The Hoogly Riverfront, Kolkata
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| Vidyasagar Setu, from Princep Ghat |
First look
The Hoogly Riverfront (Kolkata Riverfront, if you may) currently extends from Princep Ghat in the south to the Millenium Park in the north. A number of extensions of Millenium Park are currently planned, and it seems the work is proceeding fluidly. Irrespective of that, after crossing the Eden Garden station bordering the Hoogly river, it's easy to get spellbound, thanks to the beauty of the existing stretch of riverfront. Although Ahmedabad can boast the first riverfront in the country, I guess Kolkata does have a unique charm. In addition, we have the Ganges, which is usually regarded as a holy river.
Regardless of whether you may be religious or not, chances are you'll most certainly enjoy your trip to the renovated stretch. Where slums were the eyesore even a couple of years back, Kolkata now harbours some appealing eye-candy for mental and spiritual satisfaction.
Ok, so what's the big deal?
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| Princep Memorial, with the Vidyasagar Setu in the background |
Well, a lot. Especially if you're living close to the place, you'll definitely enjoy taking an evening stroll along the Joggers' Track that runs through the riverfront. Morning through evening, tea-sellers and other food-vendors can be found across the place, although their sales essentially maximize in the early hours of the Calcuttan evening. Nothing beats sipping a smoking cup of Masala Chai, while savouring the delicious evening air.
Leaning on the railing, you can see the golden stretch of the Ganges (Hoogly) separating the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. Howrah's own riverbank (not yet renovated, sadly) borders the west, while a great many boats are available for hire if you're willing to take a ride. The scenery is picturesque to say the least, and what makes it even more beautiful is the mighty stretch of the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hoogly Bridge) that connects Howrah and Kolkata. From Princep Ghat, you can actually catch the sight of vehicles moving across the bridge, which itself is a glorious sight. Large tankers, trucks, buses and cars, all appear to be miniature and toy-like from the distance. In the words of my mother, they appear to be somewhat like moving matchboxes.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you may know that I like composing poetry, as well as photography. Both my hobbies make me go to the riverfront again and again, and yet again. The sheer beauty of nature and the might of the engineering seems to lift the spirits of every visitor.
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| The Bengali session of Adda is going on, don't disturb! |
In addition, be sure to visit the nearby Princep Memorial, erected in the honour of James Princep, one of the greatest Indologists ever born. The white marble structure is not gigantic, but it's a meticulously crafted one.
The view
The view is especially magnificent. The impending Ganges in front, with the Vidyasagar Setu towering over small and large boats alike to the left, and the Rabindra Setu running in the right side, all accentuate the cool, refreshing breeze from the river, and the magical tunes of Rabindrasangeet that hail from the nearby musical fountains. Yeah, a great many colorful fountain decorates the area, their many-colored water jets dancing with the tunes of Tagore's songs. No matter how much distance you cover, the tunes seem to never leave your eyes, thanks to the clever placement of a large number of speakers and amplifiers.
Trees and shrubs of many kinds beautify the place further. The automated watering mechanism, which takes up water from the river and sprinkles it in turn over the green vegetation, is quite effective. And although some people dislike the drops of water that fall on them at times, I happen to enjoy them very much, especially on a summer evening.
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| The best way to explore the place. |
Along the east, you can see the gigantic stretch of KCR (Kolkata Circular Railway), and locomotives routinely run along the tracks. In my opinion, the a ride on the train is essentially a joyride, at least in between Princep Ghat and BBD Bag. Unfortunately, the KCR is not nearly as effective and smooth as the celebrated Kolkata Metro. But as I said, it's for joyride purposes only, if you're not planning to transport goods. The schedule is erratic, the view is splendid at times, and horrible at other times. That sums it up pretty much.
Facilities
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| Well, it's cool nonetheless! |
A number of Ghats add to the beauty of the riverfront. If you're religious, you can easily walk down the steps, and touch the holy river yourself. Even though I'm not especially into religion, I did it nonetheless. It was a liberating experience. People are often found sitting on the steps leading to the ghats, and you may choose to join or even open an Adda. In addition, they provide beautiful spots for taking your shot.
If you're not willing to risk getting your pant dirty, just sit on any of those several park benches facing the Ganges, provided that they aren't occupied beforehand. Although scores of such benches are available, hundreds visit the place everyday, so it's a No Go anyway. Doesn't matter, you can always stand next to the railing, and savour the view.
As I already wrote, musical fountains are very common in this area. Rabindrasangeet seems to be the only offering, at least as per my experience. However, you're sure to enjoy the joyous and blissful tunes regardless of whether you're a Tagore-admirer or not.
Tea-stalls and other vendors can be found everywhere along the place. Tea is Rs. 5 per cup, usually. You can always get a larger cup for Rs. 10, if you're a tea-addict like me. Dustbins are positioned tactically, next to the major concentrations of stalls.
And the most joyous of all activities here is boating. A number of boats, speedboats and cruisers can be found in the afternoon through the evening. They can turn your memory of visiting Kolkata into magical moments of sheer delight and joy.
How to get to the Riverfront
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| The Hoogly Riverfront, Kolkata |
Buses connect the nearby Babughat bus-stop to all major bus-stops in Kolkata. If you prefer to take a cab, be sure to avail the Kolkata Metro to reach Maidan, the closest station (around 3 KMs from the riverfront). But in my experience, and especially if you're not in a hurry, the best way to travel is on the Kolkata Circular Railway (Chakra Rail, in the local language). All major stations in and around Kolkata are connected to the twin stations of Princep Ghat and Eden Garden. Both these stations, separating the Strand Road from the riverfront walkway, are practically parts of the riverfront itself.
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