So, I recently took my youngest son to India, and we ended up in Kolkata. Let me tell you, if you haven’t been there, you’re missing out on a city that’s like a time machine with a modern twist. And for someone like me, who loves street photography, it was a goldmine.
First off, Kolkata’s old vegetable and floral markets are something straight out of a movie. They’re packed with vibrant colors, quirky characters, and a chaos that somehow makes sense. Picture this: vendors shouting, flowers everywhere, and vegetables so fresh they look like they just popped out of the ground. I snapped photos every chance I got. My son? He was more interested in trying to spot the street animals.
Then there are the vintage sweet shops. These places look like they haven’t changed since the 90s, selling candies that brought back so many childhood memories. Kolkata is known for its dessert shops as well. The shelves are stacked with colorful treats, and the shopkeepers have stories for days. One shopkeeper even tried to convince my son that eating a certain sweet would make him grow taller overnight. Spoiler: It didn’t work, but it was worth a try.
Walking around with my camera, I felt like a kid in a candy store (literally, at times). Every street, every shop, every face had a story to tell. My son, on the other hand, was fascinated by the rickshaws and kept trying to count how many people could fit in one. Answer: way more than you’d think.
But Kolkata isn’t just about markets and sweets. It’s rich in culture and heritage too. We visited the Science City, where my son had a blast exploring the interactive exhibits and learning about the wonders of science. And then there were the museums, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Kolkata’s storied past.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the oldest standing café in Kolkata, where you can still smoke indoors. It was like stepping back in time, surrounded by vintage décor and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. My son thought it was the coolest thing ever, until he realised he couldn’t actually breath very well in the smoke, and that he couldn’t order anything as he is vegan and doesn’t drink coffee.
Kolkata’s charm is in its mix of old and new. One minute you’re looking at a hundred-year-old market, and the next, you’re standing in front of a modern café. It’s like the city is giving you a big, warm hug and saying, “Welcome, enjoy the madness!”
Our trip was an unforgettable adventure, filled with laughter, photos, and way too many sweets. If you ever get the chance, pack your camera (and maybe an extra stomach for all the candy) and head to Kolkata. Trust me, it’s worth it.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll bump into a woman with a camera and a kid counting rickshaws.
Sushmita Chatterjee 