Shopping in Kolkata (Calcutta)
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Classic Books/Earthcare Books
Charming family publisher-bookshop with strengths in development, environmentalism, politics, spirituality and women’s issues. Located behind Drive-Inn.
reviewed
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Ankur Kala
This cooperative training-centre empowers women from the slums. The small shop sells batik, stitch-work, attractive greetings cards and leather-ware. From Park Street walk two blocks east from AJC Bose Rd, turn south passing Tiger Inn and crossing Shakespeare Sarani then look for a big ‘3’ on the alley-gate.
reviewed
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Rabindra Sarani
Traditional, ultra-crowded shopping alleys spread in confusing profusion north of BBD Bagh, progress being slightly more manageable along Rabindra Sarani which offers intriguing thematic groupings of trades at different points. Many Kolkatans prefer to shop in the southerly Gariahat district.
reviewed
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Mondal & Sons
For sitars (from Rs4000) or violins (from Rs2000) visit Mondal & Sons. Family run since the 1850s, the Mondals count Yehudi Menuhin among their satisfied customers.
reviewed
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Ram Prasad Apothecary Shop
Go west down Muktaram Babu St, turn right on Rabindra Sarani, and walk two blocks north . You'll pass the wonderful olde-worlde Ram Prasad apothecary shop.
reviewed
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Swabhumi
Towards Salt Lake City, Swabhumi is a shopping centre-cum-cultural park with dozens of well-stocked craft stalls and boutiques plus rather dubious 'cultural performances'.
reviewed
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Women’s Friendly Society
This 120-year-old charity for destitute women sells somewhat twee hand-embroidered tableware, fabrics and children’s clothes from a fine, if ageing, Raj-era mansion.
reviewed
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Music World
Peddlers sell Bengali pop CDs on street corners but for a vast selection of genres visit the flashy, air-conditioned chain-shops Music World.
reviewed
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Central Cottage Industries Emporium
The impressive, if comparatively pricey, Central Cottage Industries Emporium showcases handicrafts from right across India.
reviewed
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Dakshinapan Shopping Centre
Dakshinapan Shopping Centre's soul-crushing 1970s architecture is slightly softened by the presence of Dolly’s Tea Shop.
reviewed
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Planet M
Peddlers sell Bengali pop CDs on street corners but for a vast selection of genres visit the flashy, air-conditioned Planet M.
reviewed
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Forum Shopping Mall
For western-style retail therapy, the five-storey Forum Shopping Mall is as good (or as bad) as small American equivalents.
reviewed
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Hogg Market
Come before 08:00, while touts are sleeping, to calmly appreciate the adjacent Hogg Market (fresh food and live chickens).
reviewed
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Nagaland Emporium
Nagaland Emporium sells Naga crafts, such as shawls and double-face necklaces for wannabe head-hunters.
reviewed
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Crossword
Spacious three-storey chain bookshop with cafe (coffee Rs18 to Rs44). Sells Times Food Guide (Rs100).
reviewed
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O
Electro Photo-Lab
Instant passport photos (eight mugshots Rs60), film-developing, digi-prints and camera-to-CD (Rs60 per disk).
reviewed
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Assam Craft Emporium
Cane-ware along with pearls, fabrics and Assam tea is available at Assam Craft Emporium.
reviewed
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New Market
New Market has a grand colonial clocktower, but by day it's a pestilential nest of handicraft touts.
reviewed
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Emami Shoppers' City
Try Emami Shoppers' City for western-style retail therapy in an unthreatening suburban environment.
reviewed
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Seagull Bookstore
Academic bookshop with strengths on humanities, regional politics and social sciences.
reviewed
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Metro Shopping Centre
Try the Metro Shopping Centre for a bit of western-style retail therapy.
reviewed
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