half day/full day/ half day

worthyquest

I have one half day (arriving by train around noon), one full day, and one more half day (leaving from airport around 5) in Kolkata. I'd appreciate any suggestions about how to maximize my time and what to see. I've spent a good deal of time in India, but this will be my first time in Kolkata.

I'll be staying at a friend's apartment in Salt Lake. I like markets and people and street life more than museums or temples, but I do like good architecture. I think I want to walk across the Howrah Bridge. I want to eat good Bengali food (cheap is good, but splurge restaurant is okay too). The final day I will probably spend book shopping and Fabindia shopping. But other shopping recommendations are appreciated...

Thanks!

kausiks

worthyquest, first let me welcome you to Kolkata. Since you like markets and people, I think you should spend some time walking around (a) North Kolkata - Shovabazar and Kumartuli. You will get to see some old ancestral palaces of early Kolkata. Though you have to be satisfied seeing them from outside only. At Kumartuli, you will be able to see the artisans at work on the idols of Hindu gods and godesses. (b) Dalhousie area - This is the central business district of Kolkata and you will get to see beautiful examples of colonial architecture. Some of the buildings are more than 150 years old and built by the British. Do not miss the street food in this area. Even if you do not have it, its nice to see the variety of food that is sold. (c) The flower market at Mallickghat (just off Howrah bridge) is a good place to visit early morning. (d) Maybe you can visit a fish and vegetable market (Manicktala market would be nearest to Salt lake). (e) Normal Kolkata tourist spots are there as usual, so you can decide whether you would like to visit any of them.

Among the restaurants, in order of decreasing cost the following come to my mind: Aheli/ Oh Calcutta, Kewpies/6 Ballygunge Place, Solo Ana/Bhojohori Manna, Prince/Kasturi.

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The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.

jyotirmoy

If you are there on a week day stroll thru Dekker's lane around lunch time, its a huge road side food bazar, really amazing.
And Kausik bhai has the name of this lane been changed now?

kausiks

Jyoti-da, I think the name is still the same. Even if it is changed, I think we will always refer to it as Dekker's Lane.
Does anybody use the new name of Park Street?

theyyamdancer

Park Street HAS a new name???

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"Wandering seemed no more than the happiness of an anxious man." - Albert Camus

theyyamdancer

For worthyquest, the original poster on this thread, I have a suggestion concerning book shopping. Don't forget to visit Earthcare Books at 10 Middleton Street. They have a fantastic selection of books and the owner is very knowledgeable and helpful.

kausiks

See, that's what I meant. Its so difficult to adapt to some well known names.
Yes, Park Street has a new name since 2006 Its 'Mother Teresa Sarani'

traveller_from_hyd

Similiarly, Marine Drive in Bombay is now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Marg in Mumbai

namaste_cat

I didn't realize this either, good to know.

Apparently the street where my parents live had its name changed almost 20 yrs ago, yet no one calls it by the new name. I only just found out a few weeks ago

theyyamdancer - that book store Earthcare Books looks very interesting. Will check it out next visit.

worthyquest

thanks, everyone.