Head south this May to stock up on everything from bangles and saris to sandalwood and curries before the monsoon season hits.

Bring an extra bag. That is the most useful advice for any traveller heading to India, as shopping will undoubtedly be part of the itinerary.

Start in Delhi where goods from around India are available, but for higher prices, to get the lay of the (shopping) land. For true madness, hit the alleys of Chandni Chowk, where bright saris are stacked in countless shops, and vendors and buyers lounge on carpets, slowly perusing the wares in the afternoon heat.

In the backpacker area of Paharganj, the goods are more tourist oriented. Indo-Western clothing, often shoddily made, but perfect for a backpacker look, hang above shoppers' heads as cows watch tourists ohh and ahh over bangle stands. Here, the choice of bindi, decorations worn on a woman's forehead, is enough to make the most decisive buyer linger over designs. Fortunately, you can get contemplative over a lassi in a cafe, or as someone paints mehndi (henna designs) on your limbs. For more of the same, but with better quality clothes, head to the Janpath Market. Wander down one of the side streets, and you are likely to come across amazing textiles and pick up a second-hand embroidered and beaded silk sari for around ¥90 each.

It wouldn't be much fun if you just stayed in Delhi though. The state of Rajasthan is renowned for its colorful clothing and the beauty of its forts and largely desert landscape. Wander the elegant, if slightly dishevelled, colonnades of the pink city of Jaipur, stopping for essential purchases. Jaipur is famous for its blue and white ceramics, and a portable size hand-painted vase will only cost about ¥25. Around the Palace of the Winds, there are a large number of shops selling embroidered and beaded shoes made from camel leather. A bit stinky at first, these jootis, shoes with turned up toes, are perfect for an Aladdin look. Small markets offer braids and ribbons, jewellery in bright colors festooned with tiny faux pearls and more bangles than you think could ever fit up your arm, until you see women resplendent in traditional dress and bangles up to their shoulders, leaving onlookers with a mean case of bangle envy. Painted copies on silk of traditional miniatures featuring gods from the Hindu pantheon, such as Krishna, roll up into small and light gifts to take home.

Head south to Goa for the Anjuna flea market, but be warned that it closes during the monsoon season from July to September. If it's not open, push further south to Mysore where the local market, splashed with vibrant colors, is popular with photographers. Tikka powder (used to paint foreheads for religious reasons) in rainbow mounds, fruit, vegetables and flowers jostle for space with more bangles and prayer beads. Mysore is also home of sandalwood, so make sure to stock up on agarbathi (incense) at the Sandalwood Oil Factory and Mysore brand sandalwood soap and talcum powder.

If you are more of a store or mall shopper, then Bangalore, home to India's Silicone Valley and its yuppies, has large branches of Fabindi, such as salwaar kameez, trousers and tunics worn by women or kurti, tunics for men, are available as well as Western style clothing—a new wardrobe comes very cheap. If you don't mind carrying a bit of extra hand luggage, Industree stocks bamboo matting and cushions in acid bright colors.

Let India's retail therapy wash over you, but keep in mind that we bare no responsibility for any excess baggage charges incurred when you return home laden with delights from the Jewel in the Crown.