Kolkata is known for its rosogullas and the elaborate Durga Puja ceremonies. There is more to this city of joy than just sweets and Goddess Kali. Read on to unravel the 10 captivating marvels of this enigmatic land.
When you are in city of joy, a.k.a. Kolkata, every day is a celebration.
From the narrow lane leading to colorful souk, to posh buildings reflecting the contemporary soul, to the eateries with lingering aroma of mustard fish or even those architectural relic; the city has wonders for all kind of wanderers.
Alluring one to board a train and land in this majestic terrain, to experience an electrifying date and to romance this enchanting metropolis.
Among its plethora of options that it has to offer to its guests, here are the most exhilarating ten things to do while visiting Kolkata, one shouldn’t miss.
1). There is nothing better than the holy beginning! Wondering how? Just initiate your tour with a ride on the sacred River Ganges. From a budgeted ferry ride to swanky private boats, you name it you get it. Of course, depending on your pocket size!
2). Next on the planner can be a spiritual voyage with a visit to consecrated Shrine of Goddess Kali at Kalighat temple followed by Dakshineswar.
3). Even in tech-savvy world, this olden beauty has somehow managed to maintain her charming heritage. Nothing can match the delight of experiencing Tilottoma, peeping through those nostalgic windows of Trams. Kolkata facilitates with 37 different tram routes within the city map.
4). The historical marvels begin from the Victoria Memorial. Look for those classic oil paintings of Queen Victorial and Prince Albert in rows at the Royal Gallery. Town hall built in the year 1813, is another monument displaying the city’s achievements in literature, performing arts, crafts, education, science and technology.
5). By now your hunger pang must be at its high. No matter, if you eat to live or simply live to eat, hog onto Kolkata street food. Unbeatably, theses small hawking outlets offer the best lip-smacking delicacies ranging from typical Bengali, South Indian to Moghlai, Punjabi and Chinese cuisine at the cheapest price. Add EM Bypass, BBD Bagh, Sudder Street, Dacre Street etc. in your tour menu before you take a food walk within the city.
6). How about a sweet indulgence now? The choices are endless. Explore the sweeter side of the city via Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick, Deshbandhu Mistanna Bhandar, KC Das (These guys are the founders of Rosogulla), Gupta Brothers, Ganguram’s and many more.
7). The city of joy is heaven for shoppers. Bit of haggling here, a little bargaining there; can earn you the best deal. Starting from junk jewelry, fashionable clothes, handloom saris to handicrafts and terracotta items; the city is filled with markets and malls peddling interesting goods. New Market, Dakshinapan Shopping Center, Chowringhee Road, Esplanade, Godia Haat are few names which are worth a visit.
8). The bookworms can take a trip to educating Kolkata-College Street. This area of the metropolis is the hub of book shops selling the opaque and rarest of books. The second hand books can be bought here in lowest of prices.
9). Science City, the largest science centre of the country stands comprising 26 dinosaurs, 71 robotic pre-historic animals and 140 plant models illustrating the story of evolution. The Dynamotion Hall and Time Machine are the two most crowd-pullers of the Centre.
10). If you are hardcore party animals, take a chill pill, as the city offers that bit too! Plunge into real pub atmosphere with matchless music, food and drinks at innumerable restaurants, pubs and discotheques at the heart of the metropolis. Tantra, Someplace Else and Aqua are the few prominent names topping the list for nightlife lovers.
Lay down a trip to Kolkata and be a reveler, cherishing all these sources of unadulterated entertainment, that this capital city of West Bengal offers with open arms.
