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Chor Bazaar: Thieves' Market in Mumbai – Photo Journal & Travel Guide
The Chor Bazaar Mumbai literally means “Thieves’ Market Mumbai”. Walking through this bustling bazaar is like stepping onto Gregory David Roberts Shantaram page. Read on for a short photo report on Chor Bazaar, which also includes a section on how to get here. Legend has it that if you ever lose something in India's most populous city, you can buy it back at the Chor Bazaar. Deep in the concrete maze of Mumbai's historic streets lies a fascinating flea market known as Mumbai's Thieves' Market. Although it may sound like a secret underground network, Chor Bazaar is open to the public...
Chor Bazaar: Thieves' Market in Mumbai – Photo Journal & Travel Guide
The Chor Bazaar Mumbai literally means “Thieves’ Market Mumbai”. Walking through this bustling bazaar is like stepping onto Gregory David Roberts Shantaram page. Read on for a short photo report on Chor Bazaar, which also includes a section on how to get here.
Legend has it that if you ever lose something in India's most populous city, you can buy it back at the Chor Bazaar.
Deep in the concrete maze of Mumbai's historic streets lies a fascinating flea market known as Mumbai's Thieves' Market. Although it may sound like a secret underground network, Chor Bazaar is open to the Mumbai public and tourists.
When I set out to find Mumbai's famous Thieves Market, I wasn't looking for stolen jewelry or counterfeits. I had read a lot about its unique history and was itching to explore and photograph this unique phenomenon. In this post, I tell the story of Mumbai's Chor Bazaar through my lens and also add some details so that you can find it for yourself.
Looking for ideas for your trip to India? You may also want to check out this comprehensive India packing list to find out what you should and shouldn't bring! I have also written a very comprehensive 1 month India itinerary that covers an epic, fast-paced itinerary as well as a range of information and tips that will come in handy when planning your trip!
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About Chor Bazaar: Thieves Market in Mumbai
As with most well-known local legends, there are a number of theories as to how the history of Chor Bazaar began. One theory is that Queen Victoria's violin went missing while being unloaded from her ship during her visit to Bombay. Of course, the violin showed up at the Thieves Market along with a few other items.
Another fascinating origin story, albeit without the climate theatrics, tells a familiar tale of mistaken identity. Apparently Chor Bazaar was originally known as Shor Bazaar, indicating the noisy nature of the area. The case of mistaken identity arose from the complacent British colonialists' inability to pronounce the name correctly, quoting "Chor" instead of the correct "Shor". And from then on the name stuck. Opportunistic burglars accepted the new name and subsequently built a central hub to distribute their stolen goods under an official British-delegated bazaar for thieves.
Today, sources claim that Thieves Market in Mumbai is now just a market for vintage goods. However, after personally seeing some of the dubious goods on offer, I'm skeptical.
Whether you want to grab a five-finger discount bargain or just explore, Chor Bazaar in Mumbai is a worthwhile attraction. It is also a great place for fascinated visitors and passionate photographers who want to do a few clicks at one of the largest and most unique flea markets in India. Just watch your bags.
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How do I get here?
Chor Bazaar is tucked away in the Kamathipura district in south Mumbai. If you stay in the tourist area of Colaba, it's quite a long 9 kilometer walk. Alternatively, you can use Uber or hail a rickshaw/taxi for around 100 rupees. Otherwise, I've linked what I think is the best Mumbai tour, which also includes a walking tour of Mumbai's Thieves Market.
Book: Mumbai Tour including Chor Bazaar
Nearest train station to Chor Bazaar
Arguably the quickest way to get to Chor Bazaar by public transport is to take Mumbai's well-connected railway system. The nearest railway station to Chor Bazaar Thieves Market is Grant Road Railway Station. From here it is just a very short throw to the bazaar.
Photos of my experience at the Choir Bazaar
Initially, I had some trouble finding the elusive Thieves Market in Mumbai. As I scanned the narrow paved streets for signs of stolen goods, I received mixed signals, from piercing stares to familiar grins. Maybe my swaying neck, stretched like a desperate mother hen, gave the impression that I was the shady guy in town. Or perhaps Mumbai knew where I was going and offered no assistance, knowing I would eventually find myself in the infamous bazaar.
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As I wandered around, I inadvertently approached a shrine dedicated to some sort of car deity. Engine belts from all eras hung from makeshift structures piled atop a tower of hoods, rearview mirrors and car radio antenna systems with torn out cables still loosely connected.
“That must be it!” I thought to myself as I quickly crept past the lofty stash of stolen car parts.
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I quickly realized that the honest and not so honest vendors and market traders of the Chor Bazaar were used to strangers strolling through their little piece of the Mumbai underworld. With joyful willingness and sometimes apathetic approval, I received a trained head shake of approval as I photographed the men of the Chor Bazaar. It was a familiar choreography that had played out thousands of times before my shutter. It was as if the thieves of Bombay were playing a familiar role in a Bollywood film, posing with their wares in front of their scattered storefronts.
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As I moved deeper into the thieves' bazaar, I turned my attention from the faces to their wares. I unearthed everything from dusty vintage posters of Hindu musclemen to Nokia-era mobile phones - all of which I knew had their own story to find their way to Mumbai's Chor Bazaar.
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More: Essential travel resources for India
Find Cheap FlightsThe best and easiest way to find cheap flights is to use a flight price search engine like Skyscanner. This compares the best fares from all airlines.
TIP:If you're flexible with your time, search for "Full Month" to see a calendar result with the cheapest days to fly. Find the best deals on accommodationWhether you're looking for hostels, hotels, guesthouses or resorts, you'll always find the best deals in India between Booking.com and Agoda.
TIP: To find the best hostels, I usually compare reviews on Hostelworld and then check other booking sites to further compare prices and deals. Good deals on tours and transportationYou already know that I prefer independent travel. Sometimes the best and cheapest way to get things done is to simply book a tour or package. For India I always use Klook and Viator. By far the cheapest way to get from place to place in India is by long-distance overnight buses. A reliable bus network is Redbus.in, which also has a downloadable app. You can also consider BookAway to compare cheap buses and ground transport options in India. Don't forget adventure travel insurance If you're reading this blog, you're probably looking for adventure while sipping poolside. My two favorite adventure travel options are SafetyWing and World Nomads. Click here to read the comparison between the two.
More blogs and guides about traveling in India
I hope this short photo report/tour guide for Chor Bazaar Mumbai has inspired you to visit one of Mumbai's most fascinating attractions. If you find your way to Thieves Market in Mumbai, let me know about your experience.
Otherwise, for those traveling in India, be sure to check out some of my other travel guides and blog posts for more ideas and places to visit!
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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