Kolkata – The city that grows on you
The first things that come to my mind when I think about this city are the striking yellow cabs, the throngs of people everywhere and the unmistakable Howrah Bridge. During my college days, Kolkata was a mere transit point on my travel from Guwahati to Pune. At the time, I didn’t think very highly of this city. Later on, I moved here for my first job. It was then that I got acquainted with all the wonderful things that this city has to offer. I somehow still prefer the city’s old colonial name, Calcutta.
One gets to witness the best of both worlds here. Bustling malls, multiplexes and IT parks on one hand and the old world charm of the colonial past like the Writers Building, GPO and Victoria Memorial, the design of which inspired Lutyens when he was designing the Rashtrapati Bhavan, on the other. This is a city that has time for people and people have time for each other, unlike other big cities. For example, here if you ask for directions, it is likely that person will not only give you the directions, but may also accompany you there in order to make sure that you reach your destination. It is easy to find like minded people and form long lasting friendships here.
The local community atmosphere like the parks and the local sit-outs (adda) are unique to the city. This is the only city where you will find serious chess tournaments being played under a bustling fly over.
With its cheap, safe and varied transport system, the city is very travel friendly. Every locality has its own green open space which forms the core community area for that locality. Each of these localities has its own unique character and individuality.
There is something very heart warming about this city, which, at first, is lost in its loud noises and hot climate. However as one comes to live in this city, they find that it is a city with a heart and soul. In one of my many walks through the city, I once discovered a community of slum dwellers providing food and shelter to a female dog with a litter of fourteen pups. I think this aptly describes the nature of this city, where people who may not have enough for themselves go out their way to help others who are less fortunate.
Fortunate or unfortunates alike come together during Durga Puja. The atmosphere during the Pujos is vibrant and electrifying. It is more of a social gathering rather than just a religious festival, which makes it so special. It is a festival that makes every street corner and intersection a spectacle of creative and imaginative craftsmanship. Although Durga Puja is a Hindu festival it brings together people from all walks of life and all faiths. A similar case, although slightly less intense, is the city’s jubilation during Christmas. Having been a melting pot of cultures since colonial times, Kolkata celebrates its religious
diversity.
Kolkata has something to offer to everyone and this is especially true gastronomically. The variety of cuisines available at a single street like Park Street encompasses a wide and varied range of culinary delights. Having said this, the budget constrained foodie will not go home un-satisfied. The street food
of Calcutta is cheap, varied, clean and delicious. Kolkata is also a haven for people with a sweet tooth. Its Bengali sweets are world famous, so are its patisseries and bakeries.
West Bengal and in particular, Kolkata has always been a culturally rich center of India. Here you have numerous book clubs and theatres. There is always some sort of cultural activity taking place somewhere in the city. From its ‘Rabindra Sangeet’ to its Carol singing and jazz bands, the city offers something for everyone. The fine arts of painting and sculpting are amply demonstrated in different localities across Calcutta like Kumartolli.
To realize its true charm and rhythms, a visitor to this city needs to have a more interactive experience, than was previously provided. Calcutta Walks with its unique approach successfully manages to achieve this through its diverse array of tours and activities. Calcutta Walks exemplifies how one can make a traveller feel that he actually lives in the city by integrating them with grassroots Kolkata.