Darya Ganj

Darya Ganj is a book market that comes alive on Sundays. When all the stores are closed, the pavement dwellers make merry by spreading out a lot of books. On this area alone, there are around 200 book stores set up here. It is a huge landmark near the Golcha Cinemas and it is one of the oldest markets in Delhi. When it comes to buying old English and Hindi books, Darya Ganj is the place that you have to visit because of the huge and impressive collection found here. Though, there is something in it for all the age groups, customers who visit here are mostly students.

Low Priced Books

This book market is a book lover’s paradise. What is interesting about this place is that it makes a non-book lover also to pause and take a look at the huge collection it stocks. This market is a repository of books from wide and varied subjects like art, music, history, politics, fiction, psychology, interior design, fashion design and many such varied subjects.

If you are a smart shopper, you can buy even the hot selling books at Rs 10. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you should never come across as if you are ignorant of the current book prices. If the seller comes to know that you are quite a novice, there are high chances that he might exploit you. You should be ready for some heavy bargaining or just walk off if the shop keeper is not willing to come to your price, instead of showing your desperation.

This market is also famous for its fiction novels apart from academic books. These books written by Indian and foreign authors attract the young audience in a big way. If you want the best novel, you must be ready to wade through the thick crowds and be ready to push a few people if you want to. However even after this, you cannot be sure that you will surely get the book that you want.

Though the market is dominated by a huge collection of books and novels, some people also visit this market to buy souvenirs like coins, stationary items, artistic paintings and items used for everyday use. These items are available here at very affordable prices. The shops that sell musical instruments like violin, guitar, veena, Tabla etc. are also open on Sundays here.

Timings

0900 hours-2000 hours( Sundays only )

How to Reach and Best Time to Visit (Tips)

This market situated on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg on Asaf Ali Road which starts becoming active from 10AM onwards. If you opt to travel by metro, Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar are the nearest stations. You can also find many auto rickshaws or taxis to this place. You should ensure that while at Darya Ganj, you must be double cautious of your belongings due to fear of pickpockets.