Shopping
Pashmina, saffron, gold, textiles — how to spot authentic goods and avoid scams.
Buying gold jewellery in India - a tourist's guide
Buying gold jewellery in India - BIS hallmarking and the HUID, how Indian gold pricing works (rate + making + GST), where to shop, customs limits, and how to avoid common shopping scams.
Buying Pashmina shawls in India - and why Shahtoosh is illegal
Pashmina shawls in India - what genuine Kashmiri Pashmina is, the GI tag and lab certification, how to spot fakes, where to buy. Plus why Shahtoosh shawls are illegal worldwide.
Buy Saffron in India | How to Spot Fake Saffron
Buying genuine Kashmir saffron - the GI tag, the three grades (Mongra, Lacha, Zarda), where to buy in Pampore and Srinagar, how to test purity, and why so much "saffron" sold to tourists is corn husk.
Indian saris, salwar suits and made-to-measure tailoring
Buying Indian saris, salwar kameez, lehengas and tailored clothing for men, women and children. Regional silk traditions, where to shop, and how custom tailoring works for visitors.