Get set for Kolkata’s finest food tour. Greet your guide and take the subway up to the intellectual heart of the city. Here the Bengal revolutionary fighter Subhas Chandras Bose is more famous than Gandhi and the people are passionate about their rights and independence, not to mention their food.
The evening starts at a little street vendor that blends up one of the district's best tropical lasses. Afterwards, you'll hop from spot to spot tasting some fine Bengali fare - prawns covered in fragrant coconut milk curry, onion bahjis from a revolutionary food stand, succulent mutton kosha and a range of Bengali sweets to name just a few. Finish at one of the oldest colonial coffee houses in Kolkata where nearby university students descend for intellectual discussions.
Greet your guide outside Gate 4 of 'Esplanade metro station' and hop on a short train ride up to a district little visited by foreigners yet renowned by locals for its cuisine. When you disembark, you'll dive straight in with an exotic lasse found at a local street vendor before hopping into a tiny joint that's been whipping up some of the best mutton kosha curries in Kolkata for more than a century. Your guide will uncover stories of old Calcutta.
Visit Kolkata's most celebrated local seafood restaurants where you'll try their signature prawns covered in chingri coconut cream sauce and a mouth-watering curried fish mousse steamed in a banana leaf. After leaving you'll clamber aboard one of the old richshaws, the only place where these wooden carts still exist in India and take a short tour of the area en route to the next foodie stop. Gorge on a prawn kabiraji at a legendary kitchen started by a Scot in the 19th Century.
Kolkata might seem busy, but your guide will take you on a walk down through a peaceful district pointing out temples and local life along the way. As you meander the backstreets of old Kolkata, you'll try tasty tidbits from the city's most famous onion bhajis to zingy gram salads made from herbs and pulses.
We'll stop by College Street, where university students pass by piles of school book sellers, heading on their way home from lectures. Drop into a local cafe to sample a famed coconut sherbet drink and then taste Bengali treats at a nearby sweet shop. At the faded grandeur of an old colonial coffee shop where students are busy debating, ceiling fans whirl overhead, and waiters serve coffees in traditional garb. This isn't just a foodie tour, it's a tour into the heart of historic Kolkata.
The meeting point is at the Exit Gate 4 of ‘Esplanade’ Metro Station. Your guide will meet you at the exit on the street level at SN Banerjee Road. It has easy access from hotels in the city. Gate 4 Esplanade Metro, 1 SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, WestBengal 700013
• There is some moderate walking on the tour, so please wear comfortable shoes
• Please wear appropriate clothing in rainy season
• If you think you will have any trouble getting in and out of public transport or up stairs, please contact us
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual legacy. It is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience to its visitors.
A stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. It houses a museum with a rich collection of artifacts.
One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, the Howrah Bridge offers stunning views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline.
The largest and oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and rare coins.
A serene and spiritual destination, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. It is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
One of the largest and oldest cricket stadiums in India, Eden Gardens is a must-visit for cricket enthusiasts. It is also a beautiful park with lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.
A popular Bengali sweet made from chenna (fresh cheese curds) and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, spongy, and has a distinct flavor.
A sweet roll made from chenna, similar to rasgulla but rolled into a cylindrical shape and coated with coconut shavings. It is a popular sweet during festivals.
A sweet made from chenna and flavored with various ingredients like pistachios, coconut, or rose water. It is a popular sweet in Bengal and comes in various shapes and sizes.
A traditional Bengali fish curry made with fresh fish, potatoes, and a variety of spices. It is usually served with rice and is a staple in Bengali cuisine.
This is the best time to visit Kolkata as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period, including the famous Durga Puja.
Indian Rupee (INR)
GMT+5:30
230VV, 50HzHz
Kolkata is generally safe for travelers, but it is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Howrah Junction, Sealdah Station
Esplanade Bus Terminus, Karunamoyee Bus Terminus
The Kolkata Metro is the oldest underground metro system in India. It is efficient and covers most parts of the city.
Available • Apps: Uber, Ola
Car, Bike, Scooter
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.
A famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the Dakshineswar Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.
A small town known for its rich cultural heritage and as the former home of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, art, and music.
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