Shopping In Kolkata

Kolkata, the land of captivating charisma, colonial legacy and jovial feasts, stands apart as the icon of traditional as well as modern life. With the rise in standard of living, shopping centers have emerged in every corner of the city. Kolkata indeed has a lot to offer to the shopaholics in terms of shopping. From street vendors to super markets, from boutiques to malls, Kolkata is chock-a-block with many shopping centers. With a host of both big and small shopping areas, Kolkata is truly a shopper’s paradise. From authentic regional specialties like Tant sarees, cotton fabric, handlooms and handicrafts to the international branded clothes, bags and shoes, Kolkata is likely to surprise you with its wide array of shops. Although many shopping malls have sprung up in the recent years, you can only get the real delight of shopping by visiting the old bazaars in Kolkata. To know more on some of the popular shopping destinations in Kolkata, read on.

Shopping Places In Kolkata

New Market
New Market, located in Lindsay Street near Chowringhee Road, is one of the oldest and perhaps the most famed shopping hub in the city. With nearly 2500 shops catering to almost everything imaginable, this crowded shopper’s zone offers incredible variety of goods at darn cheap prices and is the favorite shopping destination for all bargain hunters. From cotton saris to shoes to crockery, Bankura clay horses, jewelry, leather goods and more, New Market offers a shopping experience that cannot be missed. New Market is open on all weekdays from 10 am to 8 pm and till 2.30 pm on Saturdays.

Dakshinapan Shopping Center
Dakshinapan Shopping Center at Ghariahat Road near Dhakuria flyover is noted worldwide for its traditional handloom and handicrafts. This two-storeyed open-air complex is cramped with state government outlets that deal in handlooms and handicraft items. Apart from cotton saris and dress materials, you can buy ethnic wears and handmade jewelry here, all at a very reasonable price. Although most of the shops sell goods at a fixed rate, you can always try and bargain a little for the best deals. Dakshinapan is open to visitors on all days except Sundays.

AC Market
AC Market at Theater Road is one of the most flocked markets in Kolkata. This one-stop shop for foreign goods is spread across four storeys and houses more than 2000 fully air-conditioned shops. From shoes to bags to cool gizmos and branded outfits, AC market houses everything from sherwanis to iPods to cotton kurtis, all at affordable rates. Although ‘fixed price’ board hangs in every shop, don’t forget to bargain for the best deals.

College Street
College Street, which extends from Bowbazar to Mahatma Gandhi Road, is flanked with rows of bookstores on both the side of narrow roads. Whether you are looking to buy Shakespeare’s classics or books on popular science, then there is no better place then College Street to grab the best deals on books.

Fancy market
Fancy market at Kidderpore is one of the most popular markets in Kolkata. Spread across three floors, Fancy market houses number of shops that deals in wide variety of imported goods. This awesome market has a huge collection of electronic goods, cosmetics, perfumes, glassware etc. You can buy anything from latest gadgets to branded perfume, all at an affordable price.

Khadi Gramadyog Bhavan
Established in 1958, Khadi Gramadyog Bhavan is highly popular for its traditional and authentic products. This Bhavan in CR Avenue road sells variety of items including dhoties, chadars, Bishnupuri, Kanjeevareem silk sarees and other khadi clothes. Do visit the place to encourage Indian fabrics and costumes.

Shopping Malls
With the rise of class-conscious citizens, Kolkata have got its fair share of boutiques, branded shopping centers and attractive shopping malls. Nestled within the bustling area of the city, these malls cater to everything from branded clothes to accessories, to bags, jewelries and more. Some of the noted malls in Kolkata are Forum, Shoppers Stop, City Center, Gariahat Mall, Bazaar Kolkata and more.