Location:Kolkata
Time to Visit:Tram services begin at the break of dawn and can be seen plying well into the night.
Preferred Timings: Any time convenient to you. But, try to avoid the afternoon sun, which is blazing hot.
Admission Fee: Ticket cost depends on the distance you intend to travel.
How to Reach:The charming Kolkata Tramcars ply on 29 designated routes. It is up to you to decide which route you would prefer and what places you want to cover.
Photography / Video charges: Nil. Nearest International Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.Time required for sightseeing:About 2 hours.
Kolkata is unique in many ways and one of Kolkata's enduring Raj-era charms are its electric tramcars. Trams as a mode of transport were very popular in Kolkata from 1960 to the early 1980's. On an average, Kolkata trams used to carry a staggering 0.75 million passengers per day.
However, now with the advent of globalization and the launch of speedier modes of transportation like cars, buses and metro rail, the quintessential Kolkata trams have lost much of its importance.
But, however much we modern city sleekers ignore the tramcar as a mode of transport, it still manages to captivate our hearts. The point to remember is that trams are non-polluting and has its own slow tempo which chugs on through the crowded streets of Kolkata and the customary tooling of the bell to disperse crowds, as opposed to honking of horns that modern day vehicles resort to is in itself a very humane way of traveling. What is more, the ambience inside the carriage is laidback and is one of the most comfortable ways to reach ones destination.
As of today, the Kolkata Tramway Company has 7 depots and a fleet of 180 trams that ply along 29 designated routes covering various parts of Kolkata.
One of the joys of traveling via tramcars in Kolkata is that you have the opportunity to explore Kolkata's legendary charms. Be it the Raj-era monuments, its shopping zones or its bustling streets. A journey by tram is very rewarding. Ideally, when you hop into a tramcar, try to find a window seat, which will provide you breathtaking views of the city's many landmarks.
On a long journey, apart from passengers, you will come across hawkers who sell everything from snacks to jewelry and needless to say the prices are rock bottom. If you are lucky, you might even come across street singers of Kolkata who sing lilting Bengali folk songs, much to the delight of the passengers.
Today, there are only two cities in the world where tramcars still exist. One is Kolkata and the other is Melbourne in Australia and both cities happily share a common pedigree in that both fall in the jurisdiction of British Commonwealth League of Nations.
In an effort to preserve the tramcars as a mode of transport, a cross-cultural arts project - "Tramjatra" has taken shape, which has linked both Kolkata and Melbourne, tram enthusiasts together.
It all began almost a decade back when an Australian Tram conductor - Robert D'Andrea artist Michael Douglas visited Kolkata in an effort to garner support for the preservation of the tram heritage. As a result of their pioneering zeal and a spirit of optimism, Tramjatra was born which has today become a symbol of friendship between Kolkata and Melbourne tram aficionados.
It must however be said that both these cities have in the past faced the threat of extinction as far as tram transport was concerned. Even the governments of both the countries were of the opinion that tramcar as a mode of transportation has become obsolete in the new age transport system where speed and mobility are the prime consideration.
But, thanks to the sustained effort of Tramjatra, ever since its inception 6 years back, it has grown by leaps and bounds. Needless to say, distinguished people from all walks of life have unequivocally offered their invaluable support and co-operation in preserving the tram car as a mode of transportation.
Today, when you hop into the quintessential Kolkata tram, you not only defy modernity, in a way you take a trip down the memory lane and reminiscence on the slow, uncluttered life of a bygone era which you probably heard from your grandmother as a kid.
Nearby places to eat
The Chowringhee-Park Street-Esplanade stretch is by far the most happening place in Kolkata and a wide variety of restaurants are located here where you can truly indulge in mouthwatering Bengali, Mughlai, Chinese, Italian and continental spread. A visit to Tangra, Kolkata's version of Chinatown is especially recommended which is an exclusive Chinese bastion in Kolkata and lots of authentic Chinese restaurants are available here. The Chinese delicacies available at Tangra are lip smacking good.
As far as traditional Bengali dishes are concerned, Peerless Inn and Oh! Calcutta are great options. Aminia, Rahmania and Shiraz are fabled for their Mughlai spread. Mainland China, Marco Polo, Chung Wah and Golden Dragon offer delicious Chinese cuisine. Drop in at Domino's at Russel Street and Pizza Hut at Camac Street for Italian delicacies.
Celebrity restaurants like Indian Cricket icon Saurav Ganguly's signature restaurant-Saurav's- The Food Pavilion is a top draw.
Barista, Café Coffee Day and Flury's are irresistible as far as beverages are concerned. A visit to Flury's is highly recommended which is one of Kolkata's most enduring Raj era restaurant. The ambience is very British and the service is of a very high standard.
Nearby shopping venues
Kolkata is a shopper's delight. The Park Street-Esplanade stretch has all kinds of shops selling everything from Tibetan Thangkas to Ray Ban goggles. The stretch from The Oberoi Grand located in Esplanade to Park Street is one of the most fashionable places to shop. The flea market is especially very popular with tourists. Baluchuri sarees and Vishnupur clay idols vie for attention alongside up market brands like Nike, Addidas, Westside and Pantaloons.
For handloom and handicraft items, The Cottage Industries Emporium at Chowringhee is well worth a visit.
You could also explore New Market, Vardaan Market at Camac Street, Central Cottage Industries Emporium at 7, J. L. Nehru Road, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan at 24, Chittaranjan Avenue, Priyadarshini at 14/C, Lindsay Street and Manjusha at 8/2 Jagamohan Mullick Lane, Barabazar. All of them offer a fabulous shopping experience.
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