Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was the first British-era capital of the subcontinent. It is considered to be the country’s most cultured city, with a stellar literary and artistic heritage. Colonial architecture shares space with a diverse mix of local experiences here.
About Kolkata
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Sight Seeing
Victoria Memorial
Built in memory of Queen Victoria and fashioned out of white marble, this grand structure counts among the most marvellous buildings in India and is rich in architectural detail. The museum within is worth exploring, while the surrounding gardens offer photogenic views across mirror-like ponds.
Time : 10:00 AM
Kalighat Temple
The magnificent Kalighat Temple is Kolkata’s holiest spot for Hindus. One of the Shakti Peethas, a site of worship devoted to the Goddess Shakti, this temple is built at the site at which the toes of Sati are believed to have fallen during the course of Lord Shiva’s Rudra Tandava.
Time : 5:00 AM
Barabazar
Barabazar exemplifies Kolkata’s diverse heritage, with the Armenian Church of Nazareth, the imposing Holy Rosary Cathedral and some soulful synagogues in its midst. These vibrant alleys teem with traders, rickshaw couriers and baggage-wallahs. Look out for the lovely perfumery on Ezra Street.
Activities To Do
Gaze at the largest tree in the world
The highlight of a visit to this peaceful garden is the Great Banyan, an enormous tree that is said to be the largest in the world. The Botanical Gardens were founded by an officer of the British East India Company to help identify plants that could have commercial value, and to grow spices.
Time : 10:00 AM
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5:00 PM
Absorb some learning
The Indian Museum is India’s oldest and largest museum, built around a graceful, cloistered courtyard. Browse the sections, from archaeology and art to natural history and industry, or simply stroll through a lovely, almost secret garden that you will find here.
Time : 10:00 AM
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5:00 PM
Dig into some local food
Kolkata’s street food is legendary, and the delightful puchka is a unique gastronomic experience. Epicureans will enjoy a variety of street foods like kati rolls, which are kebabs wrapped in a paratha, invented for ease of eating. Calcutta momos, too, are nothing short of divine.
Shopping
Make a difference
The blink-and-miss-it Ankur Kala on Meher Ali Road sells gorgeous batik and tie-dye handicrafts, as well as beautiful leather and embroidered goods. Not only will you find pretty little trinkets, you will also be contributing to the livelihood and employment of women from the city’s slums.
Time : 10:00 AM
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5:00 PM
Take home some Bengali sweets
Kolkata is most popular for its range of sweet treats Pick from the famous rossogollas and sandesh to the healthier mishti doi and enjoy them fresh. You might find yourself so addicted to them that might want to take back a pound or two for sweet memories.
Shop at a local landmark
Among the city’s most venerable shops selling musical instruments, NN Mondal and Sons is a must-visit for its beautifully-crafted sitars and violins. Run by the Mondal family since the 1850s, the store counts the legendary violinist, the late Yehudi Menuhin, among its satisfied customers.
Time : 10:00 AM
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7:00 PM