Here’s a comprehensive Top 10 places for discount and tax‑free shopping in Gaya & Bodh Gaya, with all the info you need—no other guides required!
1. Tibetan Refugee Market (Bodh Gaya)
- What to Buy: Tibetan handicrafts, woolens, prayer flags, Buddha idols, Tibetan food.
- Season & Timing: November–March, 9 AM–8 PM
- Price Range: ₹100–₹3,000
- Discount Tip: Fixed-price stalls, but bundled purchases often fetch small discounts.
- Tax-Free Note: Handmade goods ≥₹500 may qualify under India’s GST exemption for artisans.
2. Bodh Gaya Handicrafts (Kundan Bazaar)
- What to Buy: Buddhist literature, pottery, jewelry, Buddha statues, prayer wheels.
- Price Range: ₹200–₹5,000
- Discount Tip: Polite bargaining (10–15%) works; shop early before peak hours.
- Tax Info: Small unique items often GST‑exempt under Rs. 2,500 threshold.
3. Gola Bazaar
- What to Buy: Everyday goods, jewellery, textiles, village products.
- Price Range: ₹50–₹2,000
- Discount Tip: Visit weekday mornings for best local prices.
- Tax-Free Tip: Items <₹1,000 generally not taxed; useful for local trinkets.
4. Local Flea & Street Markets
- What to Buy: Fruits, veggies, snacks, local crafts.
- Price Range: ₹20–₹500
- Discount Tip: Bargain for 5–20%, especially early morning.
- Tax Insight: Unregulated, local produce is GST‑exempt.
5. Kundan Bazaar (Adjacent to Kundan Bazaar Guest House)
- What to Buy: Handicrafts, ring, Buddha images, spiritual books.
- Price Range: ₹150–₹3,000
- Discount Tip: Tourists get 5–10% off mid‑week; bundle deals popular.
- Tax Insight: Range limits to small handicrafts under ₹2,500—GST minimal.
6. Apr City Centre
- What to Buy: Fashion wear, footwear, accessories.
- Price Range: ₹300–₹5,000
- Discount Tip: End‑month sales are best for clothes and shoes.
- Tax-Free Tip: Same GST rules; watch for store “duty-free” offerings.
7. The Craft House Cashmere
- What to Buy: Cashmere shawls, premium winter wear.
- Price Range: ₹2,000–₹15,000
- Discount Tip: Buy multiple items to get 10–15% off.
- Tax Info: High-value clothing may have 5% GST; tourist purchase invoices help refunds.
8. Chafi & Co
- What to Buy: Leather goods, bags, souvenirs.
- Price Range: ₹500–₹8,000
- Discount Tip: Cash payments often get 5% off.
- GST Note: Standard GST of 12–18%; invoices available.
9. Shanti Traders
- What to Buy: Incense, brasswares, small Buddha statues.
- Price Range: ₹100–₹3,000
- Discount Tip: Bargain for 10% off in bulk.
- Tax Tip: Small offerings fall under tax slab; manual invoice for GST refund.
10. Bombay Bazaar Mall
- What to Buy: Branded apparel, electronics, home décor.
- Price Range: ₹500–₹10,000
- Discount Tip: Look out for seasonal mall offers and festival deals.
- Tax Hint: Standard GST applies; carry invoice for input credit if business.
Quick Shopping Comparison Table
| # | Place | Goods | ₹ Range | Discount Tips | Tax Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tibetan Refugee Market | Woolens, idols, crafts | ₹100–3,000 | Bundle buys for extras | GST-free artisan items |
| 2 | Bodh Gaya Handicrafts (Kundan) | Crafts, books, décor | ₹200–5,000 | Mid‑week haggling works | Mostly under GST threshold |
| 3 | Gola Bazaar | Everyday goods, jewellery | ₹50–2,000 | Morning pricing – walk around | Under ₹1K often untaxed |
| 4 | Bombay Bazaar Mall | Branded clothes, gadgets | ₹500–10,000 | Festival/mall sale season | GST applies—keep invoices |
| 5 | Kundan Bazaar stall | Craft items, statues | ₹150–3,000 | Tourist weekly discounts | Handicrafts may be GST-lite |
| 6 | Apr City Centre | Apparel, accessories | ₹300–5,000 | End-month store promotions | GST applicable |
| 7 | Craft House Cashmere | Premium cashmere | ₹2,000–15,000 | Bulk buys = 10–15% off | 5% GST, invoice for refunds |
| 8 | Chafi & Co | Leather accessories | ₹500–8,000 | Cash pay = ~5% off | Standard GST |
| 9 | Shanti Traders | Incense, brass goods | ₹100–3,000 | Bulk bargaining 10% off | Invoice for GST |
| 10 | Street Flea Markets | Produce, handicrafts, snacks | ₹20–500 | Bargaining common | Usually tax-exempt |
Shopping & Tax-Free Tips
- Bargain respectfully—most places expect a small discount.
- Cash preferred—especially at stalls; sometimes 5–10% extra value.
- Ask for bill/invoice at larger shops for GST claims.
- Carry passport card—some shops issue “tax-free” certificates.
- Shop seasonally—particularly Nov–Mar for Tibetan goods.
- Plan transport—markets spread across Bodh Gaya and Gaya; pre-book taxis.