West Bengal Darjeeling Shopping

Shopping

Curious & Carpets

Most curio shops are on Chowrasta and along Nehru Rd. All things Himalayan are sold here - thangkas, brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carving, woven fabrics, carpets etc - but if you are looking for bargains you have to shop judiciously and be prepared to spend plenty of time looking. Thangkas in particular may look impressive at first sight, but on closer inspection of the cheaper offerings you will find that little care has been taken over the finer detail.
   If you are looking for bronze statues, the real goodies are kept under the counter and cost in multiples of US$! Woodcarvings tend to be excellent value for money. Most of the shops accept international credit cards.
   West Bengal's Manusha Emporium, on Nehru Rd, is a fixed-price shop selling Himalayan handicrafts, silk and handloomed products. There is also a market off Hill Cart Rd next to the bus and taxi stands. Here you can find excellent and relatively cheap patterned woolen sweaters. If you need an umbrella these can be bought here cheaply. Made out of bamboo, they are collectors' items themselves!
     For Tibetan carpets, the cheapest place in the area is at Hayden Hall, opposite the State Bank of India on Laden La Rd. It's a women's co-operative - excellent value and well worth checking out.

Darjeeling Tea

A packet of tea is a popular souvenir. First Flush Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe I is the top quality. The price varies enormously. The way to test tea is to take a small handful in your closed fist, breathe firmly on it through your fingers and then open your hand and smell the aromas released. At least it will look as if you know what you're doing even if you don't have clue! Avoid  the tea in fancy boxes as this is usually blended and comes from Kolkata. A good place is Nathmull's Tea Merchants, near the post office on Laden La Rd.

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