VERVEMAGAZINE.IN 171Over time, a city becomes rooted in the public imagination through
its cultural heirlooms — ones that have become synonymous with
a visit. The city of Kolkata is no different; a casual brush with it will
bring up the same places of interest over and over again. There
is merit in exploring these spots (that are often dismissed as
tourist traps and omitted from itineraries) and experiencing what
the city is well-known for, particularly the intensely diverse and
consistently delicious food. But unlike other major Indian cities,
what isn’t always acknowledged about Kolkata is the diversity of
its population — from Anglo-Indian, Jewish, Armenian and Chinese
communities, to those from every corner of the Subcontinent.
There is an opportunity to taste some of this remarkable variety
even on a quick trip. Here are a few worthwhile attractions....
A ferry across the Hooghly River is one of Kolkata’s more famous
pleasures and it is available from several spots, including a
short walk away from the Sibtainabad Imambara, though the
most popular one is by Prinsep Ghat on Strand Road.
Private boats, too, are available, and they take people much
closer to venues such as the absolutely lush botanical gardens
on the outskirts of the city or the Mullick Ghat Flower Market,
one of the largest markets of its kind in the country. It is a riot
of colour — from fiery marigold strings to white-and-red rose-
and-jasmine garlands and from loose sunflowers to bunches of
orchids, you’ll find all kinds of blooms here.
THE HOOGHLY AND MULLICK GHAT FLOWER
MARKET, STRAND ROAD
As Shreya Ila Anasuya revisits the city that she once knew so well,
she takes us on a tour that highlights the multicultural make-up of
various quarters in Bengal’s capital...