Weekend In Kolkata: Trams, Literature & Culture Curry
Kolkata, the former capital of British Empire which was earlier known as Calcutta, is known as the cultural capital of India. It was the center of 19th and early-20th century Bengal Renaissance. The City of Joy is for people who enjoy culture, history, drama, art, film, theatre, literature and, of course, good food. The city bustles with friendly people full of enthusiasm and many stories of famous achievers.
If you happen to be in Kolkata during the weekend, there are innumerable avenues to explore and enjoy every moment.
1. European tour: Kolkata has a not-so-secret door that takes you to Europe. That is the Victoria Memorial Hall, which was built in 1921 and dedicated to Queen Victoria or the former Empress of India. For those interested in architecture, the monument has traces of Mughal designs. Want a moment of peace while roaming on Park Street? Escape to the ancient ruins of South Park Street Cemetery. If it is too freaky for you, do visit the Ramakrishna Mission and the Kali Temple at Kalighat for some spiritual air. There is also Mother Teresa House where you can visit the Missionaries of Charity. While you walk on the Howrah bridge, you might as well check out the Mullik Ghat Flower Market.
2. Tram ride: The mode of travel too has traces of history. Kolkata has the oldest operating tram system in India. Hail one if you want to see the antecedent of Metro rail and local trains. Nowadays there are air-conditioned trams, in which you can munch on tasty snacks while appreciating the heritage structures. Do not use the trams as a mode of transport while in a hurry; it could take ages to get from A to B.
3. Fish and sweets: What is a trip to Bengal without tasting the mouth-watering delicacies? Try fuchkas on the street side and momos in old Chinatown. The Bhoj Company in the New Market area takes you a little further away for Bengal to give you a taste of spicier Dhaka cuisine. Ballygunge Palace at Salt Lake is for the fish lovers who can taste Hilsa. Bhojori Manna is a restaurant named after a song by Manna Dey which talks of a magical cook who travelled lands to hone his skills. Be sure to expect a fare full of secret ingredients here.
4. Literature: Bengal's proudest offering is still its literature. As a part of the literature trip, visit Rabindranath Tagore's home, an ancient mansion that was built around 1784. Do not miss the National Library at Alipore which boasts of over two million books. It was also the residence of the governor of Bengal before it became a library.
5. Shantiniketan: A weekend at Kolkata will also let you venture a little out of town to Shantiniketan, which is 180 kilometers and a train ride away. Enjoy the peace and serenity of the ashram which inspired Tagore to pen his classics. It also hosts many social and cultural events. Do not miss buying jute wares like rugs and carpets. It has hand-made bags, also called Shantiniketan bags, dress material and sarees, too.
(The writer has been working as a business journalist for the last nine years, and has covered beats across banking, pharma, healthcare, telecom, technology, power, infrastructure, shipping and commodities)