Wanderlust - 02 - Kolkata, The city of Joy.

So, couple of my buds and I decided to hit the road and visit Kolkata the city of Joy. It was an emotional moment since I was born and brought up there. Going back after almost two decades brought back nostalgic memories. I thought it would be a great opportunity to share my memories of the trip with you. So, let’s start this ride!

Introduction

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is a city that holds a special place in my heart. I was born and raised here, and returning after almost two decades felt like stepping back in time while also seeing how much has changed. You know that feeling when you go back to your childhood home? It was something like that.
Kolkata is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history dating back to the British colonial era. From the majestic Victoria Memorial to the vibrant streets of Park Street, Kolkata offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. It’s alive with music, art, and food. I hope my experiences will inspire you to add Kolkata to your travel itinerary sometime.

Kolkata is the capital and largest city of West Bengal (One of the states of India) lying on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, about 80 km west of the border with Bangladesh. It’s the seventh most populous city in India, with an estimated core population of 4.5 million, and its metropolitan region, Kolkata Metropolitan Area, is the third most populous in India, with over 15 million residents. It’s regarded as the cultural capital of India and a historically and culturally significant city in the historic region of Bengal. The city was founded in 1698 and served as the capital of British India until 1911, then it shifted to Delhi.

How to Get There

For Domestic and International Travelers Kolkata is well-connected, making it easy for you to plan your trip. For international travellers, the primary gateway is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport with flights from major cities like London, Dubai, Singapore, and more. Domestic travellers can also fly into the airport from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Additionally, Kolkata is connected by an extensive rail network, with trains from across India arriving at Howrah and Sealdah stations. For those preferring road travel, there are bus services from neighbouring states, ensuring you have multiple options to choose from.

Kolkata’s local transportation options like taxis, buses, and the metro rail make getting around easy once you’re there.

Important Locations

While there is a whole lot to see in Kolkata I will cover a few important ones here.

Victoria Memorial

This iconic structure is a must-visit for anyone coming to Kolkata. Built in the early 20th century to honour Queen Victoria, it’s a stunning example of British colonial architecture. The white marble building stands tall in the middle of a large park, and inside, it houses a museum with a collection spanning from the days of the British Raj to modern Indian history. The gardens around it are perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic. My friends and I spent hours wandering, taking in the exhibits and the stunning architecture.

If you visit, make sure to spend some time there—it’s like stepping into a history book.
Victoria Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921 and is a major tourist attraction, with daily traffic of around 100,000 vehicles. It’s a significant historical site, reflecting the city’s colonial past.

Riding in a Tram Experience

Kolkata used to be the only city in India with Trams famous for its trams however of late they have been retired. These old-world vehicles have been a part of the city’s public transportation system for over a century. Although they have been retired due to their age, there’s still one tram left that operates for tourists in South Kolkata. We decided to take this ride, and boy it was absolutely delightful.

The tram clanged its way through the streets, giving us a perspective of the city’s architecture and daily life. It’s a slow-paced journey, perfect for soaking in the sights and sounds. We giggled like schoolchildren as we tried to stay upright while the tram lurched around corners. If you get a chance, take a tram ride; it’s a unique experience you’ll remember.

The Indian Museum

Reference Stock Shot (Casual Photography Prohibited)

(Credit: Photo by Rahul Pandit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-building-2846216/)

The Indian Museum is one of the oldest and most fascinating museums in India, established in 1814. The Indian Museum is the ninth oldest museum in the world and the largest in India, with 35 galleries divided into categories like Anthropology, Art, Archaeology, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany. It houses rare treasures like Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures, and recent exhibitions include topics like Harappan culture and Buddhist ways to Nirvana.

One of the highlights is the Indus Valley civilization section, where you can see the famous dancing girl statue. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur bones and fossils, and rock formations from the earth’s crust dating back 400 million years. It’s mind-boggling to think about the history contained within these walls. What makes it even more special is its origin—it was built by the British, who at one point thought they would be here forever. So, they ended up stashing a lot of their loot here!

Today, it stands as a testament to that colonial era and the rich cultural heritage of India. Now, a word of caution: photography is prohibited inside the museum. But, if you’re sneaky like me, you might manage to snap a few pictures of particularly interesting exhibits, like the dinosaur bones. Just don’t get caught!

Oh, and if you’re looking for a quiet, intellectual date spot, this is the place. In my hey days I have impressed many a lady who thought I was the next best thing to sliced bread simply ‘cuz I got them here instead of a pub or a coffee shop.

My friend who’s a bit of a scaredy-cat refused to go near the Egyptian mummy—she said it gave her the creeps. But overall, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history or science.

Aquatica in Salt Lake

Now that we have explored both history and culture time for some fun in the sun. Aquatica, located in Salt Lake—a suburb of Kolkata, not the city in US—is a popular water park with an array of water slides, wave pools, and other aquatic attractions.

It’s well-maintained, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax by the pool. We spent the day splashing around, screaming on the slides, and just chilling by the pool. It was a great way to end a day of sightseeing and recharge for more adventures. If you’re looking for some fun and relaxation, Aquatica is the place to be.

Howrah bridge

Alright, picture this: me and my two buds cruising into Kolkata, and bam, there’s the Howrah Bridge—total legend status! This massive steel beast, officially Rabindra Setu, stretches over the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata to Howrah like a boss since 1943. It’s got no nuts or bolts—just rivets holding it together, which is wild for something carrying over 100,000 vehicles daily. We walked across, dodging rickshaws and snapping pics of the rusty vibe against the river sunset. It’s not just a bridge; it’s Kolkata’s heartbeat, buzzing with chaos and charm. You’ve gotta see it—pure iconic madness! Too bad I was too busy enjoying the sights to take a pic. Here is a Stock Pic for reference.

(Credit:Photo by Kuntal Biswas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/night-view-of-howrah-bridge-in-kolkata-india-28737040/)

Food: A Yum Journey

Food is an integral part of any trip to Kolkata, and the city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to culinary delights. Ask any Bengali about their relationship with food, be prepared to spend the next few hours listening to their gastronomical preferences.

Park Street

This is where foodies flock in Kolkata. It’s lined with restaurants offering everything from classic Indian dishes to international fare. The place never sleeps, we spent an evening here, hopping from one place to another, and it was a feast for the senses. You can’t go wrong with Park Street if you’re looking for variety.

Shiraz

One place we couldn’t miss was Shiraz, a legendary restaurant known for its Persian cuisine. It’s been a Kolkata institution for decades and continues to attract locals and tourists alike. The aromatic biryanis and succulent kebabs are to die for. We had so much food that I think we gained five pounds just from that one meal. The food was so good that my friends and I were in food heaven.

Amenia

Another must-visit is Aminia, famous for its delicious Mughal food. If you can’t make it to Shiraz then this will suffice just as well. It’s a great spot to satisfy those cravings for spicy, flavourful dishes. We ordered a bunch of dishes, and the Flavors were spot on—spicy enough to make your eyes water but so delicious you can’t stop eating. Make sure you try the Biriyani there. Succulent Chicken/Mutton combined with a Boiled egg and a Soft Spiced full potato in Saffron Rice. Yum!

The Egg Roll

And no trip to Kolkata is complete without trying the famous egg roll. These are snacks made with eggs and various fillings, wrapped in a thin dough and fried to perfection. You can find them at street stalls across the city, and they’re a perfect on-the-go meal or snack. I must have had at least three during my stay—they’re like the ultimate comfort food, greasy, flavourful, and utterly addictive.

The Overall Bengali Culture and Its Rich Diversity

Bengali culture is as rich and diverse as the city itself. From the soulful melodies of Rabindranath Tagore to the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja, there’s a depth and warmth that permeates every aspect of life here. The people are known for their hospitality and their passion for food, music, and art. It’s this culture that makes me fall in love with Kolkata every time I visit. You’ll feel like you’re part of one big family celebration, especially during festivals, where the city comes alive with lights, music, and festivities. If you are visiting in the 2nd half of the year, try and match your timing with Durga Puja. This happens between August-October depending on planetary alignment.

My trip to Kolkata was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. From nostalgia to new discoveries, from exploring historical landmarks to indulging in delicious food and experiencing the vibrant culture, every moment was memorable. The company of my two lovely friends made it even better, with laughter and shared adventures at every turn. If you’re thinking of visiting Kolkata, do it! It’s a city that will charm you with its history, enchant you with its culture, and feed you till you’re bursting with delicious food. Just make sure to pack comfortable shoes for all the walking and a big appetite for all the eating—you won’t be disappointed!!