Kolkata has been described as “India’s greatest city” by a travel journalist who is well-acquainted with the city.
Kolkata, which has been called “the city of palaces”, has captured the heart of one travel journalist.
Rupert Winchester has urged tourists to consider visiting the city in an article in the Daily Mail this weekend.
He describes Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, as “a ramshackle and grubby celebration of India’s vivacity, invented by the English with a blend of British design and the indelible characteristics of India”.
Mr Winchester advises holidaymakers in Kolkata to thoroughly explore the Maiden – a half-mile by two-mile strip of greenery in the middle of the city.
Another sight not to be missed is the flower market, according to the journalist. Located at one end of the Howrah Bridge, he calls it a “blaze of colour” with hundreds of vendors selling their assorted blooms.
Mr Winchester goes on to recommend taking tea at one of the many cafes on Park Street and for sports fans he suggests a visit to Eden Gardens, India’s largest cricket stadium.
The Kolkata tourism website claims that it is also known as “the city of joy” because the people who live there are “always full of enthusiasm and excitement”.
Written by Erin Marshall