Exploring kolkata along with Doran Mondal.

Howrah bridge at night.

              The word travel makes everyone excited, especially for those who love to travel. Traveling is very exciting specially when you are going to a new place. Traveling makes one refresh from the daily work out and reenergizes the body. In India people travel for different purposes, some travel for their work, some travel for vacation and some people travel to their native place in the holiday season and I (Doran Mondal) am one of those.

Its summer vacation and its time to take a break from the daily courses, I am traveling to my native place kolkata. I have been born and brought up in Mumbai, I love Mumbai more than any other place but still kolkata has amazed me.

Kolkata is difficult to describe in words. It makes one wonder about the diversity in people and their culture. kolkata is situated in the north east part of India, it is surrounded by land by three side and sea on one side. I am a Mumbai-kar and it is a saying that if you can live in Mumbai you can live anywhere in the world so traveling to this city was not a big mountain trek for me because I had already experienced the rough and tough life of Mumbai.

My journey...

My journey started from Mumbai on 31 March. I was excited for my trip as usual and was also wondering about, how would I spend my 30 hours of train journey. The train journey in India is wonderful, because you meet new and various kinds of people. Surprisingly I meet some interesting kinds of people in the train who were very generous. The fun part of traveling in the train is sounds of the tea-seller who goes on shouting (chai-chai) on their ways. Sometimes this sound makes you irritated but sometimes it is melodious to hear it.

I have been traveling since my childhood and this makes me a unique traveler. I Have traveled to many states in India like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Maharastra. Traveling has become a part of my life and one of the ways to explore the amazing country. I arrived at Howrah station at midnight of 2 April and still I could experience a fair number of people on the streets. As soon as I came out of the railway station I could smell the essence of city.

Kolkata is known as the poor peoples city because even the poorest person can survive over here. The people of the city are hardworking and this is the cause that has made the city so prosperous. I have been to this city many a times but whenever I visit this city, I see a new phase of the city and it is wonderful because I experience something new. In kolkata you don’t have to worry about anything because you just have to sit back, relax and enjoy the savor of the city. It was 5 in the morning and the city was crowded as usual. The view of the Howrah bridge was indescribable, Howrah bridge is built across the Hoogli river and is a great piece of architecture. while you are crossing the river you can see some magnificent view of the river.

The kalyanpur railway station.

My native village is kalyanpur, which is a 1 hour drive from the city. Kalyanpur is a calm and peaceful village where you can enjoy the freshness of the climate. The morning in kalyanpur is pleasant, you can experience heavy fog and mist, and this makes you realize that you are walking inside the cloud. The population is not quite dense but still has a sufficient number of people. My grandparents had settled in kalyanpur many years ago. Kalyanpur is a British influenced city, till today you can find some old churches and houses made by the britishers.    

Discovering the streets..

The streets of Kolkata offer you a lot of things. Kolkata is renowned for its sweet specially the rassogolla (a sweet in the shape of small balls dipped in the sweet syrup). The street food of kolkata enhances the city. Some delicious delicacy like the biryani, mughlai dishes like the kebab and the fish curry, some street snack like the chicken rolls, chop (fried potato balls), Jhal moori (bhel) can be found any where in the city.

 Though food is cheap but the taste and quality is as good as renowned restaurant. Rice is the staple food of the people hence you will find rice probably in all Dishes.

The best place to shop is the esplanade street (Dharamtala). One can shop cheap and quality products from the roadside stalls; this place is like a paradise for shopping. The leather products in this city is the cheapest compare to other cities of India, some renowned shopping centre are Shree leathers, Khadims etc. The city offers beautiful Jewel products and handicrafts, which cannot be found in any other city or country.

Places to visit

Victoria memorial in its full glory.

The city has many tourist places but one of the favorite tourist spot is the Victoria memorial. Built in the year 1921, it is a magnificent piece of architecture. The building has the some of the found memories and articles of Queen Victoria. Many tourist interested in history visit this palace.

Birla planetarium

Just opposite to the Victoria memorial lies the Birla planetarium and the   St. Pauls Cathedral. The planetarium is an amazing and interesting for those who are interested in astrology and space.

St. Paul Cathedral

The cathedrals which is almost 200 years old seems very beautiful as well as peaceful place to meditate. The hymns, which are sung at the cathedral, are pleasing and mind freshening. It gives great pleasure to visit both of these beautiful places.

  

Indian museum

The Indian Museum is another place, which provides valuable information about the Indian history and culture, tradition. 

The Indian museum is the biggest museum in India and is a must visit place for tourist. It has one famous articles of renowned kings and queens around the world. The renowned 23 kg sword of Shivaji Maharaj is also preserved here.    

Alipoore Zoo

The Alipoore Zoo is yet another energetic place for kids as well as tourists. It is one of the most beautiful and biggest Zoo in India it also is a place where one can learn about the animals, reptiles and birds.  

Nicco Park, kolkata

 Nicco park Is another exciting place to visit. It is a water park and an amusement park. Its an wonderful place to visit with kids and family. Its pool and the rides are designed for the youngest to eldest making it a place for all.

Eden garden stadium kolkata. 

The Eden Garden stadium is the biggest cricket stadium in India. It’s the best place for someone interested in sports. The beautiful garden around the stadium puts one in wonder with its beauty. It is difficult to describe its beauty in words. The calm and cool wind along with the refreshing essence of flowers makes one free from all his stress and problem. 

River hoogli.

     As it is said, - Better experienced than described. Blessed by God with fertile land and a numerous river, Kolkata is truly a wonder city which should be experienced in ones life time.
 I had to say a sad good bye to this beautiful city, but only my soul was sad but my heart was happy, because i had many other places to explore. 



Sources : Image     : www.google.com
               : message: Doran Mondal.