Sightseeing in Calcutta – A day spent exploring the frantic streets of Calcutta

After staying the night at a railway sleeping place, I checked out and the explored the streets of Calcutta. To call it an eye-opening experience was an understatement, with the term ‘street life' given new meaning. I'd be interested to know if much has changed since I was there in 2004.

A day in Calcutta

Fri 09/01/04

Had a shave, cold shower, used the squat toilet and checked out. I dumped my bag in the cloakroom of the railway station, and had some breakfast, before taking a walk over the Howrah bridge and into Calcutta itself.

It seems a bit more laid back than Delhi, but it was odd to see the pavement barbers, people washing clothes in open drains and having showers from hoses etc.

That's proper living on the streets, unlike the collection of junkies and winos who claim themselves homeless in England.

I had a pretty good day in Calcutta, which was not quite as frantic as Delhi, and even had proper roads in places!

Victoria Memorial and Sudder Street

The Victoria Memorial was interesting, documenting events from early European involvement up until the present day. After visiting there, and sitting in the peaceful park, I went into Sudder Street which is the backpackers hangout.

I don't understand why fifty percent of them seem to have this near desperation to dress so deliberately scuzzy. By trying to wear the cheapest local clothes and not washing for four days, it's like they are mirroring the poorest street living people, which is a little bit sick.

Anyone with half a brain can see that there are real problems with poverty here, and it's like some awful joke that these people (all from middle class back grounds!!) are trying to look as poor as them. Anyway rant over!

Backpackers cafe on Sudder Street

Went to a typical backpacker's cafe, and saw several people waiting for their 2rs change (about 5 pence!) Shoot me if I ever get like that! Wandered back over to the station, and caught the train to Puri.

 

Read more about my India train travel adventure

This is a directory to the blog posts in this series.

1. First day in India
2. Second day in Delhi
3. Sightseeing around Delhi
4. First Indian train journey
5. Calcutta
6. Sightseeing in Calcutta
7. Puri
8. Day trip to Konark
9. Bubenishwar
10. Calcutta again
11. Into Darjeeling
12. Darjeeling day 2
13. Darjeeling day 3
14. Train journey from Darjeeling to Varanassi
15. Boat ride on the Ganges
16. Another night on a train
17. Journey to Khajorho
18. Khajorho
19. Amritsar
20. Taj Mahal
21. Waiting at the station
22. Quiet day
23. Jodhpur
24. Jaisalmer
25. Camel Safari
26. Problem day
27. Jaisalmer Festival
28. To Ranthambore
29. Tigerless safari day 1
30. Tigerless safari day 2
31. Another day, another railway station
32. On to Mumbai
33. Mumbai
34. Aurangabad
35. Ajanta
36. Ellora Caves – Day 1
37. Ellora Caves – Day 2
38. Hyderabad
39. Chill out day
40. The end of the India trip