Although Kolkata has renowned attractions such as the Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial and tram rides, the City of Joy has so much more to offer the curious traveler. If you are looking for more than a typical tourist 'to-do' list, Kolkata has a different side to it, one that delights in food experiences, artsy alleys, old colonial courtyards and cultural venues. From the real Chinese food around Tangra to the thousands of book stalls on College Street, this is a guide to the offbeat attractions in Kolkata that will make your trip a success. We have compiled a list of offbeat things to do in Kolkata for a different experience in the city.
Start off your adventure at Tangra, Kolkata's own Chinatown, where authentic Chinese food with an Indian twist is guaranteed to spark the taste buds of any foodies. Be sure to try the spicy chili chicken or the hakka noodles, at the popular joints that have served up food to generations of hungry eaters.
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Science City is ideal if you are looking to actually "play and learn". The variety of current exhibits/displays range from space to life sciences and the options for fun are virtually endless. If time permits, go check out the interactive experiences at Birla Industrial & Technological Museum as well. It is a perfect destination for family, kids, and friends!
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Venture into Kumartuli. What an immersion into place! As you wander the neighbourhood's alleys and streets, you will encounter artists creating clay statues and sculptors in their yards and buildings, using the street as a gallery. The area boasts murals and street art and along with a fresh new face, the Academy of Fine Arts or Gurudas College - all give visitors a sense of depth and vibrancy of Kolkata creative work and creative industries.
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Jorasanko Thakur Bari [the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore] definitely deserves visiting with Marble Palace, also two of the more 'unseen' places and sites in Kolkata, other than Victoria Memorial. All of these sites tell a story, both about Bengal's cultural and artistic heritage, and also its golden period of art and culture.
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What about stepping inside the Writers' Building and the little colonial courtyards along Chowringhee Road? It is captivating to think you're in colonial Kolkata. I personally enjoy visiting the old and broken down houses which offer photos for photographers or history lovers.
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Better known as Boi Para, College Street is a book lover's dream. You could spend an entire day sifting through second hand stores for rare and first editions, as well as new releases. When you are there, do get a coffee at the famous Indian Coffee House.
If a more quirky cultural compass is your thing, then you have Nandan, a space for cinema, art exhibitions and collective cultural growth. Nandan has been a space for all kinds of culture since 1985, and it continues to be a "thing" for college students, artists and film enthusiasts alike.
Kolkata is exciting beyond it heritage and places of interest. Whether you are a foodie, an artist, or a literature lover or you simply want to embrace the eclectic vibe of hidden experiences, the true flavour of the city can be discovered on these alternative adventures. So, next time you plan your trip, be sure to have some spare time reserved for offbeat experiences and enjoy Kolkata for how it is truly meant to be experienced. Interested in experiencing some of Kolkata's well-kept secrets?
Kolkata is so much more than landmarks - from tastes in Tangra Chinatown, to interactive experiences at Science City, surprises await around every corner. You can see street murals in Kumartuli, trip out over heritage structures like Jorasanko Thakur Bari and Marble Palace, or nerd out over colonial courtyard architecture, and reclaimed sites, while thinking about how the world has changes since yesteryear. Any booklover must feel like they haven't done anything unless they visit College Street, and no film lover could call themselves a film lover without visiting Nandan. These offbeat experiences in Kolkata will give travelers a much richer experience of the soul of the city and diversify our paths outside the worn track.
Q1. What are the greatest things to do in Bangalore like a local?
A: You can go to parks; eat street food; visit eccentric museums; go café hopping; attend local theatre performances.
Q2. What interesting off-beat places are there in Kolkata?
A: Some interesting off-beat places to see, as a history enthusiast, there are still quite a few abandoned buildings around Chowringhee, just as Marble Palace and the Writers' Building should be remembered.
Q3. What can I do that is different than mainstream tourists?
A: You can check out Science City, Kumartuli or Nandan are different things you can do in Kolkata.
Q4. Is College Street just for book lovers?
A: Books are the main focus, for me College Street is a cultural district on its own, Indian Coffee House is a must.
Q5. Are there off-beat tours of Kolkata you could join?
A: Yes, there are a number of local operators that offer tours in Kolkata, to have off-beat experiences, whether it be food walks, heritage trails or guided tours of street art.
I'm glad to hear that you found the blog helpful! If you have any questions or need further assistance on any topic covered in the blog, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!
