Kolkata is quite popular for being
one of the cheapest cities, kudos to the low cost of living that the
metropolitan boasts. Hence, it is only natural that shopping in Kolkata is one
of the pertinent things to do when one is visiting the city. Acting as a
significant trade corridor, coupled with its cosmopolitan status, Kolkata is no
less than a lucrative haven for traders, shoppers and international retail
brands alike. The shopping arcades were first set up by Britishers here after
which the city was inundated with a multitude of American style shopping malls,
echoing the demand for Kolkata’s consumer-driven society.
For all the avid shoppers, the
variety of goods, commodities and consumer durables is simply unmatched. Here
are some of the best and cheap places to shop your heart out without feeling
heavy on your pocket:
1) New Market of Kolkata
New market is the most
prominent Victorian Gothic shopping arcade that came into existence during the
colonial era and is in limelight till date. It comprises of a wide labyrinth of
stalls, selling each item that one can imagine. Although the prices are already
quite affordable, they can further be brought down if you possess good
bargaining skills. There are over 2000 stalls in total dealing in goods ranging
from fashion apparel to electronics and flowers and rare cheeses. Located on
Lindsay Street, the shop remains open from 10 am to 8 pm during weekdays and
until 2:30 pm during Saturdays.
2) Gariahat Market of
Kolkata
Falling under the Ballygunge area,
Gariahat Road is one of the major arteries of South Kolkata, uniting Ballygunge
Phari with Prince Anwar Shah Road and continuing up to Raja SC Mullick Road.
Garihat shopping area spanning a long stretch of shops, restaurants, and stores
form one of the major attractions. The serpentine road has breathtaking variety
on display in both shops as well as makeshift stalls that flank the market.
Similar to the New Market, the prices are quite reasonable with plenty of scope
for bargaining. Once you are done with shopping, there are also numerous good restaurants in Kolkata that dot this area to offer you with
the choicest grub.
3) Burrabazar Market of
Kolkata
Having transitioned from being a
predominantly yard and textile market to India’s grandest wholesale market,
Burrabazar is the city’s most nostalgic landmark shopping institutions.
Delighting all shoppers alike, one can find each conceivable item that can be
imagined here. The entire market is subdivided into submarkets depending upon
the category of goods being sold. Although each is unique in itself, one street
that mustn’t be missed during the festive season is the Kalakar Street, buzzing
with dances, songs, and puja paraphernalia.
4) Malikghat Flower
Market
Colloquially known as the Howrah
Phool Bazaar, one thing that makes this market stand out is the sensory
overload of colors and mellifluous aromas. Truckloads of flowers being brought
from different corners of the world is a common sight at the place. One can
find a selection of sensational flowers, ranging from
lilies, gladiolas, roses, orchids, tuberoses, gerbera, etc. With Howrah
Bridge in the backdrop, the bustling market conjures up images of a vibrant
Kolkata.
Grab priced possessions at an
affordable price but first, crack best hotel deals in Kolkata in one of the luxurious hotels
such as the LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata if you are a shopaholic who
prefers the best amenities and services.
