Zaveri Bazaar History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
South Mumbai
Maharashtra
Description:
Zaveri Bazaar, located in South Mumbai, is one of India”s most famous jewelry markets. Known for its bustling streets filled with gold, diamond, and precious gemstone shops, this marketplace has been the hub of the jewelry trade for centuries. It is home to numerous small-scale artisans, wholesalers, and renowned jewelry brands. The market is a paradise for jewelry enthusiasts, offering a variety of traditional and contemporary designs.
Zaveri Bazaar, Maharashtra – A Detailed Description
Zaveri Bazaar is Mumbai”s most famous jewelry market and one of the largest gold trading hubs in India. Located in South Mumbai near Kalbadevi, this bustling marketplace is filled with hundreds of jewelry shops, ranging from small artisans to renowned brands like Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri and P.C. Chandra Jewellers. The market is known for its exquisite collection of gold, silver, diamonds, platinum, and precious gemstones, attracting customers from across the country.
The narrow, crowded lanes of Zaveri Bazaar are lined with glittering jewelry displays, offering everything from traditional Maharashtrian and bridal jewelry to contemporary designs. Besides ready-made jewelry, many shops specialize in custom-made ornaments and wholesale trade.
The market is not just a place for shopping but also a cultural and historical landmark, reflecting Mumbai”s legacy in the jewelry business. While it is primarily a commercial hub, visitors can also experience the vibrant street life of Mumbai, enjoy local street food, and explore nearby heritage attractions.
History:
Zaveri Bazaar has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it emerged as a key trading center for precious metals and stones. Over time, it became the epicenter of India”s jewelry industry, attracting traders and artisans from across the country. Many well-known jewelry brands, such as Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri and P.C. Chandra Jewellers, have their origins in this market. Despite being targeted in multiple terror attacks (notably in 1993 and 2011), the market has remained resilient and continues to thrive as the heartbeat of Mumbai”s jewelry business.
Best Time to Visit Zaveri Bazaar, Maharashtra
- Ideal Months: October to March (pleasant weather for exploring the market).
- Best Time of Day: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (before the evening crowd rush).
- Days Open: Monday to Saturday (most shops are closed on Sundays).
Things to Do in Zaveri Bazaar
- Shop for Jewelry: Explore an extensive collection of gold, silver, diamond, and traditional Maharashtrian jewelry.
- Visit Renowned Jewelers: Check out famous stores like Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, P.C. Chandra Jewellers, and Tanishq.
- Customize Jewelry: Get custom-made jewelry from skilled artisans.
- Explore Street Shopping: Find accessories, imitation jewelry, and trinkets at affordable prices.
- Try Local Street Food: Enjoy Mumbai”s famous snacks like vada pav, pav bhaji, and samosas.
- Photography & Cultural Exploration: Capture the vibrant marketplace and observe the traditional craftsmanship.
Nearest Attractions to Zaveri Bazaar
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) (1.5 km) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel.
- Crawford Market (1 km) – A historic market offering fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs.
- Mumbadevi Temple (700 m) – Dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi, the patron deity of Mumbai.
- Marine Drive (3 km) – A scenic promenade offering a stunning view of the Arabian Sea.
- Gateway of India (3.5 km) – One of Mumbai”s most iconic landmarks.
- Colaba Causeway (4 km) – A famous shopping and street market area for fashion and accessories.
- Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum (4.5 km) – A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi”s life and work.
Photography in Zaveri Bazaar
- Allowed: Street photography and market scenes are generally allowed.
- Restricted: Many jewelry stores prohibit photography inside due to security reasons.
- Best Time for Photography: Early morning before the crowd arrives or in the evening when the market lights up.
- Pro Tip: Capture the lively market atmosphere, intricate jewelry designs (with permission), and historic architecture in the area.
Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee: Zaveri Bazaar is a public marketplace, and there is no charge to enter.
- Shopping Costs: Prices vary depending on the jewelry type, design, and brand. Bargaining is not common in reputed stores but may work for smaller shops.
Safety Tips for Visitors
- Beware of Pickpockets: The market is crowded; keep your belongings secure.
- Avoid Flashing Cash/Jewelry: Carry limited cash and avoid wearing expensive jewelry openly.
- Shop from Trusted Stores: Verify authenticity and ensure proper invoices for jewelry purchases.
- Be Cautious of Scams: Avoid street vendors selling "discounted gold" or unauthorized traders.
- Stay Hydrated & Comfortable: The market is busy, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Famous Food Near Zaveri Bazaar
After shopping, enjoy some of Mumbai”s best street food and iconic eateries nearby:
- Badshah Cold Drinks (1 km): Famous for falooda, fresh juices, and snacks.
- Bhagat Tarachand (1 km): Known for its delicious vegetarian thali and buttermilk.
- Tewari Bros (800 m): Must-try sweets like jalebi and kesar peda.
- Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (1.2 km): One of Mumbai”s best Gujarati thali restaurants.
- Kailash Parbat (1.5 km): Popular for chaat, chole bhature, and North Indian dishes.
How to Reach Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai
Zaveri Bazaar is centrally located in South Mumbai near Kalbadevi.
- By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) (1.5 km) – Best option if traveling via the Central or Harbour line.
- Other Nearby Station: Marine Lines Station (1 km) – Ideal for those coming via the Western line.
- By Metro:
- Nearest Metro Station: CST Metro Station (Upcoming – Mumbai Metro Line 3)
- Currently, Mumbai Metro does not directly connect to Zaveri Bazaar, but taxis and autos are available from nearby stations.
- By Road:
- From Mumbai Airport: Approx. 20 km (1 hour by taxi or private vehicle).
- From CST or Churchgate: Take a taxi, BEST bus, or walk if nearby.
- Bus Routes: Several BEST buses operate to Crawford Market or Kalbadevi, from where you can walk to the market.
- By Auto/Taxi:
- Auto-rickshaws are not permitted in South Mumbai.
Parking Near Zaveri Bazaar
Finding parking in this busy market area can be difficult. Here are some options:
- Crawford Market Pay & Park (1 km) – A paid parking lot near the market.
- Palton Road Parking (1.2 km) – Offers limited parking spots.
- Multi-level Parking at Nariman Point (3 km) – A better option if you”re okay with a short taxi ride.
- Private Parking Garages: Some nearby buildings and shopping centers offer paid parking.
Tip: It”s best to use public transport or hire a taxi to avoid parking hassles.
ATMs Near Zaveri Bazaar
Zaveri Bazaar has multiple ATMs for easy cash withdrawals. Some of the banks with ATMs nearby include:
- State Bank of India (SBI) – Kalbadevi Road
- HDFC Bank ATM – Near Mumbadevi Temple
- ICICI Bank ATM – Near Crawford Market
- Axis Bank ATM – Bhuleshwar Road
Most reputed jewelry shops accept UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital payments, but carrying some cash is recommended for street shopping.
Hotels Near Zaveri Bazaar
Luxury Hotels:
- The Taj Mahal Palace (4 km) – Mumbai”s iconic 5-star hotel with sea views.
- The Oberoi Mumbai (4 km) – A premium luxury hotel near Marine Drive.
- Trident Nariman Point (4.2 km) – Offers luxurious amenities with a scenic waterfront view.
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:
4. Hotel Residency Fort (2 km) – Comfortable stay with good amenities.
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