Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy,” is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the eastern part of India. It is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Kolkata also offers iconic sights like the Victoria Memorial, museums, markets, and churches. The picture I shared is from Park Street, which has always been known as Kolkata’s top spot for dining. It’s got a fantastic selection of restaurants, bars, and pubs to satisfy every craving and preference. You’ll find something delicious to enjoy there! It is often known as “Food Street” and “The Street that Never Sleeps.”
I have had the pleasure of visiting Kolkata on multiple occasions, thanks to Kolkata’s International Airport connectivity with another eastern country, as well as its proximity to the nearest VFS Global center from my location. Additionally, a good friend of mine hails from Kolkata, and he has been instrumental in helping me explore and showing me the hidden gems that make Kolkata such a unique and fascinating destination.
St. PAUL’s CATHEDRAL
Paul’s Cathedral, a magnificent Anglican church located in the heart of Kolkata, is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. Built in 1847 during the era of British rule, the Cathedral was intended to serve as the primary church for the city’s Anglican community and has since become an iconic landmark of the region. It was designed by William Nairn Forbes, a prominent architect of the time, and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. The building is made of white marble and has a stunning spire that rises 201 feet above the ground.
One of the most striking features of the Cathedral is the most awe-inspiring stained glass windows, which are some of the largest in the world. The windows depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and other biblical stories and are made of brightly colored glass that creates a stunning effect when the sunlight shines through them, illuminating the interior of the Cathedral with a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. Each window tells a unique story and is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the timeless beauty of art.
HANGING RESTAURANT
The Hanging Restaurant is a unique dining experience in Kolkata. As its name suggests, the restaurant is suspended in the air, providing diners with a stunning view of the city while enjoying a meal. The restaurant is called Biswa Bangla Gate Restaurant located in New Town, Kolkata. Visitors will have three time slots to choose from: 12:00 noon, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Each slot lasts for 45 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly. For safety reasons, this hanging restaurant can accommodate 100 people at once at each slot.
VICTORIA MEMORIAL
The Victoria Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kolkata. Built in memory of Queen Victoria, the monument is a stunning example of colonial architecture and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city. The building itself is a stunning white marble structure, with a dome that is over 200 feet high. The building is surrounded by a large pool, which adds to the grandeur of the structure and creates a sense of tranquility and serenity that is unmatched by any other monument in the city.
It is a magnificent building that is worthy of exploration but be prepared to spend several hours here. Visitors are required to cover the entire area on foot, which can be quite exhausting, so it is wise to take breaks and rest periodically. Before entering the gates, I stopped for refreshments at one of the many food stalls set up by locals. However, be prepared for long queues at the ticket counter. It is important to note that the Memorial is closed on Mondays and national holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Victoria Memorial is a picturesque oasis, surrounded by verdant trees and a serene backdrop for visitors. I spent some time relaxing by the river, taking in the serene atmosphere and admiring the natural beauty that surrounds the monuments. The Victoria Memorial is open to visitors every day of the week, except for Mondays. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, including some of Queen Victoria’s personal belongings. The galleries are arranged in chronological order, so visitors can learn about the history of the city and British rule in India. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history of the monument and the city.
HOWRAH BRIDGE
The Howrah Bridge, a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River, connecting the city of Howrah to Kolkata, is a stunning example of engineering prowess. The Howrah Bridge is a marvel of engineering, with no nuts or bolts used in its construction. It is made entirely of steel and is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. The bridge is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights that dance and reflect off the river below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
EDEN GARGEN
For cricket enthusiasts, there is no way you can miss the Eden Garden. It is one of the popular vising places in Kolkata and is renowned for its impressive size and scale. Eden Garden is the second-largest cricket stadium in India and third -largest in the world. The stadium boasts an impressive capacity of 68,000 spectators.
One of my fondest memories of the Eden Garden is from a 2019 IPL match between KKR and MI. The match was unforgettable, with KKR scoring an impressive 232 runs, including 8 sixes that were hit by Andre Russell. MI also put on a stellar performance, with Hardik Panday hitting 9 sixes and scoring 91 runs in just 34 balls. The energy in the stadium was electric, with the crowd going wild and creating an unforgettable atmosphere that made for an incredible evening at the Eden Garden.
GERMAN CAFE AND BISTRO
The German Cafe and Bistro in Kolkata is a distinctive and charming eatery that offers visitors a taste of Germany in the heart of the city. It is known for its authentic European cuisine. This restaurant is within walking distance from Hanging Restaurant, New Town.
PARK STREET
Park Street is one of the most iconic and vibrant streets in Kolkata, known for its bustling atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With its diverse array of cafes, street food, restaurants, bars, and pubs. Park Street has become a hub for people who want to chill out in the evening. It is often known as “Food Street” and “The Street that Never Sleeps.”
INDIAN MUSEUM
Indian Museum in Kolkata is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. It was established in 1814 and has since become a major center for research and education in the country. The museum has six main sections, including Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology, Botany, and Art. However, it’s a huge museum and takes half a day if you will try to see everything. Additionally, visitors should be sure to obtain a photography token at the entrance if they wish to take pictures during their visit.
NIGHTLIFE
Kolkata is a vibrant city with a lively nightlife scene. The Irish House – Located in Quest Mall, it is a popular spot for drinks and pub food. They have a wide selection of beers and cocktails, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. M Bar Kitchen – It is a trendy spot on Park Street that serves up delicious food and creative cocktails.
Monkey Bar – Monkey Bar is a popular chain of bars with locations throughout India. The Kolkata location is known for its great cocktails and fun atmosphere. Someplace Else – Someplace Else is a legendary pub in Kolkata that has been around for over 20 years. It’s a great spot for a night out with friends. Aqua – Aqua is a rooftop bar located at The Park Hotel in Kolkata. The bar offers stunning views of the city skyline and serves up delicious cocktails and snacks. It’s a great spot for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends.
Kolkata boasts other pubs and bars like The Myx, Hard Rock Cafe, Roxy, Tantra, and Traffic Gastropub. With so many great options to choose from, no matter what your taste, you are sure to find a spot that suits your style and budget. Whether you are looking for a trendy hotspot or a cozy hideaway where you can relax and unwind, Kolkata’s bar and pub scene has something for everyone.
QUEST MALL
Quest Mall is one of the most popular and luxurious shopping destinations in Kolkata. It is the best destination for anyone looking to indulge in some high-end shopping and entertainment. The Mall is massive, with 7 floors to explore. And guess what? It’s filled with all sorts of fancy, high-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Jimmy Choo. Quest Mall is also known for its food, beverage, and drink options. It has a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Chili’s. One of the most unique features of Quest Mall is its architecture. The mall is designed to resemble a modern-day palace, with marble floors, chandeliers, and intricate details throughout.
TRAVEL PLAN
The autumn and winter months between September to March are the best time to visit Kolkata. This is a season that witnesses the peak arrival of visitors, especially Durga puja. Kolkata is hard to explore in a short time so I suggest spending at least two days here to discover the major places of attraction.
How to reach Kolkata – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and the Howrah Railway Station serve as major hubs for travel and commerce.
Day 1 – Visit Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Quest Mall, and Howrah Bridge.
Day 2 – Visit Park Street, Eden Garden, Marble Palace, Princep Ghat, and Biswa Bangla Gate, and if you have extra time then visitors can explore the science city.
Note – If you are planning to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, be prepared to spend an entire day exploring the city’s many pandals and immersing yourself in the vibrant festivities.
Taste of Kolkata – Macher Jhol (fish is an integral part of Kolkata), Mishti Doi (Bengali dessert), Rasgullas, Kathi Rolls, Kosha Mangsho, Luchi, Sandesh, Alur Torkari, Shukto.
Useful Links
Book a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine. It scours websites and airlines worldwide, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Google Flight is another excellent resource for finding a reasonably priced flight. By entering your nearest airport and typing “anywhere” as the destination, you can view the cheapest flights available from your location.
Book your accommodation by using Hostel World. It is an ideal option for finding cheap and highly-rated hostels for foreign trips.
If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com.It is a reliable platform for booking accommodations, including guesthouses, hotels, and apartments, at the most affordable rates.
This is also one of my favorite choices for both accommodation and flight bookings, particularly for domestic travel within India.
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Travel insurance provides coverage for injury, illness, COVID-19, and theft. It is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. Travel insurance is compulsory in many countries.
Book a train and bus from Omino for an international trip. It provides all travel options in one place
One of the best places to start looking for cheap rental cars and great deals for international trips.
Redbus offers various bus services such as a chair, sleeper, AC, and Non-AC options. Redbus is India’s largest online bus ticketing platform.