Kolkata. The heart beat of all of Indian activism, a city of architectural marvel. I have my reasons for calling it so. I was lucky enough to have been to this mega city atleast around 50 times.
My first trip to Kolkata was on a humid Summer night. The weather seemed to be smoggy, when we had a lightened from the flight. I personally felt the airport terminal was too small for the size of its Runway and dock yard. To add onto that, I really felt that the airport was way to chaotic and is badly in need of a refurbishment.
The moment I exited from the airport, I witnessed one very unique trait of Kolkata that one would immediately take note of in this city. A sea of bright yellow Ambassadors stood in front of the airport.Very rightly said, I know why it was called the 'True Indian Muscle' when I had one pick me up from the airport and drop me to my hotel. I was told that Kolkata is the city with currently the highest running ambassadors in the country. It is said that the ambassador was not phased out in their endeavor to protect the cultural heritage of this place. What disappointed me the most about these ancient machines is that they were heavy fuel guzzlers and polluters. I personally feel that the amount of harm that these cars bring about in the way of pollution surpasses the uniqueness they bring towards this city and its heritage. I believe its time that govt. really does something about this.
Believe me when I say that there are at least a million unique traits of Kolkata, the once nerve center of the East India Trading company and the then home of the British in India. Kolkata is more than just a city. To me its a story book for our generation given to us by our predecessors. One can easily travel back through time if they take a stroll on Park Street or make a visit to the very famous Victoria Memorial. More better, make a trip to the old port area of Kolkata and re-live the times in the 18th century.
There are a number of places of interest in this mega city.
> The Indian Museum
> The Victoria Memorial
> The Howrah Bridge
> Science City
> Kalighat
> The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
> Vivekananda Bridge
> Vidya Sagar Brige
> The Hoogly itself
..............
This list according to me is endless.
The Howrah Bridge
The pictures above shows a bird's view of the river Hoogly. Watching closely, one can find the century old
Howrah bridge connecting Kolkata city and Howrah city. Built during the
early nineteenth century, the bridge still stands suspended on the Hoogly over a span of 450m, retaining its position as one of the landmarks of India.
However, the usage of the bridge is currently restricted to light vehicular movement only, sharing its limelight to the more frequented Vidya Sagar Bridge running parallel to the Great Howrah Bridge
The Vidya Sagar Setu.
A complete suspension bridge built across the river Hoogly, connecting Kolkata and Howrah city is another marvel to behold. The massive stance of the two suspension towers, dwarfs its neighbor structures adding to the skyline of Kolkata.
The Durga Pooja.
One of the best times to visit Kolkata is during the Durga Pooja Season. The city is full of life and lit up to glory. Do not miss to take a tour of the different 'Pandals' that flank the city streets either side during this season. 'Roso Gola' is what you should be looking for, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some pictures of the city during these times below.
The Vivekananda Setu.
Another landmark of the city. Running over the famous Dakshineshwar Temple. It is a multi-span steel structure link across the river Hoogly connecting Kolkata and Howrah at Dakshineshwar. This bridge was built to provide a road cum rail link between Kolkata Port and its hinterland.
