evfn - YourView

[cosmictravel]

This Indian city will offer you a wide range of tastes and experiences. Something for all your senses.

The top five

1. Victoria Memorial - this palatial marble monolith, built in the Italian Renaissance style with touches of Moghul, stands to the east of the Maidan. Opened in 1921, it was built to rival the Taj Mahal - and almost does. The museum it houses is both a tribute to its creators, the Britsh Raj and a frank expose of that system's considerable excesses.

2. The Maidan - it is said that you have not visited Calcutta unless you have visited this expansice public park. Located southwest of Central. it serves as a recreational and sports (i.e. cricket) reserve, a training ground for soliders, a venue for circus performers and a pasture for herders with their goats.

3. Babu Ghat - this is one of a number of communal bathing sites on the banks of the Hooghly. Bathers merrily brave the river's acid black slush. Time a visit for the annual Durga Festival.

4. Parasnath Jain Temple - Built in 1867, it is dedicated to Lord Sheetalnath, the 10th of the 24 Jain prophets. This stunning temple is set in a meticulously manicured oramental garden.

5. Sudder Street - hang out for a while in the street where the serious "travellers" stay. It has a good selection of budget hotels and cafes to send those important emails back home. Try the fruit shakes and the lassis (a beverage made with yogurt).