“Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.”

Like every other year, my Christmas morning started with this never-gets-old song. But unlike every other year, where I usually spent the entire week dozing off, I found myself in a plane heading towards the city of joy. After spending a week in Kolkata, I decided to share my top 5 reasons as to why one should visit Kolkata during the festive season.

1)The scrumptious food

The cultural diversity of the city combines the color, flavor and texture to create dishes that can pop in one’s mouth with ease, without burning a hole in the wallet. Starting from puris to papdi chat, from the seductive momos to the ever inviting rolls, you will never run out of options to eat. And do I need to even mention the mishti doi and rosogulla?

 

2) The colonial architecture

Having served as the British headquarters for almost a century, the city boasts of pre Independence buildings that blend Gothic, Victorian, Egyptian, Mughal and Deccani elements. The majestic Victoria memorial, constructed in memory of Queen Victoria in is a visual treat to the eyes. Not very far away is the 19^th century St. Paul’s Cathedral, which seemed like a bride on her wedding day. If you are really into architecture, then do visit the Calcutta high court and the Marble Palace.

3) The hanging restaurant of Kolkata

Started in 2017, the hanging restaurant is called the “Biswa Bangla Gate”. The restaurant is oval shaped that provides a 360 degree view of the city. At just 650 rupees, you cant treat your taste buds to delicious homemade extravaganza, while enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner or gazing at the dotted city lights.

4) Esplanade trip

I might have spent half my time exploring Esplanade, a triform of clothes, people and food. What to do at Esplanade? Go on a shopping spree at the Maidan market, enjoy the rosogulla at KC Das, have biriyani at Aminia (it’s finger licking good!) , but make sure to not get lost in the sea of people! As a bonus for bibliophiles, College street-the largest second-hand book market is just minutes away.

5)Park street

How can you not visit Park street during Christmas? The largest Christmas carnival is a sight to behold with larger than life decorations, news reporters interviewing, street vendors bargaining to sell the Devil horns and Christmas carols blasting from the tired speakers. With Santas (they resemble more of undercover kidnappers!), popping out every now and then, the smile on the children’s face is a sight that promises to remain etched in your memory.

They say “All good things must come to an end” and so did my adventure in the city of joy, but true to it’s fame, it is a city to be felt and heard as much as it is to be seen.