Memorable Business Trip and Many Noteworthy Clicks

I am always on the move due to my hectic day to day schedule. Visiting far flung places is therefore nothing new for me. Recently, I went on a business trip to Kolkata, the City of Joy. Since I have deep interest in meeting new people and places, I was thrilled at the opportunity to visit the city, also popularly known as the Cultural Capital of India. I boarded the economy class seat of Spicejet Airways from the IGI Airport, New Delhi.

To ensure a convenient stay in Kolkata, I had booked a 3-star hotel close to the airport. The hotel had an elegant décor and warm ambiance which made me feel at home. The hotel’s staff were highly professional in their conduct and ensured the timely housekeeping of my room. Once I checked into my hotel room, I refreshed myself to get over the tiredness caused by the journey on the Delhi to Kolkata flight.

Experience of staying at the hotel

My room was equipped with all modern amenities which are available in well-known hotels. The availability of free Wi-Fi connection within the rooms enabled me to prepare some presentations which were necessary for the upcoming meeting. Laundry services were also available on request. This ensured that I could leave for the client visit in a well-dressed manner.

Discovering the City of Joy

To travelers who are visiting the city for the first time, Kolkata embodies several positive and negative attributes, it is simultaneously noble ad filthy, cultured and frantic. My first destination here was the Victoria Memorial. Built in the 20th century, it is a fine embodiment of the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. It houses numerous galleries and is surrounded by gardens which cover an area of 64 acres. I took a number of pictures of the venue to add to my personal collection.

Following my visit to the Victoria Memorial, I visited the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple to offer my prayers. Covering an area across three floors, it is reminiscent of the Navratna style of architecture which flourished in Bengal. The idol of the goddess Kali, in her Bhavatarini form rests on a silver thousand-petal lotus in the temple’s garbagriha. The temple compound includes a bathing ghat and NahavatKhana where Sri Ramakrishna, the spiritual guide of Swami Vivekananda spent a major part of his life.

                                   

Delhi to Kolkata flight | Image Resource : goodwilltravels.co.in

Dining

Kolkata has no dearth of options when it comes to food. I wanted to have a taste of traditional Bengali cuisine. The chefs of the hotel where I was residing lived up to my expectations. The Chitol Muithawas lip smackingly delicious. A fish based delicacy, these fried fish pakoras formed an irresistible combination with steamed rice. Being a meat lover, I also relished the Kochi Pathar Jhol. The sheer variety of dishes served on platter made me marvel at the gastronomic tastes of the Bengalis.

Return

My Kolkata sojourn lasted for three days during which I got a lot to know about India’s cultural and intellectual capital. As I boarded my flight to Delhi, I could reminisce the defining moments of my trip. I will treasure those moments in my memory for a long time to come.