The ‘cultural capital’of India, also known as the City of Joy, has been founded by Job Charnock, who arrived at the small fishing villages of Sutanuti, Kalikata and Gobindapur in 1690 and convinced the the East India Company to start building its trading base in Bengal. The city Kolkata, an official of the East India Company, grew through leaps and bounds until it was made the capital of the British Empire. Today Kolkata is a home to more than 5 million people and is often called the ‘cultural capital’ of the country. Kolkata stores the colonial heritage of the British empire from the time of the settlement of the English East India Company. Though the city had developed drastically yet it certainly carries the heritage of the erstwhile English. The city of joy has it all - from chaotic traffic, buzzing markets, delicious food, to bright yellow taxis, old-world goodness and endless ‘adda’ culture. A city with a wonderful personality, Kolkata is meant to be experienced and not just visited. This guidebook lists down some of the popular weekend destinations from Kolkata and some significant places of interest within the city for an experience to cherish.

1. Explore
and the
KOLKATA
DEDICATED TO

2. NISC or NASSCOM International SME Conclave is
the biggest IT-SME Conclave by NASSCOM on 10th &
11th Jan 2019 in Kolkata. The conclave is aimed to
create a global platform for innovative companies
to showcase their Products, Solution & Services. It
also aims to create the platform for the Global SME
Community to Connect & Collaborate. The broad
objective of NISC is Connect. Learn. Grow.
The theme for this year is “FUTURE IS NOW”
and is expected 2500+ Delegates, 15+ Country
Participation, 200+ Exhibitors, 100+ Acclaimed
Speakers, 100+ CIOs from across Sectors.
smeconclave.in

3. The purpose of this guidebook is
to cater information to the visitors
and participants of the NASSCOM
International SME Conclave (NISC).
The much-awaited international
conference is in the city of joy for the
first time in the Eastern edge of the
country. Taking this thought ahead,
this guidebook promises few places
to explore and experience some of the
thrilling escapades.
Happy Exploring!

4. The ‘cultural capital’of India, also known as the City of Joy, has been
founded by Job Charnock, who arrived at the small fishing villages
of Sutanuti, Kalikata and Gobindapur in 1690 and convinced the the
East India Company to start building its trading base in Bengal. The
city Kolkata, an official of the East India Company, grew through
leaps and bounds until it was made the capital of the British Empire.
Today Kolkata is a home to more than 5 million people and is
often called the ‘cultural capital’ of the country. Kolkata stores
the colonial heritage of the British empire from the time of the
settlement of the English East India Company. Though the city had
developed drastically yet it certainly carries the heritage of the
erstwhile English.

5. The city of joy has it all - from chaotic traffic, buzzing markets,
delicious food, to bright yellow taxis, old-world goodness and
endless ‘adda’ culture. A city with a wonderful personality, Kolkata
is meant to be experienced and not just visited.
This guidebook lists down some of the popular weekend
destinations from Kolkata and some significant places of interest
within the city for an experience to cherish.
K O L K A T A

6. Amidst the residential bricks and mortars, lies the vast stretch of the
greens that spans across, envelops the majestic Victoria Memorial
and the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral Church. A thin stretch of
tramways cuts across the vast stretch usually meant for the slow
rides to experience the traditional Kolkata with authentic flavour
as often shown in the films. Also referred to as the Brigade Parade
Ground and the ‘lungs of Kolkata’, it is the largest urban park in
Kolkata and is the property of the Indian Army.
M A I D A N
For the morning strolls
in the city of Joy...

7. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, Eco Park has been
designed to create a balance between ecological regeneration,
resource conservation, and optimisation to create a sustainable
environment for recreation in the urban open space in the city-
perfect for morning walks or the evening strolls.
E C O P A R K

8. F L U R Y S B A K E R Y
Breakfast, Snacks
and Adda!
Forget about counting calories as you cannot resist yourself from
grabbing a bite of the freshly baked bread or the cakes and the
cheese, muffins, croissants as they are all there to tickle your taste
buds at Flurys or Mrs. Magpie. There are varieties of omelettes to
devour on to and milkshakes to quench your thirst that keep you
refreshed all day. The soft and supple beacon and sausage will give
you the experience of a sumptuous wholesome breakfast or brunch
accompanied by Darjeeling tea that will take you back to the British-
era period.
Park Street, Kolkata

9. I N D I A N C O F F E E H O U S E
Kolkata holds the Indian Coffee House since 1958. This place
preserves the essence of ‘Adda over a cup’. This is a small Kolkata all
by itself and literally you can smell the Bengali culture here. Indian
coffee house has been a canvas that painted Kolkata in vibrant
colors - art in all forms are mined here. Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak,
Mrinal Sen and other internationally acclaimed artists were daily
visitors here. If you’re in Indian Coffee House, the baked fish is a
must try!
College Street, Kolkata

10. 6 B A L L Y G U N G E P L A C E
Ballygunge, Kolkata
Forum Courtyard, Kolkata
O H ! C A L C U T T A
The Food Scene in the city!
The Best of Bengali Cuisine :
A resplendent building, 6, Ballygunge Place boasts of the delicacies
and the sherbets are creatively named as per the names of the
streets named after the legendaries in Kolkata. Other delicacies like
Lemon Ghandaraj Chicken or the thirst quenchers like Aam Pora
Sharbat can brim you. The Kosha mangsho or the Galda Chingri or
the Hilsa platter are equally sumptuous.
Oh! Calcutta being their oldest and foremost restaurant to serve
their first authentic Bengal delicacies, boasts of their Hilsa festival
every year, the cuisine from Padma’s Hilsa (fresh Hilsa caught from
the banks of the Padma river). The most special delicacy of Oh!
Calcutta is chicken cooked in Chittagong style, aam kasundi kakra
or the bhetki cooked in a banana leaf.

11. Elgin Road, Kolkata
Park Street, Kolkata
B H O J O H A R I M A N N A
P E T E R C A T
Restaurants dating back to the British era
The name “Bhojohari Manna” has been rendered from Manna
Dey’s song from the 70’s houses the Bengali delicacies that serves
your tastebuds not only with authentic Bengali food but also those
cooked in a simple home-style from mom’s kitchen. A variety of fish
preparation that includes the platter of Desi Pabda, desi Tyangra,
desi Parshe, desi Koi and even the Chara Bhetki. Other top picks are
Potoler Dorma/stuffed wax gourd, Chingrir Bora, and many more!
TherestauranthighlightsanelegantblendofIndianandContinental
delicacies that is blissfully churned into the menus as well. The
enthralling ambiance that speaks of history delivers the best Indian
and continental delights. The famous Chelo Kebab will make you
lick your fingers as this platter is served with steamed rice and two
kebabs, topped with fried eggs and butter melting on top. Yum! The
mixed sizzlers are equally mouthwatering and the service is great
as well.

12. Park Street, Kolkata
M O C A M B O
A continental hub, Mocambo wears a classy English decor that
replicated the 1956’s British era. The lighting and ambiance
subdued that carried the lustre of the old British style. Deviled
crabs, soups, steaks and fried fish with chips and mayonnaise. One
may crave for simply boiled veggies and potatoes with bread to fill
in your appetite. Mocambo, at the turning of the Park Street, serves
bouquet of services right from a la carte to buffet lunch or dinner.

13. Eco Park, Kolkata
T H E M I S H T I H U B
Can you imagine that all of the sweet delicacies will be within your
reach under a bevy of sweet shops from the renowned houses of
K.C. Das, Bancharam, Gupta Brothers, Balaram Mullick, Ganguram
Sweets, Nalin Chandra Das and others. Yes, Misti Hub of Eco Park
is a combination of the traditional and modern taste of the dessert
delicacies that satiate your taste buds with the most irresistible
platter. The Mishti Hub has been built as a shop-in-shop concept
where more than 10 famous sweet shops sell their iconic sweets, so
that you can enjoy your favourite sweets under one roof. Located
at the gate number 3 of the Eco Park, this is an MSME enterprise
established by the Government of West Bengal to promote different
types of sweets of Bengal. Dedicated to the iconic sweets from other
parts of Bengal like Mihidana from Burdwan, Moya from Joynagar,
Jalbhara from Chandannagore, and recently-GI tagged Rosogolla of
K.C Das in Mishti Hub will drive you to the true essence of Bengal.
For your sweet tooth

14. P A N I P U R I / P U C H K A
Pani Puri or Golgappa is the
fried familiar snack for the
evening in Kolkata and the
popular in the city of joy. So
tempting that you will not
leave gulping them one after
the another. The phuchka is
a crisp fried hollow ball made
of flour or wholewheat, filled
with assorted spices and
potatoes, sometimes with
tamarind water and a dash
of sweet water.
Sometimes it can be served dipped in yogurt (dahi), or mint
water. Phuchka is that perfect combination of crispy, sweet and
spicy that explodes in your mouth leaving a tantalizing aftertaste
leaving you begging for more. The best places for the Phuchkas
or the Golgappas are the make-shift stalls outside of the Victoria
Memorial, Alipore, near the Vardaan Market, Salt Lake A.E Block,
near tank No 4 crossing, 7 no Tank crossing, Hindustan Park, New
Market, Ultadanga crossing, Lake Side, Lake Side, Max Mueller
Bhawan, Southern Avenue, New Town, Rajarhat.
Tickle your tastebuds
with street food!

15. R O L L S
J H A A L M U R I
The Bengali Rolls made up of either egg,
chicken, mutton, double egg chicken are
the most popular street food to munch
on. Wherever you go, you can grab a bite
of the most crispy and flaky parathas
wrapped with spicy chunks of chicken
or mutton inside along with cucumber,
onion, chilies and sauce. This can be
found anywhere around the city but the
most famous ones are the Rolls are from
Zeeshan in Park Circus, Arsalan in Park
Circus, Shiraz in Park Street, Nizam in
New Market, Campari in Rash Behari and
Jabbrr Afghani in Salt Lake City.
The feeling of the crispy puffed rice mingled
with chopped onions, nuts, chillies,
tomatoes, coriander and a dash of assorted
spices with tangy pickle tossed in a mustard
oil will leave your tastebuds piquant. This
can be the ideal break chewed in-between
meals forms an appetiser. Try grabbing
some Jhalmuri usually served in a folded
newspaper packet, colloquially called
‘thong’ as you take a tram ride in the middle
of the Maidan stretch will be so much fun!

16. The Party Scene
Park Street, Kolkata
S O M E P L A C E E L S E
Another address for pulsating and palpable heartbeats have
been in the heart of the town has brimmed up with the city’s best
bands playing live music. Time to rock and roll at the lounge and
effervescence tequila shots will render a good time whenever you
drool with the music being played here.
Kolkata is always about happening something around. Be it party
or having a pint near the neighbourhood standalone resto-pubs,
there is no inhibition to the party freaks when it comes to hopping
out with drinking on the rocks or buzzing with loud noise. You
have entered to the perfect party zone. The culturally rich City of
Joy is enticing, inviting and vibrant among the party hoppers. Few
nightclubs, pubs, resto-pubs, bars, have been listed below

17. Camac Street, Kolkata
Park Street, Kolkata
Park Street, Kolkata
S H I S H A R E I N C A R N A T E D
M B A R
R O X Y
Another Avatar of the town, Shisha Reincarnated has been known
for thumping pop music, houses a hookah corner in the smoking
arena. The drinks here are priced according to the demand, making
it a truly unique bar in the city. Games and talented DJ’s keep the
patron entertained. The crowd pulls in to the loud and lively music
and keeps the merrymakers inebriated with the unbridled joy.
MBar has a feel of an international gastropub which perfectly sets
the mood for your party. Catering to the concept of gastropub, this
is somewhat new to the city’s food and beverage escapades. The
eco-friendly restaurant has been made with the liberal use of stone,
raw wood and glass. The ambience has been heightened to the
glittered LED and 100-seatings with high-seated stools and tables
designed to elevate the mood of the party goers.
Reflecting the interiors of the 60’s, Roxy bar is the ultimate nightclub
of Park Street, famous for cocktails. It is a cave-like structure and
offers a comfortable seating arrangement. The well-decked up
interiors with groovy music keep you escalated, a perfect place
for party hoppers. There’s this girls-night-out held every Thursday
in a week. Indian and Chinese platter tickles the taste-buds
accompanied with drinks.

18. Topsia Road (South), Kolkata
T H E G R I D
The connoisseur will always love to land up to the microbrewery
tucked in the heart of the city, The GRID. The GRID is known for its
tip-toeing taste-buds that renders ecstatic taste of the different
flavours of beers around the world and has an award-winning
interior. This pub has the continental platter that has been excelled
to the exotic taste of crab meats, fresh poultry and meat variety
from the different parts of the world.

19. Sector V, Kolkata
Sector V, Kolkata
JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata
1 0 D O W N I N G S T R E E T
B A K S T A G E
G O L D J W
Located in Salt Lake Sector V, this pub has the elegant British styles
and groovy music that upbeats any party goers but polite to the
corporate employees on Tuesdays when they can add colours to
their mundane life before it ends.
A perfect place for Rock
music lovers. This place
is endearingly reflected
back to the kind of 70s
pub and with your gang,
you would like to land up
yourself with the music
beats tapping your feet
and guzzling down with
cocktail pitchers
Located at the basement of JW Marriott, this is a disco club that has
the thriving crowd and the most happening place for a top-notch
party hopper happening to explore the amazing dance floor, drink
and food.

20. Cruise along the
Hooghly river...
At the pristine Belur Math facade, explore the Hooghly river that
lashes out its shores, such is the view of the Hooghly that adds
the divine ambience when you take a cruise ride from Belur Math
to Botanical Garden. The cruise starts at 8 am in the morning that
takes you from Millenium Park to Belur Math and then comes the
Botanical Garden, the home of the Banyan trees and as assorted
medicinal plants the largest of its kind in the East.

21. V I V A D A C R U I S E
M A T S Y A K A N Y A
Along the shores of the ghats this great River Ganges cruise grew
since the time Job Charnock struck his anchor at Cossim Bazar to
the second Hooghly Bridge, the river and its winding channels has
woven itself around the lives of the city.
There are 54 ghats (quays) that stores heritage of the city from the
British era to the erstwhile Zamindari. This is the best way to explore
the city through the riverine cruise. Some of the memorials, markets
and monumental structure are located on both the banks of the
river. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this cruise offers
both day and night ride.
Ahalya or Matsyakanya as purportedly called is the unique golden
mermaid boat that has the sculpted pillars and paintings studded
with neon lights illuminating the lower and the upper deck. Crafted
with wooden works this boat provides a luxury ride in any time of
the year. It is available for booking all round the year on an hourly
basis.

22. Gothic Architecture
V I C T O R I A M E M O R I A L
Undoubtedly, Victoria Memorial remains in every visitor’s bucket
list whenever anyone wants to travel Kolkata. One of the finest
structure ever built in the country has become an icon for the city of
joy and also for the prominent architectural heritage they left back
in the city during the reign of the British rule. The colossal memorial
is dedicated to the Queen Victoria the “Empress of India” also the
foremost structure of the British rule has the structure of the Indo-
Saracenic architectural style was a brainchild of Lord Curzon, the
then Viceroy of Kolkata.
As you step into the beautiful well maintained grounds of the
memorial hall through a gateway flanked by the large marble stone
lions, you will notice the majestic statues in every direction, there
is a large bronze statue of Queen Victoria seated on her throne in
the foreground leading to the memorial structure, above it lies the
statue of Motherhood, Learning and Prudence. The 16 feet high
statue of the Angel of Victory weighs about 4.5 tons. The Angle of
Victory with its slender figure, large wings and blowing bugle was
made in Rome and stands on a mercury ball that allows it to rotate
on its axis when the wind speed is high but this is however stopped
as unequal weight distribution would put unnecessary loads on
some parts.

24. S T . P A U L ’ S C A T H E D R A L
C H U R C H
Famous for its Christmas Midnight mass, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the
most well-decorated church resembling of the Gothic architecture
is thronged by many tourists and local visitors. The construction
of this Gothic edifice began in 1839 and was completed sometime
in 1847 at the southern edge of Maidan. The construction was
patronised by Bishop Wilson, who is believed to have been buried
in a vault under the Cathedral’s altar, though no sign of this vault
exists today.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is said to be the first Episcopal Church of the
Orient. This Indo-Gothic Church is not only the religious site but also
an architectural wonder. It took eight years to build the Cathedral
which resembles England’s Norwich Cathedral. It has three stained
glass windows and two frescoes in Florentine Renaissance style,
an instance of the beautiful gothic revival has vertical piers and
pointed arches. Designed by Major W.N. Forbes, it was rebuilt three
times after the earthquake in 1897.
This church has carved wooden chairs and benches and adorned in
the true Gothic style, which was rebuilt in the lines of the Bell Harry
Tower of Canterbury Cathedral.

26. P R I N C E P H A L L
Princep Hall, the kaleidoscopic structure, has been one of the finest
experience beholding the skies as the sun shines or sets, where
the crimson hues paint the colossal Howrah bridge or the formerly
called Vidyasagar Setu. Towering above the Princep Ghat, lies the
majestic Gothic-embellished Princep Hall. Build by James Prinsep
in the year 1841, after which the architecture has been named, the
uniqueness of this hall and the bridge on its overhead makes the
city special.

27. I N D I A N M U S E U M
Thecity’sarchive,IndianMuseumhasbeenthelargestmultipurpose
museum in India and in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. Known
foritsGothicarchitecture,thisisoneoftheearliestmuseumfounded
in 1814 and its growth and development have been accredited to Sir
William Jones, who founded Asiatic Society and also devoted his life
to the service of India. It was from the year of 1796 that the idea
of Museum was conceived by the members of the Asiatic Society.
It was later under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish
Botanist that this museum was being curated to highlight the socio-
cultural and scientific achievements of the country.

28. This charm of Kolkata cannot be similar to pouring old wine into a
new bottle. Even though Uber or ZustGo or Ola have taken the main
seat in the competition and a convenient mode of transportation,
Yellow Taxi ride will just brighten up your mood as it falls so much in
place with the city’s backdrop - a true essence of Kolkata.
Hand-pulled rickshaws date
back to the British colonial era.
The end of the 19th century saw
the splurge of the hand-pulled
rickshaws of the British heritage.
Y E L L O W T A X I
H A N D - P U L L E D
R I C K S H A W
The old-world charm

29. These have remained an integral part of Kolkata’s socio-economic
evolution for over 100 years. They are most commonly found in
Terreti Bazar, Chandni Chawk, Esplanade, New Market area and a
few scattered in the streets of North Kolkata.
The Colonial treasure of the erstwhile
British heritage tram ride is one of the
most enjoyable experiences that you
cannot afford to miss once you step in
the city of Joy. The first tram rolled out
on the tracks way back on February 28,
1873. The Heritage tour on tram starts
from Esplanade Tram terminus and
moves through Dalhousie Square, Chitpore Road, College Street
and makes its way back to Esplanade. Tram timings are from 8:30
and to 11:30 am, all throughout the year.
T R A M H E R I T A G E R I D E

30. Paradise for book lovers
O X F O R D B O O K S T O R E
C O L L E G E S T R E E T
Lying at the heart of the city, where the happening evenings are
mostly spent, Oxford Bookstores stands tall. Near the Park Hotel in
Park Street, this place stores different books, novels, catalogues of
various categories and sections. There is a cafe under the same roof,
were you can have a sip of coffee and read your favourite book.
College Street, also known as the Boi Para’ (book-mart) is lined with
makeshift bookstalls on both sides of the road and is the largest
second-hand book market in the world and the largest book market
in India. This one of a kind book market draws a crowd from every
corner of the globe - tourists and locals alike.

31. For the shopaholics:
T H E S T R E E T M A R K E T S
L U X U R Y S H O P P I N G
Street shopping has its own charm. New Market, Esplanade has
been the oldest shopping hub for all kinds of imported and Indian
items. Be it gold, sarees, fabrics, confectioneries, spices et al, this
erstwhile British heritage houses it all. Gariahat market is another
address for street shopping which has some makeshift stores selling
a fresh variety of vegetables, fruits, fishes, jewelleries and other
clothing ensembles.
When the big brands beckons you to shop for more, the options
are located right in the heart of the city. Quest mall, South City
and Central Mall stores some of the vibrant shopping malls which
houses some of the luxurious brands to shop.

32. Temples across the city
D A K S H I N E S W A R
B E L U R M A T H
Dakshineswar Kali Temple was constructed between 1847 and
1855 covering an area of about 25 acres by the queen of Janbazar,
Rani Rasmani, the renowned. Being the largest temple and the
most spiritual site, it had the famous spiritual guru, the priest
Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who achieved this endeavour of his
spiritual vision. The twelve Shivlings are located adjacent to the
Ganga gives an impeccable view to Hooghly Belur Math.
One of the breathtaking shrines along the shores of the Hooghly
river, it stands as the perfect place and some serene moments
confining to divinity. Founded by Swami Vivekananda, a great
follower of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sarada Devi, this
stands the most enriching shrines comprising of the libraries,
museums and religious assemblies.

33. K A L I G H A T
B I R L A M A N D I R
The Kali temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the Sati from
times of the Hindu Mythology. This was a landing stage called
Ghat dedicated to the goddess Kali on the banks of River Hooghly
situated in the city. A 200 years old temple, initially built similar to a
small hut, believed by the devotees, that the right finger of the toe
or Dakhiyani of Mother Sati fell during the Lord Shiva Tandav.
Birla Mandir is located on the main road of Ballygunge towards
the Ballygunge Phari. Build by the industrialist Birla family, it is
one of the attractions in Kolkata. Lakshmi and Narayana are the
main deities and this entire temple has intricate works of imported
marble stones.

34. The “New Town” in town!
Kolkata has been declared as a potential smart city where New
Town furnished the qualities of turning it into one. At the eastern
fringes lies the fast-growing planned satellite city, New Town,
situated partly in the North and South 24 Parganas of the district of
West Bengal. New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has
been accredited to build New town in the Rajarhat area. Housing
Industrial Development Corporation (HIDCO) has worked round the
clock to develop and ornate the newly build-up city. Enabled with
10.5km of Wi-fi zone, this stretch connects from the Main Arterial
Road to the airport and to Salt Lake Sector V, this forms an excellent
and the first WiFi road connectivity. For this reason, this area has
been declared as a green corridor. The newly-emerged IT hub has
also been proposed as the new Silicon Valley of the city. This area
has a plethora of IT parks, offices, residential apartments, stores,
schools, hospitals and shopping malls. This area has been the
enclosure to quite a few attractions like Biswa Bangla Gate, Mother
Wax Museum, Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata Central
Mall, Nazrul Tirtha and Eco Park.

35. M O T H E R ’ S W A X
M U S E U M , K O L K A T A
Wanna feel the Madame Tussauds like experience? Mother’s Wax
museum is the museum for the life-like sculpture made up of wax.
Located bang opposite to the Eco Park, this museum has been
designed picture perfect for all the visitors. From the fraternity of
Bollywood, Hollywood, musicians, historical legends, this museum
boasts of the famous personalities in the world. This is the perfect
selfie zones to catch live of the favourite personalities.

36. K O L K A T A G A T E /
B I S W A B A N G L A G A T E
Biswa Bangla Gate, one of the marvel creations, located in New
Town. A spectacular arch stretching from one arm to another span
across both the sides of the wide street, interspersed with traffic
on both the lanes. The construction, made up of 70 tons of steel
has a hanging restaurant inside. Beamed up with lights the entire
architecture will have a bird’s eye view from the terrace to the miles
across the city. The height of this structure is 55 metres and forms a
welcoming arch to the visitors in the city of joy.

37. B I S W A B A N G L A
C O N V E N T I O N C E N T R E
The largest convention centre in South Asia, Biswa Bangla
Convention Centre (also the venue for NISC 2019) has been
located at the eastern fringes of the city close to the International
airport dedicated to the seminars, conferences, symposiums. This
auditorium has been set to establish MICE (meetings, incentives,
conferences and exhibitions) has been the pioneer in the city with
almost 32k seater auditorium developed by HIDCO.

38. If you have explored the city of joy and experienced the
beauty, let us take you through some of the popular weekend
destinations. A perfect getaway is always a treat to explore
different places around. Under a canopy holds the lush green
fields, the mysterious mangroves, the enchanting temples, the
dramatic hills, the cascading landscapes, the historic citadels
– an assortment of Beautiful Bengal.
We have listed down some of the fascinating destinations from
Kolkata you can visit over a weekend. Every page you turn
captivates the essence of true Bengal, the real and natural
‘Bangla’ that tranquilizes your senses and beyond.
Happy Exploring!

39. S U N D E R B A N S
Sundarbans, the largest mangroves of the world, is one of the rich
and diverse wetlands of the world. It lies on the arms of the Gangetic
Delta, where the river Brahmaputra and Meghna confluences at the
mouth of the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarbans deltaic area houses
one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and has been
declared as the World Heritage site in 1987 by UNESCO. It is a house
of more than a lakh species - rare and endangered, a small island of
tidal creeks and water isles of salt-tolerant mangrove forests and
presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The
area is known for its rich and varied fauna, including more than 280
species of birds, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the other endangered
species such as the estuarine crocodile and Indian python.
WORLD’S LARGEST MANGROVE FOREST
Mangroves, tides and tigers,
Arouses your undaunted spirit of adventures

40. M A Y A P U R
A spiritual site, or the Kirtan Capital of Bengal, Mayapur Iskon is the
birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was born here 500
years ago. It is one of the nine islands of Nawadwip and is situated
between the river Jhalungi and Ganges. Mayapur has numerous
temples and samadhis (a kind of tomb in memory of) the Brahma
Madhava Gaudiya Sampradaya, including ISKCON’S Chandrodaya
Mandir which houses Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Narasinghadeva,
Sri Pancha Tattva, Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi and other
samadhis of Iskcon. Here, Mahaprabhu is Radha-Krishna who
appeared to teach and experience Bhakta. It was Sri Chaitanya who
gave Bhakti both a national and international appeal. Mayapur has
much of philosophy, surrounding practices that include literature
not only found in orthodox Sanskrit but also in the local language-
Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Brijbhasi, Gujarati, and Mewari.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF ISKCON
Chants of Hare Krishna spreads along the Ganga,
Here lies the divine shrine of Shri Krishna Chaitanya

41. R A I C H A K
Off the banks on the Hooghly river lies a small town, Raichak,
converted into a splurge of luxuries. A feast to the eyes to the
beauty that reminisces every breath you take. Back in the 18th
century, Raichak was captured and colonised by Dutch settlers has
been turned into a travel spot which treats the scenic landscape
into a heavenly abode. If you are a coastal lover you will vouch for
this scenic getaway, just about three hours drive from the heart of
the city that shall make your travel delightful. Raichak is a perfect
getaway to submerge in the scenic mesmerised spurt of the Ganges.
The irresistible taste of the assorted delicacies right from devouring
into the fresh Hilsa served in a grand luncheon platter and fine
dining relaxes your mood all through holidaying. Often during the
brunch or in the day you may sip a flute of champagne, absorbing
therhythmicsoundoftherivergushingrightacross-happytripping!
EXPERIENCE THE RIVERSIDE IN LUXURY
Imbibe the tranquility with exotic river ride,
Witness the serene ambiance in the azure sky.

42. B I S H N U P U R
The miles across, the enchanting Bishnupur stands gleefully
amidst the lush green paddy fields, tiny rivers that cut across the
landscape and the odd group of tribes dancing all along the road
gives a picturesque portrait similar to that of the postcard. The
prosperous Bishnupur, once the cultural capital of Bengal, is the
dynasty of the Guptas and the Malla’s. It is rich in arts, architecture,
crafts, music and textiles. Bishnupur, the cultural city of Bengal also
retains its glory of terracotta temples, has a rich tale to tell. Over
the four hundred years ago, these temples built between 17th and
18th-century displays resembling the diverse styles of architecture.
Rasmancha, for example, made in the year 1600 AD by King Bir
Hambir for the annual ‘ras’ festival, looks more like a baradari and
less like a temple. Also known for its famous Baluchuri sarees, it is
home to many terracotta artworks and temples located around.
THE LAND OF TERRACOTTA TEMPLES
Feed your eyes over the dusky terracotta architecture
The intricate art stands beneath the scenic nature

43. S H A N T I N I K E T A N
Shantiniketan was established by Marahshi Debendranath Tagore,
and later was expanded by his son, Rabindranath Tagore with a
visionofmakingitauniversitytown.In1901,Tagorestartedaschool
at Shantiniketan that replicated ancient Gurukul system and later
came to be known as the Patha Bhawan school. It was planneds in
an open landscape that would be more enriching. Tagore received
the Nobel Prize (1913) which not only made India proud but also
the prestige of Shantiniketan has been highlighted. Shantiniketan
dates back its origin to 1833, is widely known to be the veritable
place for art and literature after its establishment as the pioneer
seat of education and learning- Viswa Bharati University which
later transformed from the school. Shantiniketan is also significant
for fairs and festivals like Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela
(January), Basanta Utsav/Holi (March).
TAGORE’S VISION OF A PLACE OF LEARNING
Where the fearless mind epitomises art and culture,
The folklore mesmerises winds to cheer.

44. M A N D A R M A N I
Do you know what makes Mandarmani attractive and pleasing? The
unfamiliarity and obscurity makes this seaside as the most relaxing
and alluring for the visitors. The best aspect of Mandarmani is that it
remainspleasantduringtheyears.However,thesummersarepretty
hot and humid touching the mercury to about almost 36 degrees
while the evenings are cool and breezy. Mandarmani, a pristine and
a virgin seaside village resort along the coast of the Bay of Bengal
in East Midnapur, almost 180 km and 4-5 hours drive from the heart
of the city, is one of the fastest developing seasides of Bengal. The
special attraction of the seaside is the red crabs crawling on the
beaches and is the longest drivable beach in India. This is the low
waves beaches of Digha and has the deposition with the formation
of neo-dunes in some areas especially around Dadanpatrabar.
THE SEASIDE RESORT VILLAGE
Where the shores beckons you to relax and calm,
The nature embraces you with charm.

45. A J O D H Y A H I L L S
An extension of the Dalma Hills of Jharkhand, Ajodhya is situated
in Purulia, surrounded by forests of sal, teak and mahua tree. A
picturesque gateway encapsulating hills, dales, trees, lakes, river
and azure skies, is a home to 16,000 tribal people. Known for Chhau
mask or the mask of the colloquial art, this place is crowded with
buffaloes bathing in the small fountains near the hills, brooks
around the hills and tribals laying muds with handprints or colourful
paintings on the walls in front of their huts. Goga Buru (2850 ft.) is
the highest peak of Ajodhya Hills spans an area of 34, 514 acres of
forest covering this hill is a house of various wild animals including
leopards, elephants, deer and wolves.
A SMALL PLATEAU IN PURULIA DISTRICT
Grasp your view to the Purulia trails,
The land of Chhau Nach where Ajodhya hails

46. G A U R
Located on the Western banks of Ganga River in the Malda district,
this city is considered to be one of the ancient residential places
in West Bengal. The city’s magnificent architecture has now been
reduced to ruins but the mystique nature of the citadel becomes
the main attraction for the tourists at any time of the year. Gaur is
believed to be discovered by Lord Lakshmana, brother of Lord Ram.
The ancient Gaur owes its origin from Hindu Puranic texts and its
history from the inscriptions that date back to 500 BC. During that
period, Gaur and Pandua were under the Mauryan Empire. If you are
into archeological studies and historical surveys, this place is a must
visit as it has many architectural structures of historical importance.
The monuments are now under the control of the Archaeological
Survey of India.
THE CAPITAL OF ANCIENT BENGAL
Dotted the architecture with Mughal style
Blazes the ruins of Bengal’s pride

47. K U R S E O N G
The origin of Kurseong has a mystery, but its name originates from
the stories that suggest the word Lepcha that connotes “The Land
of White Orchid”. Driving almost 32 km South of Darjeeling, this
place is a tiny and bustling hill town best known for its formidable
league of tea-estates and a rush of Raj-era boarding schools that
have extended. The small hill town as flanked by the hilly slopes
and draped with manicured tea estates, this is also the southern
terminus for the charming little toy-trains running in the mystique
Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. The tea gardens that envelop
Kurseong are Makaibari, Ambootia, Goomtee and Castleton all of
which can be visited. Other places of interest or sight-seeing spots
like Eagle’s Craig, Rock Garden, Deer Park, museum, temples can be
best visited from this place.
THE LAND OF WHITE ORCHID
Flanked by hilly slopes, basked in sunny shades,
As you look around, lies the manicured tea-estates

48. D A R J E E L I N G
Darjeeling, the hill station of the North Bengal quintessentially
reminds of the toy train and steaming hot cuppa. The mystic snow-
clad peaks of Kanchenjunga boastfully speaks of the spectacular
distance far off the lands- alluring you to come again and fall in
love with the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The sliding toy train blows its
whistle running along Ghoom railway station across the Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway. Ghoom Monastery houses a towering 15
feet high statue of the Maitreyi Buddha. The early mornings or
the sunsets in the Tiger Hills will make you mesmerised over the
scenic beauty. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park fosters
conservation to the endangered species of animals includes red
pandas, snow leopards and the Tibetan wolf. Japanese Peace
Pagoda, Mahakal temple, Darjeeling Mall, Chowrasta are some of
the notable local attractions.
QUEEN OF THE HILLS
A toy train ride to the snowy peaks that feast your eyes,
Devour through the tea estates that horizons your skies

49. S A N D A K P H U
Sandakphu, a perfect getaway is especially known to be a
destination for trekking. Being the highest peak in West Bengal,
Sandakphu offers mesmerising views of the world’s tallest
peaks. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, the Everest,
Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu are visible well from this summit.
Kanchenjunga can be best viewed from Sandakphu. The cluster of
Kanchenjunga range which is visible from there is also known as the
“Sleeping Buddha” due to its appearance. It is the perfect place for
adventure lovers. From Bhutan till Mt. Everest, the long drawn River
Teesta flows through Sandakphu, is a suitable place for river rafting-
a perfect adventure for the travel enthusiast. Sandakphu stores the
rare rhododendrons, silver fir forests and more than 600 varieties of
orchids are found in this area. If you plan trekking to Sandakphu,
you can start from Manebhanjan which will take 12 hours.
THE LAND OF SLEEPING BUDDHA
The gleams of rising sun kisses the peaks,
Beneath the floating clouds the mist and the hue meets

50. C O O C H B E H A R
The bygone era of the Raj dynasty takes you to the facade of the
Rajbari or the palace of the Kings and the endless royal palaces that
have innumerable stories to tell. Located in the foothills of Eastern
Himalayas, this beautiful district boasts of the large green fields.
The concept of the classical European style of Italian Renaissance
takes you to the magnificent palace built by the famous Koch King
Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887. Cooch Behar palace has been
modelled exactly as the Buckingham Palace of England. Flanked
by a small elegant balcony, the centre of the Durbar Hall has more
than 50 rooms halls of varied dimensions. On the pristine white
architecture, the Madan Mohan Temple lies which is the only place
of worship for the royal families. Besides these, Sagar Dighi, a large
tank in the middle of the town has been surrounded by the colonial
era buildings is worthy of mention.
REMNANTS OF ROYAL HERITAGE
The sprawling gardens of the grand Rajbari beautifies
As you enter the royal palace the colonial feel relives

51. Hitched with Bengal and its
beauty? The Bold Bengal feasts
your eyes to the amazing scenic
nature that ought to be in your
travel diaries. The tryst with
Bengal and the countryside is an
everlasting affair. The thrill that
you will derive while travelling in
Bengal and the experiences that
you gather around Kolkata will
leave you simply mesmerized. The
aftertaste will be as fascinating as
you relive galore of experiences
that you gather from here.
Photo:
Surendra Pradhan, Rajatabha Ray, Riddhi Mukherjee, Subhadeep
Sengupta, Ambor Debnath, Sudipta Roy, Jhilik Dasgupta
Content:
Ria Banerjee, Iraban Chakraborty
Design:
Jhilik Dasgupta
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

52. PRESENTED BY