Every city has it's own history and heritage, Kolkata still lives in it. And when most people and traveler , shell their money on entry fees and only visit iconic sites of this city, they actually miss a lot of this beautiful city itself. To understand or feel the city like a true local would , you must venture a little beyond the usual iconic sites. Here I try to reveal the five places in Kolkata , where you get to live this experiences for free. All you need to do is reach there and no entry fees! 1. Morning Flower Market Nestled under the Howrah bridge, the morning Flower Market of Kolkata should be a grand way to start your day. Every morning, thousands of farmers, living in nearby countrysides of the city, shows up here with their produce of flowers for the day. And this market has been held everyday since two centuries. It is one of the biggest natural flower market in terms of produce and footfall, and surely a fascinating scene to see. Farmers reach the market from 4 a.m , before the sun comes up, and the market stretches till 9 a.m. With plethora of flowers and people , it's a chaos everywhere. After all it's a market, but my assurance to you, it will be one of the most different morning , you have woke up to ! 2. Exploring Burrabazar. Under the British , Kolkata grew up to be the second most important city in the world , in the colonial times. And a important city must have a big huge market, to hold on to it's economic value Burrabazar serves the purpose. It used to be the largest whole sale market in the world once, and even though the glory days are passed, still it doesn't lack the glory to fascinate you. A plethora of people and activities , commerce and trade , this market serves as a street photographers paradise in Kolkata. Add to it the age old market building and the rustic look , every frame to shoot is perfect. 3. The Factory of Gods A whole area in Kolkata is dedicated in construction and production of Gods and Goddesses. And that too mostly in a factory line procedure! Yes , the area of Kumartuli , is famous for the clay Craftsmen, who have created the idols of Gods , for generations. The skill is passed from grandfather to father and then to son. On busy seasons of festival, the whole families here adhere to the production , due to the sky rocketed demand of Gods for religious purposes. The production and quality of the idols are so good they are even exported oversees. This place truly is not to be missed at any cost when you are in Kolkata. 4. Colonial Neighborhoods Calcutta built in the seventeenth century served as the epitome of colonial power in India and the subcontinent. Hence, all the big merchants , traders or feudal Lords had to have a home here, in order to meet their good business and expand them. A whole neighborhood was formed , consisting their residences , here in the city. This 300 year old houses are still their eminent in their presence but mostly in ruins. People still live there , and some radiates a haunting glow. The neighborhood however is vintage, and definitely takes you back in time of the colonial era, with it's shape , sizes and hue. This colonial neighborhood is mostly found in the north of the city prominently in Shyambazar to Girish Park. 5. Sunset over Hoogly.
Like any city , Kolkata has it's lifeline in form of a river called Hoogly. By the banks of it, this metropolis has sustained and flourished for so long , and would remain to do so in future. The river is accessible easily from any part of the city, and can be the best place to spend the sunset. The numerous Ghats along the river from South to North of the city plays the vital role , from where anyone can glimpse the Divine sun down. For best experience, one can go to Princep Ghat, for a sunset. Also one can take a boat ride in Hoogly there , during any point of day and enjoy the grand euphoria. All this experiences are mostly accessible to all and comes in no or few money. For more information of such , you know definitely whom to contact with. |
Note from the Author," Travel made me rich and free. Magic and miracles are true , once you wander on the roads to places different and divine. I have collected so many thoughts and stories while being a Tour & Trek guide for last seven years. Sharing with you all, those memories and stories , and wishing you all , that someday you guys travel far and wide too. I am not a great writer , so ignore my grammar and spellings, read it with feelings, and you might just be affected with the wanderlust to hit the road" Categories
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February 2022
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