Known as the ‘City of Joy’, Calcutta was once one of the greatest colonial cities of the East, however today this city has rapidly changed to a noisy, overcrowded and polluted metropolis. With its name recently changed back to Kolkata, Calcutta means many different things to many different people. This city is an amalgamation of many different cultures.
Greatly influenced by the British Raj, Calcutta was once part of the Sunderbans and was inhabited by the Aryans of Central Asia. Later ruled over by the Moghuls, Calcutta then became a British trading post when the East India Company arrived on the subcontinent. This historic city has therefore its own unique culture and heritage and has been the hub for intellectuals, artists, and other literary and contemporary figures who have greatly influenced Indian society as a whole. Rabinarnath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Mother Theresa, are just a few of Calcutta’s most famous residents.
Weather in Calcutta
Calcutta has a temperate climate throughout the year with the temperature remaining a pleasant 24-35°C in the summer and 12-27°C in the winter. Though the humidity levels can get quite high in the summer
The average annual rainfall in Calcutta is roughly 160cm. The best time to visit this fascinating city is between October and February when a lot of fairs and festivals are held and the weather is at tits best.
Shopping in Calcutta
For most people Calcutta is a shopper’s paradise; here you can get any and everything your heart desires, the only rule of shopping in this city is bargaining and bargaining hard. Though the best discounts are available from the roadside shops and stalls, Calcutta also has a plethora of shopping malls, boutiques and emporiums. Shopping in Calcutta is an experience in itself, as the whole city often seems like one big market place.
Some popular local arts and crafts include ‘dhokras’ which are made from clay and metal, embroideries, shells, trinkets made from bell metal and soapstone. Some popular shopping streets and markets in Calcutta include; Chowringhee Road, Lindsay Street Area, Park Street, South Kolkata, Air-Conditioned Market, Bagri Market, Bowbazaar Market, Burrabazaar Market, Chandni Market, China Bazaar, Fancy Market, Gariahat Market, College Street Market and Metro Plaza.
What to Wear in Calcutta
With a pleasant climate most of the year, your clothing should be loose and comfortable. Cotton clothing is the best for visiting in the summer, while light woolen clothing is perfect for the winter months. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, tank tops, slip dresses and cotton shirts are what you need to pack when you are visiting Calcutta. However do remember that if you are roaming in the sun wear plenty of sunscreen as you are liable to get sun burnt.
Travel Around Calcutta
Traveling around Calcutta can be quite harrowing for most. This crowded city is a maze of constant traffic with drivers driving haphazardly to navigate there way through the city’s many traffic jams. The cheapest mode of transportation is public buses, however more often than not these buses are overcrowded and can be quite claustrophobic. Taxis and rickshaws are a cheap transportation option but it is important that you negotiate your fare before you get in. If you are a little adventurous try Calcutta’s underground rail network that connects Tollygunge with Dum Dum. The subway here is fairly reliable and clean and the tickets are quite cheap as well. Walking is not an option in the city unless you do so in the mornings when the streets are nice and quiet.
Health Services in Calcutta
Two important health tips when in Calcutta are; not to drink tap water, and not to eat food from street vendors. If you do fall sick visit the Belle Vue Clinic, the Calcutta Medical Center or the 24-hour B. M. Birla Heart Research Center. For any emergencies dial 100 for the local police.
Calcutta Nightlife
The nightlife in Calcutta has only recently taken off. There are now plenty of pubs, bars and clubs that can be found all over the city, however if you are more the intellectual or artsy type, this city has plenty to offer with many cinema houses and book cafes littered all over. To find out what is happening check out ‘Calcutta This Fortnight’, ‘CalCalling’ or the listings in any local English newspaper. Some good dance clubs and bars in the city include; Anticlock, Aqua Java, Incognito, Pink Elephant, Tantra, Big Ben, Equinox and Sun Set Bar. Do keep in mind that Thursday is a dry day in the city and no alcohol is sold except in major hotel restaurants.
Dining Out in Calcutta
Dining out in Calcutta is quite an experience. Here the cuisine ranges from local Bengali delicacies to Chinese and Continental food. Do try out some popular Bengali dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and chingri malai curry (prawns cooked in coconut milk), as they have a unique taste and flavor. Also remember that Thursday is a meatless day in the city which means that no red meat is served at a majority of restaurants and eateries. Besides the popular eateries on Lee Road, some well known restaurants in the city include; Zaraang on Sudder Street, Shiraz, Dhaba, Amber, Blue Fox and Kwality.
Calcutta Business
Calcutta is the central business and financial hub of eastern India. Mainly an industrialized city, Calcutta produces a wide range of engineering products, electronic items, steel goods, leather ware, textiles, jewelry, automobiles and railway and wagon coaches. Tourism is now slowly becoming a major business of the local people as more and more people are now visiting this intriguing city.
