Forever Kolkata

1AWAKE TO THE PAST

Right in the centre of the city stands the majestic Victoria Memorial, glorious in white marble and guarded by an imposing bronze statue of Queen Victoria. Now a museum with a treasure trove of history, its lavishly manicured gardens, spread across 64 acres, are a magnet for morning walkers (entry: 6 am; entry fee: Rs. 30). Post a round of the Victoria Memorial, take a stroll towards St. Paul’s Cathedral: built in a unique Indo-Gothic style, it is one of Kolkata’s most prominent landmarks.

Next stop: 15 minutes by foot

2A FLURYS BREAKFAST

This corner shop on Park Street, its brand name glowing in pink, has been welcoming guests since 1927. Generations have sworn by the sweet taste of the legendary Rum Ball served at Flurys. A scrumptious English Breakfast spread – complete with bacon, hash brown, baked beans, sunny-side-up, toast, and a drink of your choice – makes for the perfect beginning to your day. This tea room and bakery continues to serve the most mouthwatering pastries and savoury snacks (the chicken patty here is a must-try).

Next stop: 15 minutes by foot

3TRAVEL BACK IN TIME

The grand Indian Museum is the country’s oldest, and also the largest in Asia when it comes to collection size. It houses exquisitely rare fossils, skeletons, coins, antiques, armour, ornaments, paintings – and a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy that is the cynosure of visitors’ eyes. Spread across multiple floors, the museum has 20+ galleries devoted to a range of subjects, including botany, insects, mammals, textiles, and fossils.

Next stop: 30 minutes drive

4THE MAKING OF GODDESS DURGA

With Durga Puja round the corner, Kumartuli in North Kolkata is where all the action happens. Months before ‘Pujo’, the artists here start applying wet clay to raw figures made out of hay. With each layer, the protima or idol of Goddess Durga takes shape, each artisan deeply and devotedly engrossed in their work. The unending narrow lanes in this corner of the city have thousands of idols, at different stages of creation. In Kumartuli, as you behold peak creativity, your soul finds peace.

Next stop: 30-35 minutes drive

5LUNCH AT ARSALAN

From the renowned restaurants on Park Street to the aroma-filled lanes of Territy Bazar, Kolkata is a city where people live to eat. Amid all the choice, you can’t miss Arsalan – visit the Park Circus restaurant for its famed Kolkata Biryani, and its diversity of Mughlai dishes, among them delectable kebabs and tikkas. Vegetarian diners need not feel left behind, and can tuck into Veg Jalfrezi, Paneer Kofta, or Sabzi Arsalan.

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Next stop: 15 minutes by road

6SHOP, THE KOLKATA WAY

A shopaholic’s paradise and perennial favourite, New Market is also an emotion. From Nahoum and Sons, the celebrated bakery, and Chamba Lama – where every girl comes looking for the latest silver jewellery – to the Chinese leather shops selling handmade shoes and bags, it has everything that one would need. End your shopping trip with a puchka treat and ice cream at The Scoop.

Next stop: 30 minutes by road

7SLOWLY DOWN THE HOOGHLY

A languid boat ride on the Hooghly is an ode to a city that has played a major role in shaping India’s independence. The setting – the crimson sun going down, the soft sound of the oars as the boat makes its leisurely way ahead – is magic. The river jaunt allows you to appreciate how Kolkata has proudly – and beautifully – preserved its heritage while adopting the modern ways, the past and present represented, respectively, by the iconic Howrah Bridge on one side and Vidyasagar Setu on the other.

Next stop: 35 minutes by road

8DINNER AND DANCE

After a day well spent, head to TUA & Synthe on Lee Road, Kolkata’s brand-new address for a memorable evening. Reflecting the city’s changing times and tastes, the restaurant brings together Pan-Asian cuisine, immersive mixology, and experience-imbued hospitality under one roof. TUA with its romantic dim red lighting, live music, and an impressively well-curated menu is a perfect place to make memories with friends and family. Synthe, literally around the corner, welcomes you with fun filled laughters. Its expansive cocktail menu offers storytelling through drinks and the most fabulous small plates. Open till late into the night, here drinks flow freely creating an ambience fit for merry making. The perfect place to bring your Kolkata sojourn to a close.

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