Kolkata Unplugged: Five Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss in the City of Joy

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 700 Views

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is the city with an unbeatable blend of history, culture, and food. NDTV Travel features five offbeat activities that bring out the spirit of this cosmopolitan city. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a frequent traveler, these activities offer memories t...

1.⁠ ⁠See the Sunrise at Prinsep Ghat:

Start your day beside the Hooghly River at Prinsep Ghat, where the sun rises to fragment the sky with hues of pink and orange. The tranquil scene, along with the grandeur of the Vidyasagar Setu behind it, creates a peaceful refuge from the hubbub of the city. Add to that a steaming hot cup of cha from a street vendor and you have the quintessential Kolkata morning.

2.⁠ ⁠Uncover the Street Food Culture of Kolkata:

Kolkata street food is the stuff of legend. From telebhaja (batter-coated fried snacks) to jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice), every bite is a story. Go to New Market for its packed food stalls or Terreti Bazaar for a pre-breakfast Chinese breakfast of momos and pork baos. Don't miss the kathi rolls, a Kolkata staple.

3.⁠ ⁠Explore Kumortuli – The Potters’ Quarter – The Potters' Quarter Located in the heart of North Kolkata, Kumortuli is where skilled craftsmen make delicate clay idols, particularly for Durga Puja. Stepping through its narrow alleys lined with unfinished idols and the scent of wet clay is an otherworldly experience that reveals Kolkata's artistic soul.

4.⁠ ⁠Visit Kolkata's Heritage Mansions (Rajbaris):

The city's beautiful rajbaris are windows to its aristocratic heritage. See Marble Palace for its neoclassical facade and its quirky art collection or visit Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the house where Rabindranath Tagore was born. For an upscale getaway, Rajbari Bawali is a boutique destination with a rich history.

5.⁠ ⁠Ride in a Classic Yellow Taxi: Nothing embodies Kolkata's retro mood better than its yellow Ambassador cabs. Cruise along Dalhousie Square, College Street, and tram-lined streets to absorb the colonial elegance and haphazard buzz of the city. Chat up your driver—he usually has some wonderful tales to tell.

Kolkata invites you to look beyond its tourist centers and experience its beat of life. These are five things to do which are just a starting point to discover what this city of culture has to offer.

Source: NDTV Travel

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