Discovering Kolkata: The Heartbeat of Bengal
- Samidha Mathur
- Aug 17, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 29, 2024
Kolkata, the 'City of Joy,' is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and tradition. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the intellectual hub of College Street, the city enchants visitors with its rich heritage and delectable cuisine. Experience the festive spirit, literary legacy, and culinary delights that make Kolkata truly unique.
So let's move on to see what Kolkata has kept in for its tourists, through the lens of Lovely Tiny Things.
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is a tapestry woven with history, culture, and tradition. Known as the 'City of Joy,' Kolkata is a place where every street, building, and monument tells a story. From the bustling bazaars to the serene riverbanks, Kolkata is a city that promises to enchant and captivate every traveller who ventures into its vibrant realm.
A Cultural Mosaic
Kolkata is often described as the cultural capital of India. The city boasts a rich artistic heritage that includes literature, music, dance, and theatre. This cultural richness is reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and everyday life. The Bengalis, the primary inhabitants of Kolkata, are known for their intellectual pursuits and love for the arts. The city's cultural landscape is dotted with art galleries, theatres, and literary cafes, where one can immerse themselves in the local ethos.
A Culinary Expedition
Kolkata’s food is a symphony of flavours that delight the palate. Start your day with a plate of hot kachoris and a steaming cup of chai from a roadside stall. For lunch, indulge in the quintessential Bengali meal of fish curry and rice, accompanied by tangy chutneys and spicy pickles. Don't forget to try the iconic street food of Kolkata – the Kathi roll. This delectable wrap, filled with spicy meats and vegetables, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. For dessert, the city offers a plethora of sweet treats, including the famous Roshogulla, Sandesh, and Mishti doi.
Festive Splendor
Kolkata is synonymous with Durga Puja, an annual festival that transforms the city into a carnival of lights, colours, and joy. During these ten days, elaborately decorated pandals are set up across the city, showcasing artistic renditions of Goddess Durga. The air is filled with the sounds of dhak (traditional drums), and the streets come alive with cultural performances, food stalls, and enthusiastic crowds. Other significant festivals include Kali Puja, Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), and the Kolkata International Film Festival, each adding a unique flavour to the city's festive calendar.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KOLKATA
Dakshineshwar Temple
Dakshineshwar Kaali Temple is one of the famous temples in Kolkata and one should not skip visiting this Holy place. The Dakshineshwar Temple was constructed around the middle of the 19th Century by Rani Rashmoni. It has been said that Rani Rashmoni was planning to go to Banaras (now Varanasi) to show her devotion to the Divine Mother. Just a night before her departure, she got a dream, wherein her Divine Mother came in the form of Goddess Kaali and said,
"There is no need to go to Banaras. Install my statue in a beautiful temple on the banks of the Ganges River and arrange for my worship there. Then I shall manifest myself in the image and accept worship at that place."
Rani Rashmoni was profoundly affected by the dream and constructed this magnificent temple.
The Dakshineshwar temple is built in the Navratna style of Bengali architecture. The temple has a beautiful idol of Goddess Kaali standing on the chest of Lord Shiva. Close to the main temple, there are two of the twelve Lord Shiva temples, symbolising 12- jyotirlingas.
Dakshineshwar temple is a 'must-visit' place in Kolkata. It is situated on the eastern banks of the Holy Ganges River. This is the temple which stays in the heart of every Bengali. Dakshineshwar Temple can be reached by cab, metro train and local bus transport.
Howrah Bridge: A Symbol of Kolkata
The Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel, stands as a symbol of Kolkata’s identity. Spanning the Hooghly River, this cantilever bridge connects Kolkata with its twin city, Howrah. The bridge is a lifeline for the city, witnessing a continuous flow of traffic and pedestrians. Walking across the Howrah Bridge offers a stunning view of the river and the bustling ghats below. The sight of the bridge illuminated at night is a spectacular visual treat.
Kalighat Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Kalighat Temple is amongst the 51 Shakti Peethas. Kalighat Temple represents the site where Devi Sati's right toe fell in the course of Lord Shiva Rudra Tandava. Through this temple, Kolkata got its name. Kalighat temple is approximately 200 years old and the image of Goddess Kali is unique. It is not that typical idol which resembles Goddess Kali, rather it presents the idol of touchstone, with three huge eyes, four hands and a protruding tongue made up of gold.
This Holy place gives you a sense of devotion by leaving your Ego behind and moving ahead towards moksha.
Kalighat temple is well connected with the other parts of the city, however, one can reach here via Metro train. The nearest metro station is Kalighat.
Victoria Memorial: A Stately Monument
The Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks. This grand marble edifice, built in memory of Queen Victoria, is surrounded by lush gardens and houses a museum that chronicles the city’s colonial past. Historically, after the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901, the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon proposed the construction of a grand, spacious, and monumental building to which every newcomer in Kolkata (then Calcutta) would turn. This place was formally opened to the public in 1921.
The museum’s collection includes rare artefacts, paintings, and manuscripts. A stroll through the gardens and a visit to the museum provides a glimpse into Kolkata’s rich history and architectural splendour.
Science City of Kolkata - a place of inquisitiveness
The Science City of Kolkata is the largest science centre in the Indian Subcontinent. This is the best place for those who are keen to get hands-on and interactive experience on various topics of science. Here, visitors can practically understand the underlying principles of science. The Science City of Kolkata was formed in 1997 with the purpose of education for its visitors. It is managed by the National Council of Science Museum, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This place has several halls depicting the scientific reasons for various scientific theories and Caterpillar Ride, Gravity Coaster, Cable Cars, Monorail Cycle and several others.
The Science City of Kolkata is open for its general visitors with a nominal entry fee of INR 60.00 and it remains open every day from morning 9.00 to evening at 8.00 pm.
The Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore
No visit to Kolkata is complete without paying homage to Rabindranath Tagore, the city’s most celebrated literary figure. Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Tagore’s ancestral home, a house in which Rabindranath Tagore was born, spent most of his childhood and died on 7 August 1941, has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and works. It is located in Jorasanko, north of Kolkata. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Tagore’s contributions to literature, music, and art. The property now belongs to the Cultural Heritage of India and has 700 paintings that exhibit the work of Late Shri Rabindranath Tagore. This museum also has three different galleries to showcase Tagore's manuscripts, books and antiques, which once belonged to the Tagore family. The best piece of work which makes Jorasanko Thakur Bari's visitors spellbound is the self-composed wedding invite of Rabindranath Tagore.
The atmosphere of the house, with its old-world charm and serene ambience, transports visitors back to the times when Tagore’s genius flourished.
College Street and Indian Coffee House: Intellectual Hub
College Street, also known as Boi Para (Book Town), is the intellectual hub of Kolkata. Lined with numerous bookstalls, this street is a paradise for book lovers. Here, you can find books on every conceivable subject, from rare manuscripts to the latest bestsellers. The street is also home to some of the city’s oldest educational institutions, adding to its academic aura.
A visit to College Street is incomplete without stopping by the Indian Coffee House. This historic café has been a meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals for decades. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the clinking of cups, and the lively debates make for a unique Kolkata experience.
View of Vidyasagar Setu (New Howrah Bridge)
Vidyasagar Setu is a toll bridge which connects the cities of Kolkata with the Howrah district. With a total length of 2,700 feet, it is the longest cable-stayed bridge in India. The special thing about Vidyasagar Setu is that it has 121 cables attached in a fan arrangement. The scenic view, especially at night, when it gets illuminated looks mesmerising. Moreover, the sunset at this bridge looks breathtaking. However, due to heavy traffic at this bridge, one should be very careful while driving on this bridge.
Embracing the Essence of Kolkata
Kolkata is a city that embraces its visitors with warmth and hospitality. Its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and historical landmarks offer a unique blend of experiences. Whether you are exploring the majestic Howrah Bridge, marvelling at the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial, or getting lost in the lanes of College Street, Kolkata promises a journey that is as enriching as it is enchanting.
Pack your bags and set out to explore Kolkata, a city where every moment is a celebration of life, culture, and history.
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