Walking Calcutta: A Journey Through the Enchanting Heart of India

Walking Calcutta

by August Farrow

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Paperback	:	198 pages
Item Weight	:	1.04 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.45 x 11 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Calcutta, the former capital of British India, is a city of contrasts. It is a place where the old and new coexist, where the sacred and profane intertwine. It is a city of immense beauty and vitality, but also of poverty and inequality. The best way to experience Calcutta is on foot, to wander through its bustling streets and hidden alleyways, to soak up its atmosphere and to meet its people.

A City of Contrasts

Calcutta is a city of many contradictions. It is a city of immense wealth and poverty, of opulence and squalor. It is a city of great beauty and ugliness. It is a city of profound spirituality and deep despair. This is the charm of Calcutta, the thing that makes it so endearing to its inhabitants and so fascinating to visitors.

One of the best ways to experience the contrasts of Calcutta is to take a walk through the city center. Start at the Victoria Memorial, a grand white marble building that commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. From here, walk down Chowringhee Road, one of Calcutta's busiest streets. Along the way, you will pass by the Indian Museum, the largest museum in India, and the St. Paul's Cathedral, a beautiful neo-Gothic church. As you continue down Chowringhee Road, you will see the Howrah Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Calcutta. The bridge spans the Hooghly River and connects Calcutta with its twin city, Howrah.

From the Howrah Bridge, you can walk to the Park Street Cemetery. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many of Calcutta's most famous residents, including Mother Teresa. The cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and it is a reminder of the city's long and rich history.

A Culinary Paradise

Calcutta is a culinary paradise. The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from traditional Bengali cuisine to international fare. One of the best ways to experience Calcutta's food is to visit one of the city's many street food stalls. These stalls sell a variety of delicious and inexpensive snacks, such as samosas, pakoras, and chaat. Calcutta is also famous for its sweets, such as rasgullas, sandesh, and mishti . These sweets are made with milk, sugar, and flour, and they are often flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachio.

If you are looking for a more formal dining experience, you can visit one of Calcutta's many fine dining restaurants. These restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The Indian Coffee House is a popular chain of restaurants in Calcutta. The restaurants serve a variety of Indian and Continental dishes, and they are known for their affordable prices.

A Cultural Hub

Calcutta is a cultural hub. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries. The Victoria Memorial is one of the most popular museums in Calcutta. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts that tell the story of India's history. The Indian Museum is another popular museum in Calcutta. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from all over India, including ancient sculptures, paintings, and textiles. The Birla Planetarium is a popular destination for families. The planetarium shows a variety of educational films about astronomy and space. The Academy of Fine Arts is a prestigious art gallery in Calcutta. The gallery showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by Indian and international artists.

Calcutta is also home to a number of theaters. The Nandan is a popular theater in Calcutta. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including plays, dance performances, and film screenings. The Rabindra Sadan is another popular theater in Calcutta. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including traditional Bengali theater, dance performances, and music concerts. The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute is a prestigious film school in Calcutta. The institute offers a variety of courses in filmmaking and television production.

A City of Faith

Calcutta is a city of faith. The city is home to a number of religious sites, including temples, mosques, and churches. The Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most popular temples in Calcutta. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, and it is said to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is another popular temple in Calcutta. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, and it was built by Rani Rashmoni in the 19th century. The Belur Math is a beautiful temple complex located on the banks of the Ganges River. The temple complex is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, a Hindu religious and spiritual organization. The St. Paul's Cathedral is a beautiful neo-Gothic church located in the heart of Calcutta. The church is the seat of the Bishop of Calcutta, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

A City of People

Calcutta is a city of people. The city is home to a diverse population of over 14 million people. The people of Calcutta are known for their warmth, hospitality, and sense of humor. They are proud of their city, and they are always willing to help visitors. Calcutta is a city of contrasts, but it is also a city of great beauty and vitality. It is a city that is constantly changing, but it is also a city that is deeply rooted in its history and culture. Calcutta is a city that is full of life, and it is a city that will always surprise and delight visitors.

Walking Tours of Calcutta

There are a number of walking tours available in Calcutta. These tours are a great way to see the city and to learn about its history and culture. Some of the most popular walking tours include:

• The Victoria Memorial Walk: This tour takes you through the Victoria Memorial and its surrounding gardens. The tour is a great way to learn about the history of British India and to see some of Calcutta's finest architecture.
• The Park Street Walk: This tour takes you through Park Street, one of Calcutta's most famous streets. The tour is a great way to see the city's colonial architecture and to learn about its history.
• The Kumartuli Walk: This tour takes you through Kumartuli, the potter's quarter of Calcutta. The tour is a great way to see the traditional process of making clay idols and to learn about the history of this unique craft.
• The Eden Gardens Walk: This tour takes you through Eden Gardens, one of the most famous cricket stadiums in the world. The tour is a great way to learn about the history of cricket in India and to see some of the greatest cricketers in the world.

Planning Your Trip

If you are planning a trip to Calcutta, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The best time to visit Calcutta is during the winter months (October to March),when the weather is mild and pleasant. Calcutta is a large city, and it can be difficult to get around. It is a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance and to book your accommodations and tours in advance.

Calcutta is a safe city, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to keep your valuables close to you and to avoid walking alone at night. Calcutta is a fascinating and vibrant city, and it is a great place to experience the real India. With its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food, Calcutta is a city that will stay with you long after you leave.

Walking Calcutta

by August Farrow

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Paperback	:	198 pages
Item Weight	:	1.04 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.45 x 11 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE