Although the Itar is now only concentrated towards Kanauj in U.P., right here in Mumbai you could get a sample of it the way it used to be. Yes, walk into famous Mohammed Ali Road and shop to your heart's content for Itar, embroidery and Zari work, besides artefacts and souvenirs. TOP Calcutta Calcutta was the first British capital of India and now is the capital of the State of West Bengal. It also happens to be the only city where trams still ply through the overcrowded shopping lines. Like any other metro city, Calcutta also has several Govt. emporia and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium at 7 Chowringee Lane sells exquisite handicrafts from all States.
Bargaining has no place here.
However, a walk to New Market is an interesting experience. Here shopping requires a knack as the whole range of shopping revolves around hectic bargaining. Enter Garihat for a wide range of commodities, Jagannath Ghat at the flower market and Tirreta Bazzar for an extensive variety of ethnic goods. You could leaf through journals and bestsellers at a well-stocked book shop. They call it College Street.