Hidden Treasure in Kolkata
by lynnehamman
Kolkata has so many hidden 'gems' of architecural and historic value.One has to look beyond the grimy shopfronts in the crowded narrow lanes in order to suddenly spot a beautiful archway, or graceful latticed marble balcony. The city was known as 'The City of Palaces' because of its palatial homes. Most are still there, but modernity has encrouched, and their once magnificent gardens have been turned into parking areas and hawker stalls.
In Sudder Street, which is THE back-packer paradise of Kolkata- there stands a wonderful marble bust of Rabindranath Tagore- Kolkata's favourite son. It is covered with dust and bird droppings, and has not seen a clean in ages. I spotted it quite by chance. One would hope that these sort of monuments would be looked after.
Unfortunately- we came upon many examples of such neglect and decay in Kolkata. The only possible conclusion that I could come to is that maybe Kolkatans have other priorities. Its a very tough city, with an overloaded infrastructure and population.
We bought a wonderful book in Park Street, at the Oxford Bookstore, which is a guide to walking in Kolkata. I suggest that the purchase of this book will make your visit to Kolkata that much more memorable. We certainly found it to be invaluable.
A Jaywalker's Guide to Calcutta- by Soumitra Das will take you on an unimaginable adventure, and you will see the other side of the city, when it was really The City of Palaces. I miss the energy and vibrancy of this city- there is something new to discover around every crowded corner and in every mysterious narrow lane.
The Outram Ghat
by Kumarjit
The Outram Ghat in Calcutta is one of the most prefered spots for relaxation after a hectic day. It is situated near Fort William at the banks of the River Ganga(also called Hooghly). People usually visit this spot in the afternoon, between 4pm. to 7pm. It is truly a nice place as you can see the river flowing by, the boats sailing in the river as well as some of them anchored to the shore. On either sides you can see the two huge bridges - The Howrah Bridge on the right and The Vidyasagar Setu on the left. The Vidyasagar Setu is the largest cable-styled bridge in Asia.
The cool breeze that blows seems to soothe the mind and body. You can also take a ride in a steamer or a simple boat. The skyline of the shore can be seen while you are in the boat. You can see the Secretariat Building, The High Court, The LIC Building and others (click on the picture to enlarge it and get a clear view).
It is going to be an experience that you will never forget! Do not take any baggage or anything that you will have to carry in your hands, except a bottle of drinking water and a camera. I would prefer that you wear light clothes while visiting the spot.
If you are a foreign tourist contact the travel desk of your hotel to visit this location. You can either take your own vehicle or a cab.
Taxi's in Calcutta - NOT A TOURIST TRIP ... read!
by arikde
I was recently in Calcutta and recently overheard a tourist screaming "Racists" at the taxi driver who refused to pick her up ...
Just a BIG note ... nothing like that. Taxi drivers in Calcutta (and India at large) are FAR from being racist. This is not New York or U.S. where such problems exist.
Refusal to pick up a passenger is usually because the destination is around the block ... or because the driver is headed towards her/his home and the destination is inconvinient.
While you can file a complain, I just want tourists to understand that this has nothing to do with racism ... its something we in Calcutta face as well :) !
Taxi Driver Scheme #5
by Guantanamera
Finally, we approached the airport. There had been an icy silence between us the last 5 minutes. Having failed in all previous schemes, and no longer having to impress his buddy anymore, he began begging with me, pleading about how he was a poor man and I should take pity on him. All this, after previously doing everything he could to try and cheat, deceive and coerce me. But it was too late. The tables had turned. I stuck with our original agreement the whole way. I got out, grabbed my bags and paid him 200 rupees. He acted crestfallen, and said I was "a bad man". I turned away, cursing his insolence, and walked off... The funny thing is, if he hadn't tried to fleece me, I would have tipped the guy 50 or 100 rupees...!
Another Feather in the cap of Mainland China!!!
by goutammitra about "SIGREE " Flame & Grill
This new venture of Mainland China, mastered by Mr. Anjan Chatterjee, CEO, Mainland China and Mr. Phiroz Sadri, Executive Director, Mainland China, is surely a new milestone and a new feather in their already highly decorated cap. They already have Oh Calcutta a Bengali speciality restaurant in Kolkata, now this new venture," SIGREE Flame & Grill' is a totally new concept to Kolkata. Opened on 25th February at South City Mall, Prince Anwar Shah Road, just next to the all new Mainland China. It's 100% Indian buffet, lunch and dinner restaurant, with changing menu and major stress is given to the specially prepared Bar Be Que. The tables are built with a space in the middle to accomodate a portable Bar Be Que Grill ( see picture), with flaming charcoal( just perfect!). The buffet(? a pleasant surprise for us!!) starts this way, as soon as you settle down, they place the Grill and several Skewers with at least six varieties of Kebabs & grills both veg and non-veg, which is 80% ready. We had Chicken, Mutton, Fish, Paneer( Cottage Cheese), Haryali Kebab, Grilled Potato & tomato, Sheekh Kebab as starter! If you ask for more they will give more!
Then you can go for the main course, they have a generous buffet spread, with Biryanis( both veg & non veg), Mutton, Chicken Curries, Fish, several vegetarian curries, Dal, Several salads and a large and generous spread of desserts such as Chocolate Brownies, Kheer, Ice Cream with Chocolate sauce, freshly cut fruits etc. Above all, this princely treat comes with minus the Five Star price tag! Mr. Chatterjee has surely kept his promise. No wonder this place is always full and food is heavenly! The Calcutta gentry is developing a liking for this place as they have developed for the Mainland China.
For accompaniment they have a large stock of wines and spirits both domestic and imported. You will never be disappointed. Decor is excellent best suited for the occasion.( see pictures in next tip)
The Crew!! One of the best lot we have ever experienced just like Mainland China, extremely courteous, helpful and always smiling. A sure touch of Mr.Chatterjee & Mr. Sadri! We experienced all the Kebabs of the day, Mutton Biryani,Dal Banjara, Kadai Paneer, Kadai Chicken, Bhuna Gosht ( Fried Mutton), Malai Palak ( spinach) etc. I don't remember all the names. We had Bacardi and Rakhi had a Kingfisher beer. Munu had her usual cola!
For dessert we had , Chocolate Brownies, Fruits, Ice Cream with Hot Chocolate sauce & Kheer! That was more than sufficient and very satifying. A whole new experience and a great experience altogether. Now we will have to make it a habit to visit the place.
This Royal treat comes only for Rs.295/- per head ( believe me!or USD $ 7). For drinks you have to pay extra the regular charges.
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St. Paul's Cathedral
Princep Jetty, new picture.
Princep Jetty : Picture with New Angle
The streets of Kolkata
