East Kolkataconsists of the new growth areas on the eastern side ofKolkata.It includes the two IT hubs of Kolkata, shopping emporiums and amusement parks. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes have come up at a rapid pace. These expansions are spearheaded by the formation of New Town and the extension of Sector V. Science City is a major attraction. Salt Lake Stadium is a major occasional crowd puller. Large number of hospitals attract patients from the metropolis and beyond.
Understand
[edit]Bidhannagar
[edit]
Bidhannagar(Bengali: বিধাননগBIH-dhahn-naw-gohr), also calledSalt Lake,was developed between 1958 and 1965 to accommodate the burgeoning population of Kolkata. Over the years, the township has become an IT hub ofGreater Kolkataand companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro have their offices in Bidhannagar. There are also several government office buildings lining theCentral Park,which is part of an effort to decongest Kolkata.
Bidhannagar is divided into five sectors, which are labelled with Roman numerals. Each sectors are further divided into blocks. Since 2015, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also covers theRajarhatlocality, which should not be confused with New Town. Rajarhat itself is an amalgamation of multiple neighbourhoods, including Baguiati, Kaikhali, Kestopur (also Krishnapur) and Teghoria.
New Town
[edit]New Town,also calledRajarhat New Town,was developed in the late 1990s and is rapidly growing under the leadership of the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). New Town was declared a "Solar City" by the Indian government and later a "Smart Green City". Several IT majors operate in the township, including TCS, Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) and Unitech.
New Town is divided into three action areas, each labelled with Roman numerals. Each action areas are further divided into blocks. Some of the major roads in the township includeMajor Arterial Road(MAR) andNew Town Road.
Tangra
[edit]Tangrais one of the two Chinatowns in India, the other beingTiretta Bazar.The locality was once home to 20,000 ethnic Chinese, now the population has dropped to 2,000 or so. The traditional occupation of the Chinese community here had been working in the nearby tanning industry and Chinese restaurants. The area is still noted for the Chinese restaurants where many people flock to taste traditional Chinese and Indian Chinese food. Historically there were many opium dens in this area, which is illegal nowadays.
Get in
[edit]The district is extensive and still developing. Cycle rickshaws are available for short trips wherever there is a regular demand for them. Point-to-point auto-rickshaw services are there but are not as extensive or frequent as in some other parts of the metropolis.
By bus
[edit]There are various bus stops in East Kolkata, with the major being1International Bus Terminus(Karunamoyee, Sector-III, Salt Lake) and2New Town Bus Stand(AH Block, Action Area I, New Town). International bus services, including bus services toDhaka,also operate from Karunamoyee.
By metro
[edit]By train
[edit]East Kolkata can be reached by local trains, with stops at Bidhannagar Road, Sir Gurudas Banerjee Halt, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Dhakuria, Jadavpur, Baghajatin and New Garia.
By tram
[edit]Route number18of the Kolkata Tram runs over Maniktala Main Road and CIT Road, with stops at Bagmari Bazar, North Road, Marwari Bagan, Kankurgachi, Bagmari Kabristan, Maniktala ESI Hospital, Housing Estate and Bidhannagar.
See
[edit]Architecture
[edit]- 1Biswa Bangla Gate(বিশ্ব বাংলা গেটBIHSH-shoh-BAHNG-lah GEHTT),MAR, Narkelbagan, Action Area I, New Town(Rabindra Tirtha).An arch monument in New Town and one of the most iconic structures in Greater Kolkata. "Biswa Bangla" literally means "World Bengal". The structure consists of a single ring supported by two parabolic arches from four sides of the Narkelbagan intersection. The ring houses a restaurant and a visitors' gallery, which are surrounded by glass. There are two staircases and an elevator to reach the gallery. Decorative paintings of luminaries have been drawn on the wall inside the ring with the outer side having a glass façade to have a view of the township.
- 2Mangaldeep(মঙ্গলদীপMOHN-gohl-dihp),MAR, Action Area II, New Town.
- 3Urbana,Anandapur.An apartment complex with some of the tallest buildings in Kolkata.
Museums
[edit]- 4Fanattic Sports Museum(FSM),Ecospace Business Park, Action Area II, New Town(Ecospace).11AM–7PM (closed on M).A sports museum dedicated to various types of sports and the first of its kind in West Bengal.₹10.
- 5Mother's Wax Museum,MAR, Action Area II, New Town(Prakriti Tirtha),☏+91 33 2324 7243.Noon-3:30PM.The Mother's Wax Museum consists of nine sections containing 18 to 19 wax models of eminent personalities. It contains models of Maradona, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Manna Dey, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, etc.150.
- 6 ,DJ Block, Narkelbagan, Action Area I, New Town(New Town Police Station).A military aviation museum built by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) and is exhibiting a Tupolev Tu-142 of Indian Navy. Other exhibits for its interior and surroundings like a mannequin pilot, bombs, machinery etc. will be developed by the Navy. Apart from the aircraft on display, there is a small children's park and a coffee shop.
- 7Science City,JBS Haldane Ave, Parama Island(Science City).9AM-9PM.It is one of the most spectacular science centres in India. The size of the Science City baffles first-time visitors. It features a lot of interactive science and live bioscience exhibits, as well as having Kolkata's first OMNIMAX theatre. It consists of Dynamotion Hall, Earth Exploration Hall, Science Exploration Hall and Space Odyssey.
- 8Vadya Vithika,IB 201, IA Block, Sector III, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 2335 6796.11AM–5PM (closed on Sa, Su).Run by Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, the museum has more than 450 instruments, of which about 265 are on display in two big rooms.Free.
Do
[edit]- 1Subhas Sarobar(সুভাষ সরোবর),Phoolbagan(metro:Phoolbagan2).
- 2Swabhumi Heritage Park,Phoolbagan.Here one can sample local arts and crafts as well as some of the food from its various stalls.
Cultural centres
[edit]- 3Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan(বিশ্ব বাংলা মেলা প্রাঙ্গণ),JBS Haldane Ave(Milan Mela).Previously known as Milan Mela, it is a permanent trade fair complex. Fairs of different kinds are held at regular intervals.
- 4Nazrul Tirtha(নজরুল তীর্থ),Action Area I, New Town(Nazrul Tirtha).A cultural and educational centre dedicated to the poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The cultural centre is functioning partly as a cinema hall and open air theatre for exhibitions and performances.
- 5New Town Mela Ground,BF Block, Action Area I, New Town,☏+91 81005 26627.
- 6Rabindra Tirtha(রবীন্দ্র তীর্থ),MAR, Narkelbagan, Action Area-I, New Town(Rabindra Tirtha).A cultural centre dedicated to the poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It houses an exhibition of Tagore’s paintings, archives, a research centre, an auditorium and dormitories for students opting to conduct their research on Tagore.
Eco Park
[edit]- Eco Park(Prakriti Tirtha),MAR, Action Area II, New Town(Eco Park,Prakriti Tirtha),☏+91 33 2706 4010.Noon–4:30PM (closed M).₹20.
A 480-acre landscaped park surrounding a 104-acre water body. There are eight gates to access the park. Parking facilities available at Gate 1 and Gate 4. Activities include paddleboats, rowboats, duo cycles, birdwatching, etc. You can also ride in trackless "toy trains" to enjoy the park. The attractions within the park include:
- 7Butterfly Garden.It consists of a large dome to enclose a plant habitat consisting of different species of flowering annuals and perennials that support a large range of butterflies organised around a circular body of water.
- 8Ghum railway station.A dummy railway station with a toy train of theDarjeeling Himalayan Railway.You can get into the train to get a feeling of the Darjeeling Hills. It costs ₹10 per head for photoshoot inside the train.
- 9Promenade.The spine of Eco Park is a paved pathway lined with coconut trees. It is designed to enjoy the waterbody. There's a massive Solar Dome and a replica of the Eiffel Tower along the promenade.
- 10Solar Dome.A dome-shaped structure that houses a museum about solar energy and its use in daily life. The structure itself generates a lot of solar power. Has a guided tour with a robot.
- 11Seven Wonders.It consists of replicas of seven world-famous monuments: the Pyramids of Giza, Christ the Redeemer, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Petra, Colosseum and Moai Statues. Accessible from Gate 4.
Other parks and stadiums
[edit]- 12Aquatica,Kochpukur, New Town(off St 299; Thakdari),☏+91 33 3200 7947,+91 93315 55220.Daily 10AM to 6PM.This theme water park offers visitors a cool respite from the heat and grime of city life. Aquatica has a number of rides including tremendously exciting ones like the Black Hole, the Wave Pool, Niagara Falls, surf racer, Tornado and the Aqua Dance Floor. Regular parties and Fashion shows are hosted here, especially in the winter.
- 13Benubana Chhaya(বেণুবন ছায়া),EM Bypass, Baishnabghata Patuli Twp.A public park built around a lake and has a tree lined path flanked by lakes on either side. The park is a peaceful destination to spend time with family and friends. You can also take a boat ride and visit a tram restaurant inside the park.₹10 per person.
- 14Central Park(Banabitan (বনবিতান)),Sector III, Bidhannagar(Central Park2).A large hexagonal urban space in Bidhannagar and a favorite hangout spot for lovers. The park is built around an expansive water body. There is a bridge which connects on side of the lake to an island which has a pagoda. The lake serves as a haven for water birds. There are also boating facilities in a cordoned off section of the lake near the rose garden. Central Park also acts as a venue of numerous events, including the Kolkata Book Fair.
- 15Kishore Bharati Krirangan(কিশোরভারতী ক্রীড়াঙ্গন),Santoshpur.Commonly known as Jadavpur Stadium or Santoshpur Stadium, it is a 13-acre sports complex. It has a stadium that can accommodate 12,000 spectators and hosts lower division matches of the Kolkata Football League. It has a swimming pool with training facilities for children.
- 16Nalban Boating Complex,Sector IV, Bidhannagar(Nicco Park),☏+91 33 2357 2888.Nalban (নলবনNAWL-bohn), as the name suggests, is mainly lakes and creeks (নলnawl) fringed by groves (বনbohn). It is a beautiful picnic spot for families, who would like to spend few hours in the lush greenery and placid lake. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unpolluted environment offers a respite and soothes the visitors.
- 17Nicco Park(নিকো পার্ক),Sector IV, Bidhannagar(Nicco Park),☏+91 33 6628 5549,+91 33 6628 5509.It is theDisneylandof West Bengal with its various adventure rides. Opened in 1991, Nicco Park is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and has innovative entertainment for all age groups. This amusement park offers fun for children as well as adults and draws crowds from Kolkata, especially on the weekends. A decommissioned MiG-21 bomber is on display here.
- 18Salt Lake Stadium(Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (বিবেকানন্দ যুবভারতী ক্রীড়াঙ্গন)),JB Block, Sector III, Bidhannagar(Salt Lake Stadium2).A major occasional crowd puller, the stadium has the second largest non-auto racing capacity in the world and the largest in theIndian subcontinent.It is used for association football matches and athletics. The stadium was built in 1984 and holds 120,000 in a three-tier configuration.
Buy
[edit]Malls
[edit]- 1Apsara Shopping Arcade(at the crossing of EM Bypass and Prince Anwar Shah Rd Connector).
- 2Axis Mall,CF Block, Action Area-IC, New Town,☏+91 33 32006827.Shopping mall, restaurants, Bioscope multiplex with four screens. Restaurants include Aaheli (4F), Addiction (4F), Café Coffee Day (2F), Calcutta Retro (5F), Mehak-e-Punjab (4F).
- 3Charnock City,KB-26, Sector-III, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 2335 1349.
- 4City Centre,3rd Avenue, DC Block,☏+91 33 23581011.Restaurants include KFC (1F, Block A), Pizza Hut (1F, Block A), Afraa Restaurant (7F, Block G), Caught n Bowled (4F, Block B), Copper Chimney (3F, Block C), Haka (2F, Block E) and Kaafila (3F, Block B).
- 5City Centre II,Action Area-IID, New Town.There's Inox at third floor. Restaurants include KFC (GF, Block C), McDonald's (GF, Block A), Pizza Hut (GF, Block C), Gamma's World Cuisine (2F), Massekah (2F, Block B), The Orient (GF) and Zion Lounge (GF).
- 6Down Town Mall,Uniworld City, Action Area-III, New Town.
- 7Hiland Park Metropolis Mall,Santoshpur,☏+91 33 2436 8705.Has a ten-outlet eatery.
- 8Home Town,BG Block, New Town,☏+91 90 07 862472.
- 9Mani Square,164/1, Maniktala Main Rd (EM Bypass).Restaurants include KFC (3F), McDonald's (GF), Flame & Grill (4F), Haka (4F), Khandani Rajdhani Restaurant (4F), Machan (4F), Mio Amore (4F), The Shack (4F) and Square 4o5.
- Orchid Point,3/1A, UC Banerjee Rd, Kankurgachi.It houses most major brands.
- 10Silver Spring Arcade,EM Bypass.Restaurants include Mainland China (3F), Masque (3F), Oh! Calcutta (3F) and Sigree (1F).
- 11Upohar Town Centre,Upohar Housing Complex, New Garia(local:New GariaSealdah South,metro:Kavi Subhas16).Spencer's and other outlets.
Markets
[edit]Eat and drink
[edit]Major restaurant chains includeHaldiram's(P420, VIP Road, Kaikhali).
- 1Byepass Dhaba.Noon-1AM.North Indian.
- Charnock's,KB 26, Sector-III, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 23351349,+91 9051325905.Noon-4PM, 7:30PM-10:30PM.Continental, Bengali, North Indian cuisine. Drinks served.
- Mishra's Bar & Restaurant.Bar with good food arrangements. North Indian, South Indian, Continental, Chinese cuisine.
- DG 1, Sector-II, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 4009191,+91 33 4009195.9AM-11PM.
- 2IB-157, Sector-III, Salt Lake(Near Tank 14),☏+91 33 40669178.11AM-10PM.
Tangra
[edit]- 3Beijing Restaurant,77/1, Christopher Rd, Tangra,☏+91 33 23281011,+91 33 23283998.Chinese cuisine. Drinks served.
- 4Big Boss,54C Matheswartala Rd,☏+91 33 23282405,+91 33 23290777.Chinese cuisine. Drinks served.
- 5China Town,Tangra.Chinese cuisine.
- Golden Joy,50/1, Matherswar Tala Rd(Near Gobinda Khatick Post Office),☏+91 33 65350880,+91 9051870888.Chinese cuisine. Drinks served.
- Kafulok,47, Govinda Khatick Rd,☏+91 33 23291953,+91 33 23282288.Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served.
- Kim Ling,13, South Tangra Rd,☏+91 33 23298923,+91 33 28650996.Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served.
- Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant,50/2, Matheswartala Rd,☏+91 9830968711,+91 33 23299540.Chinese cuisine. Drinks served.
Sleep
[edit]This guide uses the following price ranges for a standarddoubleroom: | |
Budget | Under ₹1000 |
Mid-range | ₹1000 to ₹3000 |
Splurge | Over ₹3000 |
- 1Udayachal Tourism Property,DG Block, Sector II, Bidhannagar(adjacent to the office of West Bengal Tourism),☏+91 9874026899,[email protected].Run by West Bengal Tourism. It features colour television, laundry, restaurant, room and Wi-Fi services.
Budget
[edit]- 2Arunadoy Guest House,173/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur,☏+91 33 24260842,+91 9831284083.₹250 per non-AC room.
- 3Ashirbad Guest House,264 Barakhola, Mukundapur,☏+91 33 2426 4048,+91 9477402644,+91 9477402645.₹300 per double-bedded room, ₹350 per triple-bedded room, all non-AC rooms.
- 4Debi Guest House,175 Barakhola Mukundapur,☏+91 33 24264817,+91 9831687537,+91 9831923007.₹500 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800 per double-bedded AC room.
- Eastern View Hotel,185/9 Santoshpur Ave(nr Jora Bridge),☏+91 33 2416-9396.Check-out:noon.1-star with six rooms. Amenities include cable TV. Government approved.
- Maa Tara Guest House,175/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur,☏+91 9831203612,+91 9903803612,+91 9007304467.₹400-500 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- Meghalaya Guest House,138 Barakhola, Mukundapur,☏+91 33 32986868.₹300 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- Step In,G6 Tagore, Ruby Park, Kasba,☏+91 33 66037838.
- 5Uttam Guest House,1563 Mukundapur Rd,☏+91 33 24264287,+91 9830057482.Check-in:9AM,check-out:9AM.₹500-₹600 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800-₹900 per double-bedded AC room.
- Apanjan,3 Shanti Park, Panchasayar,☏+91 9830016645,+91 9836198199.Around ₹200 per day/ non-AC room.
- Atithi,7 Sonali Park, Panchasayar,☏+91 9830380049.₹250-350 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- Bina Bhawan,15A, Shanti Park, Panchasayar,☏+91 98311248611,+91 987407250.₹300-350 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- Maity Villa,27 Sonali Park, Panchasayar,☏+91 9836955183.₹300-500 double-bedded non-AC room; ₹800-1200 for double-bedded AC room.
- Ricko,22 Shanti Park, Panchasayar,☏+91 9836955183.₹300-600 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- Shib Bandhalay,21 Shanti Park, Panchasayar.₹400 per double-bedded non-AC room.
- 6Aquatic Palace,NP 222, Sector V, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 44502716.
- 7Sun & Services,GC 35, Sector III, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 66245815.
Mid-range
[edit]- 8Lee International,53D/1, Tiljala Rd,☏+91 33 23431678,+91 33 23431679,[email protected].Check-out:Noon.₹2595-4095.
- 9NRI Residency,CIT Rd, Kankurgachi,[email protected].Offers guesthouse-style accommodation with clean and large AC rooms with Western-style private bathrooms.₹1050-1200.
- 10Tiger Inn,1686 Lashkrhat, Tagore Park (Block -1) Naskar Hat, Kasba(off EM Bypass),☏+91 33 2345 2433.
- 11Alcove Guest House & Service Apartment,Block DL-39, Bidhannagar,☏+91 89510 89510,[email protected].All rooms with air-conditioning, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast complimentary, free Wi-Fi access. They also have guest houses at other locations in Bidhannagar and Kolkata.₹2,250 for serviced room.
- 12Duhita Guest House,AA 39, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 2337-5332,[email protected].Operating from 1987.
- 13FabHotel Shivangan,VIP Rd, Baguiati,☏+91 33 2576 2711.₹1,900-2,800.
- 14Harry Guest House,AE 329, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 2321 5096,[email protected].Operating since 1992, it is a fully air-conditioned guest house.
- 15Next Generation Guest House,Plot No 255, AD Block, Sector-I, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 2321 5536,[email protected].
- 16Orbit Hotel,RB 29, VIP Rd, Raghunathpur,☏+91 85840 14256.Check-in:noon,check-out:11AM.
Splurge
[edit]- 17ITC Sonar Kolkata,1, JBS Halden Ave,☏+91 33 2345 4545,fax:+91 33 2345 4455.
- 18JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata,4A, EM Bypass, Tangra,☏+91 33 6633-0000.₹26,550.
- 19The Pearl Hotel Kolkata,35Z, EM Bypass, Beleghata(opposite Salt Lake Stadium),☏+91 33 4000-2883.
- 20Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass,1930, Rash Behari Ave Connector,☏+91 33 6666 0000.Check-in:2PM,check-out:noon.₹4490-5600.
- 21The Fern Residency,204, MAR, Rajarhat,☏+91 70444 77444.Check-in:2PM,check-out:noon.₹3,000-4,000.
- 22Golden Tulip,2nd Cross Rd, DD-19, 3rd Ave, DD Block, Sector-I, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 7123-2425.
- 23Hotel The Sojourn,Plot KB 23, Sector-III, Salt Lake(Beside of Salt Lake Stadium opposite Gate No 4),☏+91 33-2335-1462,[email protected].₹3450-4400.
- 24Hyatt Regency,EM Bypass, JA-1, Sector-III, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 2335 1234,fax:+91 33 2335 1235.
- 25Indismart Hotel,International Tower X-1,8/3 Block EP, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Sector-V, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 2357 7550-59,+91 33 4010 1350,fax:+91 33 2357 7735,[email protected].
- 26Monotel,DM-2, Sector-V, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 4030-2000.Check-in:Noon,check-out:11AM.₹3000-5000.
- 27Novotel,CF 11, Action Area-IC, New Town,☏+91 33-40323334.
- 28O2 Hotel,VIP Rd, Kaikhali,☏+91 33 25250078,+91 33 25250113.
- 29The Sonnet,Block DD, Plot No. 8, Sector-I, Salt Lake,☏+91 33-66339000,fax:+91 33-66339001,[email protected].
- 30The Stadel,Gate 3, Salt Lake Stadium, Sector-III, Salt Lake,☏+91 33 2335 7220.
- 31Swissotel,City Centre, Action Area-IID, New Town,☏+91 33 6626 6666,[email protected].
- 32Westin Kolkata Rajarhat,MAR (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town(opposite Eco Park),☏+91 33 4037 1234.Check-in:2PM,check-out:noon.
Connect
[edit]There's10.5km (6.5mi)of Wi-Fi zone along MAR, from Kolkata Airport to Sector V.
Cope
[edit]Hospitals
[edit]- 1Apollo Gleneagles Hospital,58 Canal Circular Rd, EM Bypass,☏+91 33 23203040.
- 2Charnock Hospital,BMC 195, MAR, Rajarhat,☏+91 33 4050-0500,[email protected].
- 3Desun Hospital,720, EM Bypass,☏+91 90517 15171,[email protected].Open 24 hours, even during holidays.A superspeciality hospital in East Kolkata with modern equipment.
- 4ESI Hospital,CIT Rd.
- 5Medica Superspeciality Hospital,127, EM Bypass, Mukundapur.
- 6Ruby General Hospital,Kasba Golpark, EM Bypass,☏+91 33 39871800.
- 7Tata Medical Centre,14, MAR (E–W), DH Block, Action Area I, New Town.
Police stations
[edit]- 8Purba Jadavpur Police Station,Mukundapur,☏+91 33 24267345.
- 9Patuli Police Station,☏+91 33 24625195.
- 10Bidhannagar East Police Station,Canal Side Rd, AL Block, Sector-II, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 23590849.
- 11Bidhannagar South Police Station,JC Block, Sector-III, Bidhannagar,☏+91 33 23351047.
- 12New Town Police Station,New Town Rd, DJ Block, Action Area I, New Town,☏+91 33 23246077.
- 13Rajarhat Police Station,☏+91 33 25733289.