Strapped for rupees? Head to Kolkata. The capital of West Bengal holds the unshakeable status of being India’s most pocket-friendly major metropolis, beating out the likes of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Travellers on a tight budget will be delighted to know that the city has a bunch of wonderful activities that can be done for absolutely no cost. Here’s a rough-and-ready list of the best free things to do while visiting Kolkata.
1. Watch artisans at work around Kumartuli
One of Kolkata’s top tourist draws is Kumartuli, a neighbourhood featuring innumerable pottery studios where sculptors painstakingly create clay idols of gods and goddesses for public veneration throughout the year.
In the run-up to Durga Puja, Kolkata’s biggest public festival held over four days in late September to early October, the sculptors of Kumartuli can be seen creating giant statues of the goddess Durga triumphing in battle over the demon Mahishasura.
Visitors are welcome to drop in and observe the artisans at work (as long as you don’t get in their way). If patience is one of your virtues, you can spend hours – or even days – admiring the images as they slowly come to life in the hands of the master craftsmen. Consider leaving a small tip of appreciation when you leave, or a bunch of compliments in praise of the artisan’s work.
2. Stroll around the city’s green parks
Kolkata is home to some great public parks, none of which charge an entry fee. The vast central expanse of the Maidan comes tops on the list, providing green space for everyone from cricket players to budding footballers.
The placid lakes and forested walks of Rabindra Sarovar are a fabulous destination in the mornings or early evenings, when flurries of joggers run along the trails, aspiring musicians strum their guitars under the trees, and scullers dart through the waters in their competition rowboats. Free public concerts featuring the city’s aspiring and professional musicians are often held here on weekends, especially during winter months.
3. Poke around Marble Palace
Wouldn’t you be delighted to know that Kolkata’s grandest mansion is free to visit? Access to the extravagant Marble Palace can be secured for no charge, as long as you’re game to drop in at the West Bengal Tourism or India Tourism office in advance and pick up an entry permit.
Remember, the palace remains shut on Monday and Thursday, and the property’s staff would expect a small tip in return for showing you around the premises, which are home to a plethora of rare Victorian relics. These genuine treasures are made even more intriguing by the way they are displayed in a hotchpotch manner.
4. Take in the magic of the city’s biggest markets
Some of the best opportunities for street photography in Kolkata await you in its markets. None of them have ticketed entry, allowing you to capture vibrant scenes all day long while winding through the colourful organised chaos. Just take care not to disrupt proceedings and always ask permission if you intend to snap shots of vendors.
Vibrant early mornings at the Mullik Ghat Flower Market come to life with flower vendors bringing in large consignments of blossoms for sale in the city. Later, the frenzied lanes of Barabazar, Kolkata’s biggest wholesale trading hub, invite you to explore shops peddling every conceivable merchandise.
5. Explore the Hooghly Riverbanks
The serene Hooghly Riverbanks cost you nothing to visit, as long as you’re not planning a boat cruise or ferry ride on the river.
Walk along the promenades strung along the banks, enjoying the tranquil sights and sounds of life on the river, bustling with bathers, bodybuilders, and tea sellers. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit the numerous ghats, providing a photogenic glow cast by the rising or setting sun on the waters.
6. Cast your eye over excellent free art exhibitions
Kolkata is a thriving centre of contemporary Indian art, with numerous exhibitions shown in leading galleries across the city.
From renowned places such as Academy of Fine Arts to Birla Academy of Art & Culture, you can find well-curated exhibitions of emerging and established Indian artists throughout the year, all completely free to visit, though donations are very welcome. Look for listings in leading local English dailies to enjoy fabulous art at no charge.
