5 Spots In Kolkata That Make It Hot Spot Among Tourists

Popularly known world over as the ‘City of Joy’; Kolkata has a little something to offer to everyone who visits this city. It is an experience! Nestled in West Bengal, Kolkata is the heart of cultural and educational heritage.

It is one of the cities in India which has seen times change and the transcending cultural evolution with it. If you are planning a visit to Kolkata, you might be attracted to visit the British monuments as a part of your journey through history. However, tucked away in the nooks and corners, are the places which are a must visit if you are in the city.

* Indian Botanical Garden

The Indian Botanical Garden is also among the places of historical importance. It played an important part in the introduction of tea plantations from China to India. With the foliage of regular and rare plant species, flock of resident and migratory birds as well as butterflies, this place is like a little sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city. Among the most famous attractions are the biggest Banyan Tree with the second largest canopy in the world and the rare water lily, Victoria Amazonica. Also housing a natural one kilometre stretch of Mangrove project, this place is open from sunrise to sunset and only closes on the public holidays.

* The Indian Coffee House

Wander along the meandering roads of College Street and opposite the back gate of the Presidency College, you will find this melting pot of contemporary culture, music and lore of Bengal. Accompanied by coffee and delectable snacks, you can spend hours here to either delve into a discussion with friends or with an interesting book. It is the ‘adda’ which has been a favourite of renowned figures like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Guru Rabindranath Tagore, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen and celebrities like Aparna Sen. Indian Coffee House is the nostalgic hot spot and a must visit place.

* Mallik Ghat Flower Market

If you are one of the people who like the local experience of a place, you will be delighted to visit the Mallik Ghat flower market. Known to be the biggest flower market of Asia, this 130 years old market bustles with life from the crack of dawn. The rainbow of colours and delicious cocktail of sweet smelling flowers is definitely a treat to your senses. This is one of the most popular places amongst photographers.

* Territy Bazaar

Territy Bazaar, or Mini China of Kolkata is a living proof of the inclusivity of Bengali culture. People from different places or origin have come to Kolkata and made it their home; absorbing the rich cultural heritage of the city while retaining their own culture effortlessly. If you want to satiate cravings for oriental cuisine, you can take a walk across the Territy Bazaar to find an assortment of breakfast options. The best part yet is that this market is fully functional from 5 in the morning.

* Princep Ghat

Situated between the Water Gate and St. George’s Gate of Fort William beside the Hooghly River, this white monument is a magnificent piece of British architecture. It was built in 1843as a tribute to James Princep, an English scholar who founded theJournal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. This Palladian style structure, although not a popular tourist destination, resounds of the love for literature.