Kolkata is a vibrant city boasting of perhaps the most diverse population in India.  Indeed, over the past hundreds of years, people from other parts of India and the world have been attracted to Kolkata’s friendliness and have made Kolkata their home.  While Bengalis still form the majority of the population, Kolkata’s rich cultural diversity can be found among its large number of Marwari, Gujrati, Bihari, South Indian and Chinese populace. 

Kolkata has several tourist attractions to boast of.  The Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu frame the skyline of the majestic Ganges riverfront.  A tram ride along Red Road with the green expanse of the Kolkata’s famous maidan is certainly memorable.  The adjoining gorgeous Victoria Memorial is a must visit for any tourist.  This British attempt at building a second Taj Mahal, is dedicated to Queen Victoria and houses a fantastic collection of rare memorables from colonial days. A light and sound show recreates history every evening.  The adjoining Race Course is one of the best in the east and is the scene of much gaiety, especially during the winter season.  Close to the race course lies the Birla Planetarium, one of the largest in the world.

Kolkata’s diversity can be gauged from the religious places visited by thousands regularly.  While the Kalighat temple, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math are revered places of the Hindus, the Nakhoda Mosque and St.Paul’s Cathedral are the majestic holy places of worship for the Muslims and Christians respectively. 

Kolkata also boasts of a vibrant club culture taking its roots from the British days.  The Bengal Club, Calcutta Club, The Saturday Club and Dalhousie Institute are the most popular social clubs. Sporting clubs are also very popular. The Tollygunge Club and Royal Calcutta Golf Club have the finest golf courses.  Other sporting clubs include South Club for lawn tennis, Polo Club within the Race Course, Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Calcutta Rowing Club and Lake Club.

 

Finally, one cannot complete a write up on Kolkata without mentioning its restaurants.  True to the diverse nature of the city, one can find almost every delicacy from the planet in Kolkata.  Whether it is North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Mughlai or traditional Bengali food, Kolkata boasts of high quality restaurants located at the main restaurant hub, Park Street, and also practically at every nook and corner of the city.  In addition to this, there are uncountable numbers of “Mithai” shops which cater to the sweetness craving Kolkatans. Roadside food stalls catering to the Dalhousie area offices boast of well packaged tasty economic lunches everyday.

 

Kolkata is well connected by air, rail and road.  The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and March.  Not only is the weather pleasant, but also, it is the time of festivities like Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali, Christmas and New Year. January-February is the period that witnesses the Kolkata book fair that acts as a platform for bringing people from all over the world together under one roof.

By Gita Mukherjee, Kolkatta, India