48 hours in Kolkata

This lovely city is one that puts old and new together - it still has all the colonial era beauties intact and is rich in its Indian culture and heritage. It combines the old and the new. On the road, you see hand pulled rickshaws and fancy cars alike. Culture rich, the home of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray and more talented people in the past and today, this, without a doubt, is a city that you must see!

If you plan well, you can see all that Kolkata has to offer in 48 hours. Make sure to carry water with you because Kolkata is hot and humid.

Victoria Memorial  (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Victoria memorial - Established in 1921, this is one of India's finest museums. The collection in this museum includes photographs, statues and a whole lot of history. Definitely something you should make the for time for.

Eden Gardens Kolkata  (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Eden gardens - This is a big haunt for particularly those who are cricket fans, but being the largest and oldest cricket stadium in the country, you must pay it a visit even if you're not one.

The Birla Planetarium, Kolkata (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

The Birla planetarium - This is one of the largest museums in Asia. Add a touch of astronomy to your life by visiting this planetarium cum museum.

Howrah bridge - Built in 1874, this is one of the busiest bridges of the city. There are two big bridges in Kolkata, but the Howrah bridge is definitely one you must drive past if not drive on.

Howrah Bridge  (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Howrah bridge seen from Babughat in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Marble Palace - Constructed in 1835, this is an art gallery you must see! Besides an exquisite art collection, the marble palace also has a zoo that hosts a rare collection of birds.

Marble Palace, kolkata (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Besides this, it's really relaxing to simply walk along the streets and take in the sights and sounds of quaint, beautiful Kolkata. Go back in time when you pass by old buildings and watch people use age old modes of transport. Take a walk along the Hooghly river or hop into a taxi and listen to the stories the taxi driver has to share.

Each of these will take at least an hour to tour, if not more. Take your time and soak it all in. If you want to take a break from all the sightseeing, remember that Kolkata also happens to be a foodie's paradise! Don't forget to try the chaats, the sweets and the street food! Make sure to get a bite of the chilkas, the jhaal muri, all the different types of fish preparations like macher jhol and chingri macch. Don't forget to have the rasgullas for dessert.

So take a flight to Kolkata, take this list of things to see and do with you and see the best of Kolkata in 48 hours!