Kolkata is a place steeped with history borrowing from its colonial past, politics, culture and liberalism with support for all kinds of eclectic beliefs. This is the land traversed by poets, writers, musicians, artists, rebellious politicians, economists and much more. Many make the mistake of brushing this place off by calling it “old school” stuck in a time warp of the 70s. But in terms of beliefs, thoughts and ideas Kolkata is much ahead that the rest of the country.
And when it comes to romance, the Bengali way of serenading your special lady to the tunes of “Chini go chini tomake”… or some of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ with self-played guitar music goes far beyond posh restaurants and hotels. But still when you meet your missing puzzle piece splurging a bit sounds only under doing.
Here is how you can make the day special for your girlfriend without breaking the bank account. And if you are in college this could be even easier with great college students available in Kolkata.
Begin the day with authentic Chinese breakfast at the street food stalls at Tiretta Bazaar:
Best to reach before 7 am to eat some of the best Chinese available at affordable prices. Sip piping hot duck soup with the best pork wantons served by Kolkata’s resident Chinese community. The bazaar is century old and starts at 6 am and gets packed up to disappear until the next morning at 8 am.
Then take a lazy stroll from Ahiritola Ghat to Kumortuli and…
If you get some extra time take an auto to Haritaki Bagan Lane for soaking more of Kolkata charm
While not the best routes to take in comparison to the wide and clean roads of the newer parts of the IT centric corporate city areas, but still a quaint riverside walk is one of the best ways to absorb the real Kolkata charm.
View the idols of Durga in making by the artisans in Kumortuli and take a stroll around the narrow North Calcutta Lane called Haritaki bagan lane to reminisce about the aristocratic past of the French-windowed bungalows.
The main attraction – Indo-European architecture mixed with art deco splashes here and there. (note that clicking pictures here is often chargeable)
Get sporty at lunch at the Bikers Café
If you are the adventurist kind of couple rather than the cheesy mushy kind, then you will love to lunch at the Bikers café in Kolkata surrounded by some great enthusiastic crowds, with biker size scrumptious meals. And what’s more? For students with YUP card subscription you can get college student discounts on every billing order.
Walk off the heavy meal with some serious shopping at New Market
Practice your haggling skills while you buy the best of street fashion and junk jewelry to make your special lady feel extra special at the oldest market in Kolkata.
Quench your thirst with some chilled beer at the Big Ben at Kenilworth
Get all the feel of going back to Kolkata’s colonial past with this British boozer like pub and with your college ID bag some extra student offers.
Catch the latest show at the Star theatre and get your evening fill with Goli Vada Pav
One of the oldest movie theatres in the city, the architecture of the theatre is reminiscent of the city’s royal past.
Get spicy with some Pav Bhaji at Goli Vada pav the favorite hangout spot for youngsters in the city.
End the day on a sweet note with some gelato from Mama Mia
While parting with your loved one for the day might be bitter, but you can sweeten things up with some delicious ice-cream from Mama Mia. The gelato from this place stays frozen for the longest time (so you get to spend some extra time with her to avoid getting a brain freeze).
