Reasons You Should Fall in Love With Kolkata

Kolkata, once the capital of the British Empire, and India’s cultural and intellectual hub, is one city that is bound to endear itself to anyone who visits this historic city. Before you book yourself into one of the hotels in Kolkata or consider staying in one of the luxury hotels in Kolkata, you should check out the reasons why most people fall for this lovely city:

Bengali culture: From Rabindra Sangeet to poetry, art, dance and cinema, a visit to Kolkata is a tour de force of Bengali culture. Any visit to Kolkata, and you should attend a play, dance programme, a concert or a film festival to understand the passion that the Bengali and Kolkatan has for all the fine things in life.

British and European influence: The one major landmark of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial, is a must-visit. The beautiful structure, with its many arches and columns, is home to a fine museum as well, and documents the many events and milestones of the British Raj. Also don’t miss the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, a hotel that dates back to the late 19th century, and visited by many colonial luminaries. In fact, if you get an opportunity, you should stay in this hotel, one of the finest luxury hotels in Kolkata. Don’t miss other landmarks and historic buildings like the Writer’s Building, Dead Letter Office, and St Andrew’s Church.

Sport: Kolkata is home to football, but Kolkatans also love their cricket. Visit the Eden Gardens if there is a match on, and you will love the atmosphere! 

Cuisine: Bengali cuisine, including the famed ‘hilsa', the traditional Bengali fish delicacy is a must-have. Also not to be missed is the ‘Bay of Bengal bekti’, yet another fish delicacy. Try dishes like ‘Macher jhol’, Paturi’, ‘Jhinge bodi posto’ and of course, follow it up with a wonderful ‘roshogolla’. There is no way you can stay in one of the hotels in Kolkata and miss eating the sweet delicacy that the city is reputed for.

Durgo Pujo: The best time to visit Kolkata is during the festivities and celebrations that revolve around Drug Pujo. The entire city is full of pandals, innovative and creative idols and statues of Durga, the Goddess, and celebrations that involve good food, music and colour.

The unique Kolkata charm: The cultural capital of India, Kolkata, has its unique flavour, something that a visitor can never savour anywhere else. Kolkata is known for its affordable transport, including the trams and cycle rickshaw/hand-pulled rickshaw, endless cups of tea, bookstores in College Street, the protests, demonstrations, university culture, chess games, the Howrah, the Ghats, the famed restaurants and tea and dessert places on Park Street…no visit to the city is complete without any of this. 

Stay in one of the luxury hotels in Kolkata, and you can ask for one of the heritage tours they offer to unravel the delights of this beautiful city.