Kolkata Part - 2 - Arguably India’s Most Charming Metropolis

Featured Image Caption: Kolkata History Part 2

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Agreed, New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are financial, technology and lifestyle powerhouses while Hyderabad and Chennai have been growing rapidly in their own way as well. Yet, everyone who has been to Kolkata or lived here will agree that this is one of the most charming metro cities in the country. Kolkata is a great leveller, from the posh enclaves and tree-lined communities of Alipore, Ballygunge and Southern Avenue to the buzzing neighbourhoods in Tollygunge, Behala, Hazra and to the quaint, nostalgic lanes in North Kolkata to the glitzy new developments along the EM Bypass extending all the way to Rajarhat New Town. Sector-V is the biggest IT hub in Kolkata along with Bantala while the CBD is located at Chowringhee or Esplanade. The CBD extends all the way from Rabindra Sadan throughout Central Avenue, covering Park Street and Chandni Chowk along the way.

Kasba is a growing residential cum commercial zone in the city while there has been a flurry of commercial development in Rajarhat New Town which is steadily becoming New Kolkata and a well-planned satellite city that is drawing several MNCs and corporates alike. Kolkata is home to several landmarks including the Shahid Minar, Victoria Memorial, National Library, Indian Museum, Alipore Zoo, Princep Ghat, Sovabazar Rajbari, Marble Palace and Jorasanko Thakurbari (the home of Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore).

Kolkata also offers amazing experiences of the Ganges. You can visit several famous ghats like Prinsep Ghat, Babughat and others. You can go on a boat ride or simply indulge in a fabulous evening at Floatel. You can also soak in the fervour across Park Street, the city’s bonafide party street or go on a culinary trail all across North/South Kolkata which are home to some of the most famous sweet shops, cafes, restaurants and lounges in Eastern India. Kolkata has a vibrant nightlife circuit with numerous, pubs, bars and lounges and is also a top destination for enjoying concerts, stand-up comedy performances, entertainment shows and what not! The city is home to star hotels like Taj Bengal, ITC Sonar Bangla, Hyatt, JW Marriott and many others.

Top corporates like Apeejay, ITC, Tata Steel and others have their offices in Kolkata while all major IT, ITeS, shipping, tea, tourism and other companies have a significant presence in Kolkata. The city is also known for its liberal and culture laced outlook with major destinations being Rabindra Sadan, Arts Acre, Mother’s Wax Museum, Gorky Sadan and more. Kolkata offers a variety of lip-smacking street food and ample public transportation facilities at really affordable price points. The metro network runs all the way from New Garia in the East to Dum Dum in the North. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is also located in Dum Dum. There are major railway stations like Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata stations along with a well-developed local railway network. Kolkata is known for its love of food, music, culture, books, art and celebrations of every kind. Durga Puja celebrations touch the crescendo of merriment and joy in the city every year while all other festivals are celebrated with equal gusto.

Some of the best residential neighbourhoods in the city include Tollygunge, Hazra, Bhowanipore, Gariahat, Ballygunge, Alipore, New Alipore, Kasba, Salt Lake, Lake Town, Baguihati and many more. The city also offers ample scope for entertainment and recreation along with having some of the best educational institutions and hospitals in the country.