French
Deutsch
| South Kolkata South Kolkata (or South Calcutta) is a commonly-used term, but the extent of this district is not commonly agreed upon. This article uses the term to denote the localities of Alipore, Ballygunge, Bhowanipore, Chetla, Gariahat and Rash Behari. |
South Kolkata (দক্ষিণ কলকাতা Dakṣiṇ Kalkātā) is an important part of Kolkata city. It is less congested and more modern than the rest of the city. You will find more apartment blocks and green patches here.
Understand
[edit | edit source]
The southern part of Kolkata is home to three of the city's elite localities: Alipore (আলিপুর Ālipur), Bhowanipore (ভবানীপুর Bhabānīpur) and Ballygunge (বালিগঞ্জ Bāligañj). All three were established by the affluent populations wanting to escape the old bustling North Kolkata in the early 20th century, with strong links to academia, art, literature and music.
Alipore
[edit | edit source]Alipore (আলিপুর Ālipur) is named after Mir Jafar Ali Khan, the next Nawab of Murshidabad after Siraj-ud-Daulah. After his abdication in 1760, the East India Company permitted Mir Jafar to live in the area now known as Alipore. It is also fondly called "Bungalow Para" (বাংলোপাড়া Bāṅlopāṛā) due to its abundance of bungalows. It serves as the headquarters of South 24 Parganas since 1986.
In addition, Alipore is strongly associated with the Indian independence movement, with prisons like Alipore and Presidency Jails were being used to arrest revolutionaries. The Alipore Jail is converted to a museum dedicated to the arrested revolutionaries. The Alipore Sessions Court is known for holding the Alipore Bomb Case in 1908-1909, where Sri Aurobindo and others were tried.
Park Circus
[edit | edit source]Park Circus (পার্ক সার্কাস Pārk Sārkās) is a busy locality at the crossroads of the city.
Get in
[edit | edit source]
Map of Kolkata/South
South Kolkata can be easily reached from the central regions like Dharmatala, Park Street and Sealdah easily by bus, taxi or metro railway. From north Kolkata the number of buses is slightly low, but metro railway is always an option. There also are bus links with the East and the Southern fringes. There is a railway system linking the city to the suburbs and a part of this system passes through the city.
By metro
[edit | edit source]The Blue Line 1 runs along the city from north to south, and is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach South Kolkata. However, you may have to change to other modes of transport to reach your destination. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-15, from 8AM to 9:45PM from Monday to Saturday and 2PM to 9:45PM on Sunday.
The metro stations within South Kolkata include 1 Rabindra Sadan 1 (Exide More), 2 Netaji Bhavan 1 (Bhowanipore), 3 Jatin Das Park 1 (Hazra More) and 4 Kalighat 1 (Rash Behari).
By bus
[edit | edit source]Buses have the most extensive coverage and is inexpensive, providing last-mile connectivity. You can travel 20 km at around ₹10. The exact fare depends on the type of bus, whether it is a state bus, a minibus or a private bus.
By train
[edit | edit source]The suburban overground railway tracks pass through the eastern and southern edges of Kolkata. The Park Circus-Majherhat section is also used by the circular railway system. The main stations in South Kolkata include:
- 5 Majerhat 3 Circular Sealdah South . Serves Alipore and Chetla.
- 6 Ballygunge Junction Circular Sealdah South . Serves Gariahat and also Ballygunge.
By auto-rickshaw
[edit | edit source]Point to point auto rickshaws are a cheap and popular means of transport, in most parts of the city, except the central business district. These accommodate four passengers and charge individually.
By taxi
[edit | edit source]Taxis are a fast mode of transport and offer you more comfort and privacy than the other modes. However, they are much more expensive than buses or metro rail. There are many agencies that provide hired cars - AC and non-AC. They charge per km or per hour, whichever is higher.
See
[edit | edit source]
- 1 Bhowanipore Cemetery, Debendra Lal Khan Rd.
- 2 Bijay Manzil. The current residence of the descendants of the Bardhaman Raj family who shifted from Bardhaman to Alipore in 1955.
- 3 Dhanadhanya Auditorium (ধনধান্য Dhanadhānya; also spelt "Dhonodhanno"), Thackeray Rd (off Debendra Lal Khan Rd, opposite Presidency Jail). An auditorium shaped like a humongous conch-shell (শাঁখ śā̃kh), an example of mimetic or novelty architecture in India. Inaugurated on April 2023, the building has 6 floors containing guest house, restaurant, cafeteria, VIP lounge, media lounge and a convention centre. It hosts various cultural programmes and is also a venue for national and international trade fairs.
- 4 Kalighat Home for the Dying (নির্মল হৃদয় Nirmal Hr̥daẏ), Kalighat Rd (next door to the Kalighat Temple). A hospice for the sick, destitute and the dying established by Mother Teresa.
- 5 Mahanirban Math (মহানির্বাণ মঠ Mahānirbāṇ Maṭh), 113, Rashbehari Ave, Dover Terrace. 6AM-8PM. A Buddhist monastery.
- 6 National Library of India (জাতীয় গ্রন্থাগার Jātīẏa Granthāgār, previously Belvedere House), Belvedere Rd, Alipore (near Alipore Zoo, 1.3 km E of Netaji Bhavan 1 ), ☏ +91 33 2248-7831, +91-33-2479 1382, +91-33-2479 1383, +91-33-2479 1384, +91-33-2479 1385, +91-33-2479 1386, +91-33-2479 1387, +91-33-2479 2467, fax: +91 33 2479 1462, [email protected]. 8AM-8PM (Sa: 9:30AM-6PM). This is a stately mansion. Once home of the British Viceroys, Belvedere House is now the National Library. The oldest library in India with a huge collection, including some rarities. It houses over a million books and is the biggest in India.
- 7 Nizam Palace, 234/4, AJC Bose Rd. A heritage building constructed in 1933.
- 8 Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, ☏ +91 33 2464 1307, [email protected]. 10AM-6PM (closed S). A cultural hub of Kolkata, dedicated to Bengal's folk art and traditions, with a collection of textile practices, patachitra, old litho paintings, terracotta artefacts, ivory paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, and coins. It features works of artists like Nandalal Bose, Jogen Choudhury, Sanatan Dinda, S. Nandagopal, Wasim Kapoor, and Paresh Maity. It also houses a bookstore and a library with Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature, as well as an auditorium and a well-maintained guest house. Free.
Keoratala
[edit | edit source]- 9 Keoratala Crematorium (কেওড়াতলা মহাশ্মশান Keoṛātalā Mahāśmaśān), 113, Tollygunge Rd.
- 10 Mysore Garden (মহীশূর উদ্যান Mahīśūr Udyān).
Rabindra Sarobar
[edit | edit source]
Southern Ave (metro: Rabindra Sarobar 1 ; suburban: Lake Gardens Circular Sealdah South ).
Rabindra Sarobar (রবীন্দ্র সরোবর Rabīndra Sarobar), formerly Dhakuria Lake and locally just "Lake", is a large open lake and park area, and the largest in the whole South Kolkata. It houses boating clubs, an open-air theatre, eateries, and the rowing regatta events.
Due to the eco-sensitive nature of the park, food and plastic bottles aren't allowed inside, although there are a lot of stalls outside.
The attractions within the park include:
- 11 Calcutta Cricket Centre (on the northern lakeshore).
- 12 Calcutta Rowing Club.
- 13 Maa Phire Elo (মা ফিরে এলো Mā Phire Elo; Durga Museum). A museum dedicated to the various Durga Puja idols of Kolkata. A must-visit for Durga Puja connoisseurs.
- Nazrul Mancha.
Gardens
[edit | edit source]
- 14 Agri Horticultural Garden, 1, Alipore Rd (south from National Library, 0.8 km (0.50 mi) from Remount Road Circular ), ☏ +91 33 2479 1713. 7–11AM and 1:30–5:00PM, closed on W upto 11AM and Th. Founded by William Carey in 1820, it is a lush environ owned and managed by the Agri Horticultural Society of India. The venue for exotic plant and flower exhibitions, it is spread over 21 acres comprising main lawns and informal gardens and children park, and has many rare and tropical plants.
- 15 Alipore Zoo (আলিপুর চিড়িয়াখানা Ālipur Ciṛiẏākhānā), 2, Alipore Rd, ☏ +91 33 2479 1150, [email protected]. F–W 9AM–5PM, aquarium 10:30AM–5PM. One of the most famous zoological gardens in Eastern India. It was once notorious for its cross-breeding experiments between lions and tigers to produce strains like tigons, ligers and litigons. It was home to Advaita, the longest-lived animal in the world, who died in March 2006. The other success story of the zoo was a live birth of the rare Sumatran rhinoceros in 1889. The lakes within are a favourite retreat for migratory Siberian birds. Zoo ₹20, aquarium ₹5, video photography ₹250 per hour.
Memorials and museums
[edit | edit source]- 16 Alipore Museum (formerly Alipore Central Jail), 17, Judges Court Rd. A museum dedicated to the Indian independence movement, with a special focus on Bengal. It was a prison during the British rule, and was used to arrest many freedom activists. The museum contains patriotic lyrics of Kazi Nazrul Islam on the wall, along with the individual cells of Jawaharlal Nehru, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo and others. There are exhibits within some of these cells that replicate the daily lives of the prisoners. The museum also has a somber site of the gallows where many activists were hanged. It also organises a sound and light show in the evenings in Bengali and Hindi.
- 17 Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, 19A, Gurusaday Rd, ☏ +91 33 22877241, +91 33 22877242, +91 33 22877243. Daily 10AM–5:30PM. Inaugurated in 1959 as the first popular science museum in Asia. It is a modern museum with lots of interesting artefacts, shows, events, and activities, primarily popular with school-going children. Its collection of old gramophones, sound recorders, telephones, steam engines, road rollers, and other industrial machinery of the period 1880–1950 is very significant. It also actively organises summer camps, awareness programmes, and astronomy observations for schoolchildren. The exhibitions, many of them demanding you to take an active part, can compete with those you could visit in countries like the United States. ₹15; special presentations are charged extra.
- 18 Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA), 2F, Sunny Towers, 43 Ashutosh Chowdhury Ave (close to the Birla Temple), ☏ +91 33 2485 8509, +91 33 2485 8717, [email protected]. M 3–7PM, Tu–Sa 11AM–7PM. A small museum showing modern artworks. It has nearly 200 exhibitions, along with an annual pre-Druga Puja lifestyle exhibition. Free.
- 19 Gautam Sen Memorial Boardgames Museum, 57/13, Ballygunge Circular Rd. Entry is by invitation or prior appointment only. A collection of ancient and modern board games, ranging from the oldest board game, The Royal Game of Ur, to current games such as Settlers of Catan and Grizzled.
- 20 Maulana Azad Museum, 5, Ashraf Mistry Ln (near Ballygunge Military Camp Gate), ☏ +91 33 23356623. M–F 11AM–5PM. Closed on Sa, Su, and national holidays. The former home of the Indian freedom activist and the first Education Minister of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Azad's work interpreting the mystic Sarmad, a member of Prince Dara Shikoh's court, is also a cornerstone of the secular tradition in India. The museum is replete with narrations of his life, times, work, personal archives, and belongings. Free.
- 21 Netaji Bhawan (নেতাজি ভবন Netāji Bhaban), 38/2, Elgin Rd, ☏ +91 33 2486-8139, +91 33 2486 8070 (fax). Tu–Su 11AM–5PM,. A heritage building maintained as a memorial and research centre to the life of the Indian nationalist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Netaji's bedroom was on the first floor, shared with his father. Netaji's footsteps from the bedroom to the outside as part of the Great Escape of 1941 are also painted here, where he escaped from house arrest to gather foreign support for the Indian independence movement. The museum also showcases the car that Netaji's nephew drove him all the way to Gomoh, along with a collection of rare photographs, letters, and Netaji's clothes. There's a small bookshop with different publications by the Netaji Bureau, along with the recordings of Netaji's speeches. ₹20 (adults), ₹10 (children).
- Ronald Ross Memorial, AJC Bose Rd.
- 22 Sorcar Art Gallery (Indrajal Bhavan), 11/48B, Jamir Ln, Ekdalia, ☏ +91 83729 17139. 7AM-11PM. The residence of magician P.C. Sorcar and his son P.C. Sorcar Jr., now converted into an art gallery.
- 23 TRI Art & Culture, 53/2/2, Hazra Rd, ☏ +91 93300 78397. Opened in January 2024, the art gallery is considered a multidisciplinary haven for community engagement. It is housed in the 1940s mansion of the Thapar family, the owners of the art gallery.
- 24 Tram World, Gariahat. A museum showcasing the 150-year-old heritage of the tram system in Kolkata.
Temples
[edit | edit source]
- 25 Adya Kali Temple (আদ্যাকালী মন্দির Ādyākālī Mandir), Kali Mandir Rd, Kalighat. Houses Kolkata's patron deity. According to the legend, when Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati’s body was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Rebuilt in 1809, this is one of the 51 shakti pithas.
- 26 Birla Temple (Radha-Krishna Temple), 2 Queens Park Road, Ashutosh Chowdary Ave (Ballygunge Phari Bus Stop). 5:30-11AM and 4:30-9PM. The most modernly opulent in Kolkata and worth a visit. The adjoining tree-lined lane Queen's Park is the most exclusive and fashionable address in the city and is worth a stroll through. Some of the biggest names in the city call it home. A close second is Sunny Park, running parallel to Queen's Park on the other side of the Birla Temple.
- 27 Durga Mandir, 127A, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rd (Tollygunge PS Bus Stop), ☏ +91 89 61613209.
- 28 Lake Kalibari (লেক কালীবাড়ি Lek Kālībāṛi).
- 29 Lord Soni dev Temple, Harish Chatterjee Street (Tolly Canal Embankment).
- 30 Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, 1, Lake Terrace Rd. 5AM-7PM. One of the rare Japanese Buddhist temples in India. It was founded by Nichidatsu Fujii (Fujii Guruji) in 1935, a follower of Nichiren Buddhism.
- 31 Shree Laxminarayan Mandir, 42, Sarat Bose Rd.
Do
[edit | edit source]Cinema
[edit | edit source]- 1 Basusree Cinema (বসুশ্রী Basuśrī), 102, SP Mukherjee Rd (metro: Kalighat 1 ), ☏ +91 33 2455 4808. One of the four cinema halls that premiered Satyajit Ray's movie Pather Panchali. While the other halls were later shut down or became inactive, this one is still very active.
- 2 Bijoli Cinema (বিজলী Bij(a)lī), 39, SP Mukherjee Rd, ☏ +91 33 2455 5382.
- Inox, Forum Mall, Elgin Rd.
- Cinepolis, 5th Floor, Lake Mall, 104 Rashbehari Avenue.
- Inox, Quest Mall, 4th Floor, Syed Amir Ali Avenue.
- 3 Menoka Cinema (মেনকা Menakā), 5, Sarat Chatterjee Ave (near Rabindra Sarobar Stadium), ☏ +91 33 2466 0417, +91 33 2466 3080.
- 4 Priya Cinema, 95, Rashbehari Ave (beside Deshapriya Park), ☏ +91 33 2464 1313.
Clubs
[edit | edit source].jpg)
- 5 Calcutta Club, 241, AJC Bose Rd. An iconic landmark in Kolkata, representing the elite (babu) Bengal with rich history and culture.
- 6 Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, 19/1, Gurusaday Dutta Rd. Founded in 1792, it is the second-oldest cricket club in the world after Marylebone Cricket Club. It arguably has the most picturesque cricket ground in Kolkata.
- 7 Gariahat Chess Club, Gariahat Rd. An open-air chess club under a busy flyover.
Durga Puja venues
[edit | edit source]- 8 Deshapriya Park (দেশপ্রিয় পার্ক Deśapriẏa Pārk), Rashbehari Ave (intersection to Sarat Bose Rd; Deshapriya Park
). The venue of one of the biggest Durga Puja celebrations of South Kolkata. It also contains one of the tallest permanently-installed Durga statues of the city as well. There's also a monument north of the park, dedicated to the Bengali authors and the martyrs of the Bengali language movements of Bangladesh and Assam. - 9 Maddox Square.
- 10 Park Circus Beniapukur United Puja Committee.
- 11 Triangular Park (Sarat Chatterjee Park).
- 12 Tridhara Sammilani.
Parks
[edit | edit source]- 13 Kalighat Park, 61, Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Rd, Manoharpukur, Kalighat (Kalighat Metro Station 0.4 km).
- 14 Lions Safari Park, Moiras Street, lake Terrace, Dhakuria (Vivekananda Park Bus Stop).
- 15 Padma Pukur Park, Kavi Bharati Sarani Road, Lake Gardens (On the lakeshore).
- 16 Park Circus Maidan, Suhrawardy Ave. Park Circus Maidan becomes a focal point during the winter—especially in December and January—as it becomes home to circus companies and kids all over the city flock to the maidan to watch circus.
- 17 Vivekananda Park, Kavi Bharathi Road, Southern Park, Lake Gardens (Vivekananda Park Bus Stop).
Sports
[edit | edit source]- 18 Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Moira Street, Hindustan Park (Sarat Bose Southern Ave Crossing Bus Stop). Multi-use stadium. Can accommodate 40,000 spectators.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Markets
[edit | edit source]- 1 Gariahat Market, 212, 214 Rash Behari Avenue, near Gariahat Road-Rashbehari Avenue crossing. Most shops closed S. One of the largest markets in Kolkata. Good for food and fashion. The shops in the marketplace sell a variety of saris, clothing, jewellery, electronic goods, furniture, and more. The makeshift shops along the footpaths, popular as hawkers, sell everything – crockery, cutlery, decorative items and utilities. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, betel leaf, fish, egg, meat are the main groceries available. You can buy branded and non-branded clothing from Western like tees and jeans to tradition Indian such as dupattas and sarees, along with bags and purses. It has numerous eateries and street food joints. Bargaining is important here, like in many shops.
- 2 Jadu Babu's Market, 31, Asutosh Mukherjee Road. Vegetables, fruits, betel leaf, fish, meat, eggs, etc., available
- 3 Lake Market, 104, Rash Behari Avenue. One of the largest markets in Kolkata. Vegetables, fruits, betel leaf, flowers, fish, meat, eggs, etc., available. It is the best place in South Kolkata for flowers, flower bouquets, floral rings etc.
- 4 Lansdowne Market, 65/1 Sarat Bose Road. Vegetables, fruits, betel leaf, flowers, fish, meat, eggs, etc., available. Old market, popular for both variety and fair prices.
Shopping malls
[edit | edit source]- 5 Forum Mall, 10/3 Elgin Rd. Tu-Sa 10AM-9PM, M 1-8PM, closed Sunday. There is an appealing range of upmarket shops housed across six floors. Forum is a centre of fashion and there are many beautiful clothes, accessories, and shoes to choose from. Those with nostalgia about things foreign can find shops selling Belgian chocolates, English biscuits, and so on. Restaurants and bars include Oh! Calcutta (☏ +91 33 22837161, mains from ₹150, excellent Bengali food), Cafe Mezzuna, Ar-Han-Thai (Lebanese & Thai food), Spaghetti Kitchen (Italian food), Starstruck (Chinese, Continental, North Indian, Mughlai).
- 6 Gariahat Mall, Ballygunge.
- 7 Lake Mall, Kavi Bharati Sarani (off 104, Rash Behari Ave). High-end shopping mall, branded shops, food court and restaurants, multiplex, offices, and a hotel.
- 8 Merlin Homeland Mall, 18B, Asutosh Mukherjee Rd. Homeland Mall is one stop mall for house building materials and interior decor items. E Zone Electronic Mall is next to it.
- 9 Quest Mall, 33, Syed Amir Ali Ave. Luxury retail, largest apparel store, fine dining, six-screen insignia class multiplex. Restaurants and bars include Chili's and Irish House.
Shops
[edit | edit source]- 10 Pantaloons, Ashutosh Chowdhury Rd, Dover Terrace,Ballygunge.
- 11 Machhli Baba, 24A, Lake View Rd, Ground Floor. Different varieties of fish starting from single piece to large quantities
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 7grams Cafe, 45, Kabi Sabitri Prasanna Rd. 11AM-11PM.
- 2 8th Day Cafe & Bakery. 8AM-10PM.
- 3 Forum Mall, 10/3 Elgin Road. Sunday closed. Restaurants here: Oh! Calcutta (☏ +91 33 22837161, mains from ₹150, excellent Bengali food). Ar-Han-Thai (Lebanese & Thai food), Spaghetti Kitchen (Italian food), Starstruck (Chinese, Continental, North Indian, Mughlai).
Gariahat
[edit | edit source]- 4 Bhojohari Manna, 18/1A, Hindustan Rd, ☏ +91 33 24663941, +91 33 24667686. Authentic Bengali food. Fish and vegetarian speciality - sukto, mochar ghanto, chital macher muitha, chingri macher malaikari, kankra (crab), et al. Mutton Dak Bungalow has become a trade mark. No hard drinks.
- 5 Bhojohari Manna, 9/18 Ekdalia Rd. Mostly for take-away service. Food also served.
- 6 Chinese Pavilion, P 21 Old Ballygunge Road (At Ballygunge Phari crossing), ☏ +91 33 2283 3093, +91 9836627306. Noon-10:30PM. Chinese and Thai cuisine. Drinks not served.
- 7 The Dhaba, Ballygunge Phari, ☏ +91 8017779607, +91 9903000353. 11:30AM-11PM. North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Try out the Punjabi speciality;makka di roti and sarson di saag
- 8 Krystal Chopstick, 71 H, Hindustan Park (Opposite Basanti Devi College), ☏ +91 33 4060 3022, +91 9831526118. Noon-10:30PM. Chinese cuisine. No drinks.
- 9 Mirch Masala, 49/2 Gariahat Rd (Near Pantaloons), ☏ +91 9830644484, +91 33 24618900. Great Punjabi food, also has a Chinese restaurant. Drinks served.
- 10 6 Ballygunge Place, 6 Ballygunge Place, ☏ +91 33 24603922, +91 99 03975614. Bengali & North Indian cuisine. Buffet lunch ₹375 (Monday to Friday), ₹425 (Saturday). No drinks.
- 11 South India Club Canteen, 70 B, Hindustan Park, ☏ +91 33 24640927. Budget restaurant. Place not posh but tasty food.
- 12 Padmaparer Rannaghar, 26/4 Gariahat Road, ☏ +91 33 2419 8916. Noon-10PM. Bengali and South Indian cuisine.
- 13 Tero Parban, 49C Purna Das Rd (Near Gol Park), ☏ +91 33 2464 0199, +91 9830432175. Noon-10:30PM. Bengali cuisine with the ambience of a traditional Bengali home.
- 14 I Love Haldiram, 24 Ballygunge Park, ☏ +91 9339692141, +91 9339692149. 10AM-10PM. Mithai, North Indian vegetarian, street food.
- 15 Mitra Cafe, 23/37 Gariahat Road, ☏ +91 90076 95923. 11AM-11PM. North Indian fast food. Speciality - fish kaviraji, mutton chops, rolls, pakoda, mutton kaviraji, chowmein, pudding.
- 16 Kasturi Restaurant, 13/6B Anil Moitro Road (near Patha Bhaban Montessori School), ☏ +91 33 2440 0039, +91 8334922228. 11:45AM-11PM. Dhakai cuisine. Speciality - bhetki paturi, biryani, mochar ghonto, kochu pata chingri bhapa, jhuri alu bhaja, mutton kosha, kosha mangsho.
- 17 Kwality, 2A, Gariahat Road (near Ballygunge Phari crossing), ☏ +91 33 2460 9982, +91 33 2460 7079. Noon-10:45PM. One of the earliest posh restaurants in South Kolkata. Authentic North Indian delicacies. Continental and Chinese also served. Drinks available. Payment in cash only.
- 18 Mainland China, Uniworth House, 3A, Guru Saday Dutta Road, ☏ +91 33 2283 7964, +91 9330627506. 12:30PM-3PM, 7PM-11PM. Innovative Chinese food. Grand buffets. Drinks served.
- 19 Azad Hind, 12/1, Ballygunge Circular Road, ☏ +91 33 24866475, +91 33 24864742. Virtually open round the clock. North Indian cuisine, street food. Popular items: chicken bharta, tandoori chicken, tandoori aloo, butter naan, dal tadka, rolls, panneer butter masala. No alchohol.
- 20 Domino's Pizza, 62/7, Ballygunge Circular Road, ☏ +91 33 4063 3339, +91 4063 3339. 11AM-11PM. Pizza, fast food. Popular for: garlic bread, chocolava cake, pepperoni pizza, pasta, chicken wings, lava cake, veggie pizza. No alchohol.
- 21 Soul Atrium, P-249, Purna Das Rd (opposite Vicky Gardens). 8AM-midnight. A café housed in a building with Victorian arches. It blends the old and the new, and pays homage to the classics of the British Raj and the Mughal Empire as well as Japanese flavours. ₹900.
- 22 Sweet Escape Pâtisserie, 71, Karaya Rd. 11:30AM-8:30PM (closed M). A pastel-hued café with brews like black sesame latte, blue matcha and kesar chai. It's known for its "paint-your-own" experience, where guests can decorate their cakes, cookies or macarons. ₹1,000.
Lake Market-Deshapriya Park
[edit | edit source]- 23 Banana Leaf (A unit of Komala Vilas), 74&75 Rashbehari Ave (Near Lake Market), ☏ +91 33 24641960, +91 33 24640941. South Indian vegetarian snacks and thali meal. Great food. Authentic South Indian taste - very different from the road side stalls catering to Bengali taste.
- 24 Khawab, 166A, Sarat Bose Rd (Near National High School For Girls), ☏ +91 9836033337, +91 9874246629, +91 33 24669695. Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, Mutton Rogan Josh.
- 25 Kurry Club, 176 Sarat Bose Rd, ☏ +91 33 24661979. Mexican, Italian and other cuisine.
- 26 Tamarind, 177 Sarat Bose Rd (Near Deshapriya Park), ☏ +91 33 66343960. South Indian Non-vegetarian. Snacks like idli and dosha not available. Specialised main meal dishes. Enjoy Keralian food, Coorgi dishes et al.
- 27 Zeeshan, 187 Sarat Bose Rd (Near Deshapriya Park), ☏ +91 33 2464 4224, +91 7604066539. 11AM-11PM. Great Mughlai food, take away only.
- 28 Oudh 1590, 23/B, Deshapriya Park and also at P-562, Hemanta Mukhopdhyay Sarani (behind Vivekananda Park). Period dining experience - try it out.
- 29 Prema Vilas, 63/1, Lake Market Area, ☏ +91 33 2463 1961. South Indian vegetarian.
- 30 Maharaja and Maharani, Sarat Bose Road, near the Rashbehari Avenue crossing. These are two separate kachouri shops, near each other. The footpath in front of the shops is always crowded. Their early morning stocks often get exhausted by around 9AM. They also serve later in the day. Any one going that way must give it a try. Don't miss the jalebis/malpuas after the kachouri-sabzi. The location shown in the map here is that of Maharani, and Maharaja is a little down the road towards the lakes.
- 31 Marco Polo, 205 Sarat Bose Road (near Southern Avenue crossing), ☏ +91 33 2463 0909. 12:30PM-11:30PM. Continental and North Indian cuisine. Drinks served.
Southern Avenue
[edit | edit source]- 32 Bijoli Grill, 124B, Southern Avenue, ☏ +91 33 4003 6606. Bengali cuisine.
- 33 Fung Shway, 122A, Meghnad Saha Sarani (Southern Avenue), ☏ +91 33 4065 9510. Thai, Chinese, etc. Drinks served.
- 34 The Coastal Macha, 55, Southern Avenue, ☏ +91 33 3099 1254. Indian sea food, South Indian, Keralian, Maharshtrian.
Bhowanipore
[edit | edit source]- 35 The Bhawanipur House (দ্যা ভবানীপুর হাউস Dyā Bhabānīpur Hāus), 13/1B, Priyanath Mallick Rd. 11AM-11PM. A multi-level café housed in a colonial bungalow built in 1907. Originally owned by the Ghosh family, the bungalow was vacant for years before being acquired by the Sureka family in 2016, who restored the house and converted into a café, serving modern cuisine. Doesn't serve hard drinks. ₹1,500.
- 36 Bhojohori Manna, 23A, Priyanath Mallick St (Near Hazra Morh), ☏ +91 33 24545922. Authentic and traditional Bengali food.
- 37 Bijoli Grill, 38, SP Mukherjee Road, ☏ +91 33 4003 6606. Noon-10PM. Seafood, Chinese and Bengali cuisine.
- 38 Sangu Valley Restaurant, 6A, SP Mukherjee Rd, ☏ +91 9831361928, +91 8583962171. 11AM-10PM. North Indian, Chinese cuisine.
- 39 Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, 2, Puddapukur Road, ☏ +91 33 2486 9490, +91 33 2454 0281. Sweets and snacks.
- 40 Pepper Chino, 37 Sarat Bose Rd (Opposite Lakshmi Narayan Temple), ☏ +91 33 6555 2051, +91 7004985103. Noon-4AM. North Indian Continental and Chinese cuisine. Drinks served.
- 41 Tangra Kaizen, 33B, Sarat Bose Road, Paddapukur, ☏ +91 33 2474 4358. 11AM-11PM. Chinese and Thai cuisine. Drinks served. Only cash payment.
- 42 McDonald's, Merlin Homeland, 18B, Asutosh Mukherjee Road, ☏ +91 33 6600 0666. 8AM-11PM. Burger, fast food. No alchohol.
- 43 Subway, Merlin Homeland, 18B, Asutosh Mukherjee Road, ☏ +91 33 4004 7412, +91 33 2454 2234. 11AM-10:30PM. Healthy food, salad, fast foods. Popular items: Sandwiches, Chicken Wrap, Chicken Tikka Sub. No alchohol.
- 44 Balwant Singh's Eating House, 10B, Harish Mukherjee Road, ☏ +91 9903975361. 4AM-3AM next day. North Indian vegetarian cuisine. Popular items: Tea, lassi, paneer tikka, samosa, dudh cola, kesar chai. No alchohol.
- 45 Ganguram, 84A, Shambhunath Pandit Street, ☏ +91 33 2455 2357. 6AM-10PM. One of the oldest sweet meat sellers in Kolkata, with a chain of outlets across the city. It is a revered name in the arena of Bengali sweets. Take away only.
- 46 Gupta Brothers, 82A, Shambhunath Pandit Road, ☏ +91 33 2455 6328, +91 33 2454 8716. 9AM-10:30PM. Sweets and casual dining. Popular items: vegetarian thali, gulab jamun, dahi vada, dhania dosa, kulfi, mango lassi, idli.
- Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, 2, Paddapukur Road, Bhowanipur, ☏ +91 33 2486 9490, +91 33 2454 0281, [email protected]. 9AM-10PM. Offers a wide range of sweets and snacks. Famous for its baked rosgolla.
- Éloïse. noon-11PM. A group of two cafés that provides a taste of Paris in Kolkata, blending bistro dining with artisanal bakery. The interiors have a European aura, serving French and Continental food, handcrafted breads, and desserts. ₹1,200.
- 47 Éloïse - The Bistro, 21, Jadunath Sarkar Rd, Lake Terrace, ☏ +91 90070 79600.
- 48 Éloïse - The Boulangerie, 16A, Kavi Bharati Sarani, Lake Market, ☏ +91 79806 01319.
- 49 The Red Bari, 18, Sadananda Rd, ☏ +91 89106 73389. 9AM-9PM. A cultural hub housed in the 100-year-old residence of barrister Pares Nath Banerjee, featuring a café, co-working space and an event venue. The must-tries include grilled chicken sandwich, fish finger, mutton bolognese, Kombucha fermented green tea and Vietnamese iced coffee. ₹1,000.
Park Circus
[edit | edit source]- 50 Arsalan Restaurant & Caterer, 28, Circus Ave, Beck Bagan, ☏ +91 33 22844010, +91 33 22848556, +91 90070 07921. Closed 3:00AM-10:30AM. Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: firni, mutton kosha, mutton boti kebab, chicken chatpata, mutton biryani, egg chicken roll. They have seven branches: 1. Chinar Park, 2. Anandapur (opposite Calcutta International School), 3. Hatibagan, 4. Park Street Area (Muzaffar Ahmed Road), 5. Park Circus 7-point crossing, 6. New Alipore, and 7. Jessore Road, Bangur.
- 51 Haji Saheb, 26, Circus Ave, ☏ +91 90388 88786. noon-11PM. A compact restaurant with modern décor, serves Chinese, Mughlai and Tandoori specialties. It also has a parcel counter as well as a banquet.
- 52 Jimmy's Kitchen, 7/1A, AJC Bose Road (AJC Bose Road-Shakespeare Sarani crossing), ☏ +91 33 2290 7139. Chinese food. Drinks available. Popular items: Thai soup, noodles, lung fung soup, prawn, crispy chilli chicken, roast pork chilli, sweet corn soup. Jimmy's Kitchen has two branches: 1. 36F Ruby Hospital Road, 2. 14D, Lindsay Street.
- 53 Only Alibaba, 28A, Syed Amir Ali Avenue, ☏ +91 33 4070 1109. Noon-4:30PM, 7PM-11PM. Biryani and Mughlai food. The food has a good taste in the main shop but in their fry king outlet at Baghajatin some items are bad and unpalatable.
- 54 Zeeshan, 17 Syed Amir Ali Avenue, ☏ +91 33 22806842, +91 9903611112. 7AM-midnight. Zeeshan has several outlets mostly for take-away customers: 1. Deshapriya Park, 2. Kidderpore, 3. Garia, 4. Lake Market Area, 5. Ballygunge, 6. Tollygunge, 7. Esplanade, 8. College Street.
Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: biryani, rolls, firni, murg reshmi kabab, mutton tikka, mutton chaap, tandoori chicken.
Alipore
[edit | edit source]- 55 Alipore Museum Coffee House, Alipore Museum, 17, Judges Court Rd. 11AM-8PM (closed M). Serves delicacies like fish and chips, sandwiches, and caramel custard. The window seat offers an elevated view of the museum. ₹600.
- 56 Taj Bengal, 34-B, Belvedere Road, ☏ +91 33 6612 3939, +91 33 2223 1193, [email protected]. Taj Bengal is a 5-star deluxe hotel and is amongst the top hotels in Kolkata. The luxurious restaurants are also open to non-residents.
- 57 Amrit National Hotel, 43 Diamond Harbour Road (Mominpur Bus Stop), ☏ +91 33 66343401. Budget restaurant. Biryani and Mughlai food.
- 58 Upper Crust, 17/1 E, Alipore Road, ☏ +91 33 2479 3667. 9AM-9PM. Bakery, desserts, fast food. Serves non-vegetarian items also. No alchohol. Some popular items: vegetable burger, vegetable pizza, chocolate pyramid, pineapple pastry.
Drink
[edit | edit source]The lassi at Sharma's Confectioners in Mandeville Gardens is worth checking out.
- 1 Cup e-Bong, GF, 58E Hindustan Park (behind Byloom), ☏ +91 93301 61364. 8:30AM-10:30PM. A homely ambiance with both indoor AC and shaded outdoor seating options. Serves pork sausages, meatloaf, chili pork and Darjeeling meat platters.
- Mocha, AJC Bose Rd.
- Underground, Hotel Hindusthan International.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹2,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹2,000–5,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹5,000 |
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Cornfield Retreat, 8/1C, Cornfield Rd, ☏ +91 9830 555 145, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. Single, couple and family options. Air-conditioning, fibre-optic WiFi, streaming enabled. ₹849.
- 2 Fern Hotel & Restaurant, ☏ +91 33 24407797, +91 9831477704.
- 3 Gariahat Inn, 19, Garcha Rd, Dover Terrace, ☏ +91 72589 86668.
- 4 Hotel Komala Vilas, 74&75 Rashbehari Ave (near Lake Market, Kalighat metro station 400 m), ☏ +91 33 24641960.
- 5 Hotel MB International, 195b, New Park St, ☏ +91 12462 01612. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹1,080.
- 6 Hotel Platinum, 14, Syed Amir Ali Ave, ☏ +91 89610 50299. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹1,360-2,050.
- 7 Mysore Guest House, 5A, Mysore Rd (near Lake Market, Kalighat metro station 200 m), ☏ +91 33 24667705.
- 8 Park Inn, 10/1 Tal Bagan Ln (near Park Circus Maidan). US$20 for standard double bedded room.
- 9 Sharani Lodge, 71/K Hindustan Park, Gariahat, ☏ +91 33 24635717, +91 33 24641999, +91 33 24644971.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 10 Basera Guest House, 128C, Southern Ave, Golpark, ☏ +91 90515 66883. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon.
- 11 Blue Chip, 99/5/13, Dr Amiya Bose Sarani, ☏ +91 33 2460 3983. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM.
- 12 The Best Inn, 1B Sushil Sen Road, Kolkata-700025 (off crossing of Chowringhee Road & Elgin Road, near Rabindra Sadan Metro Station), ☏ +91 33 24549101. Amenities include air-conditioning, telephone, internet connectivity, TV (Cable), laundry service, housekeeping, room service, continental breakfast. Deluxe Suite (King size Double Bed)/Deluxe Queen (Queen Double Bed)/Deluxe Twin (two single beds) rooms with attached bathrooms. ₹2,000-3,000.
- 13 Central Bed & Breakfast, 7th Floor, Lansdowne Court, 5B, Sarat Bose Rd (near Minto Park), ☏ +91 9836465400, [email protected]. Check-in: Noon, check-out: 10AM. 10-minute drive from Park Street and 1 minute from Minto Park. It’s on the 7th floor of a residential apartment. 4 bedrooms with free WiFi, attached bathrooms, common kitchen. All rooms are air conditioned. Owners live in the same building. Great location, safe, and 24/7 security. Recommended for backpackers. ₹2,699.
- 14 Townhouse 095 Park Circus, 1 Orient Row (near Park Circus maidan), ☏ +91 124 620 1323. Check-in: Noon, check-out: 11:00 AM. From ₹2,000.
- 15 Hotel Samilton, 35A, Sarat Bose Rd. ₹3,000-4,500.
- 16 Lee International, 53D/1,Tiljala Road, Park Circus, ☏ +91 33 23431678, +91 33 23431679, [email protected]. Check-out: Noon. ₹2595-4095.
- Mrs. Dam's Guesthouse, near Ballygunge (near Ice Skating Rink), ☏ +91 33 2290 4533. Modern, prettily furnished rooms with attached bath, air-con, TV, etc. in a quiet, safe neighborhood. Helpful owner lives in the same building, and is a handy source for tips on what to see/where to go in Kolkata. They also have a great cook, so make sure you try a home-cooked Bengali meal when you're there. ₹2000.
- 17 The Red Carpet, P-399, Keyatala Lane, Kolkata-700 029 (The Red Carpet lies in an extremely posh neighborhood of South Kolkata nestling in between two of the major thoroughfares of South Kolkata, Southern Avenue & Rash Behari Avenue.), ☏ +91 33 40086847. ₹2,500/-.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- Bodhi Tree Boutique Guesthouse, 48/44, Swiss Park, Kolkata. (Rabindra Sarovar Metro Station-Swiss Park.), ☏ +91 33 2424 6534, fax: +91 33 2424 1598.
- 18 Roland Hotel, 28A, Rowland Rd, Rowland Row, ☏ +91 33 2475-7780, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00.
- 19 Taj Bengal, 34B, Belvedere Rd, ☏ +91 33 2223 3939, +91 33 6612 3939, +91 33 2223 1193, fax: +91 33 2223 1766, [email protected]. A deluxe hotel and is amongst the top hotels in Kolkata. The restaurants are also open to non-residents. The hotel has 200 rooms and 29 suites, with terracotta statuary and palm-covered atrium lobby. It has fine dining restaurants such as Cal27, Sonargaon, Souk, Chinoiseire and The Chambers, along with an al fresco area and banquet halls.
Connect
[edit | edit source]- 1 Kolkata Metropolitan Library, 2, Ballygunge Park Rd, ☏ +91 33 2287-2004.
- 2 National Library, Belvedere Road, ☏ +91 33 24791381.
- 3 Sarat Bose Road Post Office, Raja Basanta Roy Rd, Southern Avenue, Ballygunge (Sarat Bose Southern Avenue Crossing Bus Stop), ☏ +91 33 2466 3126.
Cope
[edit | edit source]Police stations
[edit | edit source]- 4 Alipore Police Station, ☏ +91 33 24791021.
- 5 Ballygunge Police Station, ☏ +91 33 24543179, +91 33 24542100, +91 33 24862601.
- 6 Bhowanipore Police Station, ☏ +91 33 24558092, +91 33 24541100, +91 33 24862711.
- 7 Gariahat Police Station, ☏ +91 33 24863702.