5 markets in India made famous by spices

India is often known as the “land of spices” because its soil, climate and trade routes have made it a hub for aromatic seeds, herbs and blends. From coastal ports to packed city lanes, spice markets here are full of colours, scents and stories. Here are five such markets where spice trading is central - perfect to explore for flavour, history and culture.

Located in Old Delhi near Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli is known as Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Traders sell a wide array of spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other products, and the air is thick with aroma. Its history stretches back to the 17th century and the lanes are still crowded with buyers, offering a vivid spice-shopping experience.

In the port town of Mattancherry (also referred to as Jew Town) in Kochi, this spice market sits among old warehouses where ships once carried pepper, cardamom and ginger overseas. Today’s narrow lanes still fill with the fragrance of cloves, turmeric and black pepper - a living link to India’s spice-trade past.

One of Kolkata’s oldest and busiest wholesale hubs, Burrabazar is threaded with sub-markets dedicated to spices, dry goods and more. The spice section is especially vibrant, offering ingredients essential to Bengali cuisine like panch phoron and mustard seeds - all amid the bustle of one of India’s grand trading cities.

Near the city’s iconic clock tower in Jodhpur, Sardar Market is a sensory delight, textiles and handicrafts everywhere, but also narrow lanes of spice stalls. You’ll find strong red chilli powders, cardamom and specialty teas among the aromatic bustle, making it a must-visit for spice lovers exploring Rajasthan.

While many spice markets focus on multiple spices, Erode’s ETMA complex is specifically for turmeric - an important Indian spice and “golden” ingredient. This regulated market handles large volumes of turmeric trade and reflects Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s spice economy. Erode is one of India's largest turmeric markets and is known for producing "Erode Manjal," a type of turmeric with a high curcumin content that received a Geographical Indication tag in 2019.