Here’s a complete and highly practical list of the Top 10 Places for Discount and Tax-Free Shopping in Vellore, curated especially for new tourists and city visitors. This guide covers everything — product types, timings, location, cost savings, and shopping tips — so you won’t need to search elsewhere.
1. Sathuvachari Commercial Complex (Phase 1 Market)
- Best For: Women’s wear, cosmetics, artificial jewelry, footwear
- Discounts: Street-side shops allow bargaining
- Tax-Free Items: Non-billed purchases for small items
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Phase 1, Sathuvachari
- Tip: Visit late evening for extra discounts
- Ideal For: Bargain hunters, local-style shoppers
2. VIT Gate 1 & 2 Street Markets (VIT Flea Zone)
- Best For: Electronics accessories, clothing, snacks, quirky gifts
- Discounts: Flat price items; bundle offers common
- Tax-Free Items: Most vendors are informal and don’t add tax
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Opposite VIT University, Katpadi
- Tip: Best deals on weekdays before 6 PM
- Ideal For: Students, backpackers, tech lovers
3. CMC Hospital Complex Street Market
- Best For: Books, personal care, stationeries, travel essentials
- Discounts: Up to 30% off MRP on books and general goods
- Tax-Free Items: Most items sold directly by small sellers
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Near CMC Main Gate, Thottapalayam
- Tip: Excellent deals on medical & nursing textbooks
- Ideal For: Medical tourists, students, hospital visitors
4. Mega Mart (Factory Outlet – Katpadi Road)
- Best For: Discount branded clothing & footwear
- Discounts: 30%–70% off (seasonal & off-season)
- Tax-Free Items: In-store discounts already include tax benefits
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Katpadi Road, near VIT
- Tip: Ask for end-of-line clearance shelves
- Ideal For: Brand lovers with limited budget
5. Vellore Main Bazaar (Anna Salai Market)
- Best For: Daily essentials, clothes, accessories, imitation jewelry
- Discounts: Bargaining accepted — expect 20–40% off quoted price
- Tax-Free Items: Many local vendors do not charge GST
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Location: Anna Salai Road, near Old Bus Stand
- Tip: Buy in bulk (2+ items) to get better deals
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, students, souvenir seekers
6. Textile & Saree Wholesale Shops (Fort Area)
- Best For: Silk sarees, dress materials, bulk fabric
- Discounts: 20%–50% for bulk purchases or unstitched items
- Tax-Free Items: Some shops don’t add tax for cash buys
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Fort Round Road, near Jalakandeswarar Temple
- Tip: Ask for “shopkeeper deals” – available on non-tourist days
- Ideal For: Bridal shoppers, fabric buyers
7. Chitra Fancy & Wholesale (Thottapalayam)
- Best For: Plasticware, toys, home decor, wedding items
- Discounts: Wholesale pricing starts at 2 items
- Tax-Free Items: Billed items but lower than MRP
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Thottapalayam Junction
- Tip: Great for home gifts or travel storage solutions
- Ideal For: Local residents, gift buyers, families
8. Vellore Used & Export Surplus Market
- Best For: Branded export surplus t-shirts, jeans, jackets
- Discounts: 50%–70% less than retail price
- Tax-Free Items: Usually non-billed stock
- Timings: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Near Katpadi Junction, backside road
- Tip: Inspect for minor damages before buying
- Ideal For: Fashion-conscious on a tight budget
9. Local Handicrafts Vendors at Golden Temple (Sripuram)
- Best For: Temple souvenirs, brassware, wooden idols, incense
- Discounts: 10%–20% if buying more than 2 items
- Tax-Free Items: No tax for most temple zone vendors
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Outside Sripuram Golden Temple Campus
- Tip: Combine spiritual visit with budget shopping
- Ideal For: Pilgrims, culture lovers
10. Krishna Chetty Shopping Center (Wholesale Bangle Market)
- Best For: Bangles, earrings, accessories, bindis, glass items
- Discounts: ₹20–₹50 range for accessories
- Tax-Free Items: All non-billed, locally crafted
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Long Bazaar, near Fort Entrance
- Tip: Ask for pre-packed bangle sets — best value
- Ideal For: Women travelers, souvenir shoppers
Final Tips for Discount Shopping in Vellore:
- Best Time: 11 AM – 6 PM (avoid 1–3 PM heat)
- Payment: Carry small notes & UPI apps like PhonePe/Paytm
- Bargaining: It’s expected at most non-branded shops.