Central Kolkata (মধ্য কলকাতা Madhya Kalkātā) is the business, administrative, and transport hub of Kolkata, and home to some of the most famous landmarks of the city.
Understand
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Map of Central KolkataCentral Kolkata is wedged between the old town of North Kolkata and the newer South Kolkata, with the Howrah Bridge at the north, Vidyasagar Setu and AJC Bose Road at the south, and Sealdah Station at the east. It was the administrative centre of British India till 1911, and is home to some of the state government buildings of West Bengal, including the Assembly House and the Calcutta High Court.
The following parts of Central Kolkata are covered separately:
| B. B. D. Bagh-Riverfront The old colonial district, considered to be one of the best remnants of British colonial architecture in the world. The Riverfront along the river Hooghly is one of the most popular hangout zones in the city with scenic views of the Hooghly River and the skyline of Howrah. |
| Esplanade The modern centre of public transport, dining, and shopping in the city. |
| Maidan-Park Street Nicknamed the "Lungs of Kolkata", the Maidan is a huge open field surrounding Vijay Durg (formerly Fort William), with numerous festivals and backyard sports. Park Street is a colonial-era relic that bursts into crowds during Christmas and New Year. |
Get in
[edit]See
[edit]- 1 Howrah Bridge (হাওড়া ব্রিজ Hāoṛā Brij). 24 hours daily. Officially Rabindra Setu (রবীন্দ্র সেতু Rabīndra Setu), the 705 m (2,313 ft) long Howrah Bridge is one of the iconic bridges of West Bengal. It is a cantilever bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River, and was built without any nut or bolts. The bridge was commissioned in 1943 by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company, replacing the older pontoon bridge. It took over six years to build, and the entire project cost ₹25 million. Free.
Memorials and museums
[edit]- 2 Asutosh Museum of Indian Art, 1F & 2F, Centenary Bldg, University of Calcutta, College St. India's first university museum. The museum has specimens of various phases of Indian art, with special emphasis on the art of Bengal. The collection includes sculptures made of stone, metal, wood or terracotta, and different illustrated books of ancient and medieval India.
- 3 Baker Hostel (বেকার হোস্টেল Bekār Hosṭel), 8, Smith Ln. A historical building founded in 1910 by Edward Norman Baker as a government hostel for the male students of Maulana Azad College. Rooms 23 and 24 of the building are converted into a museum in honour of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and the first president of Bangladesh. Room no. 24 (Bangabandhu Memorial Room) contains Rahman's used bed, table and chair. There is a small library where his books are arranged.
- 4 Mother Teresa’s tomb (Mother House), 54A, AJC Bose Rd, ☏ +91 33 2217 5267. The Missionaries of Charity is a new order formed in 1950 by Mother Teresa. Their vow to give wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor was put into action with the setting up of several homes. Visit Mother Teresa’s tomb at the Mother House, Nirmal Hriday (home for the dying), Shanti Nagar (for lepers), and Nirmala Shishu Bhavan (the children’s home).
Places of worship
[edit]- 5 Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, 1 Buddhist Temple St, ☏ +91 33 2211 7138. A Buddhist monastery established in 1892 and run by the Bengal Buddhist Association. The distinct red building mostly consists of a school and a guest house. There is a very small Buddhist shrine tucked away on the 1st floor.
- 6 Magen David Synagogue, 109, Canning St. The largest synagogue in Eastern India, with Victorian architectural style. It was built in 1884 by Elias David Ezra in memory of his father David Joseph Ezra, who made his fortune in the real estate trade of Kolkata.
- 7 Maha Bodhi Society of India, 4A, Bankim Chatterjee St, ☏ +91 33 2219 9294. A small, but interesting Theravada Buddhist temple located in an historic building. There is a library and shrine room on the second floor. Meditation classes are held every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
- 8 Nakhoda Mosque (নাখোদা মসজিদ Nākhodā Masjid). The largest mosque in Kolkata. It was built by Abdur Rahim Osman in 1926, who came from Kutch in Gujarat. It is one of the few religious buildings built in Indo-Saracenic architecture. An exhibition of exquisite ornaments is held regularly inside the mosque.
Churches
[edit]- 9 Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth, 2, Armenian St. 18th-century Armenian Apostolic church. The current building dates back to 1724.
- 10 Carey Baptist Church, BB Ganguly St, Bowbazar, ☏ +91 33 2236 7254.
- 11 Church of the Lord Jesus (Prabhu Jisur Girja; প্রভু যীশুর গির্জা), Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Rd, Taltala. Formerly a Church of Scotland Presbyterian, the Catholic church is a unique one in the city, with most of the religious services being done in Bengali.
- 12 Holy Rosary Cathedral (Portuguese Church). Built in 1799, it's the only remaining major building of Kolkata’s lesser-known Portuguese colonial history.
- 13 St. Francis Xavier's Church (Bowbazar Church).
- 14 St. James Church (জোড়া গির্জা Joṛā Girjā, literally "twin churches").
- St. Teresa's Church.
Temples
[edit]- 15 Anjuman Atash Adaran Temple, 91, Metcalfe St. The only Parsi (Zoroastrian) temple in Kolkata, and historically only Parsis can access the temple.
- 16 Firinghi Kalibari (ফিরিঙ্গি কালীবাড়ি Phiriṅgi Kālībāṛi), 244, BB Ganguly St, Bowbazar. An old Kali temple, said to be 500 years old. The temple is called "Firinghi Kalibari" because Portuguese-born folk singer Anthony Firingee used to visit the temple. Here, Goddess Kali is worshipped as "Shri Shri Siddheshwari Kalimata Thakurani".
- 17 Nabodebalaya (নবদেবালয় Nabadebālaẏ). Literally a "new abode of god", it consists of a prayer building and a cemetery of the Brahmo sect of Hinduism. Although dead bodies are usually cremated in mainstream Hindu traditions, they are buried in Brahmoism.
Do
[edit]- 1 College Square (গোলদীঘি Goldīghi), College St. One of the oldest swimming pools of Kolkata, College Square is known for its considerable contribution towards history of the city's aquatic culture. It also houses the tomb of David Hare, and a monument for the members of the 49th Bengalee Regiment who died in World War I. Durga Puja is celebrated each year at College Square, and it witnesses heavy footfall during that time.
- 2 Park Circus Maidan, Suhrawardy Ave (suburban: Park Circus Circular Sealdah South ). Park Circus Maidan becomes a focal point during the winter—especially in December and January—as it becomes home to circus companies and kids all over the city flock to the maidan to watch circus.
Learn
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- 1 Medical College & Hospital (মেডিকেল কলেজ ও হাসপাতাল), College St (tram: Calcutta Medical College
). Established in 1835, it is the first medical college in Asia. - 2 Presidency University (PU; প্রেসিডেন্সি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়), College St (tram: Presidency College ). Established as Hindu College in 1817, renamed Presidency College in 1855, and upgraded to a university in 2010.
- 3 The Sanskrit College and University, Bankim Chatterjee St (off College St). A liberal arts university offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ancient India, world history, Bengali, English, Sanskrit, linguistics and traditional orientation learning (Advaita Vedanta).
- 4 University of Calcutta (CU; কলকাতা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়), College St (tram: Calcutta University ). Main campus of India's first western-style university established on 24 January 1857.
Buy
[edit]Markets
[edit]- 1 Barabazar (Bengali: বড়বাজার Baṛabājār, Hindi: बड़ा बाज़ार Baṛā Bāzār). One of the busiest shopping districts of Kolkata. The place was the old Sutanuti Hat before the British came. With the influx of the Marwaris (a trading class) during British rule from Western India, it was transformed into Barabazar (big market). The saying goes that if one is willing to pay the price, everything is available in Barabazar. The market thrives on selling larger quantities at cheaper prices.
- 2 Barnaparichay Market (বর্ণপরিচয় মার্কেট Barṇaparicaẏ Mārkeṭ), College St (at MG Rd crossing; tram: College Street ). A marketplace that does not appear to have received a lick of paint. It mostly hosts sari (traditional women's dress) shops but the first floor also contains numerous bookshops. There are sari shops opposite the market as well.
- 3 College Street (কলেজ স্ট্রিট Kalej Sṭriṭ, also known as baipāṝā (বইপাড়া)). The 900 m (3,000 ft) long street one can trace many out-of-print books at throw-away prices, with a little patience. Its name comes from the presence of several higher education institutions along the thoroughfare. Opposite the "colleges", there are bookshops and stationery stores along Bankim Chatterjee St, Ramanath Majumdar St and Shyama Charan Dey St as well. The area is also home to College Square and Indian Coffee House.
- 4 Entally Market, 58, AJC Bose Rd. One of the old markets in Kolkata. Shops sell ready-made garments, vegetables, groceries, textiles, margarine, fish and fruits. This market was once famously known for its dairy product shops that provided high quality dairy items such as paneer, ghee, yogurt, condensed milk, cheese and butter.
- 5 Mullick Ghat (মল্লিক ঘাট Mallik Ghāṭ), Strand Rd. At the base of the Howrah Bridge is the city’s bustling wholesale flower market. Flowers are an essential part of life in the city, they are bought not just for temple prayers but also for wedding decorations, events and festivals.
- 6 Tiretta Bazaar (টেরিটি বাজার Ṭeriṭi Bājār). Named after Edward Tiretta, a late 18th-century Italian immigrant from Venice but often refereed to as Old China Market due to its historic association with Chinese Indian nationals. While the population has dropped significantly the bazaar is still the place to buy Chinese goods in central Kolkata and to eat Chinese food.
Shopping malls
[edit]- 7 Quest Mall, 33, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Park Circus. Luxury retail, largest apparel store, fine dining, six-screen insignia class multiplex. Restaurants and bars include Chili's and Irish House.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Arsalan, 28, Circus Ave, ☏ +91 33 22844010, +91 33 22848556. Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: firni, mutton kosha, mutton boti kebab, chicken chatpata, mutton biryani, egg chicken roll. They have seven branches: 1. Chinar Park, 2. Anandapur (opposite Calcutta International School), 3. Hatibagan, 4. Park Street Area (Muzaffar Ahmed Road), 5. Park Circus 7-point crossing, 6. New Alipore, and 7. Jessore Road, Bangur.
- 2 Chinese Breakfast, Sun Yat Sen St (behind Poddar Court). Early before 8:30AM when things start wrapping up. A delicious Kolkata experience, where Chinese fish dumping comes steamed, fried or in soup. ₹30.
- 3 Indian Coffee House, 1F, 15 Bankim Chatterjee St (off College St), ☏ +91 33 2241 4869. A venerable old establishment run by the Indian Coffee Workers Co-op Society. The high ceilings, peeling paintwork, skylights and workers in traditional uniforms create an image straight out of the 1920s or 1930s movie. In addition, the coffee (and the food) is good and cheap.
- 4 Only Alibaba, 28A, Syed Amir Ali Ave, ☏ +91 33 4070 1109. Noon-4:30PM, 7-11PM. Biryani and Mughlai food. The food has a good taste in the main shop, but in their Fry King outlet at Baghajatin, some items are bad and unpalatable.
- 5 Zeeshan, 17 Syed Amir Ali Ave, ☏ +91 33 22806842, +91 9903611112. 7AM-midnight. Zeeshan has several outlets mostly for takeaway customers: 1. Deshapriya Park, 2. Kidderpore, 3. Garia, 4. Lake Market Area, 5. Ballygunge, 6. Tollygunge, 7. Esplanade, 8. College Street.
Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: biryani, rolls, firni, murg reshmi kabab, mutton tikka, mutton chaap, tandoori chicken.
Sweets
[edit]- 6 Bhim Chandra Nag (ভীম চন্দ্র নাগ Bhīm Candra Nāg), 5, Nirmal Chandra St, ☏ +91 33 2212 0465, +91 33 2269 7908. The 200-year-old shop is famous for sandesh. It is the inventor of leḍikeni (লেডিকেনি), named after the wife of Lord Canning, the then-Viceroy of India.
- 7 Naba Krishna Guin (নব কৃষ্ণ গুঁই Naba Kr̥ṣṇa Gũi), 9B, Nirmal Chandra St. The 200-year-old traditional sweet shop is famous for its fried sweets (ভাজা মিষ্টি bhājā miṣṭi).
- 8 Putiram (পুঁটীরাম Pũṭīrām), 46, Surya Sen St. Known for kachori (কচুরি kacuri), samosa (শিঙাড়া śiṅāṛā), juicy "gurer rosogolla" (sold in winters) and "guli goja" (sold on Vijayadashami).
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹2,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹2,000–5,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹5,000 |
Budget
[edit]- 1 Broadway Hotel, 27A Ganesh Chandra Ave, Chandni Chowk, ☏ +91 33 22363930, +91 33 2236 3931, contact@broadwayhotel.in. Check-out: 24 hours from when you check in. Despite lacking AC the very large rooms with high ceilings make for a great space and the price is definitely right. Don't miss the authentic ambience of the restaurant and bar of this 1937-built hotel. Supposedly due to the hotel's popularity rooms are often difficult to get unless you book ahead, however, try hanging around and see if one magically opens up while you're there (especially if you're first offered a more expensive room). Upper triple rooms have balconies. Also one of the few places which serves beer with a plate of sliced cucumber. ₹775 double with private bathroom.
- 2 Hotel MB International, 195b, New Park St, ☏ +91 12462 01612. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹1,080.
- 3 Hotel Platinum, 14, Syed Amir Ali Ave, ☏ +91 89610 50299. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹1,360-2,050.
- Maha Bodhi Society Guesthouse, 4A, Bankim Chatterjee St, ☏ +91 33 2219 9294. Simple guesthouse with a lot of features. ₹250 room with a private bathroom, ₹150 for a room with a communal bathroom; ₹60 dormitory.
- 4 Park Inn, 10/1 Tal Bagan Ln. US$20 for standard double bedded room.
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 Hotel Lee International, 53/D1, Tiljala Rd, ☏ +91 33 23431678, +91 33 23431679, booking.hotellee@thesparkhotels.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹2,580-4,095.
Connect
[edit]Post offices
[edit]- 5 Barabazar Head Post Office.
Cope
[edit]Police stations
[edit]- 6 Barabazar Police Station, ☏ +91 33 22687554.