Mullik Ghat Flower Market Kolkata : This is Mullik Ghat Flower Market. It is located near the Howrah Bridge. I have been to many unique locations but never to this place. It is a flower market. You will find stores selling countless varieties of beautiful flowers. We also saw some local wrestlers practicing nearby. We enjoyed visiting this place.
We reached Kolkata around 16:00 hours. The temperature of the city was quite high and humidity was on high pick. As we just landed from an air-conditioned compartment we were feeling hotter as for last 20 hours we were in cool temperature. So without wasting time we decided to move on to our hotel and get freshen up. Before starting our journey we had checked a lot of hotels and had shortlisted the best option from them. We were around 1500 kms away from our hometown, so I tried to make sure that we land to the best budget hotel which can accommodate us with good functionalities. We found Hotel Park Inn as the best option as it is located in the centre of the city. The hotel is in the midst of the city and therefore bus facilities seemed to be quite convenient from the city bus stand. There are single rooms, double rooms and deluxe suites in the hotel which are available to solve the purpose of every visitor. All the rooms were luxurious having polished floors and walls painted with warm color. Rooms were fitted with cable television sets, air conditioner, hair dryer, weighing machine, tea/coffee maker, thermo flask and complementary fruits. The cordial ambience and spacious rooms replete with all modern amenities and provide its guests with a cozy lodging. Other than these, the hotel also sports a beautiful swimming pool, a boutique, multipurpose spa and gym center. I was very excited as I am a spa massage lover. Other essentials like first aid kit, travel help desk, multi-cuisine options, and concierge are also provided to the guests of the hotel.
The upscale hotel provides the dazzling service of tea lounge, variety of restaurants and pastry shop. There is Wi-Fi connection available in the room which keeps the dwellers occupied with internet throughout the day. It was actually a boon as it helped us a lot to located different places of the city beforehand and selects the destination which we wanted to visit on the next day. Hotel Park Inn, Kolkata is the best hotel when it comes to authentic tastes and services of the West Bengal. Christmas is here, Merry Christmas to you guys. Have a beautiful Xmas experience with your loved ones. Our neighbors were Christians so we were invited to a lot of family Christmas Carols. The best thing that I like about Christmas is how a Christian house illuminates with all the decorations and lightings!
It was a quiet trip so far though my visit to Kolkata is not about simple sightseeing, but about divinity and spirituality. We returned from the Belur Math and travelled to visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata as it is on the way. It is situated in Dakshineswar and is positioned on the eastern side of the River Hooghly. The main Goddess of this Hindu temple is a facet of Goddess Kali, who is worshipped here by the name of Bhavataraini. Rani Rashmoni was an ardent disciple of Goddess Kali and it was she who built this temple in the year 1855 after having a dream of her goddess. After eight years of construction and hardships this magnificent temple complex was built with a cost of nearly nine lakh rupees and on May 31st in the year 1855 the statue of Goddess was installed amidst great pomp and grandeur. At first the puja was done by the priest Ramkumar Chhattopadhyay but in later years the position of the head priest was allotted to Ramakrishna and his spouse Sarada Devi. The architectural style of Bengal is reflected in the construction of the building and it is constructed in the Nav Ratna style. The temple is facing southwards and is erected on an elevated platform having stairs on its side. The height of the historical building is 100 feet. The main deity of Goddess Bhavataraini is enshrined in the inner sanctum of the temple and could be seen as standing in a vertical position over Lord Shiva’s Chest, who is lying flat and these statues are positioned on a silver lotus, which has petals numbering thousands. Identical twelve temples of Lord Shiva have been built here, which are very near to the main temple building. On the Northern side we saw a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha on a throne made of silver. We took many pictures of this temple and were amazed by its historical significance. The devotees and tourists come here to see this mesmerizing and beautiful temple complex. The areas in and around Kolkata are really rich in terms of our culture and heritage.
While going back from the Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata, we were really awed by the abundance of warmth in this place and made us realize that the next visit ought to be to another temple like the Pareshnath Jain Temple Kolkata. Mr Kalam is so very right. It is when you have true dreams and aspirations that you fail to get a good night’s sleep. The true dreams are the ones that keep you awake all night and let your mind wander.
Victoria Memorial Kolkata : This is the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata . The white walls and garden reminds me of the White House. It is a perfect example of colonial architecture. It is one of the best historic sightseeing locations. Using camera is not allowed in this hall. If you are in Queen's Way, check out this place.
The next day in the early morning we were ready for a visit to the Belur Math Kolkata. We had to hire a car as it was some distance away from our hotel. It is situated in the district of Howrah on the banks of river Hooghly and is the base of the Ramakrishna Mission. As the timing of the Belur Math was from 5.30 am to 10.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, we started our journey a bit early so that we could properly see it during the allotted time. The entry over here is free for everyone. This Math was built in the year 1938 and is a captivating sight. The Belur Math campus has an area of 40 acres and is committed to the relics of Sarada Devi, Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. It also has a museum showcasing the related historical articles and some educational institutions. The main design of the Belur Math temple was done by Swami Vivekananda but the architecture was concluded by Swami Vijnanananda who was a disciple over here. As the temple is treated as the heart and soul of the Mission, the architecture designs of the Math are an interesting fusion of Islamic, Hindu and Christian culture to signify the concept of unity in diversity. The entrance is inclined by the Buddhist style of art but the rising structure is influenced by the Southern India’s Hindu temples. Chunar stone and a bit of cement has been used in its construction. There are Hanging Balconies and a pathway for performing parikramas. The Belur Math is nestled amidst green lawns and beautiful shrubs and trees that contribute towards its soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The spiritual ambience of the place could be felt in one’s heart. To the devotees, Belur Math Kolkata is a sacred place for pilgrimage, but for us it was an enchanting place seeped in history having national importance. I took many photographs of this place and realized that this tour of Kolkata was going to have an important effect on our heart and soul. The next place in the row is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata, which we were eagerly waiting to visit. Oxford Bookstore Kolkata : People who read books always stay happy. There are many ways in which books help an individual. That is the reason I decided to visit the Oxford Bookstore. It had a great collection of books and dictionaries. I had a tough time resisting buying some of those books. It is definitely a must visit for book lovers.
Kolkata Kathi Roll : I am a food maniac and go crazy about anything that pleases the taste buds. I really enjoy eating the Kolkata Katti Roll. These are so delicious and I am sure no one can resist eating atleast three in a go. I love the Kathi rolls and wonder why they do not get popular.
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About Me..
A big hello to everyone here... I am 'the' Geeta Sharma, a young, vibrant, and fun-loving girl from Agra. As a kid, tall buildings always inspired me and now as I type, I myself have attained a master’s degree in Architecture and am working on several projects in and around my city. Whenever I feel taxed of my job, I find a way out in the nature, my second habitat for obvious reasons! Meditation, camping, and photography are activities for which Mother Nature inspires me! On my way back, I also make it a point to get my mind and body relaxed at nearby spa centres. That is about me and you will find much more in detail with regular blogs and updates from me. So stay tuned and sit tight for new experiences every day!
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