24 Hours Wandering Kolkata With Zero GPS — The City Took Us Somewhere Magical

Kolkata, the City of Joy, never sleeps. It is bustling with life, history, or culture as this is a city that has a rich past and still boasts its colonial architecture. It is a strange city where small alleys give way to huge temples and street food, incense fills the air and everything seems so enchanting. Have you thought of discovering this rich city without a compass? Then Kolkata is the place to go to because there isn’t any better city to wander without a map. This will lead to never ending adventures in unexplored territories, while at the same time making you feel the essence of the city.

1.The Morning: A Wondrous Beginning.

Your starting point will most likely be the center of the city which can be close to Howrah Bridge. As you have no map to rely on, you make use of your instincts and seek the assistance of the city’s residents. Waking up to a sea of colorful flowers at Mullick Ghat coupled with the songs of flower salesmen is enough to set a good tone for the rest of the day. Seeing street vendors selling roses, marigolds, and rare jasmine flowers will make your jaw drop.

You might be tempted by the Hooghly River, where you can take a ferry across the river. The breezy river wind is refreshing, and the city skyline is beautiful to look at. Upon getting off the ferry, you see the Howrah Station in the distance. That station is by far the most beautiful building of colonial times. While not having a map of the place, you decide to go deeper into the station and begin to uncover its winding pathways. Inside the station, you will find a small city of Kolkata in the form of chai sellers, passengers trying to catch trains, and porters carrying large loads on their heads.

2.Midday: Exploring Culture and History

Later on, as the day passes and the hour gets later you notice BBD Bagh, once called Dalhousie Square, to be in the vicinity. The area features a lot of colonial buildings, a mark of deep history, this is the reason for the metropolitan hustle bustle. If not accompanied with proper guidance, you will probably find The General Post Office with all its intriguing elegance standing proud. Not too far, the Writers’ Building, reminds the xiti of Kolkata of all its colonial characters. Also, deep in the labyrinth lifts this calm St. John’s Church. By the sight of it, one would guess it is a quiet and calm part of the bustling city. The calm gardens and gravestones offer a perfect backdrop to catch the historic view as well as the wind down.

You’re hungry, so you sniff out a street food stall nearby, probably serving Kolkata’s delicious Kathi roll – a flaky paratha filled with deliciously spicy meat or vegetables. Do not forget to enjoy roadside puchka (pani puri) as well. And if at this point you’re wondering why Kolkata is a food lover’s paradise? The answer lies in the explosion of flavors, not to mention, the dishes served with love.

3.Afternoon: Exploring the Lanes and By-Lanes

The afternoon takes you on a new adventure as the narrow lanes of North Kolkata open. Get ready to sail without a map as the rhythm of time and locality will serve you just fine. You could wander into Kumartuli, the traditional potters’ neighborhood, which also features skilled craftsmen who design splendid clay statues of gods and goddesses. Observing them is utterly fascinating, and you finally understand Kolkata’s artistic legacy.

From there, it is possible to get lost in the colorful markets of Shyambazar or Hatibagan. These markets are full of vibrant colors and sounds that are splendid to witness. You might find a quaint bookshop where you can lose yourself in the pages of ancient Bengali novels or a quaint sweetshop where you can enjoy sandesh or rasgulla.

4Evening: A Cultural Extravaganza

As the sun sets, the city transforms into a mixture of joy and vibrant lights. You may find yourself wandering the streets of Park Street, the city’s cultural center, even without a map. The overwhelming ambience makes it an ideal spot to enjoy coffee at Flurys where you can listen to live music at night. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at Flurys, a famous tea room that has been an emblem of Kolkata for decades, or watch a play at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Or perhaps you will end up at the Maidan which is a large open irregular space, serving as the lungs of the city. On my walks through the Maidan, you bump into various clusters of friends playing cricket, couples absorbed in sweet nothings, and a few street performers trying their luck entertaining the crowd. This scene is beautifully complemented with the majestic Victoria Memorial coming into the sight, lit up in the night sky.

5Night: A Culinary Adventure

As Night deepens you go on a culinary adventure. You can find a seemingly normal, small restaurant that serves delightful biriyani, or you might get lucky and stumble upon my favorite roadside stall serving mouthwatering jhal muri, spicy puffed rice snack and is a must try for anyone visiting Kolkata. From my travels, I can tell that the food scene in the city is exceptionally rich, as diverse as the culture, where every bite has a story.

Conclusion: What Do You Think You Will Achieve?

In your attempt to aimlessly wander without the help of a navigational tool for 24 hours, you may notice that Kolkata is an incredibly beautiful city for both the curious and the adventurous. With no planned route at hand, you have connected with locals, discovered hidden gems, and experienced the city in an unforgettable and deeply personal manner. You may end up watching the city lights dance on the water along the banks of the Hooghly river or reflecting upon your journey while sipping chai in a corner of a colonial-era café. 

As you immerse yourself in the heart of Kolkata, you will notice that losing your way is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, it is an advantage that allows you to unfurl all of the mysteries concealed within the beauty of this city. By not having a map, you can listen to your instincts, welcome uncertainties, and let the city guide you. What you will come to learn is that Kolkata is so much more than just a place to visit; it’s an entire experience that captures your heart and a feeling that blossoms anew each time you remember it long after you’ve left its boundaries.

 

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