5 Things to do in Kolkata to Get a Taste of the Lives of the Locals

Even though Kolkata is a metro city, it has an old world charm like no other place. With rich culture and heritage, the city is a page straight out of the history book. The best way to feel the true essence of the city is to spend a day or two like a local. There are a number of things that you can do and explore in the City of Joy to feel like a local. Here we have listed down the top five things that you must do on your trip to get the taste of the lives of Bengalis: 

1-Go on a tram ride: Trams are the best kept secrets of Kolkata. To get the real feel of the city, hop on to these slow coaches and enjoy a joyride as you pass by the roads in slow motion. Unlike the faster modes of transport like cars, taxis and metro, the beauty of trams lies in the lesson that we strive to learn in our lives, which is to slow down. While everyone around is in a hurry, you can watch the time come to a standstill when you are taking a tram ride in Kolkata. Though they have become rare, make sure you hop on one and experience the vintage feel of going on a tram ride.

2-Visit the College Street for Book Shopping: Being the largest second hand book market in the world, this is another place worth visiting on your trip to Kolkata. And if you are a book lover, you are sure to have a great time here exploring the vast collection of books here. It is usually flocked by students of schools and colleges who want to get the books for their curriculum. But even if you don’t want to buy any book, be here to experience the madness of this place.

3-Savour the street food delights. Your experience like a local is incomplete without savouring the lip-smacking street food of Kolkata. From puchkas, jhalmuri and kathi rolls, to aloo kalbi, tela bhaja, aloo dom luchi and minced mutton cutlets, there are so many scrumptious delights worth savouring in the City of Joy. If you are in the city to attend a wedding, you can savour these yummy delicacies at the wedding venues in Kolkata too, but the best way to enjoy them is on the streets and markets of the city. The burst of taste and flavour will surely leave your taste buds asking for more.

4-Enjoy a picnic at the Eco Park: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the city. It is counted among the biggest urban parks in the country and is the best place to indulge in recreational activities. Here you will find the mini versions of the seven wonders of the world. Spend some time amidst the sprawling green landscapes and if you are in the city with family, a picnic at this park would be the best way to enjoy an evening.

5-Do Shopping at the New Market: Dating back to the colonial era, this is one of the oldest markets of the city. It is a shopper’s paradise where you will find just anything and everything, right from sarees, suits, shoes, bags and jewellery to exotic flowers, décor items, eateries and bakeries having a rare variety of cheese. Come here, show off your bargaining skills like a local and get your hands on some really cool stuff like handcrafted jewellery, handbags and much more.

There’s a lot you can do in Kolkata to get the taste of the lives of the locals. So next time you are in the city, do try some of these things and you are sure to have a fun time. For your accommodation, it would be best to choose the top hotels of Kolkata where you can enjoy a comfortable and stress free stay.

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