Must-see shopping in Kolkata (Calcutta)

  • Dakshinapan Shopping Centre

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    It’s worth facing the soul-crushing 1970s architecture for Dakshinapan’s wide range of government emporia, which brings together a mind-boggling artisanal…

  • Byloom

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Some of Kolkata's most exquisite handmade saris are sold at this speciality boutique. There's also a fair smattering of semiprecious jewellery, and an…

  • Anokhi

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This boutique sells tasteful ethno-chic garments made from hand-dyed and hand-printed fabrics. Creations featuring Gujarati block prints seem to be the…

  • FabIndia

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    India's top consumer line of ethno-chic dresses and Indo-Western apparel has one of its city stores in this central location. Apart from garments, there's…

  • Sienna Store & Cafe

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Very hipster, very chic, yet unbelievably affordable. Housed in a tastefully renovated mansion, this boutique specialises in a delightful collection of…

  • Dolly's Tea Shop

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This tiny tea boutique is one of the best places in Kolkata to pick up some delectable Darjeeling leaves. Dolly, a veteran tea taster who owns the place,…

  • Oxford Bookstore

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This is an excellent full-range bookshop that sells a variety of titles, including an impressive catalogue of coffee-table books on India. It stocks…

  • Weaver's Studio

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Gorgeous handmade textiles and traditional fabrics vie for your attention at this upmarket boutique, run by an organisation that works with artisanal…

  • Sabyasachi

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Arguably one of India's top fashion wizards, with prestigious showings in Milan and New York fashion weeks, Sabyasachi is a Kolkata designer credited with…

  • Chamba Lama

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This long-running establishment owned by a Tibetan family is reputed for its collection of intricate silver jewellery and curios, most of them embellished…

  • Central Cottage Industries

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    An impressive array of traditional arts and tribal crafts are on sale at this well-stocked government emporium. Service is a bit impersonal and prices can…

  • Artisana

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Run by an NGO that has a long association with Bengal's folk-art communities, this understated showroom stocks interesting art objects that make for…

  • Nagaland Emporium

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Naga crafts, including shawls, jewellery and 'face' necklaces (typical to headhunting tribes such as the Konyak) are available at this well-stocked but…

  • Kashmir Emporium

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    For tasteful yet inexpensive gifts to take back home, it's hard to beat the Kashmir Emporium's selection of colourfully patterned papier mâché products,…

  • E Mall

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This multistoreyed mall is exclusively devoted to electronic gadgets and accessories. Several items such as hard drives, SD cards, DSLR attachments and…

  • New Market

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Kolkata's iconic colonial-era market sells everything from clothing and jewellery to flowers and savoury-food products, all under one roof. The Hogg…

  • Mondal & Sons

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    For sitars (from ₹5000) or violins (from ₹3000), visit Mondal & Sons, a family-run musical establishment dating to the 1850s. Do not be misled by the…

  • Story

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    An extensive air-conditioned bookshop, this place boasts an impressive collection of English books, including numerous travel guides and a section on…

  • Seagull Bookstore

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Seagull is a special-interest bookshop with a focus on academia, art, media, humanities, regional politics and social sciences. It also publishes a select…

  • Aranya

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Thoughtfully designed toys, stationery and souvenirs, made mostly from recycled materials, feature at this boutique run by a city-based designer duo…

  • Earthcare Bookstore

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This niche publisher sells an interesting and eclectic selection of books covering conservation, ecology, sustainability, alternative living and nature…

  • Tribes India

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Tribes India, located within the Dakshinapan Shopping Centre, stocks brass figures and appealing greetings cards. You'll also find some cane work and folk…

  • Purbasha

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Tripura's government emporium sells bargain-value canework, notably lampshades and stools. Occasionally, it sells curiosity items, including Lenin…

  • Hogg Market

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    The Hogg Market, located to the rear of New Market, is a wet market that deals in meat, dairy, vegetables and general rations. Interesting photo ops…

  • Pragjyotika

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    This Assam state–run emporium is a conveniently located place to look for fixed-price cane vases, jute handbags, pearls, fabrics made of cotton or…

  • Ashalayam

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Every card, handmade paper sheet and fabric that you buy here goes back to fund the (ex) street kids who made them. The shop doubles as a simple cafe…

  • Ankur Kala

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Doubling as a cooperative training centre that empowers women from the slums, this small shop sells handmade batik textiles, embroidered souvenirs,…

  • Doel’s Choice

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    A slim selection of handcrafted wooden and leather products is available at this small boutique, located within walking distance from the Sudder St area.