Calcutta is one of the idiosyncratic cities that I have ever visited. The city has vibes that will woo you. The new name has been derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra (Ground of the Goddess Kali), hence it's renamed as Kolkata. So with the most diverse climate, indigenous fish recipes & awesome deserts, and having the sweetest language of the country, this place is one of an ideal destination for any traveler.
The city’s native language is Bengali, and it’s known as the sweetest language of India. Of course, the joyous words one loves to hear is – I love you, and it's pronounced as “Ami tomake bhalo baasi ”. The words itself are sweet to pronounce, as we commonly address people with bro or dude, here they call out as “dada” (elders), you will often find people calling each other as dada, next time if someone addresses you as dada don’t be surprised. To add relish, you will find unique traditional wears during all their festive seasons, and that’s something special about Kolkata – The City of Joy!
Durga Puja – a reverence and worship of Hindu Goddess Durga (Goddess of war), is one of the biggest rituals of India celebrated every year in October. The city is adorned like a bride if you can plan the visit during these ten days, you will experience an enchanting view of the city.
Also, when it comes to music and dance, you will find a traditional form of Indian classical dance blended with tribal style, martial arts, and folk, which is known as Chhau Dance Form – this one is full of spirit found performing with folk melodies and played on reed pipes. Another form is the Rabindra Nritya Natya, a facial expression dancing style from selective Rabindra sangeet written by the world’s renowned Indian poet “Rabindranath Tagore”. Sir Rabindranath Tagore has also written the National Anthems for India in 1911 and Bangladesh in the year 1905.
But, the most eye-catching thing of Kolkata was the lanes crowned with old architectures and beautiful colorful structures. Moreover, it is the only city in India that runs trams, built 150+ years ago. It is also one of the oldest operating electric trams in complete Asia. Not just this, the taxis’ around the city runs the iconic Ambassador Car. The Hindustan Motors India rolled out its first Ambassador car in the year 1956, since then it is known as the King of Indian roads. Later in 2014, the production was discontinued, but the city still runs yellow Ambassadors as its status symbol. Now how can we miss sports, Kolkata people are eternally connected to football and cricket, and their passion you can see in stadiums during club or International tournaments.
So, imagine yourself traveling across a city that has 100 years old monuments, electric trams, and iconic cabs with modern architecture, and castles. This city is fascinating and glorious in its style.
Many people are not aware, but the first capital city of India was Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). Indeed after 1911, Delhi became the capital of India. The second name for Kolkata is, The City of Mother Teresa, you will find a rich history and connection that’s hidden in many articles for the wonders Mother Teresa did for this city, and till date, it remains a beautiful memory for the people of Kolkata.
So let’s go around....
One thing I would like to share is I always felt safe and welcomed by everyone I came across, from the localite to people I met, with drivers I traveled and also people who randomly shared a smile on the streets of Kolkata!
Oh yes, and people here speak in Hindi and English too, so it is easy to communicate without any translator.
So there are a few places which you can’t afford to miss here!
Standing at the heart of the city is one of the incredibly big, white-marble-building designed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s demise commissioned by George Curzon, Viceroy of India in the year 1901, but the construction continued until 1921. Today, the monumental building stands as an elegant museum having ancient art galleries and the city’s colonial-era history.
There are two entrances – from north and south, and the entry fees start from Rs. 20, and the timings are from 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. The structure is environed by an alluring pond and a garden, which gives an excellent photo-genetic view.
The only place in Kolkata referred to as, “The Street that never sleeps”. Since the 1940s, it is famous for the street filled with musicians and artists, and now it has country’s one of the best night clubs and pubs, which makes it a favorite hangout spot for all. The most impressive scenes have been the vintage buildings and monuments built during the British era. It reflects a unique culture showcasing ancient buildings and modern architecture that lights up this famous street.
How can one miss shopping in the new town?
So here is one of the best spots where you can bargain and get whatever you desire. The City of Joy has new market designed, during the British era, it was formerly known as Stuart Hogg Market.
Today, it stands with stalls beyond 2000 and not just for shopaholics but, it will spoil you as the foodies will love it, an abundance of fresh mouth-watering Bengali food, and classic restaurants will felicity you.
Sports or cricket lovers, this is an iconic oldest stadium built during 1864. The legendary footballer Pele has played in this stadium against the famous club of Kolkata – Mohun Bagan. If you don’t have time to make it to the matches or schedules are not during your trip, then at least take a tour around the third-largest stadium in the world.
Now when you are taking a tour, how can one miss epic engineering construction of 1935.
The bridge connects the industrial area and the main town flowing over the Hooghly River. Just as we pass, very few are aware that the bridge got constructed without nuts and bolts, amazingly the steel structure is formed by rivets. The Engineers will understand this piece of techniques as the technology lacked during that era.
Even today, the bridge is known to be one of the distinct designs of the 19th century.
I am not one who loves to spend much time in galleries, but if museums interest you, then you should not miss the largest museum of India and the 9th oldest in the world.
Also, referred to as the Imperial Museum, was founded in the year 1814, it comprises of archeological collection, ancient sculptures antiques, Mughal paintings, art, and geology plus zoology collections. It also has the rarest collection of Indian coins. Make sure you interact with people there; it will give you an emotional display of the reality and the journey of this city during early times.
The best thing is, the museum is at Park Street, and hence you can plan the itineraries accordingly. The Museum is open from 10:00 – 18:30 hours from Tuesday to Friday and 10:00 – 20:00 hours on weekends. If you need more information about the museum, click here https://indianmuseumkolkata.org
Here we are at another fantastic spot that will soothe you. Constructed during 1843 at the banks of Hooghly River, this monument holds its remarkable charm. Besides this, the place was built and designed in Greek-Gothic style and named after Anglo-Indian Scholar James Prinsep.
From travelers to romantic walks to family time out to students, it's a perfect place to spend your evenings. Those who are seeking, boat rides, a peaceful walk, inexpensive food, and romantic meals, shall must-visit. I had a most exquisite moment here, as I recall the beautiful lightings with scenic beauty altogether offer a delightful ideal sight at the banks of the river and the very heart of the city.
As we are near the bank of Hooghly River, here is one of the peaceful ancient place known as Belur Math. It is the pilgrim spot to the devotees and peace-seekers, it’s a home dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
The most important thing I believe is every worship place has a warm welcome for everyone. Its vibes create a positive atmosphere where the myriad blessings can be received. That gives an emotional feeling; the creators have done great architecture and justice putting royalty at top.
If you miss out on this place in Kolkata – the journey is incomplete. As I mentioned earlier this city is known as The City of Mother Teresa, who was a humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She sacrificed her life for humanity and people who believed in her vision experienced peace. Perhaps, the name Mother Teresa is recognized as synonymous with care and love throughout the world. Out of many big messages she left behind with us, the most important I felt – “If you judge people, you have no time to love them”.
Even today, her message is so simple and clear. We should “Spread love and kindness wherever we go”. I would personally request you to visit the Mother's House and experience peace yourself. It's open every day except Thursday and closed on Easter Sunday and the 26th of December. Please maintain silence while you go and avoid photography.
If you are planning for a week or more, you can explore different vantage points of the city and explore even Botanical garden, Chinatown, Alipore zoo, Shaheed Minar (Monument of Kolkata), Shantiniketan (Rabindranath Tagore’s house), and Marble palace mansion. As India is home to many religions, there is one famous pilgrim place in Kolkata, that I missed was Dakshineswar Temple – one of the most revered, sacred temples dedicated to goddess Kali. Rani Rashmoni founded on May 31, 1855.
I feel the best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February. The days have pleasant weather, at times you will experience sunny days the next moment cool climate. As I mentioned, the city in October is decorated at its best and filled with joy, brightness making it one of the best towns in the country. If you plan your tour earlier, make sure to check the weather forecast as it has one of the most humid climatic conditions during summers and gets torrential rains during monsoon.
On the positive note, “I have received tremendous love and respect from everyone out there. It's of the most memorable and heartwarming journeys of my life. We all know the three basic needs of humans (food, shelter, and clothing). But there are also three basic needs of life, love, laughter, and emotions. Just like people, even places build soft corners, and Kolkata remains one”.
If you are planning for a week or more, you can explore different vantage points of the city and explore even,
– Calcutta Botanical garden
– Chinatown (Old China market)
– Alipore zoo (Zoological Park)
– Shaheed Minar (Monument of Kolkata),
– Shantiniketan (Rabindranath Tagore’s house), and
– Marble palace mansion (Museum).
As India is home to many religions, there is one famous pilgrim place in Kolkata, that I missed was Dakshineswar Temple – one of the most revered, sacred temples dedicated to goddess Kali. Rani Rashmoni founded on May 31, 1855.
I feel the best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February. The days have pleasant weather, at times you will experience sunny days the next moment cool climate. As I mentioned, the city in October is decorated at its best and filled with joy, brightness making it one of the best towns in the country. If you plan your tour earlier, make sure to check the weather forecast as it has one of the most humid climatic conditions during summers and gets torrential rains during monsoon.
Take a bow and see how you can reach Kolkata without any hassle,
1. If you want to travel by Air,
There are two major airports in Kolkata, and the best part is it has single terminals for both International and Domestic airports, located at short distances. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport situated at Dumdum, which is nearly 17 km (10.5 miles) away from the heart of the city and majorly connects Southeast Asian countries. The terminal for Domestic airport (CCU), is within 15 minutes, which connects all the main cities of India.
From the Airport, the best convenience is to book a cab from various apps to your destination or hotel; you will initially save a lot of travel time and energy.
2. If you want to travel by Rail route,
The two major railway stations are Howrah and Sealdah Railway Station, located within 5 km (3 miles) away. The rail route connectivity is the best all over India. Superfast express trains such as Rajdhani, Duronto, and Shatabdi Express overall has good hygiene and best facilities. After reaching any of these stations, you can hire a local taxi or book an Uber/Ola.
3. If you are looking for a Road trip,
The connectivity is excellent via several cities and major towns in India. West Bengal is connected to NH 2 via Delhi, the capital of India, NH 12 via Gangtok, NH 6 via Western regions, and NH 6 via the Southern provinces. In West Bengal, the Government runs regular transport service as - The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC), and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC).
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