A Short Kolkata Walk

Today, we tried a short self designed Kolkata Walk on Park Street which although not revolutionary in its intent, was fun, cheap and easy on the feet. 

The starting point was

1. Flurys - One would be loath to miss a visit to this fine European tearoom and confectionery integral to Calcutta’s food heritage. We had a relaxed breakfast of items on the menu served since its inception in 1927 - (Simply called Heritage). All of what we had was yummy; beans on toast, chilled coffee Sprungli, baked beans, omelette and tea sandwiches

Baked beans on bread

Some luverly lemon tea

Located: Park Street, Middleton Row

2. Indian Museum - Very close to Flurys, this is currently closed for renovation, but I expect it to be worth a visit once open to the public again.

Located: Near Park Street Station

3. South Park Cemetery – Tucked in a quiet lane on Mother Teresa Sarani, the cemetery is over 200 years old, free to visit and quite an experience. It is arguably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe or America. There are tombs of various shapes and sizes, interesting inscriptions and the atmosphere is of quiet reverence. What I did take away at the end of my visit here was the sheer number of people who died young in that era, i.e., even before they reached 30. Aren't we lucky!

Located: Mother Teresa Sarani

4. Maybe catch a quick lunch at Peter Cat and Mocambo although we did not do it today.

5. Shop on Park street for sarees or take a short walk to New market for wholesale silver, fabrics and other wares

Our next destination was B.B.D Bagh which takes around 20-25 minutes on foot.

6. B.B.D Bagh (Dalhousie Square) is the central business district in Kolkata. See the Raj Bhavan, Town Hall, Calcutta High Court, Currency office – Basically tons of British architecture, paved roads and colonial structures all in a circle’s walk.

 Town Hall

Police Station

Raj Bhavan

7. St John’s Church and Job Charnock Mausoleum

St John’s Church was one of the first buildings to be built in India after the British arrived in Kolkata. Thus, the mausoleum of the founder of Kolkata, Job Charnock, is also here. Recall the oft repeated (and perhaps urban legend) of how Kolkata was named? Job Charnock chanced upon a local loitering on the banks of river Ganges, pointed to the ground and asked him, "My good man, what is this place called?" The local, in his ignorance of the English language, imagined the pale alien was asking him about the grass and so he said, “Kal Katta tha.” (I cut it yesterday) Kalkatta. Calcutta. Get it? Get it? 

 Inside the church

Job Charnock's memorial

Located: Next to Raj Bhavan, B.B.D Bagh

8. Can do – Victoria Memorial and Alipore Zoo as well, though we did not do it today

9. Finished with The corner courtyard – A nice place to eat at Hazra, though tad overpriced and employs some very confused waiters.

This was a simple itinerary with much to discover. Also, not to miss a hot cup of black chai available along the lane opposite to Flurys on which they sprinkle ground pepper or garam masala or some such. Awesome!