| Esplanade (Calcutta) | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | India |
|---|---|
| Federated state | West Bengal |
Esplanade is the heart of Calcutta. It consists of the region just north of Maidan and includes Dalhousie Square with all its British colonial buildings. The neighborhood brings back the era of the Raj with nostalgic undertones. Many of the important buildings in the city are located here. It is the central business district of the city.
To know
Sahid Minar
Calcutta was once nicknamed the city of palaces. This stems from the numerous palatial mansions built throughout the city. During the British colonial era from 1700-1912, when Calcutta was the capital of British India, Calcutta witnessed a frenzied building activity largely influenced by the conscious confusion of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Oriental design schools. Islamic. Unlike many cities in northern India, whose construction emphasizes minimalism, the structure of much of Kolkata's architectural variety owes its origins to styles and tastes. Europeans imported from British and, to a much lesser extent, come on Portuguese is French. The buildings were designed and inspired by the tastes of English gentlemen of the time and would-be Bengalis Babu, literally the new rich Bangladeshis who aspired to learn and respect English etiquette, customs and customs because they were interested in the monetary gains of the British. Today many of these structures are in various stages of decay. Some of the main buildings from this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared heritage structures. Conservation efforts are often affected by litigation issues, tenant issues, property disputes, old rental laws, and lack of funds.
Chowringhee skyline line
How to orient yourself
Esplanade (Calcutta): full screen map.
The dome of the General Post Office
Howrah Bridge illuminated at night
The main landmarks of the area are:
- 1 B.B.D. Bagh (Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh, formerly Dalhosie Square). Lal Dighi, the large pond in the center of the square, was there before the British arrived. The place was then called Dihi Kolkata. The British decided to settle there, because it was less crowded than other areas of the neighborhood. Here they built the old Fort William (in the place where the General Post Office is now). After their victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, they built the new fort at Gobindapur, Dalhousie Square remained in the heart of what was then the "White City" of Calcutta. No Indian, rich or poor, had the courage to live in the area. They came to work during the day and returned to "Black Town" (Sutanuti) before sunset. With the writers' building occupying the north side and numerous commercial offices around it, it became the administrative and commercial center of Calcutta. Even now it stands out as a "period piece". After India's independence, the square was named after three young men who dared to challenge British rule and died there in 1930.
- 2 General post office (General Post Office or GPO), Netaji Subhas Road, B.B.D. Bagh (Located in the center of the western side of B.B.D. Bagh). The GPO is notable for its impressive domed roof over 67 meters high and tall Ionic-Corinthian pillars. It was built in 1868, on the site of the old Fort Wlliam and has remained an important landmark of the city ever since.
- 3 Howrah Bridge (ex Rabindra Setu).
- 4 [link not working]High Court of Calcutta (Kolkata High Court), Esplanade Row West (Near to Babughat), ☎ 91 33 2254-8000, fax: 91 33 2248-7835, @[email protected]. It is the oldest Indian High Court. Established as the High Judicial Court in Fort William in 1862. Has jurisdiction over the state of West Bengal and the territory of the Union of Islands Andaman is Nicobar. The high court building is an exact replica of the Cloth Hall, Ypres, in Belgium.
- 5 The Raj Bhavan (former Government House). The governor's residence. Built in 1803, modeled after Lord Curzon's house, Keddleston Hall, Derbyshire, England, this is now the official residence of the Governor of Bengal. There are many rare works of art and other interesting items. Admission is limited.
- 6 Reserve Bank of India (Regional Office of the Central Bank of India), 15 Netaji Subhas Rd, 8 Council Road, BBD Bagh (Located on the northwest corner of B.B.D. Bagh, near GPO).
- 7 Writer's Building, Lions Range (North side of B.B.D. Bagh). Office of the Prime Minister of the West Bengal.
How to get
The Indian Museum
High Court of Calcutta
By bus
As Esplanade is located in the city center, it has the advantage that buses from all parts of the city pass through here. * One of the main intercity and interstate bus terminals is at Babughat, one of the various city ghats. In the terminals of Esplanade there are buses that connect the city with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sikkim, Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and other parts of the country.
- Shyamoli Paribahan, 10 Marquis St, ☎ 91 33 2252 0802.
₹650. 
6:00 and 7:00 departures for Dhaka. Buses to Bangladesh, some with a trip that stops at the border Benapole-Petrapole (it's called service kata). From the border buses are available to Dhaka (12 hour journey), as well as various other destinations in Bangladesh. Shyamoli Paribahan handles the border transfer from bus to bus so well, that it seems like a better option than many other direct services. Direct buses between Kolkata and Dhaka are available from the Salt Lake International bus terminal.
₹650. 
6:00 and 7:00 departures for On the train
Babu Ghat Station and Eden Garden Station are nearby train stations that use local EMU trains (electric trains).
- 8 BBD Bagh Circular Railway Station, Strand Road.
By subway
- 9 Chandni Chowk metro station.
- 10 Central metro station, Chittaranjan Avenue Road (Calcutta Medical College, College Square).
- 11 Esplanade metro station.
- 12 Park Street metro station (Metro Mother Teresa Sarani), Jawaharlal Nehru Road (Park Street area).
How to get around
- 13 Babu Ghat, ~ 8, Strand Road. Ferry to Ramkrishnapur Ghat.
- 14 Fairlie Ghat, Strand Road, Bara Bazar. Boat for Howrah Shipping Ghat.
What see
- 1 Assembly House (Bidhan Sabha Bhaban), Esplanade Row West.
- 2 Carey Baptist Church, Bepin Behari Ganguly Street, Bow Bazaar (Metro Central), ☎ 91 33 2236 7254.
- 3 Indian Museum, J.L. Nehru Rd, ☎ 91 33 2249 5699, fax: 91 33 249 5696. Admission Indians: ₹ 10, foreigners: ₹ 150. Tue-Sun. Founded in 1814, this was the first such museum in Asia. Among his famous collection is the urn that contained the ashes of the Buddha (although this is not generally on display), an Ashoka pillar (the symbol of the three lions from which it became the official emblem of the Republic of India ) and numerous rare antiques. Variety of exhibits including unique fossils, Gandhara Buddhist art and an Egyptian mummy.
- 4 Tomb of Mother Teresa (Parent company), 54A, Lower Circular Road, Taltala (Bus stop: Rippon Street, metro: Mother Teresa Sarani 1km west), ☎ 91 33 2217 5267. The Missionaries of Charity is a new order formed in 1950 by Mother Teresa. Their vow consists in "giving a sincere and free service to the poorest of the poor" was put into effect with the creation of several houses. Visit Mother Teresa's tomb at the Mother House, Nirmal Hriday (home for the dying), Shanti Nagar (for lepers) and Nirmala Shishu Bhavan (children's home). To volunteer with the Mission, in India, you can contact the branch of London Missionaries of Charity, 41 Villiers Road, Southall, Middlesex, UK, or write directly to the "parent company".
- 5 Nakhoda Mosque. The largest mosque in Calcutta.
- 6 South Park Street Cemetery. The last resting place for the first traders and settlers.
- 7 Press Government of India, Chandni Chawk, Bow Bazaar (300m from Esplanade metro station).
- 8 Sahid Minar (ex Ochterlony Monument) (In the southeast part of Maidan). 48 meters high.
Tipu Sultan Mosque
- 9 St Andrew's Church (Church of North India), Brabourne Rd, Murgighata, Barabazar Market (Bus terminal north of Dalhousie Square).
- 10 St John Church and district, 2/1 Council House Street, Kolkata: 700001, ☎ 91 33 22436098, @[email protected]. Built in 1787, St John's Church is the third oldest church in Calcutta and the oldest Anglican church in the city. Its district contains several tombs including that of Job Charnock.
- 11 Tipu Sultan Mosque (Tipu Sultan Masjid), 185 Dharmatala Street (now Lenin Sarani). Built in 1832 by Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan. People from all walks of society and religions can visit and photograph this historical premise.
- 12 Town Hall, Esplanade Row W, B.B.D. Bagh (West of Raj Bhavan).
What to do
- 1 Curzon Park, Rashmoni Avenue, Maidan (100 m from Esplanade metro station).
- 2 Millennium Park, Strand Road, Bara Bazar (B.B.D. Station Bagh).
- 3 Nalanda Park, Weston Street, Lal Bazar, Pilkhana (200m from Chandni Chowk metro station).
Shopping
Meat Shops, New Market
Park Street illuminated during the Christmas season
- 1 Chowringhee (Esplanade), Chowringhee Square, Chandni Chawk, Bow Bazaar (Northeast of the Esplanade metro station). It is the central market for the people of Calcutta. There are shops ranging from computer peripherals to brushes and accessories, from cloth merchants to imported products. There are cinemas and restaurants.
- 2 Dr B.C. Roy Market (Maidan Market or Bidhan Market), Dufferin Rd (100 m from Esplanade metro station). It has clothing, sporting goods and other shops.
- 3 Eagle, 12/2 Lindsay St (In front of the New Market), ☎ 91 33 98 023 6663. A good place to pick up Indian art films.
- 4 Free School Street (or Mirza Ghalib Street). It is famous for its second-hand bookstores and second-hand stalls. Rummaging through the LPs for sale on the street, you can find real pearls of the jazz era.
- 5 Handicraft (Between Sudder Street and Surendranath Banerjee Road). It has several shops selling handicrafts. The largest is on the corner of Surendra Nath Banerjee Road. Those who are particularly interested in handicrafts can also try 'Dakhinapan Shopping Complex' at South Calcutta.
- 6 New Market (formerly Sir Stuart Hogg Market), Bertram Street, Taltala (East of the Lindsay Street bus stop). Mon-Fri 10: 30-19: 30, Sat 10: 30-14: 30. It is a good place to taste Indian sweet specialties and generally get a taste of the Kolkata atmosphere. There are also some craft stalls inside. The market is located in a large red brick building on Lindsay Street (the parallel street to Sudder Street to the north). It has over 2,000 stalls and is a treat for bargain hunters. The shops are organized according to the goods. It should be the ultimate marketing experience in Calcutta.
- 7 Oxford Book Store, 15 Park St, ☎ 91 33 2229 5455. A large and well organized library. Good selection of books on India and Indian writers. Discount books and coffee at Cha Bar on the second floor.
- 8 Park Street (Metro Mother Teresa Sarani). Famous for its restaurants but also for showcasing trendy clothes, books from around the world and more. Park Street has kept the British spirit and is so beautifully decorated during the Christmas season, as if it was still part of the British Empire. The predominantly non-Christian crowd gathers there to enjoy Christmas. Queues in most restaurants.
- 9 Shree Ram Arcade, 15A, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala (Close to the Light House cinema, near the New Market). Tue-Sat 10: 00-20: 00, Mon 13: 00-20: 00. Full of clothing stores.
- 10 Treasure Island, Madge Lane, Lindsay St, Hartford Lane, Dharmatala, Taltala (Near the south of the New Market). Tue-Sat 10: 00-20: 00, Mon 13: 00-20: 00.
How to have fun
- 1 Broadway Hotel, 27A, Ganesh Chandra Ave. Recommended for a taste of a bygone era. It is also one of the few places that serves beer with sliced cucumbers.
- 2 Cha Bar, 2nd floor, Oxford Book Store, Park Street. A modern and chic cafe with a great selection of teas, including herbs, smoothies and coffees. A large window offers a view of the street life below, while the books offer a literary dimension. Cha Bar is an excellent place for a budding writer or daydreamer.
- 3 Fairlawn Beer Garden, 13 / A Sudder St (Inside the Fairlawn Hotel), ☎ 91 33 2252 1510. It only serves beer in a quirky atmosphere with greenery everywhere. Popular with travelers and volunteers. Great place to meet people and drink in the early evening. Snacks and dinner available.
- Handicrafts and Coffee Shop, 44 Free School Rd 1F. A lively and cheerful café that uses the proceeds of sales to finance projects that offer professional training to street children. Great atmosphere, good cakes, but unfortunately it only serves instant coffee. The handicrafts are made by former street kids.
- 4 Olypub, 23 Park St, ☎ 91 33 64520472. 11:00-23:00. A refined bar at affordable prices.
- 5 Rallis, Esplanade, J.L. Nehru Rd.. Excellent sorbets.
- Streetlife (Entrance to the Park Hotel). The universal colors of the chic decoration, black and red, are used extensively to give this cafe a warm yet modern feel. Good selection of coffees and healthy snacks contrary to what the name might suggest. This cafe is far from representing Kolkata's street life as you might think. It's a good alternative to the ubiquitous ones Baristas is Coffee Days.
- Super Pub, Sudder St (In front of the fire station). Air conditioning and clean place. It serves beer, spirits and seasonal fruit juices. Snacks and meals are reasonably priced.
- T3 Tea Table Shop, 57A Park St (On the corner of Free School St). A venerable institution that dates back to the days of the Raj: sticky and heavy cakes are a specialty. When Flurry's was revamped and the menu modernized a few years ago, this place was created by the owners themselves to preserve some of the old delicacies and atmosphere of the "old" Flury's.
Where to eat
In the New Market area you can try some particular spicy fruit juices.
Moderate prices
- 1 Blue Sky Cafe (off Sudder St). The food is cheap, the place is clean and the service is really great. Great if you are on an extended stay as they offer both Indian food and something western. You won't find nicer waiters anywhere else. Try the freshly squeezed juices.
- 2 Chung-Wah, 13A, Chittaranjan Ave (Close to Chandni Chawk metro station), ☎ 91 33 22377003. One of the oldest and best places to taste Chinese food.
- Curd Corner, Sudder St (Next to Zurich). This little hole is almost an institution in the area and a generation of travelers has gorged on fresh, thick yogurt. Check the filter coffee and the "fake" cappuccino. The service personnel do not speak English but they have an English menu.
- 3 Fresh & Juicy, 2/1 Sudder St (Close to the Hotel Maria). Tasty and affordable Indian, Italian, Chinese dishes and Western-style breakfasts.
- Khalsa, Madge Lane (on the left hand side when entering Madge Ln. from Sudder St). Offers food of the Punjab excellent and cheap.
- 4 Mission Cafe, 20 Ganesh Chandra Ave, Bow Bazaar (Close to Chandni Chowk metro station). Vegetarian fast food. Dosa, chaat and curry served at the counters. The place is known for its chola-bhatura, a dish of chickpeas served in a phuchka shell. Seat rotation is quick, there aren't even stools to sit on, but it's still tasty.
- 5 Nizam's, Junction of Hogg Street and Corporation Pl. A Calcutta institution for over 100 years. An unassuming place, famous for "Muslim" food and claiming to be the place where Kathi Rolls were invented, it is still considered the best.
- 6 Raj's Spanish Cafe, 7 Sudder St (difficult to find the entrance to the alley, near the Mirza Ghalib St), ☎ 91 33 4001 4373. Main courses ₹ 100. 8:00-22:00. Bad service (with no explanation they expect you to write your order), however they serve breakfast and above all, a small coffee machine that constantly pumps the cappuccino. It also serves Mexican dishes, pizza and other Western dishes for the nostalgic.
- Zurich, Sudder St.. Popular with Westerners. Food is cheap, though nothing special.
Average prices
- 7 Flury's, 18 Park St (Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 22297664. Baked goods ₹ 80/100, drinks ₹ 80, meals ₹ 600/1000. Tue-Sun 7: 00-20: 00, Mon 10: 00-18: 00. A popular and elegant cafe serving a good variety of baked goods and various coffees, sandwiches and appetizers. A great place for breakfast or lunch.
- Gangaur, 2 Russel St, ☎ 91 33 22658437. It serves a variety of vegetarian food but is famous for its Rajasthani or Marwari food
- Kathleen's, Free School St (Mirza Ghalib Street). Pastry is an eclectic mix of cuisines dominated by Indian and Chinese styles.
- KFC, 20-K, Park St, ☎ 91 33 4027 5000.
- 8 Kwality, 17 Park St (Next to Oxford Book Shop). For years with well-dressed waiters serving tasty tandoori and north Indian dishes to affluent locals. Try their Chhola-bhatura.
- Macdonald's, 55 Park St, ☎ 91 33 2226 6330.
- 9 Mocambo, 25B Mirza Ghalib St, ☎ 91 33 2265 4300. Main courses ₹ 100/300. Same owners as Peter Cat, but the cuisine here is a little more appealing. Continental, Indian and even some Chinese dishes are served in a luxurious setting.
- Moulin Rouge, 31 Park St, ☎ 91 33 2229 9397.
- Oasis, 33 Park St, ☎ 91 33 2229 9033. Cozy restaurant with variety of foods. It has a small bar service counter with three stools.
- 10 Peter Cat, 18 Park St (Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 2229 8841. Very popular for his chelle kabab. However, their service hasn't received the best reviews. It serves Indian, tandoori and continental dishes.
- 11 Waldorf, 13 D, Russel St (Near Park Street), ☎ 91 33 65354952. It serves delicious Chinese food.
High prices
- Aheli, Peerless Inn Hotel, 12 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, ☎ 91 33 2228-0301, 91 33 4400-3900. Authentic Bengali food, served in brass utensils in a Bengali wedding setting. Drinks not served.
- Ban Thai, Oberoi Grand, 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, ☎ 91 33 2249-2323. Around ₹ 4,000 per couple, excluding drinks. Mon-Fri 19: 00-23: 30, Sat-Sun 12: 30-15: 00 and 19: 00-23: 30. For an authentic taste of the Thailand. Widely recognized as the best Thai restaurant in the country.
Where stay
Park Street, also known as Mother Teresa Sarani
Moderate prices
- 1 Broadway Hotel, 27A Ganesh Chandra Ave, Chandni Chowk (200m from Chandni Chowk metro station), ☎ 91 33 22363930, @[email protected]. Double with private bathroom: ₹ 775. Check-out: 24h after checkin. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the very large rooms with high ceilings create a great space and the price is definitely right. Don't miss the authentic atmosphere of the restaurant and bar of this hotel built in 1937. Presumably due to the popularity of the hotel, rooms are often difficult to obtain unless you book in advance, however try to wander around to see if magically release something while you are there (especially if you are offered a more expensive room first). The triple superior rooms have a balcony.
- .
- 2 Hotel Maria, 5/1 Sudder St (Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 2252 0860. ₹ 80 dorm, ₹ 300 rooms (Feb 2015). Very simple, creatively decorated rooms with and without attached bathroom. Grumpy service, cheap laundry, damp bathroom and toilet and no wifi. Very central location, they don't take reservations, so get there early from 8:30 onwards.
- 3 Modern Lodge Hotel, 1 Stuart Ln (Near Sudder Street, next to the Pargon Hotel), ☎ 91 33 2252 4960. Single with shared bathroom no hot water ₹ 150. Not very modern, but cheap and clean enough.
- 4 Paragon Hotel, 2 Stuart Ln (Near Sudder Street, Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 2252 2445. Dorm ₹ 120. Recently under new management that refuses to pay previously paid union wages. Quite noisy dorm next to a rather noisy reception area. You have a lot of movement nearby.
- Royal Palace Hotel, Mirza Ghalib Street (Also known as Free School St), ☎ 91 33 2252 5280, 91 33 2252 4178. ₹350-₹750. Clean and large rooms, with and without air conditioning, with private bathroom, color TV.
- 5 YMCA, 25 Jawaharlal Neru Rd (Near the corner of Kyd St, Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 2249-2192, @[email protected]. Single without A / C ₹ 600, with A / C ₹ 850. An extremely dingy, dark hotel that appears not to have received a lick of paint since its founding in the mid 19th century. All in all, this is the hotel's distinctive charm, and so it can appeal to strict traditionalists. There is a simple restaurant on the second floor. The food isn't anything special, but the balcony offers a great view of the bustling city below.
Average prices
- 6 Astoria Hotel, Sudder St (Between Esplanade and Park Street metro stations), ☎ 91 33 2252 9679, @[email protected]. ₹ 2,450 / 4,150 10% tax (year 2015). Clean, large, if drab, rooms with private bathrooms.
- 7 DK international Hotel, 11 / 1A Marquis St (Near the corner with Colin street), ☎ 91 33 2252 2540, 91 33 2252 2666, @[email protected]. Double from ₹ 1,800 tax. All rooms with A / C and breakfast included. Close to the bus stations Bangladesh. There are better opportunities in other establishments but not quite as new as this place.
- Esplanade Chambers, 2 Chandney Chowk St (40 m from GC Ave), ☎ 91 33 2212 7101, 91 99 0313 2621, @[email protected]. Single from ₹ 1,400, double deluxe ₹ 2,200, breakfast included. Very clean and fairly quiet rooms, although not huge.
- 8 Jaapon hotels (Japoon Guest House), 30F Mirza Galib St (At the end of Sudder St), ☎ 91 33 2252 0657, 91 33 2252 0658. Single ₹ 650, Double with A / C ₹ 1,100. Reasonably clean rooms with and without A / C with a very small private bathroom and cable TV. The beds are surprisingly comfortable given the thin, well-kept mattresses.
- 9 Sunflower Guest House, 7 Royd St (200m from the intersection of Park St and Free school St), ☎ 91 33 2229 9401, 91 33 2229 8388, @[email protected]. Double ₹ 1,350. Clean and great location. Those who pack a lot of luggage should know that there are stairs to go up to the reception on the top floor.
High prices
- 10 Bawa Watson Spa'o'tel, 5A Sudder St, ☎ 91 33 2252 1512, @[email protected]. Double ₹ 4,100 including tax (year 2015). A new upscale 29-room venue that's breaking the trend of the flood of backpacker hostels in Sudder St.
- 11 Fairlawn Hotel, 13 / A Sudder St (Between Esplanade and Park Street tube stations), ☎ 91 33 2252 1510, 91 33 2252 8767, @[email protected]. Single: ₹ 3,500, double: ₹ 4,400, excluding 5% service (year 2015). A relic of the British Raj, oozing with charm and character.
- 12 Housez 43, 43 Mirza Ghalib Street, Park Street Area (20 km from Netaji Subhas airport, 7 km from the railway station Howrah, and 0.5 km from New Market main shopping area. Near the fire station), ☎ 91 33 2227 6020, @[email protected]. From ₹ 4,950. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV and private bathroom.
- 13 Lindsay hotels, 8A / 8B Lindsay St (Close to Globe Cinema Hall and Esplanade tube station), ☎ 91 33 3021 8666, @[email protected]. Double ₹ 4,600. The hotel is well lit and clean. The hotel has recently been refurbished and its facilities, including an in-room mini-bar, hot water, tea and coffee, make it a good four-star hotel. The new market is close at hand and offers many interactions with locals right on your doorstep.
- 14 Oberoi Grand Hotel, 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, (Chowringhee Road) (Close to Esplanade metro station), ☎ 91 33 2249 2323. 375 / 1,375 USD. One of the excellent hotels of the Raj, the term Grand is a synonym for luxury that has accompanied it for over 125 years. A surprisingly quiet oasis on one of the busiest streets in the world.
- 15 The Park Hotel, 17 Park St (Park Street subway station), ☎ 91 33 2249 3121, fax: 91 33 2249 4000, @[email protected]. From ₹ 6,300 (year 2015). The unassuming exterior hides an elegant and homely interior with Indian style elements.
- 16 [link not working]Peerless Inn, 12 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd (Close to Esplanade metro station), ☎ 91 33 4400 3900. From ₹ 6,120 (year 2015).
How to keep in touch
Internet
- 15 Gopal's Planet, 7 Tottie Lane (50m from Sudder Street, to Tottie Ln. On the left side, the same building as Raj's Guesthouse, on the ground floor), ☎ 91 9674273616, @[email protected]. 8:00-23:00.
- Hotline Services, 7 Sudder St (Near the Hotel Astoria, at the back of the parking lot between the Roop Shringar clothing store and Metro Beauty Parlor. Identified with a large red illuminated sign). Internet ₹ 15 / hr, CD ₹ 150. It has a room full of high-speed computers. They also sell CDs of various styles of Indian music, and have a selection of hand-woven fabrics and cotton clothes from all over India. Hotline also offers a cafeteria and snack service.
There are other small internet cafes on Sudder Street like Net Freaks, but they are often packed.
Other projects
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