Kaleidoscopic Kolkata

In response to the blog prompt given by the #madeofgreat campaign initiated by Tata motors. To find out more about the campaign visit http://www.madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

KOLKATA:

The land of Nobel laureates and freedom fighters, of Kings, Queens and Conquerors, of Arts, Science, and Cuisines, of greats like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhash Chandra Bose. The birthplace of Renaissance and freedom struggle, of modern Indian literary and artistic thought, the land of culture, cross-culture harmony, and joy, the land is Kolkata.

Nestled on either sides of the eastern banks of River Hooghly, Kolkata is in the lower delta basin of the Ganges from where it merges into The Bay of Bengal, home to the great White Bengal Tiger in Sunder bans, and the oldest city of India. Even after the passage of centuries it still retains its ethnicity, rich culture and heritage and its mythological and regal splendour.

The city needs no introduction, and its my honour to speak in its honour. If we are to only dwell on its Drive, Design, and Connect. In a phrase we can say, it is truly a 'traveller's dream destination.'

Kolkata is world renowned for its Drive network. It has an excellent and extensive transport system which keeps it bustling throughout the day, and the citizens carefree about their travel. It is the only eastern city with an International Airport.

It has the oldest underground railway network in India, and is reputed to have got India's first broad gauge railway line too. It is also the first Indian city to start the Metro Rail system, and the only Indian city to date with a local tram system.

It also prides in having the oldest commercial harbour along the Hooghly River, and also has India's only riverine port to boast.
The waterways too are a great option to travel and the on-road vehicles are very easily accessible.

When we venture into its topic of Design, There are few cities in India that are so beautifully constructed as Kolkata. Right in the midst of the city we have the Hooghly River bisecting the city into North and South Kolkata, and right alongside it we have the Maidan which is a large open field providing a fresh green respite to the overpopulated and pollution prone city. Thence, It is rightly nicknamed as The Lungs of Kolkata. Circling it like dazzling bubble of life and gaiety, and comprising Central Kolkata are the various institutions and performance grounds for its diverse and rich arts (dance, music, literature, theatre, song lore, handicrafts, painting and every form of art you can think of), exhibitions, and industrial and commercial hubbub. Several political headquarters, Victoria Memorial Hall, and Kolkata Race Course too enjoy their pride of place in this nexus.

Towards North we have the old Kolkata which still proudly flaunts the 19th century architecture, and still keeps alive the bygone eras. Many ethnic bazaars, monuments and places to eat and tour too are found here.

On its opposite part of it is in its amazing contrast, the South Kolkata. Developed after Indian Independence, this area houses more uptown residential areas, posh localities and a more modern outlook.

Flanking its western side is Fort William, which houses the Headquarters of the Eastern command of the Indian Army. And the city's east end is home to India's sole China town.

In matters of Connect, Kolkata has always been forefront of all Indian cities. It has established numerous Sister Cities ties with cities around the globe like Pittsburgh, Dhaka, Odessa, Naples, Jersey City, etc, to promote its culture and social ties. It is connected not only by airways but shipping contingencies and ports too, with almost any city of the world. It even extends its rail and road ways to Dhaka in Bangladesh to promote goodwill and camaraderie.

It is also the first city in India to operate cellular phones and 4G mobile internet network. Therefore, it has the strongest and most secure cellular and broadband network, connectivity and mass communication systems of India.

If you would ask me, I will say Kolkata is a kaleidoscope of dazzling colours and light from every angle we see.

Easy Uttapam.

For bachelors and men who are not a good cook just like me. Here is a recipe you can easily fix to impress your friends, mother or spouse.

All you need is Dosa batter, 1 chopped onion, few chopped green chillies, a tsp chopped coriander leaves, salt to taste, and baking soda.

* First mix in all the ingredients together except batter and soda.

* mix together the batter and soda with a little salt till it frothes up.

* heat a shallow pan, grease it with butter, and pour a little batter in the middle. Do not spread.

* spread the topping evenly over the dosa and close lid for a min. Open and flip dosa. Cook for a few seconds. Remove.

* serve warm immediately with any chutney or sauce of your choice.

Yet another beach

We happened to visit the dargah of Barah Shaheeds in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh during its annual Rotti pandige (roti festival) where the believers exchange roti for/on fulfillment of their desires. It was really awe inspiring of how far hopes can lead a man, and how far we are ready to go for our desires. The throngs of believers stretched throughout the beach but they were a very co operating lot and the whole festival unfolded without any hassle or chaos.

The beach is a false beach (meaning the actual sea lies a few more hundred miles ahead beyond the real shore which appears at the city's end. But a natural sea body, part of the Bay of Bengal, and in full glory of a beach nonetheless.

The park built for our convenience is good but the food fare is neutral and you have to explore deeper into the city to taste the real Andhra cuisine.

The boating trip arranged on the beach is a must experience, and the water is calm and soothing, though appears strong, massive and looming above our head at the same time.

One can sit hours on its shore, listening to the symphony of waves right under the buzz of the crowd, and no worry can touch your heart in its presence.

An ethereal experience on its own.

On to Marina beach

I simply love beaches. The soothing symphony of the waves, the warm welcoming sands of the shores, the happy faces, and the expansive skyline and horizon.

You feel as if standing on edge of the world, yet know there's an endless possibilities just over the horizon.

And Marina beach is a perfect blend of all the right feels. The vast golden sands, the blue sky above, the grand sea before us and the calm presence of the city behind... You become one with nature here and feel immediately at calm.

We visited it near dusk and the sea was on the high tide. It looked as if looming above us and getting furious with each passing hour.

The disastrous episode of tsunami was still fresh in our mind and the atmosphere was helping very little to sedate us. Just as the sky began to turn orange and rain clouds gathered we decided it is best to leave now and that's what we did.

The other beach at Vellankani

Speaking of Marina beach reminded me of a more pleasant trip to another beach. Velankanni beach near Nagore, Tamil nadu.

It was a family holiday and the fame of this beach took us to it's shore.

The church of St. Mary is a very calming presence in the overcrowded tourist spot and beautiful too.

The miles long bazaar from the church leading to the beach is very colourful and full of life. Such beautiful displays, crafts, delights and trinkets, they are sure to win your heart.

The food court at the end of the bazaar facing the sea has such mouth watering fishes and shrimps cooked fresh and in such lovely flavours, they are a must try.

But the king of attraction is the beautifully blue and soothing sea that greets not just our senses, but our heart, mind, soul and very being too.

The kids had a gala time playing in its shoreline, and the wealth of sea-shells the waves deposit generously like gifts on each lap is really amazing and an experience on its own.

Do visit it on my word.

My visit to Madras Snake Park.

I love Chennai. It's warm, beautiful, accommodating and entertaining.
In my visit to Chennai last time, I shall never forget our visit to The Snake Park.

An amazing place for people who find joy in such wild delights. The authority have really maintained it impeccably and the grounds are beautiful.

It has such exotic and expansive variety of the reptiles,you lose count mid way.

The background synopsis told in a calming baritone resembling that of the Indian actor Dharmendra actually holds your attention and it is really informative.

But this is not a place to visit for those weak at heart or those who get goosebumps at such sights. My wife turned out to be one such, and not only we had to abandon the tour mid way but she also had to sleep it away overnight to recover fully.

Pet comes home

I have always been a bit sceptical to bring pet animals home as it is a lot of responsibility and a life comes into the equation. But when my grandson insisted adamantly, I had to cave in. Who can resist such sweet torture?

His choice were two little fishes in a fish bowl and I must say he proved to be a good owner. He really took serious interest in keeping the bowl clean, the room aerated, the fishes fed, and the interior decorated.

For a five year old, he is amazing. With him I grew to care and love the fishes as part of my family. Its nine months since and slowly the bowl grew into a medium table tank, and is now home for more than a dozen fishes.

I love them all.