Kolkata is a must visit city. From food to clothes to people everything is just amazing. From catching my very first glance at Kolkata’s iconic bright yellow taxis to getting lost discovering its hidden alleys and chaotic markets, every second in the city made me fall in love with its unique personality. Its indefinite charisma also made Kolkata a place where I could find an indisputable grace even in its most rusted grandeur. Today I will be sharing a list of my best Instagrammable spots in Kolkata, so that all you have to do now is get yourself there and just explore.
1. VICTORIA MEMORIAL
Like any other person who visits Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is the sight that was on the very top of my to-see list. Built in the early 20th century, this architectural marvel dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria is a true embodiment of Kolkata and its colonial heritage, if you ask me.
2. St. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Situated only a few minutes away from Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral is another place that I really wanted to capture. But even though you can enter the outer area of the cathedral whenever you like and take a walk, the security there doesn’t let you take any pictures before opening time
3. PRINSEP GHAT
If you have been here for a while, then you know that I attract bad weather on most of my trips. Going boating on the Hooghly river at sunset and taking a billion photos at Prinsep Ghat is something that I have always pictured my Kolkata trip to be all about, but as usual mother nature had different plans for me.
4. HOWRAH BRIDGE
There really is nothing more quintessential about Kolkata than the Howrah Bridge itself. You can either cover the length of the bridge by foot or hail a cab and enjoy the experience that is crossing one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, if not the most. I personally wanted to do both, but since it was pouring heavy rain that morning I went with the latter.
5. COLLEGE STREET
Home to India’s largest book market, Kolkata’s oldest coffee house and numerous universities, College street is a 1.5 km long street in central Kolkata that has a lot to offer. What enticed me to stay here for longer were its hidden alleys right off the main road that were full of colonial era buildings, decades old shops and a burst of colour in general.
6. SHOBHA BAZAAR
I had read many blogs about how Kolkata lives in its streets and that’s exactly what I wanted to experience during my short time there. So, after asking every local that I had a chance to speak with, I decided to visit Shobha Bazaar in search of colourful heritage houses in the city.
7. SHYAM BAZAAR
Exploring Shyam Bazaar’s area on foot is a must, if you ask me. Just like every other bazaar in India, you can expect to find utmost chaos on the main market streets that consist of non-stop traffic, yesteryear trams and heaps of people passing by.
8. CALCUTTA BUNGALOW
Probably the most alluring hotel that I came across in Kolkata. Calcutta Bungalow is nothing but a treat for the eyes. Restored from a 1920 townhouse, this hotel speaks volumes in visually pleasing aesthetics that are perfect for Instagram.
9. KUMORTULI
Famous for being a traditional porter’s quarter, Kumortuli is a go to destination for any art lover visiting Kolkata. You can expect to find a variety of artisans making clay idols for both the city’s festivals, and for export purposes.
10. ARTSY COFFEE AND CULTURE
Yes, it’s true that I would love any place that serves a good avocado toast. But, what makes cafes like Artsy even better are the photogenic walls that seem to attract us Instagrammers without fail.
