Chetla area of south Kolkata

Thoughtcrimes

Hi people, I'm considering taking a long-term paid guest accomodation in the Chetla area of South Kolkata. I know where the area is geographically (in between New Alipore & Kalighat, north of Tollygunge & south of Alipore) but so far haven't been able to find out much more about it. I was told there's a rather large slum not far from my potential residence as well as a fairly large shopping bazaar pretty close by too. Any other details anyone can fill me in on? How is crime in the general area? Is it primarily residential or are there many local businesses? Would it be considered a noisy area by Kolkata standards? Anything else? Thanx tons in advance!

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capt_mahajan

Chetla can be very noisy, slummish and bazaar like. Lots of small shops, tradesmen, small dwellings too.

Of course, a lot depends on immediate location of where you live, but not many quiet areas within it at all. Dunno where it exactly (geographically) starts, but the areas closer to Alipore may be better, overall.


PS: Crime is not a noticeably bigger problem, though one may see more drunks around there than elsehwere- big shantytown with high population density.

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anirban76b

It depends on what part of Chetla you are going to stay. On the North of Chetla is Alipore, on its west is Rashbehari Avenue and Kalighat, on west is New Alipore and on south is Tollygunge area. Chetla is centered around Chetla Park. The places around park and adjacent(near Ahindra Mancha) are good places to stay. There roads are wide and clean. As you go towards Alipore or New Alipore, you will face slum areas. The places near Kalighat area are clumsy and slum like.

Regarding crime, if you are not participating no body will disturb. Rate of theft is pretty low and so snatching and robbery. The place is buzz with political goondas and so you might face occasional clashes.

Chetla is at the center of the City and so all places are easy to reach. You will never face any transport problem and is safe from any petty crime.

If you ask me any specific question, I will answer you as I know the area very well.

brishti

is it imperative you live in chetla?
it was crowded, noisy, greenless a decade ago - dont know how it is at present.
there are other places in south calcutta which could be even more pleasant...
southern avenue
ballygunge
rashbehari
triangular park
hindustan park
golf green
bhowanipore
to name a few


:brishti

Thoughtcrimes

Thanks for the informative posts Capt Mahajan and anirban76b; slowly I'm getting a clearer view of this locality...

I forgot to ask my friend the exact address but he mentioned the location was about a minute and 1/2 walk to Chetla Park so it seems that it would be ok then. I just looked up what a goonda was ("member of a crime gang; hired muscle; thug; troublemaker") - I'd heard those types are heavy in number in Kidderpore but was unaware about elsewhere. My friend also said that there're no real restaurants in Chetla but many fast food shops, bakeries, sweet shops, etc. Also from the one youtube video I saw there seemed to be a lot of individuals selling small amounts of goods/products on the street itself.

Anyone know which subway/metro stop - JD Park or Tollygunge - is closer to Chetla Park area? Thanks again!

Thoughtcrimes

I appreciate these suggestions Brishti, and ya, that was my basic impression too from the one Chetla youtube video I was able to find. But it's extremely cheap so I was going to try it out at least for the time being...but will keep an open mind.

brishti

how much is 'cheap' ? what's your budget ?
you know thoughtcrimes - you could find places in the areas i mentioned, and areas around it.
its a good feeling coming back to an abode you feel at 'home' in.
so yes, please do keep an open mind -


hey... i hope you find something near southern avenue
:brishti

mousourik

The nearest metro station is Kalighat. Chetla park is hardly 5 minutes away by auto-rickshaw. And Chetla park is not so bad a place to stay in.

anirban76b

Hi,

If the area is 1-2 mins walk from Chetla Park, the area is quite OK. You need not to worry.

The nearest metro station is Kalighat(Rashbehari Avenue) which is around 10 mins walk from Chetla Park.

The ares Bristi told are very good but rental cost (or paying guest accommodation) would be higher than Chetla. Those areas are good and suit you much. But if you are budget concern then Chetla will be good for you.

For a good restaurant you need to go to Rashbehari Avenue (you will get direct auto rickshaw from Chetla on share basis) and the distance is around 5-10 mins drive. You will get Chinese, multicuisine restaurant. Gariahat, which is the biggest market in Calcutta and you will get all stuffs there is very near to Chetla (20 mins drive) and again you will get direct share auto to go there. By share auto I mean, a kind of vehicle which takes 4 persons and the fare is fixed. The fare will be 1/4th of dollar from Chetla to Gariahat.

As I told you Chetla is well connected with almost all the places of Calcutta, transport will not be a problem for you. Since you are not participating in any political activities (I assume) you can be least bothered about crime. No body will touch you.

There is a crematorium ghat near Chetla and the Chetla seldom experience power cut. So, it would be quite enjoyable.

And almost all the consulate quarters are in Chetla, New Alipore, Alipore area. So you will get a lot of foreigners there.

Trust me. If you are going to stay near Chetla Park, there can't be any better place than that. I conclude, you selected the best place.

Thoughtcrimes

Much thanks for everyone's insight and suggestions; I am feeling more at ease about things already. A special thanks to anirban76b who joined Indiamike just to answer my questions(!). Hats off to all