Lokhandwala Market

About three decades back, the only decent market in West Mumbai was the Linking Road, and it was compulsory for all tourists visiting Mumbai to go shopping there. So much so, people from far-off localities like Juhu would go shopping at Linking Road. As time passed, Lokhandwala Market grew in popularity for offering a good variety of goods at better rates.

One of the most popular suburbs in western Mumbai, Lokhandwala is a large residential and commercial complex located about 5 kilometres from Andheri station. Of all the neighbourhoods in Mumbai, Lokhandwala is also one of the most heard of from the perspective of a non-Mumbaikar. It houses a long stretch of roadside stalls, shops and stores which collectively form the Lokhandwala Market. Take a stroll through the by-lanes of the market and you are likely to find a string of footwear stalls and interesting boutiques and shops selling replicas of popular high-end brands. Ranging from fruits, flowers, electronics, jewellery, apparels to household knick-knacks, Lokhandwala has something for every kind of shopper. Lokhandwala is reputed for being a sought-after, open-air market place by the general public and the celebrity fraternity of Mumbai. Shoes, Pakistani outfits, junk jewellery and kids’ clothes are available in plenty here. Try checking out the stuff at the Insha Creations, Vidhi Creations and the shops selling Feng Shui articles. While you need to bargain hard at the roadside stalls, there are also a few shops with fixed prices. Ladies and gentlemen with a fixation for real gold and diamonds can find amazing designs at the jewellery shops in the market. Cloth merchants stock apparel from all over the world, more so, Thailand and other affordable Asian countries. Plus, there are ‘Made in India’ clothes too for the desi-at-heart league. Being so versatile, this is one of the few markets in Mumbai where goods as cheap as Rs. 100 are available alongside products ranging Rs. 1 lakhs and above.
The stretch is also dotted with vendors selling delicious pani puri, sev puri, bhel puri and other Mumbai street-food favourites. Vegetarians would love eating at the High Point eatery which is known for selling yummy food in satiating portions and a reasonable rate. Mc Donald's, Dominos, Wok Express, Hanglas, Natural Ice Cream, Theobrama, Breadkraft and many such delightful eating joints are also located in the market area. People with a sweet tooth are recommended to look out for Eden Cake Shop and Bakery which stocks seasonal cakes (think: guava, mango) and delicious sweetmeats. Sample the sweet treats and take home some to relish later.

All in all, the Lokhandwala Market is an example of the Maximum City’s vibrancy and high energy level. It is crowded, yet absorbing; and because this market is mostly women-centric, it is a fruitful endeavour to bring along your favourite ladies for a good shopping jaunt. It is a one-stop-haunt to have a variety of goods at your disposal. It is a heaven for shopaholics, college-goers and the like. The market, though, remains very crowded during peak hours, weekends and festive season. Getting a place to park your vehicle, therefore, is nothing short of a miracle on such days.

The residents of Andheri, Jogeshwari, Versova, Oishiwara, Goregaon, Malad find shopping in Lokhandwala Market, very convenient though.