Gariahat Market

Gariahat Market

Gariahat Market is a bustling and vibrant market in South Kolkata, known for its eclectic mix of goods, from traditional Bengali sarees and handicrafts to modern electronics and home decor. The market is a sensory overload, with the sounds of vendors, the colors of the fabrics, and the aroma of the street food creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The market is spread over a large area, with a series of small shops, street vendors, and large retail stores. It is a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs, and it is particularly famous for its affordable prices and its variety of goods. The market is not just a place to shop; it is a cultural and social hub, where people from all walks of life come to meet, shop, and eat. The market's vibrant atmosphere, its unique shops, and its delicious street food make it a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the city's local life. The market is a testament to the city's commercial spirit and its rich cultural heritage. A visit to Gariahat Market is an experience in itself, as you can see the city's local life and its unique culture up close. The market is a great place to bargain, and you can find some great deals on clothes and other items. The market is also famous for its traditional Bengali sweets and snacks, which are a must-try.

Location: Gariahat, Ballygunge, Kolkata. Approximately 7-8 KMS from the City Center (Esplanade).

Timing: Regular Timings: The market is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Monday to Saturday). Closed on Sundays. .
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is in the afternoon to avoid the morning rush.

Architecture: Gariahat Market is not a planned architectural structure but a collection of shops and street stalls that have grown organically over time. Its architecture is a reflection of its commercial and cultural character.
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The Shops: The shops are a mix of small, old shops and large, modern retail stores. The old shops have a simple but functional design, with a focus on displaying a variety of goods. .
The Streets: The streets around the market are a part of its architecture. The narrow lanes, the crowded streets, and the colorful street vendors are all part of the market's unique design. .
The Buildings: The buildings around the market are a mix of old, traditional Bengali houses and modern commercial buildings. This blend of old and new adds to the market's charm. .
The Markets: The market is a series of interconnected lanes and streets, with a variety of goods displayed on the street.

Popular Products: Gariahat is a mecca for traditional and trendy shopping.

●  Sarees and Dress Materials: The market is a paradise for saree lovers. You can find a huge variety of authentic Bengal cotton, silk, and Tussar sarees, along with other traditional Indian dress materials. Popular Shops Name: Benarasi Kuthi, Indian Silk House, and Mabesha are famous for their exquisite collections.

●  Imitation Jewellery: The street stalls are overflowing with a dazzling array of imitation jewellery, from oxidized silver to colorful beads and junk jewellery. It's the best place to find affordable accessories to match your outfits.

●  Home Decor: You can find a wide range of household items, decorative pieces, and unique handicrafts. From terracotta items to brass figurines, the street stalls have a lot to offer.

●  Bags and Footwear: Gariahat has numerous vendors selling all kinds of bags, from trendy tote bags to ethnic clutches. You can also find a vast collection of footwear at very reasonable prices.

●  Books: While books are not the main focus, you can find a number of small stalls selling second-hand books at throwaway prices.

●  Kitchenware and Electronics: The market has a dedicated section for household goods, with a wide range of kitchen utensils, appliances, and basic electronics available.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours for a good shopping experience.

Why Famous: A Shopper's Paradise: It is famous for its variety of goods and its affordable prices. .
Cultural Hub: The market is a cultural and social hub, where people from all walks of life come to meet, shop, and eat. .
Vibrant Atmosphere: The market is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Hidden Gem: The Sari Shops: The sari shops in the market are a hidden gem. They have a beautiful collection of traditional Bengali saris and other fabrics. .
The Street Food: The street food stalls at the market are a hidden gem. They serve some of the most delicious and authentic Bengali snacks.

Things to Do: Shop for Sarees: Gariahat is famous for its sarees. Shop for traditional Bengali sarees and other fabrics. .
Try Street Food: The street food is a must-try. Try local delicacies like 'telebhaja' and 'mochar chop'. .
Walk Around the Market: The market is a great place for a walk. .
Bargain: Bargaining is a must at Gariahat Market. .
Explore the Streets: The streets around the market are a great place to explore.

Special Events: The market is a hive of activity during the festival of Durga Puja and Diwali. The market is beautifully decorated, and a large number of people visit for shopping.

Best Photo Spots: The Streets: The streets of the market, with their vibrant colors and bustling crowds, are perfect for photos. .
The Shops: The shops with their unique designs and products are a great subject for photos.

Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the market.

How to Reach: By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), a taxi or an app-based cab will take you to the market, which is about 20 km away. .
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ballygunge Junction, which is a local station. From Howrah Junction (HWH) or Sealdah (SDAH), you can take a local train. .
By Road: The market is located on a major road and is easily accessible by bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw. .
By Local Transport: The Kolkata Metro has a station at Kalighat, which is a short auto-rickshaw ride away.

Best Time to Visit: Different Types of Seasons: .
Winter (October to March): The weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it the best time for shopping. .
Summer (April to June): The weather is hot, so it is best to visit in the afternoon. .
Monsoon (July to September): The rains can be heavy, but the market is partially covered. .
Different Parts of the Day: .
Afternoon: Great for a peaceful shopping experience.

Nearest Resturant: (Near Gariahat Market)
1. Arsalan:

●  Address: 191, Gariahat Rd, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

●  Famous Foods: Biryani, Mutton Chaap.
2. 6 Ballygunge Place:

●  Address: 6, Ballygunge Place, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

●  Famous Foods: Traditional Bengali Cuisine.
3. Tero Parbon:

●  Address: 47/3, Gariahat Road South, Jodhpur Park, Kolkata, West Bengal 700068.

●  Famous Foods: Bengali thalis and traditional sweets.
4. Bhojohori Manna:

●  Address: 13/2B, Ekdalia Rd, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

●  Famous Foods: Bengali Fish preparations.
5. Dariole:

●  Address: 172, Gariahat Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

●  Famous Foods: Cakes, Pastries, Puffs.
6. Sweets and Savouries at Gariahat:

●  Numerous sweet shops and street vendors offer traditional Bengali sweets like mishti doi and sandesh.
7. Sanjha Chulha:

●  Address: 158, Gariahat Rd, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

●  Famous Foods: North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
8. Puchka stalls:

●  Address: All over the market area.

●  Famous Foods: The famous puchka (pani puri).
9. Kathi Roll Stalls:

●  Address: All over the market area.

●  Famous Foods: Kathi rolls (egg, chicken, or mutton).
10. Apanjan Restaurant:

●  Address: 118, Rash Behari Ave, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029.

●  Famous Foods: Bengali and Indian food.

Tourism Tips: Health & Safety: The market is very crowded, so be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. .
Packing: Wear comfortable shoes. .
Accommodation: The Ballygunge and Kalighat areas have many hotels that are conveniently located. .
Other Topics: Be prepared to bargain.

Near Tourist Places: 1. Rabindra Sarobar Lake: 2 KM.
2. Kalighat Kali Temple: 2 KM.
3. Birla Mandir: 2.5 KM.
4. Victoria Memorial: 6 KM.
5. Indian Museum: 7 KM.
6. Park Street: 6 KM.
7. Howrah Bridge: 9 KM.
8. Maidan: 6 KM.
9. Science City: 5 KM.
10. Dakshineswar Kali Temple: 15 KM.

Travel With Who: Family: A fun place for a family to shop and explore. .
Friends: A must-visit for a group of friends who love shopping. .
Solo: A solo traveler can spend a whole day exploring the market. .
Couples: A unique and fun outing for couples.

Last updated 3 mins ago