Welcome to the first of a new weekly series, “Living Like A Local.” Have you ever wondered where the locals eat, their favorite places to visit, and what might be different than your culture? Well, I’ve collected different interviews from about the world to bring that to you here. And I’m very excited to start with a country I have always wanted to visit. So, let’s take a moment to live like a local with travel blogger of My Travel Frames, Subhadeep Mondal, from Kolkata, India.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself and Mytravelframes.com
Hi, I am Subhadeep Mondal. I am a travel blogger and photographer from India. Until now, I travel mostly inside my own country. And you will notice most of my blog encompasses travel destinations from India. I also share travel narratives, travel tips, and complete travel guides in my blog. My blog covers both solo and family travel.
Where Are Your From?
I am from Kolkata, a metro city in West Bengal in the eastern part of India. A city that was once the capital of colonial India and now the third-largest urban economy in India. The city is home to Nobel-Laureates like Rabindranath Thakur, Mother Teresa, and the Oscar-Awardee film director Satyajit Ray. The city is also popularly known as the “City of Joy”.
What Some Are Your Must Sees From Where You Are From?
Kolkata is a large city and popular travel destinations in India. There are many attractions in the city that a traveller must visit while in Kolkata, like – Victoria Memorial, Belur Math, Indian Museum, Jorasanko Thakurbari, Mother House, Marble Palace Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Eco Park, Prinsep Memorial, Kalighat Temple etc.
Travellers can also visit nearby places like Ayodhya Hills, Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Digha-Mandarmani seabeaches, historical sites like Beharampur and Bishnupur, all of which are 4-5 hours drive from the city. You can also take an overnight bus or train journey or a two hours flight followed by a 3 hours drive to the famous hill station of Darjeeling and the forested plains of Dooars.
Is There Anything You Think People Should Skip?
Well, I am not a fan of skipping places, and I think you should cover as much as possible while in a new location. Occasionally, time constraints will force you to curtail your trip, and you would like to visit attractions that nobody skips. I have already made a list of places above to see inside the city, and you can cover them all in three days. I think that should be the minimum number of days you should spend in Kolkata.
What Is Your Favorite Local Food And Restaurant?
Kolkata had always been a gastronome’s paradise. Be it the traditional Bengali cuisines or the Kolkata-style Biryani dishes. And, never forget to taste the sweets like – Rosogolla and Nalen Gurer Sandesh if you are in the city.
List of restaurants:
- Bengali cuisine: Oh!Calcutta, 6th Ballygunge Place, Kasturi Garden Restaurant
- Age-old Cafés: Indian Coffee House, New Chowringee Cabin
- Biryani lovers: Arsalan, Aminia, Royal Indian Hotel, Oudh 1590
- Sweets / Deserts: K.C. Das, Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy, Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick
Any Advice For People Who Come To Visit Your City?
Bengalis are a friendly community and are proud of their tradition, literature, culture, and cuisines. So, while you will always find a smiling face when asked for help, you must respect the local culture too. Although there is no dress code to visit anywhere, you should dress conservatively while visiting religious places. Often you need to remove your shoes before entering and cover your head. Smoking in any closed public space or gathering is prohibited. Tourists should avoid any public display of affection, including hugging and kissing.
Where Is One Place That People May Not Know About When Visiting Where You Are From?
I guess you are talking about secret destinations that are only known to locals. Well, Kolkata has many such. Apart from the popular tourist attractions, I would suggest experiencing things like the tram ride beside Kolkata Maidan, the clay idol-making in Kumartuli, the early morning flower market in Mullickghat, the “Boipara” (a colony of books) in College Street, and the nightlife in Park Street.
What Is One Interesting Fact About Your City That People May Not Know About?
There are several interesting facts about Kolkata, and even many natives are not aware of them. But as you asked for one exciting thing, I would like to tell you about Durgapuja, which is the biggest festival of the Bengali community.
Durgapuja is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the demons (Asuras) according to Hindu mythology. This festival is a 10-day event of which the last five days are its main attraction when the customs and rituals are practised. Starting from the making of Goddess Durga’s idol to the construction and artistic decorations of a puja pandal, it involves a large workforce for the preceding 2-3 months before the festival finally takes place. Every year (except 2020) Kolkata witnesses a crowd in lakhs each day during the festival.
Any Last Words For Travelers Considering Visiting Kolkata, India?
Visit Kolkata and experience hospitality in Bengal. Apart from visiting the touristy places, go to the busy markets, stroll on the ghats beside the Ganges, walk in the narrow alleys of North Kolkata and talk to the locals to feel the city’s pulse. You will surely love it.
So Would Kolkata, India Be A Place For YOU?
I want to first thank Subhadeep for sharing with us and helping us to live like a local. Please visit My Travel Frame for more about beautiful Kolkata and India. I have also included links to his Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook below, so please follow him for more pics and info on India.
So what did you think of Kolkata? Is that a place you would want to visit? Or perhaps it’s a future destination you would like for me to explore. Please leave some comments below and let me know what you think. Are there any other cities that you have would like to hear about in “Living Like A Local”? Let me know.
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Rachael F
This sounds so amazing! I have always wanted to travel to India (love the food!), and now I have a first destination on my list!
Johnny
Right? I’ve always wanted to go. I will for sure be going in 2022!