Menu
Erstwhile Capital of the British Raj, the third largest metropolis in India, this port city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) has been crucial in the nation’s economy, human rights, and freedom.
Home to philosophers, scholars, scientists, musicians, celebrity playwrights, novelists and poets, not to mention Nobel laureates, and occasional saints, this is where the local soccer club Mohun Bagan beat the East Yorkshire Regiment to win the IFA Shield in 1911. This gave a fresh impetus to India’s freedom struggle against the Raj.
One could either discover the nuances of this epic city leafing through the pages of history, literature, poetry and drama, or by meandering through its prolific lanes, and ghosts of a glorious past. Every nook and cranny has a story to tell. From the filthy rich times of the Mughal empire to the ‘loot’ (as William Dalrymple puts it), during the colonial period, to abject poverty following the Great Bengal famine in 1770, the city has seen it all.
Known by many names the nickname ‘City of Joy’ came from its inherent capacity to celebrate. It celebrates food, culture, art, Durga Puja, Christmas, Chinese New Year, you name it.
Imprints of several cultures – Buddhist, Chinese, Anglo-India, Thai, Malacca, other than Mughals, and Colonial, can be found in this region comprising parts of West Bengal, the North East, and Odisha. These are evident in the architecture, places of worship, food, art and literature.
Darjeeling, at approximately 7,000 ft (2134 mts) is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails, tea estates and inspiring mountain views. This summer getaway of the British Raj provides breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
Nestled in the lush greenery of the Himalayas is Gangtok, the small capital city of Sikkim, where Buddhist prayer flags flutter. It’s a place of exotic orchids, Buddhist Monasteries and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Puri, in the State of Odisha is the holy land of Lord Jaganath. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, it is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots. The sheer size of Lord Jaganath and the wooden chariot inspired the term ‘juggernaut’ in the English language. The Konark Sun Temple, or ‘Black Pagoda’, built in the 13th century is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.
Bhubaneswar nearby is known as ‘The Temple City’, once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Also to be explored are the Udaigiri and Khandagiri Caves.
The food in this region is exquisite. From a hundred ethnic varieties to cuisines from many neighboring and faraway cultures are to be savored. Kolkata incidentally is also regarded as the dessert capital of India.
