Kolkata Diaries/Winterbreak - 6 days

Visiting Kolkata always intimidated me but strangely I always had it on my travel list. Intimidated ! Why? Because everyone around me gave me this impression of the city being polluted, congested, overpopulated, and other debates around a person's class in society based on how much money he makes... It took me a while to summon the courage to make it to Kolkata at last!

As soon as I landed at the airport, I could already sense the charm of the old colonial era and the friendliness of people around me. Also because I am someone who takes keen interest in the history of the surroundings and place I visit, I knew this was my destination...

It was extremely cold and I was loving every bit of it. We booked ourselves into a beautiful, large, old style apartment owned by a local. You can checkout the video of the apartment on the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3Wqv67S88s

Things you must not miss in India’s City of Joy...

1) Howrah bridge

2) Victoria Memorial

3) St. Paul's Church

4) Mallick Ghat - Asia's largest Flower market

#freshasadaisy

5) Train Museum

#everywhereeveryday

6) Alipore Zoo - It is India's oldest and one of the biggest tourist attraction of Kolkata. The zoo is well maintained. This zoo is a must visit for animal lovers. There is a wide collection of animals it houses namely lazy Royal Bengal Tiger, frolicking kangaroos, the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Antelope, Indian Elephant, Grant's Zebra, etc. They say White tigers are only found here. The zoo is also the home to various attractive birds like Macaws and Lorikeet, flamboyant birds like Peafowl, Swinhoe's Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant and Golden Pheasant, large sized birds like Ostrich, Emu, Hornbills.etc. During the winter season, the zoo also becomes the dwelling place for a few migratory birds. It is recommended to carry light snacks while you are here.

7) Lucchi - Kolkata's version of Poori's and age old tradition of 'bhar' (clay cups of tea

#livelifekingsize

8) Electric Cycle

9) Yellow Taxi

#travellikethereisnotomorrow

11) Saptapadi restaurant ( named after the famous Bengali movie 'Saptapadi'). Chingri Sobar Opore (Prawns) and Mutton Kosha with lucchi are delicious and a must try.

If you are someone who loves history and its been your favourite subject, you can also visit the Elliot park, Indian coffee house, Birla Planetarium, and Kumortuli ( place where mud statues are made).

Places to eat : Saptapadi, Barbeque Nation, Shillong Point, Maharaja Bar Restaurant and Banquets, Bachan's Dhaba, Mocambo Restaurant and Bar, Waterside Cafe

Travel:

Metros are the best way to commute within Kolkata for long distances .

You also have AC buses to avoid the crowd which are frequent, empty and super comfortable

You can take the convenient and easily available Electric Rickshaws for shorter distances like reaching the metro station, or nearby malls.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog-post and find it useful. For any questions do message me below.

Welcome to 2020!