Kolkata (Calcutta) Shopping Tips by jrober37

Art

What to buy: Fine art is everywhere - from this talented little chap in front of New Market to some very up-scale gallerys - like Aakrihi, 1st floor, Orbit Enclave, 12/3A Hungerford Street (back gate of St. Xavier's College).

What to pay: Be generous

Theme: Art

Nagaland Sales Emporium: Ethnic Dress

If you're not going to Assam - definitely see this shop - highly unusual ethnic dress and crafts from the Nagas.

What to buy: Raw silk cargo pants. Naga black with colorful stripe scarves, etc.

What to pay: Very reasonable

Address: 11 Skakespeare Sarani

Phone: 2282-8086(O)

Theme: Local Craft

Communication World: Cell Phone

What to buy: Instead of bringing your cell phone for very expensive re-routing - buy an Indian phone and a limited SIM card. This service will bring a phone to your hotel and activate it for you. Remember to give the hotel phone as a reference as they ask for a land line for verification. The simpliest solution.

What to pay: About $15 for the phone and $15 for 500 units on the SIM

Address: 11 Ho-Chi-Minh Sarani

Other Contact: samal.nirmal@rediffmail.com

Phone: 033-6512-4863

Theme: Computers and Electronics

Oxford Book Store: Books

World-class bookstore - attractive setting - excellent selection with a coffee bar and seating for you to look at your possible purchase at leisure.

What to buy: Many local guide books - some you will only find here. Large selection of Indian Writers - most of whom are out-of-print in the west. The cookbook section should take you all day.

Address: Park Street

Theme: Books