Oh Kolkata!

Since declaring its independence from the United Kingdom in 1947 after years of colonial rule, a number of India’s biggest cities have undergone name changes as their states underwent reorganization. Calcutta got its new name KOLKATA, Capital of West Bengal-India, is the union of the race, moment and milieu. In Jan 2001, the name was restored back to Kolkata from Calcutta.

One belief is that it is derived from in the name Kalikata - one of three villages present in the area where the city is today before the British arrived. The name Kalikata itself is derived from the Hindu goddess Kali. The name could have also been derived from the Bengali word kilkila which means "flat area." There is also evidence that the name could have come from the words khal (natural canal) and katta (dug) which would have been present in older languages.

Kolkata represents a reality which never believes in realizing itself into a settled monolith. As ceaseless innovation to achieve its own promise of New World of hope of human beings, its creative expression seeks a distinct identity and spirit. To discover this new Kolkata, I set out to find its new spirit.

My first stop was in Hoggs Market also known as “The New Market” by Kolkataites now.

 Its historical significance dates back to the 19^th century British Colony, who displayed their contempt to brush shoulders with the “natives” at the bazaar. As a result around 1871, the then Calcutta Corporation opened Sir Stuart-Hogg market which was the prize preserved of Calcutta’s British citizens.

Now Hoggs market more famously known as “New Market”, is Kolkata’s shopping institution. It’s crowded, chaotic but if you are after a bargain, or even just an incredible experience, it’s the right choice to be in.

After the haggle of a great bargain for a black leather handbag, I marched off to a cooler place that was to visit the grand Victoria Memorial. The foundation stone of Victoria Memorial hall was laid down in 1906, its design is called indo-saracenic style which incorporates Mughal structure, ie the dome shape is similar to that of Taj Mahal, one of wonders of the world. Victoria Memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson.

The Victoria Memorial is massive in size with blooming gardens, though it was the month of December, so the trees gave a haunting look but it had its charm still.

On the outer side of the walls, Muriel’s describing the various battles and skirmishes fought to attain independence are inscribed.

Inside the hall, is housed a museum which exhibits memorabilia relating to Victoria and the British presence in India as well as a collection of  moghul painters and contemporary cultural artifacts.

After an eclectic tour, I was famished, so proceeded to find food. Kolkata also is known as a Food's Paradise, you name it and they have it. Right from the footpath to exotic cuisines, it’s all there; you just need to find your palate and taste. My stop was “Mainland china” at south city hall it’s on the 3^rd floor, 375 Prince Anwar Shah Road. I was longing for Indian-Chinese, therefore I selected the items which gel that style.

CONNECTIVITY:  From KL-Malaysia to Kolkata, there are daily flights by AIRASIA, budget airlines.

From Netaji Subhash Chandra airport Kolkata, prepaid taxis are available to take one to their respective hotels. We were staying in Peerless Inn at 12 JL Nehru Road, central Kolkata.

From here all the places are walk able distance, ie Hoggs Market, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum Esplanade and Birla Planetarium.

TRAVEL TIP: Do carry drinking water when touring. Statutory Warning: do not buy even sealed water bottles from the roadside vendor shops. Always carry an umbrella; it shades one from the sun and unexpected showers.

BEST TIME: To visit Kolkata and its surroundings is from November to February. The days are pleasant and the nights are cooler.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY PLACES TO SEE:

BIRLA PLANETUARIUM – The very first and largest planetarium in Asia, started functioning in 1962.

INDIAN MUSEUM – One of the oldest institutions of its kind, in Asia Pacific region and Ninth oldest regular museum of the world.