Just got back from Kolkata...it was a short trip (only one day with a thousand meetings packed in!!) but had a great time. The city really surprised me. I think I went there after almost 20 years and was pretty taken aback not only at the level of modernity and development, but also by the wide, clean roads and amazing greenery in most parts of the city. At first glance - while driving in from the airport - I actually felt that I was in the English countryside!!
And the people too are remarkable - there was a party in the night, and the women were seriously awesome. Trust me on this, even the most happening girls of Mumbai would think twice about wearing some of the clothes that the Kolkata ladies seemed so comfortable in!! This is one city that really knows how to party!!
Must see: Did not get around to seeing much of the city - actually, could not even visit the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, and caught only a drive-by glimpse of Eden Gardens - so can't really recommend much by way of sightseeing or shopping. The one thing that I can and will recommend is the Oberoi Grand hotel. Its really a jewel of a place, and is situated right in the heart of the city - at Chowringhee. Whether you are looking for a place to stay, or are just out for some sightseeing, dont miss this place under any circumstances.
