Southern Suburbs Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and diverse Southern Suburbs of Kolkata, West Bengal. Discover the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, and much more.


Introduction to Southern Suburbs

Southern Suburbs is a culturally rich part of Kolkata, located in the southern region of the city. It is an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history of Kolkata. The Southern Suburbs of Kolkata comprise of various neighborhoods such as Ballygunge, Kalighat, Dhakuria, Jadavpur, Garia, Narendrapur, and more.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, and much more to help you plan your perfect visit to Southern Suburbs.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Suburbs

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Indian Museum: Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is one of India’s oldest museums and is home to a vast collection of artifacts from different parts of India and the world. Visitors can explore the Egyptian mummy, Buddhist relics, and much more.
  • Victoria Memorial: Located in the heart of the city, the Victoria Memorial is a magnificent white marble building built-in 1921 to honor Queen Victoria. The museum has an impressive collection of exhibits depicting the city’s colonial past.
  • Birla Industrial and Technological Museum: A must-visit for science enthusiasts, the Birla Industrial and Technical Museum exhibits various scientific phenomena and principles that happen to us daily.

Natural Attractions of Southern Suburbs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sundarbans National Park: Located a little outside the city limits of Kolkata, the Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
  • Rabindra Sarobar: A popular picnic spot for locals, Rabindra Sarobar is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery that offers visitors breathtaking views.
  • Bally Bridge: This iconic suspension bridge offers a great vantage point to explore the cityscape of Kolkata.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Suburbs

  • Dhakuria Lake: Take a stroll around the beautiful Dhakuria Lake, which is embellished with a variety of flora and fauna.
  • Kalighat Temple: A famous pilgrimage site for Hindus, devotees come here for a dip in the Hoogly river followed by a blessing from the goddess Kali.

Best Things to Do in Southern Suburbs: Activities and Tours

  • Food Tour of Southern Suburbs: The best way to explore the local cuisine of Southern Suburbs is by taking a food tour. Learn about the spices and the ingredients used in the local cuisine and try delicious dishes such as biryani, kathi rolls, and rasgullas.
  • Cultural Tour of Southern Suburbs: Visit the various museums and learn about the history of Kolkata and the cultural influences that shaped this beautiful city.
  • Visit the local markets: Explore the various markets in Southern Suburbs and shop for handicrafts, textiles, and accessories.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Suburbs

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Victoria Memorial
Day 2 Take a leisurely stroll around Dhakuria Lake
Day 3 Explore the Indian Museum
Day 4 Visit the Kalighat Temple
Day 5 Take a day trip to Sundarbans National Park
Day 6 Food Tour of Southern Suburbs
Day 7 Visit Birla Industrial and Technological Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Suburbs

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kathi Rolls: A local favorite, kathi rolls are a fast-food snack made with a filling of eggs, chicken, or mutton.
  • Biryani: A staple of Indian cuisine, biryani is a flavorful dish made with rice and meat or vegetables.
  • Rasgulla: A quintessential Bengali dessert, rasgullas are balls of cottage cheese soaked in syrup.

Local Beverages

  • Cha: A type of Indian tea, cha is a favorite beverage all around India, including Kolkata.
  • Thandai: A sweet, cold beverage made with milk and various nuts and spices, thandai is a must-try during the hot Summer months.

Where to Stay in Southern Suburbs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Oberoi Grand: A five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering guests a comfortable stay and beautiful views of the city.
  • Taj Bengal: Another popular five-star hotel, Taj Bengal offers luxurious amenities and beautiful rooms.
  • Hotel Esplanade Chambers: For budget-friendly accommodation, Hotel Esplanade Chambers is a great choice, located in the heart of the city near many restaurants and attractions.

What to Buy in Southern Suburbs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-crafted textiles: Kolkata is famous for its textiles, and you can find beautiful hand-crafted sarees and fabrics in the local markets.
  • Handicrafts: From terracotta dolls to intricate metalwork, Kolkata is a hub for beautiful handicrafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Suburbs

Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage that is evident throughout the city. Visitors to Southern Suburbs can learn about the City of Joy’s unique customs and traditions, such as Durga Puja, a yearly festival, and the Bengali New Year.

Best Time to Visit Southern Suburbs

The best time to visit Southern Suburbs is between October and February. The weather during these months is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Suburbs

Do:

  • Learn basic Bengali phrases to communicate with the locals.
  • Take off shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes in religious places.
  • Disrespect the local wildlife.
  • Litter, smoking, or drinking in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Suburbs

Southern Suburbs is relatively safe, but it is always wise to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Southern Suburbs

It is always advisable to drink bottled water to avoid water-borne diseases. Make sure to bring insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites, which can cause diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Getting to Southern Suburbs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Suburbs

  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport: This airport is located 15 kilometers from Southern Suburbs and is the closest airport to the region.

Bus Stations Near Southern Suburbs

  • Esplanade Bus Terminus: A popular bus stop located in the heart of the city.
  • Karunamoyee Bus Stand: Another popular bus stand located a little further from the city center.

Other Options

  • Train: Kolkata has an extensive train network, making it easy to travel to Southern Suburbs by train.

How to Get Around in Southern Suburbs

The best way to get around Southern Suburbs is by hiring a taxi or a car. Public transportation is also available, but it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Where to Go Next from Southern Suburbs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Darjeeling: A famous hill station, located a little distance from Kolkata, renowned for its scenic beauty and tea plantations.
  • Sunderbans Delta: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest estuarine delta forest in the world.

Conclusion

Southern Suburbs is a charming destination with a diverse range of attractions, from historical monuments to stunning natural beauty. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan an unforgettable trip and experience the local culture, food, and must-see sights.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Kolkata BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Kolkata Bawali Rajbari Bawali Rajbari