Kolkata/North



North Kolkata is the oldest area of Kolkata, a fascinating district dominated by narrow little lanes and hundreds of century-old buildings. Old heritage buildings and temples are there, as well as Sovabazar Rajbari. Because of its rich cultural heritage, the district is commonly referred to as Babu Kolkata.

Understand
North Kolkata is bounded by Baranagar at the north, Dum Dum and the Circular Canal at the east, Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) at the south and the Hooghly River at the west. It includes neighbourhoods like Ahiritola, Bagbazar, Hatibagan, Hedua, Jorasanko, Kumortuli, Maniktala, Nimtala, Rajabazar, Sealdah, Sinthee, Shyambazar and Sovabazar. On the opposite bank of the Hooghly River lies Howrah, Kolkata's its twin city, and the main crossing point lies in this district.

Kumortuli (also spelt Kumartuli) is a traditional quarter for the potters (kumors). Renowned for its sculpting prowess, the area not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals (especially for Durga Puja) but also regularly exports them.

Get in
Most roads in North Kolkata have a north–south alignment and plenty of road transport available from this district to other parts of Kolkata. However, the roads grind to a halt during rush hours.

By metro
Two metro lines cross this district. The North–South Metro runs over Chittaranjan Avenue, with stops at Shyambazar, Sovabazar Sutanuti, Girish Park, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Central. The East–West Metro stops at Sealdah.

By train
North Kolkata is home to Sealdah railway station, one of the busiest railway stations in India. The district can also be reached by the Circular Railway with stops at Bagbazar, Sovabazar Ahiritola and Barabazar.

By tram
While Kolkata's tram network has shrunk, there's still a few routes operating from.

See
The northern part of Kolkata houses the old buildings belonging to the zamindars (landlords), other rich Bengalis who used to trade with the British. It preserves the cultural heritage of Kolkata. The building structures give an impression of the royal folk who occupied them. In College Street area, a visit to the Coffee House is a must.



Howrah Bridge


One of the iconic bridges of West Bengal, the long Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River. The bridge was commissioned in 1943 by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company, replacing the older pontoon bridge.

The area around Howrah station and Howrah Bridge has grown as a world of its own, catering to the needs of a huge floating population. This bridge frames the skyline of the Howrah Riverfront. The ambience is as amicable and profound as the river that flows alongside.

Buy
North Kolkata is generally crowded and has some interesting bazaars including the famous Barabazar. College Street is the place one can trace many out-of-print books with a little patience.