Pack Your Bags And Explore Kolkata Like A Local
I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list!
Move over Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, because there is so much more to Kolkata than what meets the eye. Look beyond the sea of yellow taxis and relentless traffic, as this city will surely rub off of you. From wildlife to history and rich culture to mouth-watering food, this unique soul has something for everyone searching to find something beyond clichéd India. Kolkata comes close on the radar of avid travellers, especially during the festive season of Durga Puja when the streets are all lit up.
So, scroll down this list of some of our favourite spots to hang out in the ‘City Of Joy’.
1. Tram Ride In Kolkata
Ditch the Uber and Kolkata Metro now! Hop onto one of these rides for a leisurely delight and watch the city go by in slow motion. Kolkata’s best-kept secret is known for its old-world charm and this city happens to be the only one that still has an operational tram network. Bollywood movies like Barfi, Parineeta and Kahaani have made these trams iconic. So, soak in the nostalgia while sightseeing around this quaint town.
2. Breakfast At Flurys
Stopover for a lavish breakfast at the iconic - Flurys! Originally built as an English tearoom known for serving creamy pastries, puddings and cookies in 1927, this popular restaurant has grown to over 18 outlets across the city. Treat yourself to an extravagant feast of the English breakfast that comprises of three grilled sausages, two strips of crispy bacon, one poached egg, two slices of bread, one grilled tomato, mushroom, butter along with tea or coffee.
Do not be surprised if you have to wait for over an hour on weekends, because Flurys continues to attract both new and old satisfied customers.
3. Boating On The River Hooghly
Witness the sun set while you take a boat ride or the traditional nauka on the Hooghly river from Princep Ghat. You can read a book while floating on the waves of the Hooghly or if you wish you can click pictures with your camera and capture the everyday life that takes place on the riverbanks.
4. Chinatown
If you’re visiting Kolkata for the first time, gallivanting in the narrow alleys of Tangra is mandatory. Kolkata’s Chinatown is renowned for its spread of genuine Chinese food. Gorge on some delectable Chinese delicacies or hog on some succulent kathi rolls. If you ask us, the phuchkas or Tibetan momos and masala fish fry is an absolute delight!
5. Kumortuli
Potter’s Paradise! Step into this precinct where hundreds of clay idols of Hindu deities are handcrafted in one of Kolkata’s oldest neighbourhoods. With over 450 pottery workshops set in the maze of narrow lanes, this place is buzzing with lights, especially during Durga Puja festival. The ‘City Of Joy’ is called so, and for good reasons!
Image Credits: Zomato
