Kolkata, the only city with a soul, comes alive during these few days of Durga Puja also known as Navratri in other parts of the country. There is an influx of people from all over the world whose roots are in Kolkata and they ensure to be back home because "
#it's that time of the year !" Apart from that, there are many visitors and tourists from all over the globe who come into the city to witness the grandeur of Kolkata's irreplaceable Art & Culture depicting it's rich heritage.
The Outlook Traveller gives reasons why one must be in Kolkata during Durga Pujas and I am sharing a Link to that Article for everyone's ready reference :
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook...ata-durga-puja
However, for many Non Bengalis like me, we prefer to get away from the hustle, bustle and the menace of the city during this time of the year and hit the road for a Road Trip by making the most of this 7-10 day holiday. However, this year was a little different wherein we decided to stay back and be a part of the Pujo.
The essence of Durga Puja showing the modern day woman in the incarnation of Maa Durga :
I am sharing my experience herein and would love everyone from the TEAM-BHP Kolkata Chapter to share their Experiences Year after Year by updating this thread on a regular basis
There is a lot of thought, planning, art and money that goes into making Durga Puja Pandals which is nowadays usually very theme based. Every pandal is unique in it's own way and worth a visit. This is what makes this festival vibrant and attracts people from all spheres and walks of life.
Certain things that you need to know : MOVING AROUND : For people travelling into the city can opt for Self Drive Car Rental Services like
Zoomcar &
Revv. However, I would suggest to avoid driving and rather use a Local Full Day Driver Driven Taxi for convenience and minimizing costs. For larger groups, certain travel operators also provide TATA Wingers or 18-24 Seater Buses on hourly basis to enable groups to commute together. Your Hotel Travel Desk might be able to help you on this as well.
PLACES TO EAT : Most of the Restaurants have a Special Menu for these few days offering sumptuous indulgences. One can buy a Good Deal from NearBuy App as well which offer Buffet Lunches & Dinners at various places. A few of my Favourite Places to have Bengali Cuisine are :
- 6 Ballygunge Place
- Bohemian
- Oh Calcutta
- Kasturi
- Bhojohori Manna
- Kewpie's Kitchen
- Sonar Tori
Apart from the above, there is abundance of street food available around the Puja Pandals as well. A little doze of energy reinstates the adrenaline to wander more all throughout the wee hours of the night to witness the city buzzing.
For the fine diners, most of the 5 Star Hotels also offer a Midnight Buffet which is also sumptuous and lip smacking.
ACCOMMODATION : There is plenty of accommodation available in the city, one for every price and category. Though prior booking is solicited to avoid last minute glitches.
HOW TO PANDAL HOP : Google Maps works very well in Kolkata and one can just put in the names of the Pujas one wants to see and it is done. Gather a list from the Local Newspaper and you will have a handful of them to visit in these few days.
TIME : There is No Time as such. From Panchami to Dashami, any time is a good time to visit the Puja Pandals. Though the real beauty is witnessed in the dark with phenomenal light work and light effects. Usually w.e.f. 02:00am to sunrise the roads are pretty empty and so are the Puja Pandals. Certain famous Pandals are best visited in the day to avoid the crazy rush. I usually venture out at such hours for the sake of convenience; but the body clock takes a real hit and the lost sleep has to be covered up in the day time
As mentioned earlier, in the last couple of years I have not been in the city during Durga Pujas and have made most of the vacation road tripping to places.
A link to my Rajasthan Travelogue in 2016 :
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...rajasthan.html (East-West drive to the native land : Toyota Etios from Kolkata to Rajasthan)
A link to my Bhutan Travelogue in 2017 :
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...er-dragon.html (Figo explores the Kingdom of Bhutan : The Land of the Thunder Dragon)