VISIT “KOLKATA” ONCE IN A LIFETIME.

Kolkata is known as the “city of joy” named by French author Dominique Lapierre because of its soulful image of culture, love, mystery, respect, and its enthusiasm over anything, be it in “Durga puja”, ”Christmas” or “New-year”. Indian Bengalis call it “Kolkata”, previously was known as “Calcutta”, the capital city of West Bengal is the third-largest city in India. Kolkata is situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly river (distributor of river Ganges, or The Ganga ). History affirms it was the capital city of India during the British Raj in the name of Calcutta until 1911. Kolkata the word itself contains a pile of emotions. It’s a domicile of great sophistication and lineage. Kolkata is best known for its colonial architectures, art galleries, and cultural festivals. Kolkata is also the pad of charity, founded by Mother Teresa.

Let me introduce you to the “city of joy”

“Calcutta is like another world, people there are very rare and respectful,” said Spanish actress Penelope Cruz. So well said Kolkata indeed is a “city of emotions”. This city looks exactly like a fiction community that came into vitality straight from fiction. Kolkata holds with it the heritage of poetries of the great Rabindranath Tagore in its every street (golis), and close-knit neighbourhoods (paras). The old colonial constructions in the former British capital add a distinct allure to the metropolis that will be an absolute exhilaration to your eyes. No wonder the enthusiastic city is acclaimed by many, as the intellectual, cultural, and artistic land of the country.

Places you must visit in Kolkata

“Calcutta is fascinating. Wherever you place a camera, you earn a vision.” said author Pradeep Sarkar. so well quoted. You definitely cannot choose few places to explore in this glorious city. The Kolkata city as a whole is a treat to watch. But the sites I have selected for you are the attention of the metropolis. These are the Gustavus ones. Once in a lifetime, you must visit Kolkata just to grab the beauty of the extraordinary city in your eyes.

1.Victoria memorial

The Victoria Memorial is a large marble structure in Kolkata, which was designed between 1906 and 1921. It is devoted to the remembrance of Empress Victoria and is now a museum under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The dedicatory lies on the Maidan and is one of the famous shrines of Kolkata.

2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a Church in Kolkata. The church is documented for its Gothic architecture and consecrated to Paul the apostle. It is indicated to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. The cathedral screen has a library, put over the western veranda, and an exhibit of art forms and commemorations.

3. Howrah bridge

The Howrah Bridge is one of the ancient hanging bridges in the world with no planks supporting its rest. It is constructed over the Hooghly River. It is the sixth-longest hanging bridge in the world. Howrah bridge is the nucleus of tourist attraction in Kolkata.

4. Dakshineswar kali temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is placed at Dakshineswar. Positioned on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding divinity of the temple is Bhavatarini, a configuration of Kali. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a patron and disciple of Kali.

5. Park street

Park street is like imagination, consisting of numbers of cafeterias, five-star hotels, bistros, pubs, clubs, etc. Kolkata civilization cherishes the nightlife of park street. This site is so stunning even the streets look like imagination while hiking through the pavements. Park street is a luxurious place. If you ask Kolkata population about their memories they are going to babble about park street. However, in park street, you will discover all the luxurious stores like Zara, H&M and many more. So Park street is going to give you a tremendous experience of food, shopping, clubbing altogether.

6. Princep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat is one of the aged recreational spots in Kolkata. People visit it in the twilights on weekends to go boating on the river, walk along the bank and purchase food from stalls there. The boats are the attraction there. This place will give you relaxation. You can spend an extensive day sitting there by the ghat. The sunset is a delight to look at from the ghat. Get yourself a boat ride you will never forget the experience.

7.Esplanade

Esplanade also known as Dharmatala (means a divine street) is a marketable place in Kolkata. Whenever you make up your mind of shopping in Kolkata it is the hub of everything. The civilization of Kolkata visits Dharmatala at least twice a month. It is the one-stop destination of whatever you crave. Esplanade Market is famous for its bargaining system. Dharmatala is primarily prominent for being a favourite niche for every Kolkata woman. Starting from Jhumkas (earrings) to shoes, bags, accessories, clothing, household stuff everything is accessible here at an affordable price. After doing all the shopping when you are already drowsy wait and have all the famous street foods of Kolkata, this will give you exceptional relaxation.

Durga Pujo

Conversing about Kolkata, its culture and lineage and not reciting about the enormous celebration of all Bengali community is a grievance. All Bengalis labour so hard for the whole year and just wait for this time of the year, the major celebration of Bengalis, Durga puja. It is a four days festival, giving homage to goddess Durga. The four uninterrupted days are named Shaptami, Asthami, Navami, Dashami respectively. Durga Puja is the massive and most widely celebrated festivity in West Bengal, also among some additional states in India. The five-day celebration consists of impressive idols, luminously lit pandals, loud music and more. Be it contained banquets, outdoor pandals or community pujas, Durga Puja is unsatisfactory without the music and dance.

‘city of joy’ — Kolkata

So for now I end up reciting about my place. Kolkata is not just a city it is an emotion for me and many more Bengalis. Not only us it is special for every traveller and visitor. I can never evade speaking about Kolkata. Food, culture, heritage and everything about the city is exceptional. “Calcutta’s the only metropolis I know where you are convinced to stop visitors at random for a quick chat.” said famous singer Tahir Shah. Visit “city of joy” and it will eternally attract you towards it.