Whether it is for buying traditional woven clothes or a pack of your favourite gripping book series, Kolkata is home to the best options for street shopping. Filled with sounds, colors and enticing aroma of the delighting street food, walking through the vibrant market lanes of Kolkata is an experience itself. Selling everything from cheap clothes to antiques, these markets offers the best buy if you’re in for some budgeted shopping. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Kolkata to shop and the presence of affordable lodging options like Oyo rooms in Kolkata is a sign of its growing popularity. Let’s have a look at some of the best street shopping spots in the city.
New Market – Probably, Kolkata’s oldest and best known street market, it’s also known as the Hogg’s market. There are more than 2,000 shops and if you’re a seasoned shopper, you can get a good bargain here. If you’re looking for the famous sarees of West Bengal, go straight to the newly constructed part of the market. The famous lal paar sarees (red border), the exceptional representatives of Bengali community, can be bought here at amazing prices. Also famous are ‘tussar’ and ‘vishupuri silk’, which are used for making drapes and shawls, could be wonderful buy if you’re planning to give a gift to someone. Apart from the fabrics, there are so many things to look for. The best thing about the market is that you never leave with an empty bag.
College street – If you’re a bookworm, this is your mecca. Lined up with several shops selling books of all types, this one market will persuade you pick one bestseller. Apart from novels and magazines, you can get ample of books for college and school studies. Few sellers are also known for keeping the rarest of the rare editions and at half the price. If you’re good at bargaining, you can always land a good deal.
Chowringhee Road – This wonderful piece of Kolkata’s culture stretches from Park Street to New Market and sells everything under the sun. From things of daily use to an exotic antique for your new home, you can find it all here. At first glance, the entire market might look like a pile of unused junk, but searching throw like a detective can bring you some fantastic pieces. Terracotta wares, which are a specialty in Kolkata, can be found here in all shapes, sizes and decor.
Swabhumi – If you’re looking to take back a memorabilia for your Kolkata trip, then Swabhumi is the place to find them. From junk jewellery to wall hangings and from wrought iron furnitures to traditional clothes, Swabhumi should be added to every shopaholics itinerary. A dream destination for buying Indian handicrafts, do not miss this if you’re in for some street shopping.
If you’re visiting especially for shopping, to, Mumbai or Chennai can be taken, if you’re planning for a short stint.
Dimpy Roy
Dimpy, a travel writer, working with an Online Travel Guide writes about best flight from Kolkata to Chennai.