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The thinking capital of India, Kolkata, or the erstwhile Calcutta has always been the playing ground of the intelligentsia and creative geniuses of India. Presently the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, this city was also the former capital of the British Indian Empire, resulting in a culture that was a unique mélange of Indian tradition with European philosophies. The city also has a notable revolutionary history, being one of the significant seats for the Indian struggle for Independence.
Kolkata has been the home to notable personalities like Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi NazrulIslam and Mother Teresa, amongst others. Rabindrasangeet and Nazrulgeeti two major musical genres of India, originate from this city with renowned singers from the city making it big countrywide and also across the globe. The city also takes pride in being the hometown of notable filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, whose works have obtained critical acclaim worldwide.
This Kolkata tour guide takes visitors through the different tourist attractions, experiences and cuisines that the city is special for, and hence promises an unforgettable visit to the once acclaimed “City of Joy”.
Tourist Attractions that simply must not be missed
Howrah Bridge: Holding the world record of being the busiest cantilever bridge, the Howrah Bridge, or the RabindraSetu is the gateway to Kolkata. A witness to numerous happenings within the city, this bridge, with its busy getup, symbolizes the very theme of Kolkata. To get the best view of this bridge, take a ferry from below Howrah Station and cross the serene Hooghly River.
Belur Math Shrine: Situated on the holy River Ganges, the Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda; tourists will simply love the religious aura that this place upholds amidst its motto of service for humanity. The temples which are dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, Sri Sarada Devi and Sri Ramakrishna, have a universal appeal, housing architecture and designs inspired from Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
Victoria Memorial: In order to get a glimpse of Europe right in the heart of Kolkata, this iconic mansion dedicated to Queen Victoria is worth a look. Highlighting a blend of British and European architecture, the hall portrays certain Mughal Indian design elements and there is also a royal gallery housing the oil painting of the Queen.
New Market: It is rather ironical, that contrary to its name, the market, also known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market, is the oldest market in India. Comprising small markets for cloth, spices, non-veg stuff, jewelry as well as restaurants and street food stalls, the market despite all its madness is the place to go to for the best goods, prices as well as variety.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple: This Hindu temple, dedicated to the deity Bhavatarini, is simply a boat ride away on the opposite side of the Hooghly River. Enjoy the peaceful and divine ambience of this place, as you watch the crowd of worshippers who flock to this place and also take a holy bath in the adjacent river.
Indian Museum: One of the first museums to be established in India, the Indian Museum has a huge collection and galleries constituting artifacts pertaining to a variety of subjects, namely geology, art, archaeology. The museum even houses an Egyptian mummy.
Eden Gardens: Any cricket buff would immediately recognize the name! This cricket stadium is the oldest in India, and has witnessed many world cricket tournaments and famous records. Do make it a point to book in advance if a match is on, to take in the passion and fervor with which Indians follow the sport; despite its capacity to house 1,20,000 spectators, it may still be a tight squeeze.
Apart from these attractions, there are the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Mother House and Kalighat Kali Temple, that are definitely worth visiting. Everywhere one finds embedded the charm that is so characteristic of a city with a great past and a vibrant present.
Experiences Waiting for You
Historical and cultural sights aside, Kolkata plays host to unique experiences; so make sure to indulge in your share during your visit here:
Board a Tram! Kolkata is the only Indian city that has tram cars plying in the streets. Take some time, board a tram at Esplanade and get going as you admire the nook and corners of the city, at times canopied in green and at other times, overwhelmed with crowds.
Hail a Hand Pulled rickshaw! Expect to ride on a cart mounted over huge tyres, balanced and pulled in the front by the rickshaw puller, who holds a bell in his hand. It is an integral part of the past culture of the city.
Participate in The Durga Puja! How can one be at Kolkata and miss the Durga Puja, a festival that perhaps personifies the entire city? To see the true and vibrant colors and lights of the city, as well as the religious and creative enthusiasm of its people, time your visit to be there at the time of this festival (mostly during the month of October), which spans five days. Go pandal-hopping, admiring the artistically carved idols of Goddess Durga, the ‘MahisasurMardini’ (slayer of the demon) amidst decorations that get fancier by the year.
Be a Part of the Roadside Adda! The city is well-known for its addas or chirpy conversations, especially amongst the youth regarding the different happenings of the city as well as its cultural and intellectual themes. Join the local people in any of these addas, and be ready to take home some brilliant insights.
Food for the Soul. Missing the lip-smacking cuisine of Kolkata would tantamount to a gastronomic blunder! Start your initiation into the local cuisine with the simply daily dish of ‘Bhaat and Macher Jhol’ (rice and fish curry), perhaps the best representative of the Bengali culture. Then there are the mindboggling array of sweets, including the famous ‘Rasogolla’, ‘mishtidohi’ and ‘sandesh’, some so fresh that their melt in the mouth magic is time bound to be consumed within the city itself. Also, make sure to please the palate with street food, as you stop by a roll shop or munch on the road side Phuchka.
Smart Tips to Get You on the Go
✦The safest and the most convenient way to travel across the city is by boarding a metered taxi. Also, the main train station is the Howrah Railroad Station, from where one can get pre-paid or post-paid taxis to any part of the city.
✦For swift travel, board the single line metro rail, which stretches from the northern part to the south of the city. There are both AC as well as non-AC metros.
✦For good and cost-effective accommodation option try out Sudder Street which is almost at the heart of the city and is the hub of backpackers. Luxury accommodation can also be availed in the city centre, especially at Esplanade and Park Street.
✦For safety purpose of travelers, the traffic police are always about and ready to lend out a helping hand. In the nights too, there are patrol cars to ensure the safety of those on road. Always keep the local police station helpline number handy and contact if required.
✦The city’s daytime hustle bustle seeps into the night, which is also filled with the same beauty of dance, art, music and drama. The club culture is prominent in the city, though pubs and nightclubs have also sprung up to cater to the younger generation.
✦A good way to get an insight into the famous Bengali culture is to get introduced or even manage a home stay with the local people or families who are extremely warm and hospitable. They are after all known to treat “atithis” or guests with immense respect and cordiality.