Kolkata - this
is one city that I had always wanted to visit. I know it sounds as cliché as
‘Once upon a time’ but it’s true. I can’t even remember how I picked up a
liking for this place. May be it was in my primary standard when we were being
taught about the history of the magnificent Howrah bridge or may be in my
college when I was watching a show hosted by Konkana Sen giving a tour of
Kolkata or may be while watching one of the street food shows much later.
Anyway, so when the opportunity to visit this place came up through my 2 months
of internship, I was extremely excited. Honest confession – more excited than
going to office after a year and working for a company that was on my favorites
list in the entire internship process.
The first week
in Kolkata was not great. Old houses, too many people, narrow roads, and a lot
of garbage in public space is all I noticed. The cab would stop before it
picked up speed from the last halt at traffic signal. But with time I started
noticing how effortless it was to start a conversation with just anyone, how I
got to hear the mesmerizing Rabindra sangeet on streets, Awareness of people of
their rights, varied conversations during my dinner time in small eateries that
served amazing food at very reasonable prices. Kolkata is welcoming for every
class of people (Just a little hostile towards vegetarians though). I tried
travelling by almost every mode of transport there- Cycle Rikshaw, auto, city Bus,
cab, the superfast metro, and the lovely tram.
Another great
thing about Kolkata, minimal eve-teasing. It's a refreshing change to pass a
bunch of guys chatting in a not-so-busy lane, without being commented on. Felt
so amazing!
As the time was
limited I started exploring places from the very first week. Weekdays were
reserved for trying different food and weekends for places. Kolkata is so
culturally rich, I was never short of places to visit. And therefore I'm
writing about it in multiple sections (mostly through area, this being about central Kolkata) and through more of pictures.
Victoria memorial: I did not go inside for the lack of time. I was being accompanied by a
friend who's a local and I didn't want to waste this time visiting places
that I can later visit alone. It’s another thing that I couldn't go
back to visit the place.
What I really like about
Victoria memorial is how it shines in glory from a lot of places, my favorite is
when you're passing through the new bridge. It's right there like a
reminder of all that Kolkata is and has been.
Victoria
memorial
Park Street Cemetery: I know it sounds weird that someone would be
interested in visiting a cemetery. But this truly is different. The
tombs give you an insight into the grandeur of British Raj. This cemetery
also stands proof to the patriotism of British who died serving
their country. Some headstones even make an interesting read.
This place is like magic,
as you enter the gate, you'll suddenly find yourself in a different world
altogether. One moment you're in the hustle bustle of one of the busiest
streets in Kolkata - Park street and another moment you're in this amazingly
beautiful, peaceful yet mysterious place- Park street cemetery.
As Rudyard Kipling put
it "The tombs are small houses. It is as though we walked down the streets
of a town, so tall are they and so closely do they stand — a town shrivelled
by fire and scarred by frost and siege. Men must have been afraid of their
friends rising up before the due time that they weighted them with such cruel
mounds of masonry."
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Academy Of Fine Arts: This is much more
than what one would think it is. A must visit for any art enthusiast. It's not
a usual gallery of paintings by various artists but the sight of artists
working on their art in the garden is one that would be etched in your memory
for a very long time. Adding to the charm was a lady singing the Rabindra
Sangeet.
St Paul's Cathedral: It's on the road
from Birla Planetarium to Academy of fine Arts and certainly deserves a visit.
Bow Barracks: It’s a small world
in the middle of Kolkata. Anglo Indians staying here since generations. It was
cleaner than the rest of places, red buildings and a different air of culture
altogether. It’s nice to hear English on streets after struggling to understand
Bengali for days. This places’ history goes back to First World War when it
served as the garrison’s mess.
Bow barracks
Terreti Market: This place kept
coming up in a lot of conversations and readings. The only reason it took me
time to visit this place was the timing.
It’s famous for its old buildings and Chinese street where one gets mouth-watering
Chinese breakfast. Unfortunately there’s very little that a vegetarian can opt
for. A lot of people in fact dismissed me right away upon inquiring about vegetarian
food.
Terreti market at around 8:30 a.m. (Most of the things were finished by then)
This is what I ended up eating. It was good but I din't need to travel so far to eat puri bhaji.
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| Puri Bhaji at Terreti Market |
We walked quite a lot post breakfast to explore places. We came across
many old buildings and Chinese places of worship.
Chinese temple and a very old building on the upper right
St. John’s Church: The church happens
to be one of the oldest constructions of Kolkata. It also houses the grave of
Job Charnock, the founder of Kolkata. I was impressed by the way it was
maintained.
St. John’s Church
That’s me on the steps of St. John’s
Church
P.S. : All the amazing pictures above have been taken by my friend and travel accompany in Kolkata - Sayan. The not so amazing pictures are clicked by me :)
