All of us visit various kinds of markets for our daily needs and necessities. Moreover markets are a part of our daily life as we visit there too often to buy things we need. However, have you ever visited a floating market? Yes! A market where the vendors are floating in the water while you buy things from them? If you have not experienced something like this then you are certainly missing out on a big chunk of uniqueness in the city of Kolkata. Kolkata now has a Floating Market which is the Patuli Floating Market. Basically the Patuli Floating Market Kolkata is an artificial market built over a water body. It would look like nothing but a fairy tale as you step in here and you would know what I am talking about. This is currently one of the unique locations that you can visit in Kolkata as well.
The night Patuli Floating Market is not just a market. It is also one of the sightseeing spots in the city as well. People visit here to check out the unique concept of marketing here. And the market is huge too with a variety of items that the vendors sell. So if you are looking for a unique location that you can explore in the city then visiting this market can be a really good option. Keep on reading this article as I will mention everything that you probably need to know about the Patuli Floating Market. This will be a helpful read for you if you are planning a trip to this market soon.
Patuli Floating Market
Location: Block E, Baishnabghata Patuli TWP, Garia, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: The Patuli Floating Market opening time is 8 am in the morning and it closes at 9 pm.
Entry fee: There is no entry fee
How to Reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport to reach the floating market would be the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From the airport the Patuli Floating Market is located at a 24.5 km distance. It would take you around 50 minutes to reach the market from the airport. You can easily take buses to reach the market. Or else for a more convenient option you can take a cab or hire a car to reach the floating market.
By train
If you are travelling by train then the nearest railway station to reach the Patuli Floating Market is the Sealdah railway station. From the Sealdah Station the market is located at a distance of 13.3 km away. It would take you around 35 minutes to reach the market from there. Another major railway station to reach the market is the Howrah Railway Station. From there the distance of the market is about 24.3 km. And you can reach the market from the station in about 1 hour. From the railway stations the most convenient way to reach the market would be to take a car or a cab or a yellow taxi. However you can also opt for buses as well to reach there from the railway stations.
By road
Located at Patuli Township the market is situated in an accessible area. However if you are travelling within the city then you will get a number of city buses to reach here from different locations in the city. The nearest bus stop is the Patuli Floating Market Bus Stop. Furthermore you can opt for yellow taxis or you can hire a cab to reach here from any part of the city as well. If you are travelling from a nearby location then there are rickshaws and auto rickshaws as well which you can opt for.
By metro
Patuli Floating Market nearest metro station is the Kavi Subhash Metro Station which is only 1.2 km away from the floating market. It would take around 5 minutes to reach there from the metro station. You can get auto rickshaws from the metro station to reach the Patuli Floating Market. Or else you can also opt for walking as well from the metro station. If you are walking then it would take around 15-17 minutes to reach the market from the metro station.
Overview of Patuli Floating Market
The Patuli Floating Market is one unique market in the city of Kolkata that offers a never seen before kind of experience to its visitors. A beautiful amalgamation of culture meets modernity this is literally a one of a kind of a market in the city. So basically this is a floating market as the name suggests already. It is however an artificial man made market that will take you into a different world altogether. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority built and developed this artificial market beside a canal next to the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Inaugurated in 2018 a whopping amount of 10 crores was spent on the making and development of this unique market.
By the time this market opened there were a total of 112 boats here and 200 stalls with vendors. No wonder the unique concept was an instant hit and people from all across the city started visiting here to experience the unique location. There are wooden waterproof walkways here with wooden pavements and wooden beams. These are the places where the buyer’s would stand and buy whatever they wish to from the vendors. The shopkeepers would however be on boats with their items for the buyers to buy them. Along with that there are some fixed stalls here as well.
What’s more?
This market moreover promotes the spirit of Kolkata in a better way as it has a very vibrant ambiance. A city where people take their market very seriously, this is like a fairytale set up promising a lot of exciting inputs. From local vendors selling things from vegetable to fruits, vessels to pottery items and handicraft goods the market has a lot to explore. However, not to miss the aromatic street food that is going to satiate your taste buds here. Overall this is a one stop location for everything starting from exotic spices to handmade jewellery, clothes or street food. It can be a different experience to spend an evening at a location like this. You can surely opt for a visit here to enjoy the true essence of the city in its truest sense of the term.
Things to do at Patuli Floating Market
Explore the boats and canals
The canal and the boats on it are the major highlights of this floating market. After all, this is something that is making it more unique when it comes to the market. You can see the vendors on boats here selling things. Also it is possible to enjoy a leisurely boat ride at this location as well. So if you are visiting here then you can surely hire a boat and enjoy a boat ride in the canal here. I am sure that will be really refreshing and rejuvenating for sure.
Shopping Local Crafts
This market is known for its popularity of local handicraft items. From local artwork to handloom items you will find a great variety here. Also you will find a lot of small stalls here selling pottery items and artworks. So whenever you are visiting this market make sure you explore the local items here.
Photography
This is one of the most beautiful locations that offer beauty everywhere. And in that case the location is a picturesque location too ideal for clicking photographs. So if you are a photographer then you will find multiple opportunities here to click scenic pictures and you will love it for sure. From the scenic sunset, to colourful boats to bustling markets there is a lot that you can capture here with your lens. Moreover if you love clicking your own photographs also this can be an ideal location.
Enjoy the sunset
This location also offers a pristine view of the setting sun. So if you are visiting the Patuli Floating Market in the evening, do not miss out on the gorgeous views of the sunset. As the sun starts setting the whole sky changes its colour and makes the ambiance even more attractive. And it is the time when the market starts bustling with the crowd just after the sunset. Ideally this is also the best time to visit this market.
Street Food
This location can be a haven for street food lovers as the options here would literally leave you flabbergasted. From jhal muri to papri chaat, phuchka to momo, this place has all kinds of street food here. You will find small stalls here selling various kinds of food that you can try. It would be tasty and interesting to munch on some street food at a location like this.
Experience cultural extravaganza
A number of times the market here hosts various cultural events. And a lot of renowned local artists also perform here. So you can check before visiting here if there is an upcoming event here. It would truly be interesting to enjoy the cultural fest here. It would certainly bring you closer to Bengal and the Bengali culture as well.
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about the Patuli Floating Market and you must plan a visit to this location as soon as you can. This is one of the most unique locations that you can find in the city. So definitely plan a visit there and experience a unique excitement of shopping. Let me know when you are planning a trip to this market in Kolkata. Also do not forget to tell me if this article is helpful for you in planning a trip to the Patuli Floating Market.
