Kolkata: The city of Joy

Kolkata, India‘s second biggest city, is a perpetually ongoing festival of human existence, concurrently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, while beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India’s Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is commonplace in this city. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata’s streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity. Driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class, the city has created a beautiful juxtaposition of the old colonial-era charm with the nascent upcoming hipster culture that thrives amongst the city’s millennial residents.
Starting from admiring the flourishing art scene in the city to going on rewarding gastronomical explorations to wandering amidst the countless bazaars to sitting by the banks of the Hooghly and enjoying a peaceful sunset, Kolkata is soaked in layers and layers of heritage and culture, and peeling off each layer to look beneath the hood is a very rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the famous quote goes, “If you want a city with a soul, come to Calcutta”.
Formerly the capital of the British empire before the government was shifted to Delhi, Kolkata has a distinct tinge of its royal past lingering in every nook and cranny of the city. If you want to soak in some of the city’s regal past, take a walk along the streets of North Kolkata, which houses some of the oldest mansions in the city, swathed with vines and a persistent sense of aristocratic pride. Kolkata is home to Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house, which has now been converted into a museum and houses a staggering collection of family portraits and paintings. There are plenty of ghats all over the city where you can sit and enjoy a sunset while sipping on tea, one of the most noted of these being the Prinsep Ghat, which offers stunning views of the Vidyasagar Setu in the backdrop. Close by is Millennium Park, which is a beautified waterfront park from where you can avail boat rides and cruises.
Kolkata has a very lively nightlife, and the entire stretch along Park Street houses innumerable bars and pubs where you can party the night away. Kolkata’s street food is famous all across the country, and the city is lined with eateries and food stalls at every corner, where you can savour local Bengali food, or try out local snacks such as Jhalmuri, or Ghugni Chaat.
Victoria Memorial
Spread over 57 acres of land, housing 21 lush green gardens, 28,394 artefacts, and 3,900 artistic paintings, Victoria memorial is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. Built in the memory of Queen Victoria, this white marble beauty is a host to 20 lakhs annual visitors.
Fort William
Situated on the eastern banks of Hooghly river, Fort Williams is a huge building from the colonial era that has served multiple purposes till date. It is one of the few Kolkata points of interest which is a must visit place during your Kolkata sightseeing tour. Known as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’, this place was once a temporary jail where prisoners were hauled, but now it serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command.
Marble Palace
This nineteenth century palatial mansion in North Kolkata, is one of the most visited tourist places in Kolkata. It is one of the best restored royal family palaces in India that boasts of artistic statues, elegant glassware, and noteworthy paintings of illustrious artists of the British Raj.
Howrah Bridge
A Kolkata sightseeing tour is truly incomplete without visiting the ‘Harbour Bridge of India’, the Howrah Bridge. Titled as the ‘oldest but the busiest’ place in Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge was built over the Hooghly river to ensure connectivity between the two major cities of Kolkata and Howrah.
Tagore’s House
Known as the ‘Jorasanko Thakur Bari’, Tagore’s house is one of the most important historical places in Kolkata. The former residence of India’s most renowned literaries, Rabindranath Tagore, is now converted into a museum which houses a photo gallery, fascinating paintings, and Tagore’s literary works.
Sunderbans
The most famous Kolkata tourist spot, Sunderbans is one of the natural wonders of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. It is also the largest Tiger reserve, and national park in India.
Rabindra Sarovar
Previously known as Dhakuria lake, Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial lake in Kolkata. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata if you are looking for a quiet, and peaceful time. Every morning one would find numerous people jogging, or walking along the shores of the lake. It is also a perfect spot for nature admirers who wish to get close to the beauty of nature.
Botanical Gardens
Located along the western banks of River Ganga, Botanical Garden is a 273 acre garden known for its extensive floral diversity. Housing more than 12,000 different species of plants, it is one of the most beautiful places to see in Kolkata for travelers who wish to witness the mesmerising beauty of nature.
Aquatica
Spread across a huge 75,000 square feet area. Aquatica is one of the largest water amusement parks in Eastern India. For people who seek light hearted adventure along with some fun filled activities, Aquatica is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata with friends where one can enjoy numerous thrilling rides and activities.
Nicco Park
One of the best places to visit in Kolkata, Nicco Park is an exhilarating amusement park developed for the sole purpose of recreational activities for families. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Kolkata that houses various adventurous, and fun filled rides for children as well as adults where they can spend some rejuvenating time with their families.