We did not have time to explore much of Kolkata when we first arrived, now that we were back for the second time, we took the opportunity to see a little bit more before we left for home.
Besides being the second largest city, Kolkata is also the cultural capital of India (while Delhi is the political capital and Mumbai, the commercial capital) with a population of about 15 millions. And to many, mention the name ‘Kolkata’ and it will conjure up images of dirty streets, dilapidated houses and buildings, fumes shrouding the skyline, beggars at every nook and corner and many other negative things.
I was indeed very surprised to see clean, wide streets; beautiful, huge and well maintained colonial buildings on my first day (the run-down building of our hotel was the exception).
Upon our return, we had the opportunity to see ‘the other’ side of Kolkata, of which I believe was a more familiar sight of what people were expecting – the slump, the homeless, the chaotic traffic jam, the fumes, and the beggars.
We also visited one of the most famous temples in Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges River. Despite being scorching hot, many people were seen taking bath at the river bank fronting the temple, perhaps for religious reason.
Last minute shopping, had our dinner and then it was time to head for the airport.
Hooghly River (above and below few)
Dakshineswar Kali Temple (above and below 2)
Devotees’ wishes / prayers / requests / thanksgiving messages
Stalls near the temple
The destitute
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