Howrah, West Bengal

Fresh fish from the Howrah wholesale fish market

The wholesale fish market beside Howrah station is one of the largest fish markets in India, where hundreds of varieties of fresh fish are auctioned and sold in the early morning. Fish is brought in daily by boat, train and truck from fisheries and seaports, making the market the supply hub for Kolkata and the district. Visitors and locals buy hilsa (mrigel), pomfret, rohu and other fish at wholesale rates right after the pre-dawn auctions.

Typical price: ₹100-2000 per kg

Buying tip: Go early in the morning when the fish is freshest and prices are just set; buy from fast-turning stalls and expect prices to move daily with the catch.