Unusual Things To Do In Kolkata

If you’re looking for something a little different on your next trip to the City of Joy, here’s our list of the top 10 unusual things to do.

South Park Street Cemetery

Cemetery, Park

A stroll through a cemetery may not be the typical way to get to know a new place, but Kolkata’s historic South Park Street Cemetery – dating back to 1767 – gives visitors a unique insight into the city’s interesting history and culture. The largest 19th century Christian cemetery outside Europe or the United States of America, this heritage site houses stunning tombs built in both the Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture.

Amitabh Bachchan Temple

If you are a Bollywood fan, head to Kolkata’s temple dedicated to acting legend Amitabh Bachchan who is worshipped here. Visitors can see a pair of shoes worn by Bachchan in his film, Agneepath (1990), along with his portrait and montages of stills from his pictures.

Flower Shopping at Mallick Ghat Flower Market

Market

A visit to the Mallick Ghat Flower Market is a unique experience. This colorful market at the foot of the Howrah Bridge is bustling with activity from 5am till late at night. Whether you are here just to people-watch or to buy flowers, you’ll be enthralled.

Grab Breakfast in Chinatown

Bazaar

Kolkata’s historic Chinatown – the only one in India – is not to be missed. Known as Teretti Bazaar, this is one of the few places in the country where you can experience the rich cultural legacy of the Chinese-Indian community. While you’re there, grab a hearty street breakfast of momos (dumplings), sausuages or rolls to set you up for a day’s sightseeing.

Ride the Kolkata Tram

Kolkata is the only city in India where you can ride an electric tram through the streets. Introduced in 1902, the city’s tram network is the oldest one in Asia.
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Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth

Market, Church, Market

The Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth opened its doors to worshippers in 1724. The church is a legacy of Kolkata’s once flourishing Armenian community. One of the oldest surviving churches in Kolkata, the Church of the Holy Nazareth was built to replace the original Armenian church built in 1688 that was destroyed by fire. http://instagram.com/p/BANOYvzFgf8/

Nam Soon Church

Church, School

The Nam Soon Church in Damzen Lane is the oldest temple used by Kolkata’s Chinese Indian population.With its unique architecture and historical and cultural significance, this religious site is well worth a visit. http://instagram.com/p/9LTWznCuv-/

The Birla Planetarium

Cathedral

Kolkata isn’t just about history, culture and the arts – there’s plenty on offer for those interested in science too. Opened in 1963, the Birla Planetarium is the second largest planetarium in the world and the largest in Asia. It houses more than 100 astronomical projects on astronomy and astrophysics and has capacity for almost 700 people. http://instagram.com/p/BOkabMthIf5/

Kumortuli

The narrow lanes of Kolkata’s potters’ colony, Kumortoli, are lined with stores where you can watch artists working on sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. A stroll around this creative area is one of the city’s most scenic walks.

Go First Edition Hunting on College Street

Kolkata’s used books market, College Street, is the second largest of its kind in the world and a book collector’s paradise. Many of the bookstores here are old enough to contain the odd rare publication or first edition dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.