Is It Possible To Enjoy Kolkata Without Spending A Rupee? YES—Here's How
1.Stroll Through the Historic Streets of North Kolkata
The areas people refer to as North Kolkata, is where the history of the city meets the modern era. Walking through the narrow lanes dotted with century-old mansions over the years have started to feel like time travel.The colonial and Bengali influenced design of the zamindar mansions showcases a time period when the landowners lived in elaborate houses with wide open spaces. You can also check out Kumartuli which is known for its skilled craftsmen that skillfully design wonderful clay sculptures. In my opinion, seeing them sculpt these statues is pure magic.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Kumartuli, which is over 300 years old, fulfills the idol making needs of people from diverse locations both in India and abroad.
Sovabazar Rajbari, a heritage mansion, was visited by Swami Vivekananda after he returned from Chicago in 1897.
For many years, the Chitpur Road has housed Kolkata's traditional bookbinding industry and sweet shops.
2.Experience the Majesty of the Howrah Bridge
Everyone knows about the Howrah Bridge and its magnificence. The construction reflects Kolkata's pride in engineering. Imagine standing on the bridge at dawn, witnessing the golden rays of sunrise reflecting off the Hooghly River. This is a sight for sore eyes.
The bridge is always bustling, with rickshaws and trams moving in tandem with people transporting agricultural products to the nearby markets. With a straightforward walk, visitors can bask in this engineering marvel while getting a pulse of the vibrant city.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Howrah Bridge is one of the busiest cantilever bridges across the globe, built in the year 1943.
Over 100,000 vehicles use the bridge and over 150,000 people walk across it every single day.
It has no bolt or nut holding it together at all. Rivets are used instead.
3.Soak in the Atmosphere at the College Street Boi Para
Often referred to as the 'bask in the book area,' College Street is an ideal location for enthusiastic readers. This specific area is embellished with secondhand book stalls that cover all imaginable topics. Even if you do not plan on making any purchases, skimming through aged volumes and fragrant ancient manuscripts is an enjoyable experience.
Don't forget to stop by the Indian Coffee House. This place was frequented by revolutionaries and authors, and it is exactly like a bohemian café other than serving coffee. Sure, getting a coffee from a vendor would cost money, but here you can sit comfortably and relish the exchange of high-minded ideas taking place around you!
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Fab Book Shop College Street is the largest bookstore in Asia.
Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Amartya Sen all spent some time at the Indian Coffee House.
Some vendors even sell used novels for 10 rupees for those of you that might have extra change!
4.Explore the Victoria Memorial Gardens
In regard to the Victoria Memorial Museum, tickets are necessary for entry, however, the lush gardens that surround the museum are open to the public free of charge. If you want to enjoy a stroll, you may, alongside the locals jogging as well as sit on a bench to appreciate the beautiful white marble structure.
The monument itself reminds an individual of Kolkata's colonial history and the history of Britain's Queen Victoria. Simply put, the view of the monument at sunset while the sky turns a gentle pink is stunning.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
The Victoria Memorial took approximately 15 years to build with completion set in 1921.
Though the building itself has 25 galleries, the gardens surrounding it are equally as beautiful.
It is built from Makrana marble and designed from none other than the Taj Mahal.
5.Discover Hidden Treasures in the Streets of Park Street and Esplanade
Known as the 'Food Street' of Kolkata, Park Street has a unique feel to it with musicians playing on the sidewalks and the vintage buildings telling a story. Simply walking here and soaking in the vibe of the street is free of charge.
Likewise, Esplanade features colonial era buildings such as Grand Oberoi Hotel, Raj Bhavan and General Post Office GPO. The architecture which is reminiscent of the British Empire is stunning for historical lovers.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Electric street lighting was first introduced to Park Street, the first street in India.
Raj Bhavan in Esplanade is a replica of Kedleston Hall in England.
The famous yellow cabs of Kolkata can be seen all over Esplanade throughout the day.
6.Visit the Ghats of the Hooghly River
Some ghats like Princep Ghat and Babughat are found in the city of Kolkata. They provide a beautiful break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Watching the boats while sitting by the river and feeling the gentle wind hitting your face is an experience you cannot put a price on.
During early mornings, you can catch glimpses of yoga practitioners, priests performing their procedures, and locals feeding pigeons. It is an ideal place for peaceful contemplation or photography.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Princep Ghat, which was built in 1841, is named after James Princep, a British scholar.
The Ganges' tributary, the Hooghly River, has been important for trade in Kolkata for centuries now.
Millennium Park, situated near Babughat, is great for a stroll by the river.
5.End the Day at the Maidan
The Maidan is the largest open place in Kolkata where people come together to play soccer, fly kites, or simply laze around. There is a beautiful stretch of green fields as far as the eye can see with the iconic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in the background.
This is the best place to end the day of exploration as you watch the sun painting the sky in different colors.
Fun Facts & Highlights:
Maidan is also known as the 'Lungs of Kolkata.'
The Victoria Memorial is found inside the Maidan.
Home of the legendary Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football clubs.
Final Thoughts
Whenever an individual wants to explore a city, the very first thought that usually pops in their head is expenses attached to this journey. However, one can surely put away that notion to rest as the best of European romance can be experienced in this Indian city of Kolkata without a single penny being spent. From its heritage lanes, breathtaking Hooghly River's sight, and the stunning monuments all on board, the city has truly embraced every single one of us. So, don't forget to put your best foot forward as well the next time you visit Kolkata without having the need to break the bank. You can take a stroll around the city and experience its charm for free.
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