An Evening at The Strand

 

No visit to Kolkata feels complete without spending some time at The Strand, one of the city’s quintessential attractions and a must-visit for tourists. So, after a satisfying lunch at Peter Cat, we decided to make our way there for a relaxing riverside outing.

After a bit of searching, we finally managed to find a parking spot and then walked towards the crossing to enter The Strand. Part of the charm of getting there is the little adventure itself—you have to cross a railway track before reaching the beautiful riverside promenade.

Once there, the riverfront offers a wonderful escape from the city’s bustle. Walking down the stairs at one of the many ghats, you can easily find boatmen offering short rides on the River Hooghly. We opted for a leisurely half-hour boat ride, which gave us beautiful views of the river, the city skyline, and the iconic bridges nearby. Of course, safety comes first, and the boatman ensured that everyone wore life jackets before setting off.

After the boat ride, no riverside experience is complete without indulging in some local street food. A serving of jhaal muri, some papdi chaat, and a refreshing cup of chai or a glass of soda shikanji felt like the perfect way to unwind by the water.

As you sit and enjoy the riverside atmosphere, you’ll also spot the occasional train passing by on the tracks nearby. This is part of Kolkata’s Circular Railway line, adding yet another uniquely Kolkata touch to the experience.

One of the notable landmarks here is Judges Ghat, which is especially famous during Durga Puja season as an important site for idol immersion, or visarjan.

With the river breeze, street food, boat rides, and glimpses of Kolkata’s everyday charm, an evening at The Strand is truly a lovely way to experience the city.