This is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs when in Kolkata. Situated near the Dhakuria Bridge on Gariahat Road, Dakshinapan is a large open-air shopping complex spread across two floors and a large courtyard dominates its center. While the external appearance may not be as appealing, it is only once you step inside that you will begin to notice the unique charm of the place. The only one of its kind in Kolkata, the complex houses a number of state approved handloom, handicrafts and textile emporiums which include Manipur, West Bengal, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Kerala. Other private shops selling various items may also be found here. Saree shops like Tantuja, Roop Ganga and Handloom House Fabric and Sarees are especially popular; G-55 houses all kinds of Indian traditional folk music along with Hindi and Bengali movies. Cane furniture, carpets, embroidered goods, leather items, traditional folk art and religious idols are just some of the things that Dakshinapan is known for. Shopkeepers may try to convince you that theirs is a 'fixed price' establishment, but you can bargain on almost anything available here; just use a little subtlety. Various eateries help keep the energies high: Dolly's Tea Shop and Rajendra's are some of the favorites. Event venues like Madhusudan Mancha and Children Little Theater only add to Dakshinapan's popularity. To accommodate the constant flow of shoppers, there is a large parking space available.
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With a number of street shops and malls all over, Kolkata has always been known to spend copious amounts of time and energy on shopping. Catering to the rapidly evolving shopping trends, South City Mall is designed to be a one stop shop with a number of international as well as Indian brands under its wing. Located opposite Jodhpur Park, this wide glass structure is visually stunning and rightly projects the grandeur that awaits inside. With special attention to harmonious design, shops are placed systematically in order to appeal to the customer. Some of the brands found here include Pepe, Zodiac, Wills Lifestyle and Reebok. Those who crave refreshments after or in between their shopping spree can visit Food Talk, a large food court serving all kinds of mouth watering specialties. The multi-level parking lot can accommodate about 1400 cars; even so, it is sometimes tough to find parking space on weekends. This swanky establishment is considered the best in southern Kolkata and is always dotted with teenagers and students at any given time.
Ganguram is just one of the many sweet shops that are scattered across the city and for good reason too. With the month-long Durga Puja and Kali Puja celebrations in October and other religious events throughout the year, Kolkata is constantly craving the host of traditional Indian sweets that are an important part of any religious ceremony in India. The tiny shop has a number of North Indian delicacies like Rasmalai, Malpua and Gulab Jamun and mouthwatering Bengali sweets like Lancha, Rosgulla and Sondesh on offer. Snacks like Khasta Kachori and Poori Aloo Dum are also available. You can either try a few varieties or purchase a bulk order. In fact, a box of Indian sweets is a good gift if you are visiting a Bengali home. Established in 1892, Ganguram has a number of branches across the city and this particular one is situated just off Elgin Road in Central Kolkata.