I am posted in West Bengal for last four years, near Kharagpur. Many may not be aware of the town but it is world famous for two things- first IIT and world’s longest railway platform. I have noticed unfamiliar things in towns of West Bengal that all the shops remain closed during noontime that is between 2pm to 5pm. So, if you are planning for shopping on holidays, your timing should match that of the market timings. The relief came in the form of Puja Mall that is located near Giri Maidan Station in Kharagpur.
The mall is not like other malls, with not much decoration or transparent walls but is a sigh of relief for the shopaholics. It is located in big compound with lot of free parking space. And this is the only place in Kharagpur that opens for 12hrs. Let me try to describe some of its features-
Apparels
Pantaloon Factory Outlet, located on ground floor. There are always some or other offers for you but the quality is nowhere matches the Pantaloons’. May be because this is factory outlet. Also, you will not get any big brands except Lee Cooper (if you consider it big!!!).
Citi Mart- This is a chain of apparel store in east India. You may get some or other thing for all sex and age group.
The Raymond Shop (only Raymond authorized dealer in the town), Manyavar (store for grooms and traditional clothes), Hoffman, and Levi’s factory outlet.
Adidas, Reebok factory outlet (the quality is very low) and Khadims.
Few local outlets like Exclusive (here you can get all the premium brands for apparels, mobiles, watches etc.), Favorite Shop etc.
Grocery and miscellaneous
Big Bazaar- This is the main attraction of this mall and covers two floors. Floor area is very large. Though the collection does not matches that of big cities.
There are few ladies oriented shops for earrings, bangles, vanity bags etc.
Presto- This is premium outlet in east India for customized products.
There is one shop where you can get showpiece items for decoration- mostly made of wood.
A shop for sanitary items.
A salon in the name of Habib’s.
Authorized showroom of LG electronics.
Entertainment
There is video game parlor on the top floor, where you can satisfy your children or child in you.
Food
1. Chowpatty- This is the name of food court of this mall located on the top floor. This is one of the best food courts I have experienced, considering the location and moderate pricing. The food court is divided into Tandoor, Handi, South Indian, Pizzas, Shakes, Rolls, and Chinese etc.
Chowpatty (snacks)- It is located on ground floor where you can get bakery items, juices, tea, cold drinks etc.
Café Coffee Day- Established recently in this mall. The floor space is very large and makes you feel that you are in a big city.
Few other shops, like a shop on top floor where you can get all type of shakes and cold coffees etc., a shop on ground floor for sweet corns etc., an ice cream parlor on ground floor.
Points to mention
There is no escalator or elevator. But there is ramp way along with the staircase, so it is not a problem for carrying trolleys etc.
The mall is centrally air-conditioned and is the only place in town where you can spend noontime.
The washrooms and water coolers are located on first and top floor. The area is very clean and well maintained.
There are no multiplex or movie halls in the mall.
The review is specifically written for the persons who are new in Kharagpur or its surrounding areas. It took me four years to get used to this place, so it is just an effort to help others.