If you are visiting Kolkata then this City has lot to offer. Situated on the banks of river Ganga this city has a rich cultural background, ethics and humanity. Alongside its chic and modern. Weather is quite humid in summer. Best time to visit is winter.
The beauty of this City is in its diversity. There are High End Shopping Malls, Bungalows alongside people living in risky buildings aged more than 300 years and people living in streets all in one place.
Let me jot down some of the interesting things in Kolkata.
Activities:
1) Durga Puja - If you visit in end of September or the beginning of October then you will witness the biggest festival of Bengal which is Durga Puja. You will be amazed to see the spirit in the hearts of Bengalees during this time. The thematic pandels, the idols and the overall craftmanship in every corners of the city will definately blow your mind.
2) New years eve spent in Park Street is a memorable experience. But for new comers to Kolkata I will not recommend to stay here late at night on this occassion. Almost everyone is boozed out. Reataurants are all full. Roads are stuck. Foothpaths are crowded. But you will definately get a nice warm hug from a stranger wishing you Happy New Year.
3) Book Fair: This is a grand event in Kolkata. Every year in February this is held in Milan Mela ground. Possibly the biggest book fair of all times. Definately visit here if you are in Kolkata around this time. You will be overwhelmed by the collection of books here. Thousands of book stalls of publishers and book sellers are set here to sell and showcase their books. Sveral international publishers representing their respective countries are also invited.
Food:
1) Try the Sweets and Misti Doi of Bengal to pamper you taste buds.
2) Street Food - Kolkata is famous for its street food. You will fall in love with Phuchka, Velpuri, Butter Toast, Chop, Roll, Cutlet, Puri etc. You will want to leave Kolkata.
3) Definately taste Biryani in Kolkata. Its the best.
4) Chinese Foods are awesome.
5) There are many many restaurants to choose from. Almost all are good. But you may definately check online reviews before ordering.
I don’t know how this happens and I am definately not telling you because I am a Bengali.
Apart from the Bengal’s original recipes its amazing how Bengalees take a recipe and mould it to perfection. The final product becomes much more tastier than the original recipe. Just taste it yourself and let me know.
Landmarks:
1) Indian Library- One of the largest library in the whole world is situated here. It is located in Alipore. Although you need to be a member to enter it but I suppose guest passes are also issued. There is one archival section where you will find manuscripts of the vedic age. But only few qualifed scholars have access in there.
2) Alipore Zoo- Again this is one of the largest zoo in the world. You will find lot of greenaries here. Many species of animals and birds are kept here. You need to visit here in winter only. You will get to see some very interesting migrating birds during this time. Avoid weekends and holidays at any cost to avoid stampede.
3) Maidan or Gorer Math- This is a huge open field in the heart of the city. A winter afternoon leisurely spent lying here is worthy. You may also take a Tanga Ride ( Horse Cart) . Many athletes of Kolkata have toiled its soil.
4) Victoria Memorial- It is a grand castle like building made by the British during the British rule. It is today a very important tourist attraction in Kolkata.
5) Indian Museum- It is the largest and oldest museum in all off India. It houses some of the rarest anitiques.
6) Science City- This is a comparatively new foundation located in EM Bypass and Park Circus connector junction. This is a good place for kids. It has Dinosaur Shows which you will really enjoy. There is a large open field with lot of scientific activities and a spiralling gallery of different species. They also conduct imteresting shows in a large auditorium.
7) Milan Mela Ground- Just opposite science city this ground is located. Different time of the year different fairs are conducted here. You may find a nice item to buy from one of these fairs.
Shopping:
There are ample shopping centres, malls, shops throughout Kolkata.
1) New market- Situated in Esplanade you will get any item here in a descent price.
2) Shriram Arcade- Also in Esplanade some of the most fashionable items are found here. But you have to bargain to some extent.
3) Lot of items are available in foothpath shops in Esplanade. Again lot of bargaining skills required.
4) You may also shop at Gariahat which is another shopping haven in Kolkata.
5) Apart from these there are several shopping malls and multiplexes.
6) Pantaloons and Big Bazaar are two of Kolkata’s own reliable shopping outlet.
Burrabazar and Chandni Chowk are primarily for residents of Kolkata or small shop owners to buy variety of essential products at a good rate. You will get wholesale price of almost all types of retail goods.
Transport:
Never try to ride local bus, metro or train during office times. For the other times these are the best and cheapest mode of transport. Auto service here is sharing basis and have fixed route. Its good. Yellow taxi service is good but creates trouble if you use for short distance or ride from the heart of the city to outside. You should get Ola or Uber service to have a smoother ride.
Have a pleasant stay in Kolkata.
Thanks