On a humid April morning, I decided to take a walk down some of the oldest alleys of Kolkata. My guide and my storyteller was Calcutta Walks. And even though Kolkata is my temporary base-city, I don’t really step out to explore it at all. This morning, I decided to travel to the heart of the city to see remnants of its diverse history.
My three-hour walk began from White Town (the British part of the city), passing through Chittaranjan Avenue, Bow Barracks to the Grey Town (traders’ part of the city), the characteristic Burrabazar. In the course of my walk, I met the Buddhists, Anglo-Indians, Parsis, Chinese, Armenians and Jews who have all been a part of this ancient city. I was most excited to walk by the lanes of Bow Barracks and was taken aback by the Maghen David synagogue through Ezra Street.
Kolkata is a metropolis where every wall engraves a story. And in my time here, I have often felt that one needs someone who holds your hand through these stories. I’m glad that I could unravel some of its best kept secrets with Calcutta Walks on my side.
Good to
How long did I walk: 3 hours
What did it cost me: Rs 1500
Will I go back: Yes, for bicycle tours and more.
Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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What a lovely walk you did. I too did one recently …. blogged at
http://deeatthecarlton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/if-you-want-to-know-calcutta-walk.html
I was left just wanting to explore the fabulous city even more as it has so much to offer.
Wow, we missed each other by just a few days. I love the images on your post, Dee. I like how both our posts bring out a different aspect of Calcutta altogether.
Your photos are beautiful! I have read so much about Kolkata’s historical past…hope to see the city some day :-)
Sure you must visit. It’s a city that is very visually appealing :)
I love the way you have shown the simple yet commonly overlooked parts of the city. :)
And in Calcutta, it is easy to overlook every turn :)
stunning photos as always!
Calcutta’s walls always have a story to tell ;) Thanks Andrew
your synagogue stained glass photo is awesome,while you scroll the mouse the designs seem animated.try it.however a nice blog.also reading your sandakphu diaries.great
Thanks for stopping by Prosenjit. Glad you liked it.
For me, Kolkata is one of the most memorable city in India. I love this city, I felt so safe when I was there, though it’s so crowded in some points. Unfortunately, I only spent 2 days here. I hope I can visit it again, your post make me miss Kolkata :-)
Hope you revisit soon, especially when the weather is fine :)
Those are gorgeous shots, I lived in Kolkata for a couple of years for my MBA.
Thank you so much Alok. Kolkata is a photographer’s delight :)
WoW, an awesome article indeed. Loved the photographs. I haven’t yet visited all the places you mentioned. Very interesting.
I have recently blogged about an another place (Mullik Ghat Flower Market).
If you wanna visit : http://letsexperience.me/mullik-ghat-flower-market-a-tale-of-flowers-and-colors/
Nice post Santanu. And thanks for stopping by.