An intern’s guide to Kolkata- the city of culture, art, science, ideas and passion

July 20, 2012February 26, 2015 Nitisha

Being the cultural capital of India, Kolkata is a concoction of the old and the new. It has ardently held onto its roots, has donned a new name but retained its old identity. It has been the breeding ground for renowned bards, economists, beauty queens, famous authors and singers. Be it hand-pulled rickshaws, Mistidoi, Rosogullas, trams, age old monuments – the city is embedded with a historic charm. The city is dedicated to culture, research, natural and social sciences.

When in Kolkata – The ‘City of Joy’ has myriad nuances and exploring it is a joy in itself. The city’s weather is at its best during winter. During summer the humidity is unbearable and there is heavy downpour during monsoons. So pack your bags accordingly.

Places to visit:-

1. Historical monuments – Indian museum-good art/pieces of history, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Nakhoda Masjid, Victoria Memorial (race course) -world renowned piece of architecture, Netaji’s house – pay a tribute to the great man and have a look at his simple lifestyle. Popularly known as the Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel and is counted amongst the busiest cantilever bridges in the world.

2. Temples – Belur Math (founded by Swami Vivekananda) -a peaceful and calm place for forgetting one’s mundane life and relaxing, Ramakrishna Mission (Dakshineshwar), and Kalighat Kali temple – the holiest spot for Hindus and is visited by pilgrims from all over the nation.

3. Stadium – Eden Gardenis basically a cricket stadium which is the largest in India in terms of capacity. It is the home of Bengal cricket team and the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders.

4. Nature and Science – Botanical garden – be one with nature and life, Birla Planetarium is a must visit once for an awesome experience, Science city where one can get lost in a world of science.

Hangouts:-

1. Coffee places – Indian Coffee House (in front of Presidency)-one of the oldest coffee places, Spanish Café (in new market), CCD and Barista (as usual).

2. Parks – Nicco Park – good place for having fun with friends, Maidan (next to Victoria memorial), Vivekananda Park, Fillers nearby has a clean and green environment, Triangular Park, Maddox Square, lake in southern avenue (good for having a nice and retrospective walk).

3. Pubs – Sisha: One of the first hookah bars to open up in the city, this place has been popular ever since. Aromatic fragrances rising from the multi-flavored hookahs are the first thing to assault your senses when you walk in.

Tantra : One of the largest nightclubs in India and definitely the most popular in Kolkata. Even though Tantra boasts of an enviable floor space, it is always crowded. Popular with the teenyboppers and glitterati alike, this is where you go when you want to drink heady cocktails and pulsate to the DJs wicked tunes.

4. Restaurants – Golbari (near Shyam Bazaar)-good Bengali non-veg (get a real taste of Kolkata – a life changing experience), good Bengali food – Bhajohori Manna, Oh Calcutta (a little expensive), tasteful biryani @ Arsaalan , Zeeshan (in Park Circus) and if you want to have a taste of the royal kitchens of the Mughal era visit ‘Shiraz’. With mind-blowing momos at Momo Plaza and the ultimate Chinese cuisines at Grub Club (near Golpark), Kolkata is a haven for food lovers.

Shopping – The South City Mall, Forum, City Center and ManiSquare are one stop Malls for going on a shopping spree, 89 Cinemas –A good place to hang out on Friday nights and watch a movie. There are markets which are cheaper and have a wide variety in their products. A huge variety of street vendors cover the Chowringhee Road from Park Street to New Market, selling everything bizarre to tacky. The narrow streets of New Market still tempt visitors with variety of wares, trinkets and fashionable clothes. The books galore at College Street still draw large number of students, professors and avid readers alike.

Travel – Metro is good for being on time but does not have a good coverage. It is fine for going to NVM Road, Park Street, and Shyam Bazaar (basically covering North to South Kolkata). Autos and taxis are also available for a more convenient travel prospect. Buses are not very effective (good for long distance travel). They have a very old and pretty confusing naming system but this system has been absorbed into the mundane state of the city. Trams are more of a heritage thing and are comparatively cheaper than all other means.

Must do things: –

1. Visit Mother Teresa’s home: There are a few people who have impacted the city in a greater way. Mother Teresa’s home is a place of serenity and always inspires one to help the society.

2. Eat rosogullas from a place owned by K.C. Das in North Kolkata and Gulab Jamuns from Bansharam’s.

3. Visit Olypub for finger licking Beefsteak. Fish is a delicacy for the people of Kolkata. So missing out on Macher Jhol and Chingri Malai curry would be a big disappointment.

4. Listen to some good bands at Someplace Else, Trincas and the Basement.

5. The musical fountain show at Victoria Memorial in the evening is a big attraction for new comers.

What to beware of?

1. The traffic is utterly chaotic. Incessant honking and bumper to bumper traffic will give you a bad headache. Even a pedestrian needs to be cautious about the excess pollution in the city.

2. Always carry your own water bottles. The water supply for the aam aadmi is very unhygienic.

3. The streets of Kolkata are crowded with pickpockets and travelers need to be cautious about their precious things, belongings and purses. So one need to be alert and on guard at all times. Avoid carrying too much luggage.

4. Keep out of Sudder Street. This is merely a place to gather for drug addicts and hippies. You may get entrapped in it and be harassed by touts. ‘Kolkata’, the name conjures up images of the intelligentsia engaged in hastily discussions over endless cups of tea with clouds of smoke, hand pulled rickshaws and lumbering trams. The city intrigues visitors but also makes them feel at home. One can leave the city with sweet memories to cherish and only a desire to return. If you have anything more to add or share, do share your experiences with us and help students have a better knowledge about Kolkata.