560053
- Google Coordinates: Search Chickpet Market directions on Maps and set it to “Chickpet Metro Station” – it’ll drop you right next to the entrance.
By Metro
- Nearest Station: Chickpet Metro (Green Line)
- Exit towards KR Market side and just follow the crowd — that is the market.
By Bus / Auto / Taxi
- Get down at KR Market Bus Stop or City Market, and it’s a 4–5 minute walk.
- Autos know exactly where to drop you — just ask for “Chickpet street shopping market”. Bargain your fare.
By Car
Not recommended (unless you enjoy hunting for parking like a treasure mission). Roads are narrow and jammed. If you must drive, park at Jayanagar Metro station or Town Hall parking and take an auto.
What is Chickpet Famous For? What we can Buy in Chickpet
If you’re heading here for Chickpet street shopping, come with time, energy, and an empty bag — because you’ll end up buying more than you planned. Here’s what Chickpet is best known for:
- Silk & Wedding Sarees – Pure Mysore silk, Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, and semi-silks at wholesale rates. Brides from across Karnataka visit just for this.
- Dress Materials & Fabrics – Unstitched salwar fabrics, blouse pieces, and fancy net/lace materials.
- Imitation Jewellery – Temple jewellery, gold-plated bangles, jhumkas starting from ₹30!
- Puja Items & Brass Décor – Bells, diyas, pooja thalis, brass idols — festive shopping paradise.
- Dry Fruits & Spices – Especially near Nagarthpet and KR Market stretch.
- Bangles & Hair Accessories – Streets glitter with colourful bangles, bindis & clips.
Basically, if you want your shopping bags to overflow without burning through your wallet — Chickpet has your back.
What are the Best Streets & Lanes Inside Chickpet to Explore
The magic of Chickpet lies in its maze-like gullies. Each lane has its own personality — and knowing where to go saves you tons of time (and bargaining energy).
- Balepet: Famous for jewellery, bangles, silver and imitation accessories. Great for bridal add-ons.
- Nagarathpet: Head here for pooja supplies, brass decor, idols and traditional gift items.
- Chickpet Main Road: This is saree heaven — rows of shops for silk, semi-silk, and daily wear sarees at wholesale prices.
- Avenue Road (adjacent to Chickpet): Perfect for books, stationery, and old-school paper products.
- Doddapete Lane: Hunt for suiting, shirting and men’s ethnic wear.
The trick? Start at KR Market side, walk inward, and end near Chickpet Metro Station — that’s the smartest “shopping route” most locals swear by.
Whic is the Best Time to Visit Chickpet Bangalore?
Timing is everything in Chickpet — it can make or break your shopping day.
Market Timings:
- Open: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
- Sunday is unpredictable — half the shops shut early.
When to Go:
- Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are best — less crowd, better bargaining power.
- Avoid weekends and the 10 days before festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and the wedding season — the rush is insane.
Pro shopping tip:
Reach before 11 AM. Shopkeepers are calmer, you get fresh stock, and you can escape before the afternoon chaos picks up.
Shopping Tips for Chickpet Market (Read before you go!)
- Bargain like a pro – Quote 30% less than the first price. It’s expected — not rude.
- Wear comfy footwear – You’ll walk a lot. These lanes are not heel-friendly.
- Carry a crossbody bag & keep valuables close – Crowded = easy pickpocket zone.
- Cash + UPI both work – But small shops love cash. Keep change handy.
- Avoid cars – Parking is a nightmare. Metro + autos are the real MVPs here.
- Start at KR Market side – Follow the lane and finish near Chickpet Metro to cover maximum variety.
- Compare before buying – You’ll often find the same saree ₹300 cheaper just two shops away.
Is Chickpet Market Best for Wedding Shopping?
Chickpet is nothing short of a bride tribe playground. Families across South India head here because you can literally complete head-to-toe wedding shopping in one shot — and at half the price of fancy showrooms.
Here’s what makes it a bridal favourite:
- Wedding Sarees: Kanjeevaram, soft silks, designer half sarees starting from ₹3,000 and going up to ₹25,000 depending on work and brand.
- Lehengas & Churidars: Latest Bollywood styles, anarkalis, and stitched gowns for receptions and sangeet — all at wholesale prices.
- Jewellery Sets: Heavy-looking imitation temple jewellery that looks real in photos but won’t scare your bank balance.
- Return Gifts & Puja Items: Bangles, kumkum holders, brass bells, diyas — starting at ₹20/piece when bought in bulk.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning with family/friends. It’s easier to handle multiple bags AND multitask bargaining when you have company!
Is Chickpet Safe? Solo vs Group Shopping Tips
Yes — Chickpet is generally safe during the day, but remember…it’s crazy crowded. That comes with its own set of rules.
Safe For:
- Daytime shopping
- Groups/families
- Solo shoppers (preferably confident & alert)
Be Cautious About:
- Pickpocketing – Keep phones/money deep inside a zipped bag.
- Getting lost – Lanes look similar; save your location pin on Maps.
- Evenings – Post 7 pm, shops shut and lanes get dimly lit — avoid going alone.
- Solo Tip: Stick to the main Chickpet stretch and avoid very narrow interior lanes if you’re carrying valuables.
- Group Tip: Assign one person to handle cash/payments, another to carry bags — sounds funny, but it works brilliantly in this chaos.
Best Places to Visit Near Chickpet Market Bangalore
Once you’re done diving into the madness (and magic) of Chickpet Street shopping, treat yourself to some old Bangalore charm nearby:
- KR Market (Krishna Rajendra Market): Just a 3–5 min walk. Famous for its flower market — a burst of colours and fragrances in the early mornings.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: 10 mins away. Beautiful teakwood palace filled with history.
- Bangalore Fort: Ruins right next to the palace – great for a quick heritage stop.
- Avenue Road: Right beside Chickpet – heaven for pre-loved books, stationery, and vintage finds.
Cubbon Park: About 15 mins by auto. Perfect for a breather after your shopping marathon.
A Guide to Chickpet Market Bangalore FAQs:
1. What are Chickpet Market timings?
The market usually opens by 9:30 AM and wraps up around 8:30–9 PM, Monday to Saturday. Sundays are unpredictable – some shops shut by afternoon.
2. What is Chickpet famous for?
Chickpet is famous for silk sarees, wholesale wedding wear, imitation jewellery, brass décor, and fabric materials — all at budget-friendly, wholesale rates.
3. Which is the nearest Metro station to Chickpet?
The closest metro is Chickpet Metro Station on the Green Line. Exit towards KR Market — the lanes begin a stone’s throw away.
4. Is Chickpet good for sarees?
Absolutely. It is one of the best and cheapest places in Bengaluru for silk, wedding, and designer sarees, especially if you’re buying in bulk or for a wedding.
5. What is the best route to reach Chickpet Market?
The quickest way is to take the Green Line Metro to Chickpet station. Alternatively, catch a bus or auto to KR Market and walk. Driving is not recommended due to heavy traffic and zero parking.
