On traveling to Kolkata, one would encounter a city with a curious mixture of colonial past, contemporary cultural vibrancy and political expression. According to legend, when Siva’s wife’s corpse was cut up, one of her fingers fell at the site of what is now the Kali Temple at Kalighat. It is the name of this temple that the Britishers gave the place and Calcutta is nothing but the anglicized form of Kalikata.
West Bengal is one of the first destinations in a tourist’s itinerary visiting the eastern part of the country. One will find many tourist attractions in Kolkata with a medley of occidental and oriental architecture and style.The Victoria Memorial, built in memory of Queen Victoria of England is one of India’s most beautiful monuments, representing a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the city of Kolkata.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
The airport in Kolkata was originally known as Dum Dum Airport before being renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. It is located around 17 km from the city centre.
By Train:-
Kolkata is well linked with the rest of India by the widespread network of Indian railways. The city has two major railway stations-one at Howrah and the other one at Sealdah.
By Road:-
Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses.
The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city.
WHAT TO SEE
Belur Math Shrine:-
belur-math-shrineIt is one among the best place to visit in Kolkata. It is a quite location in busy city. It is situated by holy river Ganges. Founder of this Math is Swami Vivekananda. The serene campus of Belur Math on the Ganga includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order.
Dakshineswar-Kali-Temple:-
This is a very famous temple located in Dakshineswar, near kolkata. The deity of the temple is Bhavatarini. The ambience is very divine and peaceful. One can get the peace of mind here. It is a must see place in Kolkata. It is well constructed with good architect. Here you can also enjoy the boat riding.
Howrah Bridge:–
It is a famous landmark of Kolkata. It is also known as Rabindra setu. It is a structural marvel. It is considered as one of the wonders of the world. Ihis is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world. The famous Howrah Bridge is the gateway to Kolkata. The ferries that run from below Howrah Station are a more convenient way to cross the river and give a good view of the bridge. It is one of three bridges on the river Hoogly and is the most famous symbol of Calcutta as well as West Bengal.
Park Street:-
It is a favourite place of local people to hangout. Here you can have good food plus shopping experience. It has still maintain the old charm of Kolkata. It has the most popular pubs, discs, book stores, cafes, restaurants, etc.
Victoria Memorial:-
Victoria Memorial is worth a look. It is situated at the heart of Kolkata. It’s a must see place. It will give your eyes a royal experience. It has a royal gallery where it is showcasing the oil painting of Queen Victoria. The garden of memorial is designed over 64 acres. Here you can also find some rare books of 1870’s.
Marble Palace:-
This is a private property built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, but to public. The descendants of Raja still lives in the same property. It also has a mini Zoo in the palace. You must visit this place with a tour guide than it will be a worth seeing.
Birla Industrial And Technological Museum:-
It is a first science museum set up in India by Ghanshyam Das Birla. It became operational for public in 1954. Presently it is a unit under National Council of Science Museums. It is a nice for family outing.
Nicco Park:-
It is a perfect getaway for fun lovers. It is full of entertainment. It is a best amusement park in Kolkata. It also has water park. It has many rides famous are roller coaster, merry- go- round, choo choo and water splashers.
New Market:-
Although it is known as new market, but it is oldest market of Kolkata. It is situated at Lindsay street. It is a perfect place for shopaholics. Here you get everything you desire for. It is a very busy and crowded market of Kolkata. It is a very huge market, it has different markets in a single market such as spice market, non-veg stuff market, cloth market, jewellery market and many more.
SHOPPING
Kolkata can be described as a ‘shopping paradise’ for those who want the value for their money. There are many markets spread all over the city. From ‘cucumbers’ to ‘cargos’ and from ‘shoe-strings to ‘sarees’ everything is available under one roof at this century-old market.
New Market, located on Lindsay Street, is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most renowned Markets. During the annual ‘Durga Puja’, the area in and around New Market wears a festive look as people from different parts of the state and even neighboring states come to shop here. Park Street, the fashion street of the city and the arterial roads, JL Nehru Road, Shakespeare Sarani, Camac Street and Russel Street area are other happening spots of the city. Spacious shopping malls, food joints, music stores, bookstores and a host of multi-cuisine restaurants are situated here. Charnock City in Kolkata’s satellite Township of Salt Lake is an air-conditioned shopping complex spread over three floors.
FOOD
Bangali sweets are famous all over India. Roshogolla (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), Panthua – a fried variant of the same, Roshomalai- the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt), Shondhesh (several variations available). Try some shops like K.C. Das, Jugal’s, Bhim Nag, Nakur Nandy, Sen Mahasoy, Ganguram, Balram Mullick and not to forget Mithai. These are cheap and should be eaten fresh.
Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kati rolls are safe to eat and enjoy. Mughlai Paratha (a paratha stuffed with minced meat) is a Kolkata speciality and can be found in various ‘cabins’ off Chowringhee Road ( Best is Anadi Cabin,9A Jawahar Lal Nehru Road(Chowringhee).Try Devilled Eggs at Niranjan Agar 279 B chittaranjan Avenue ‘Chops’, a sort of deep fried ball stuffed with beet and veggies is another peculiarity that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Fuchka, the Kolkata version of paani-puri,but very different than the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the water!It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don’t drink too much of the water.A few sips will,of course,not cause any harm.
But the joy of foodSS in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam’s (at 23-24 Hogg Street), in New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous Kati Kebab roll and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes the best place is ‘Arsalan’. It has few branches across the city, the fanous being at Park Circus 7 point crossiing.