Deemed the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata is bustling with cultural and modern spaces. The city offers so much for tourists to explore, from fantastic food scenes, corporate and IT sectors, and historical spots. But if affordable shopping is what you look forward to the most, then let us tell you about the famous Gariahat market of South Kolkata, which is a shopper’s paradise.
Gariahat market: How to reach?
Kolkata is known for its vast options of public transport that have easy availability and affordable rates.
By bus: Public buses are the most sought-after ride. Hail blue bus numbers S5, 212, AC 5, and AC 24 that passes Gariahat along its route and go all across the city. Red minibuses Anandpur and Golf-green mini also have Gariahat as their stop. The rates range from Rs 10-25 for non-ac buses and around Rs 30-50 for AC buses.
By cab/taxi: Local yellow taxis and app-based cars will also take you to the destination at a pre-fixed price.
By metro: The locals also prefer the underground metro. New Garia metro station is the nearest station to the market. The metro prices are Rs 10-20, depending on your route.
By tram: Kolkata also has trams that run on the road; hail a tram from Garia Tram Depot to use trams. Finding a parking spot can be tricky as the lanes are congested.
Gariahat market: Exciting products one can buy at the market
People of Kolkata have a famous saying that one can find anything at the Gariahat bazaar, from ivory to a tigress’s milk. That’s how much hype and customer loyalty this market holds. Because it is a one-stop destination for all things required.
The bazaar still upholds its reputation in the age of online shopping and departmental shopping malls. The tapered paths of the Gariahat road hold thousands of small and big kiosks which cover the entire footpath. The most famous shopping attraction is the cotton sarees that Bengalis adorn. Old gold jewellery stores are also available throughout the market. It also has artificial and silver jewellery shops and shops full of hair and face accessories. From clothes to slippers, shoes, hats, purses, and even pottery shops are scattered in the market.
Apart from home decor and apparel, the market is also a paradise for veggie lovers. The tourists will be amazed by the variety of fresh and leafy vegetables one can buy. Dates and jaggery sell during the harsh winters. Decor stuff for your home, like furniture, frames, trinkets, and even potted plants, are available at low prices. Always remember to bargain heavily and check your products.
There are many food stalls to quench your thirst and hunger. ‘Muri walas’ sells spicy puff rice with tangy flavours, and ‘Puchkas’ will also tingle your taste buds. For non-vegetarians, kebabs and roll shops will satisfy you. Travellers must also visit old renowned sweet shops. Other preservative food items like fruit candies, flavoured fennel and carom seeds packed in jars also sell in the market.
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Gariahat market: Renowned restaurants, shops and other spots in the market
To not make you waste your time and energy roaming the narrow lanes of this vast market, here is a curated list of famous stores for every product and restaurant you must visit.
- Saree shops: Trader’s Assembly, RMGC Basak, Adi Dhakeshwari Bastralay, Indian Silk House and Select stores are the most famous stores when you want to buy beautiful cotton Bengali-style sarees. Most shops are decades old, have items ranging from Rs 4,000 upwards and function daily.
- Jewellery stores: MP Jewellers, A Sirkars, and Raj Lakshmi Gold are some trusted gold and diamond jewellery stores. Price starts from Rs 25,000, and the shops are open daily except Sundays.
- Movie Halls: Some old movie theatres like Mukti and Priya will make one feel nostalgic about the olden days. The movie halls are functional, and one can buy a ticket for the airing show. Rates vary from Rs 170-270.
- Dining spots: Krystal Chopsticks, Hatari, 6 Ballygunge Place and Kasturi restaurants offer delicious meals.
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Gariahat market: Location
The central Gariahat Market is located at the crossing of Rashbehari Avenue and Gariahat Road south of Kolkata.
Full address:
212 Rash Behari Avenue Gariahat Crossing.
Kolkata-700019.
India.
Gariahat market: Operational hours
The shops open at 11 AM, and the last working hours for the vendors are till 9 PM. The market is functional every day except Sundays when all the major shops and small stalls remain closed. The best time to visit the market is early morning as the shops open to avoid the crowd.
Gariahat market: Tourist spots around the market
As mentioned above, Kolkata has many cultural and tourist spots that visitors must explore. Some famous sites around the Gariahat market are:
- Birla Industrial and Technological Museum: Built in 1959, this unique museum was the vision of renowned industrialist Mr Ghanshyam Das Birla. He donated his property to then-PM Nehru, who converted his property into the BITM Museum. The museum is open daily, and the timings are 9:30 AM-6:00 PM. The vast museum has galleries dedicated to maths, science, physics and power. It holds special science shows and demonstrations for students. The BITM museum is 2 km away from the market.
- Kalighat Temple: Established in 1962, this holy temple is known around the country, where devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from Goddess Kali. The temple opens from 5 AM till 1 PM, remains shut for some hours, and again opens from 4:30 PM till 10:00 PM. The temple is 2.1 km away from the market.
- Park Street Area: To explore the party and food hub of the city, Park Street is the place to be. The area is filled with renowned restaurants, pubs, lounges, bakeries and shops. The site is five km from the market, and one can use the bus or a taxi to reach the location.
FAQs
What are the unique items that get sold in the Gariahat market?
The market is known for its many saree and gold jewellery shops. Along with those, it also has almost every item needed in our homes.
When is the Gariahat market closed?
Although the market functions every day, it does remain closed on Sundays.
