Calcutta - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
A little thought, when asked for with great power becomes action. My dad was a great advocate of the power of the mind. One of the most compelling wishes on my list was a visit to the only metro city I hadn't visited- kolkata. A dream which came true despite all odds. Maybe I was destined to go this time after all. The excitement didn't let me sleep. It kept waking me up hour after hour, glancing at the alarm clock, lest I miss this golden opportunity. The last hour passed with so much anxiety that I after the 4th time I woke up every 10 min , I switched off the alarm and made my way to get dressed. I had already made a list of places to visit, things to eat but most of all I wished I had a Bengali friend with me. My driver thou made up for that absence. Will speak about him later. No sooner did I make my way into the flight, I realised my seat was a non recliner thanks to my husband who didn't realise that a seat in front of the emergency seats would be a non recliner. Nevertheless the excitement kept me going for the next 3 hours. Once into kolkata skies, I tried catching a glimpse of the many structures and monuments I had seen in the pictures, but none were visible. Well, I landed in the city of hope, hoping to get the best of the 2 days I would be here. The airport was decent, for a metro city. The new airport is a lot more better than the old one, I recounted my husband's words. Walking pass the exit I opted for the local cabs just to feel the sheer pleasure of sitting in a brand of cars you no longer find in any other city - The yellow ambassador. Wow! As I walked towards my car, a man came upto me. Speaking in English he opened the door for me to sit inside. Once inside another man comes up from the front and sits in the driver seat. This man is actually the driver, and the other man starts to beg for money. I was left bewildered at the beggar's English speaking capacity and amused at my misunderstanding. My usual ways if travelling if on a right 2 day trip would be to ask the driver who escorts me to the hotel from the airport to take me around the city on the second day, but this driver didn't seem interesting. Hardly spoke, hardly smiled, so I opted otherwise. My first stop was the ITC Sonar Bangla, a grabs luxurious hotel where I would be attending the Infocomm awards sponsored by my company Reliance Commercial Finance. Beautifully decorated, the hotel threw away an aura of pleasantness and an old charm in itself, since this was undoubtedly one of the oldest hotels in kolkata. The evenings were cold and chilly, and once the awards were over, I made my way to a hotel on ---- street where I was put up at The Ascort. Cozy, warm, heritage is what I can describe this place to be. Quick service, they managed to book a car for me for the next day in 10 min even at 11.30 pm. The next day after breakfast is where my venture starts. My priority was...SWEETS, FOOD and then LOCAL VISITS. My driver, a young man from Bihar staying in Kolkata for the past 6 years was throughly impressed by the fact that I was a first time visitor to kolkata and despite having very little time on hand I was keen to explore the city. He first initiated my day with SWEETS: the first on my priority list. Passing through the lanes we reached Esplanade, and made our way to the biggest of the outlets for Kesidas. The brand is famous for it's Rasgullas or would I call them Rasogullas. I actually did with a little Bengali ascent when the owner suggested me to buy Khir Kadam (kodam) too in one hour when the sweets truck arrives at his shop. I took off with 20 pieces of sondesh, 3 tins of Rasogullas. Next stop Eden gardens, the Mecca of cricket fans, although I didn't quite get to see the field, a glimpse from the gates made me feel the frenzy of the game. I had to see the Victoria Memorial, had learnt so much about it.. We passed on our way the famous Howrah railway station and also had a birds eye view of the harbour from the Howrah promenade where shops were docked. Next stop or no stop... was the trip on the famous Howrah Bridge.. I was left awestruck at the years old architecture of the singular platform standing bridge. In reaching the Victoria Memorial I purchased a 10 rupee ticket for the entrance to the building which now houses a museum. Well kept with detailed facts on the existence of this monument which was built in the memory of queen Victoria, the building also has a centre dome with a large marble statue of the queen. The architecture was being polished and maintained and was being worked upon at that time. Glad to know the government was keen on preserving such history and the people knew how to keep it clean. I was jittery about placing my bag in the car without any supervision but rest assured my driver didn't do anything suspicious. Says tons about the people of kolkata. I also got a chance to see the newly built Vidyasagar Sethu - Sethu meaning bridge... At the end. I cudnt resist my sweet tooth so I made my way back to esplanade and took off with some more sweets. That time I was keen on riding the tram, especially when I really didn't know when I would ever get a chance to visit the city again. The tram ride was an experience in itself. I also saw a new tram freshly painted. The tram stations are more like roads nothing too concrete but that's exactly what gives it the old world charm. Busses, cars and other vehicles whiz pass the tram. After that my driver took me to Park Street. This street is said to be the most lively street well lit up and decorated during Christmas. I missed it by a few days, I told my driver. Nevertheless the old buildings especially the LIC building and others looked beautifully landscaped. Arsalan was my last stop, I picked up the very special chicken biryani and headed towards the airport. I may not have spent even 5 hours exploring the city, but these few hours were well spent. I covered most of the city and it's landmarks, something I really enjoy. All is well, I sAid in Bengali to my driver and thanked him for his hospitality. I took off from kolkata airport with memories I'll cherish. Till next time .... Adieu CALCUTTA!!