Interesting shopping in Kolkata?
Nov 4th, 2010, 08:51 AM
#1
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Interesting shopping in Kolkata?
We will be spending three nights in Kolkata after our time in Sikkim and Darjeeling. We'll do something (haven't decided what yet) with Calcutta Walks, will eat some great Indian food, and maybe have a bit of time for shopping. I would be interested in local crafts, hand-woven textiles (or hand painted silks) and such. Any suggestion for where we might shop? We'll be staying at the Oberoi Grand.
Many thanks for your suggestions.
Many thanks for your suggestions.
Nov 4th, 2010, 07:41 PM
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Well you just knew I'd come in...
There is, indeed, amazing shopping in Kolkata - it's just that nothing that's on sale is what you'll want to buy. Dog bought very strange things; But he has eccentric tastes.
If you ask anyone they'll just shunt you to the nearest tourist emporium, which ain't what you want.
Three good options:
Get Ifte from Kolkata Walks to take you places. [They'll cost you about $100 for a very full day - remember, he'll take you anywhere.] I'm looking forward to your report.
This story is about Ifte's 'Confluence of Culture tour':
http://thedogster1.wordpress.com/little-things/
He also features heavily in this:
http://thedogster1.wordpress.com/the-devil-in-kolkata/
Glenburn has a local tour guide in Kolkata. She's an elegant society lady who does a few rich clients on the side. Again, a good option. I'm sure you saw this, but look at this itinerary again:
http://www.glenburnteaestate.com/calcutta.html
You could do a very similar itin with Ifte. Glenburn lady is VERY Expensive. The itineraries are very good, however - so, do like everybody else does and steal them. Maybe she'll put her prices down. Ifte is NEW India, Glenburn lady is OLD India.
Third option is to use both the old concierge at the Oberoi OR a lady you'll meet called Miss Ranju. Ranju is the Room Manager or something - either way, she's the gal. Tell her Dogster sent you [you'll have to use my real name].
What dates are you in Kolkata?
There is, indeed, amazing shopping in Kolkata - it's just that nothing that's on sale is what you'll want to buy. Dog bought very strange things; But he has eccentric tastes.
If you ask anyone they'll just shunt you to the nearest tourist emporium, which ain't what you want.
Three good options:
Get Ifte from Kolkata Walks to take you places. [They'll cost you about $100 for a very full day - remember, he'll take you anywhere.] I'm looking forward to your report.
This story is about Ifte's 'Confluence of Culture tour':
http://thedogster1.wordpress.com/little-things/
He also features heavily in this:
http://thedogster1.wordpress.com/the-devil-in-kolkata/
Glenburn has a local tour guide in Kolkata. She's an elegant society lady who does a few rich clients on the side. Again, a good option. I'm sure you saw this, but look at this itinerary again:
http://www.glenburnteaestate.com/calcutta.html
You could do a very similar itin with Ifte. Glenburn lady is VERY Expensive. The itineraries are very good, however - so, do like everybody else does and steal them. Maybe she'll put her prices down. Ifte is NEW India, Glenburn lady is OLD India.
Third option is to use both the old concierge at the Oberoi OR a lady you'll meet called Miss Ranju. Ranju is the Room Manager or something - either way, she's the gal. Tell her Dogster sent you [you'll have to use my real name].
What dates are you in Kolkata?
Nov 5th, 2010, 11:14 AM
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I was hoping you would chime in. Thanks for the ideas. We'll be in Kolkata Dec 1-4.
I just checked the price of the Glenburn lady - yipes! The Calcutta walks prices are more in our league.
I've done some looking at the itineraries on the website. No doubt we'll borrow something from one, something from another.
I just checked the price of the Glenburn lady - yipes! The Calcutta walks prices are more in our league.
I've done some looking at the itineraries on the website. No doubt we'll borrow something from one, something from another.
Nov 6th, 2010, 11:01 PM
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Kathie, i am sorta living vicariously as you plan your trip to places i hpe to gt to a yr from now. So it's helpful to find some answers.
You may havE already seen some of the Indiamike threads; in case not, here's one;
http://www.indiamike.com/india/kolka...olkata-t62510/
They mention also a sculptors neighborhood called Kumartuli, the Potters' area in No Kolkata.
I already know Calcutta Walks is good, as they are highly recommended by Faith and her brother Tim of Indianpanorama. I think they also so a boat ride on the Hooghly river???
You may havE already seen some of the Indiamike threads; in case not, here's one;
http://www.indiamike.com/india/kolka...olkata-t62510/
They mention also a sculptors neighborhood called Kumartuli, the Potters' area in No Kolkata.
I already know Calcutta Walks is good, as they are highly recommended by Faith and her brother Tim of Indianpanorama. I think they also so a boat ride on the Hooghly river???
Nov 6th, 2010, 11:25 PM
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Can the boat ride.
Kumartuli will be, unfortunately, a bit empty as Durga Puja has just happened. Go anyway. I loved it [but it was full] Go see Armenian wrestlers en route.
Just as well you grabbed that Oberoi booking. They are sold out.
Kumartuli will be, unfortunately, a bit empty as Durga Puja has just happened. Go anyway. I loved it [but it was full] Go see Armenian wrestlers en route.
Just as well you grabbed that Oberoi booking. They are sold out.
Nov 7th, 2010, 07:14 AM
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Yes, thanks, Cali, IndiaMike is a great resource. Dogster has a few photos of Kumarti in his blog. I'd love to go when the area is active. I'll likely ask about that as we make our plans with Calcutta Walks.
I looked at the boat ride (there are many offered) but think I'll pass this time.
Dogster, the Oberoi's website has shown it as sold out since the beginning of October, as have the other major booking sites. That's when I went into high gear search hotel sites daily until I found availability at a great price. What l learned is that both prices and availability change as of December 1. Here's the short story: http://www.travelindependently.com/g...hat-last-hotel
I looked at the boat ride (there are many offered) but think I'll pass this time.
Dogster, the Oberoi's website has shown it as sold out since the beginning of October, as have the other major booking sites. That's when I went into high gear search hotel sites daily until I found availability at a great price. What l learned is that both prices and availability change as of December 1. Here's the short story: http://www.travelindependently.com/g...hat-last-hotel
