KOLKATA(Calcutta): CITY OF JOY IN INDIA…

KOLKATA(Calcutta): 'City of Joy' IN INDIA…

Hey! It seems you have taken so much of stress due to Corona(covid19) pandemic. Don’t worry! I am there in West Bengal to rejoice you with my sweet hospitality..

It does not matter to me, even if my name ‘Calcutta’ has been changed to Kolkata. I am  still “city of joy”. Please come and honour me to serve you with delicious and world famous sweet “Rosogulla” (below in images). 

Come and feel the colonial era and architecture with tram running on the street. Walk on the street of Esplanade(Dharmatala) way to Victoria Memorial and you will experience the beauty and joy of Kolkata.

Howrah bridge and Howrah railway station will remind you about the past glory of Calcutta (Kolkata). Machh-Bhat(Fish-Rice) still staple food for people of Kolkata. Variety of mouth watering fish preparations will pull you to admire the Bengali cuisine. Fish chop, Egg Chop, Chicken Roll, Egg Roll, Murhi and Aloo chop, Mughalai, Puchka and other street food items would not let you go. 

Traditional Bengali Platter

 

How could you forget “Bhaper llish (steamed Hilsa) and Chingri Macher Malai Curry(Prawn Curry)? Bhaper Ilish, Aloo Posto, Misti Dahi and Sandesh(sweet) all set to receive you with plenty of joy.

Misti Doi (Sweet Yoghurt)

Sandesh(Sweets)

Oho! vegetarian, no problem, plenty of dishes waiting for you like Aloo Posto, Luchi, Radha Ballabhi, green mango chutney, Jhuri bhaja, Begun bhaja, Jhal Murhi, Dilkhush Mithai, Gaja, and Mehidana,  to provide you an unforgettable experience.

You should not forget to eat street food to enjoy maximum but with full precautions.

Watching Ganga (Gangue river) from Howrah Bridge is really amazing. The river Ganga is popular as Hooghly river in Kolkata so don’t get confused if you heard some new name. Just enjoy because it’s Kolkata. 

Hath Rickshaw (Hand Pulled Rickshaw) would be wonderful idea to visit inside congested streets of Kolkata, but select the Rickshaw puller on his physical condition to pull. One person on each Rickshaw only. If you are with family and kids then take separate Rickshaw for each. But don’t leave your kids alone on Rickshaw. 

Kolkata's Trams – A ride through history. The Oldest Running Trams in Asia – Kolkata Tramways. Kolkata is the only Indian City, having an operational tram network. The first Electric tram in Asia ran in Kolkata in 1902, between Esplanade and Kidderpore.

For slow watching you could choose journey of Tram. It’s wonderful,a eco-friendly and enjoyable.

Trams

Do take night view of Howrah railway station and Howrah Bridge at night from Millennium Park or from ferry. It’s awesome.

Places of Attraction & Recreation

Kolkata is perhaps the most important cultural centre of India. The city is the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought and of Indian nationalism, and its citizens have made great efforts to preserve Indian culture and civilization. The blending of Eastern and Western cultural influences over the centuries has stimulated the creation of numerous and diverse organizations that contribute to Kolkata’s cultural life. In addition to the universities, these include the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Bengal Literary Society (Bangiya Sahitya Parishad), the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, and the Maha Bodhi Society. Greater Kolkata has more than 30 museums, which cover a wide variety of fields. 

The Indian Museum, founded in 1814, is the oldest in India; the archaeology and numismatic sections contain valuable collections. The exhibits at Victoria Memorial Hall trace Britain’s relations with India.

The Asutosh Museum of Indian Art in the University of Calcutta has exhibits of the folk art of Bengal among its collections. Science City, a large science museum and entertainment complex, was among the first of its kind in Asia. Valuable library collections are to be found in the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Bengal Literary Society, and the University of Calcutta; the National Library is the largest in India and contains a fine collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Kolkata is also a centre of traditional and contemporary music and dance. 

The Maidan, about 1,000 acres (400 hectares) in area, is the best-known open space; the major football (soccer), cricket, and hockey fields are located there. Adjacent to the Maidan is one of the oldest cricket fields in the world, Ranji Stadium, in the Eden Gardens; Netaji Stadium, for indoor events, is also in the vicinity. The Salt Lake Stadium, built to the east of the city, can seat 100,000 spectators. There are racecourses and golf courses within the city, and rowing at the Lake Club and the Bengal Rowing Club is popular. The Zoological Gardens are spread over an area of some 40 acres (16 hectares). The Indian Botanic Garden in Haora, on the west bank, contains thousands of species of plants.

Places : You Must Visit

In order to enjoy completely you must visit the following places in Kolkata and nearby.

i) Esplanade

ii) Victoria Memorial

iii) Kalighat

iv) Missionary of Charity (St. Mother Teresa)

v) Dakshineshwar Temple

vi) Belur Math ( Ramakrishna Mission and Vivekananda Peeth)

vii) Park Street

viii) College Street

ix) Howrah Station

x) Howrah Bridge

xi) Sealdah station

xii) National Museum

xiii) Chandani Chowk & Bowbazar

xiv) Rabindra Sadan

xv) Girish Park

xvi) Salt lake and science city

Durga Puja: Major Festival 

Durga Puja is one of the mega events which is basically celebrated in different parts of India but in different forms and popularly celebrated in Kolkata and all over the West Bengal. Durga Puja or Durgotsava, reveres the goddess Durga. 

 The Pujo is a multi day festival - Mahalaya, Maha Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami (Durga Ashtami), Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami (10th day of Victory).

Durga Puja festival has also become the festival of reunion for friends and families.

Accessibility: the city is well connected by road, rail, air and water transportation. Some international flight directly come to Kolkata International Airport(Netaji Subhash International Airport).

Accommodation: from a typical guest house and lodge to big luxury five star hotels are available in Kolkata. Several food joints are available to serve your taste buds. 

Best Time to Visit: September to March 

Shopping: street hawkers to big malls are available. Several government authorized souvenir shops and emporiums are available. However one must visit handloom and handicrafts store run by West Bengal government. Don’t forget to buy  beautiful “Saree” (woman's cloth). Gold ornaments can be purchased firm authorised dealers.

Tant Silk Saree

Metro Train Journey and Ferry experience is must for visitors. Night view and night life is very interesting. If getting time then don’t forgot to explore the China Town.

Note: more details can be collected from West Bengal Tourism Department and Kolkata tourist office.

• Be aware from tout and brokers. 
• Do remember in Kolkata your safety is in your hand.
• Hygiene and sanitation should be checked before having food items.
• Avoid local train journey during weekdays and office hours.
• Always use pre-paid taxi.
• Bargain during shopping from Street market.

Come and Indulge Yourself in the Hospitality of Kolkata. A perfect place to rejoice for budget travellers. 

STAY SAFE TODAY, TRAVEL TOMORROW..

Article by Chiranjib Kumar(PhD)....

Reference & Reading..

• https://www.britannica.com/place/India/ Kolkata
• https://www.google.co.in/search? Kolkata
• https://www.culturebowl.com/kolkatas-trams-a-ride-through-history/