Air India Express announced a new service connecting Ayodhya to the busy cities of Bangalore and Kolkata. This new route is set to commence operations on every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Ayodhya, a significant tourist spot in Uttar Pradesh, now has excellent connectivity to prominent cities which include Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Delhi. 

As Air India Express launches flights to Ayodhya, this extended network is a boon for devotees excited to witness the grand Ram temple, indicating a unity of faith and ease of journey. With this service, Air India Express ensures that Ayodhya is now accessible by air from all parts of India, promoting both spiritual journey and economic growth.

Uttar Pradesh as Aviation Hub

Uttar Pradesh will grow into an aviation hub, with 16 airports set to be operational in 2024 and plans to grow to 19 by 2025. This development not only offers improved connections but also brings economic growth and the possibility of tourism. Air India Express’s new Ayodhya-Bangalore-Kolkata route is more than just a comfort. It represents a commitment to reducing regional disparities, improving accessibility, and developing economic and tourism growth.  

Planning a vacation to Ayodhya is now easier than ever.  Book Indian Eagle flight tickets to make your trip both affordable and enjoyable. Your spiritual or relaxing adventure is only a click away.

Air India Express Flights

Air India Express, identified for its quick domestic and international flights, connects many cities, including Lucknow and Varanasi, to destinations such as  Bengaluru, Dubai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Sharjah, and Mumbai. The fast development in Ayodhya shows the airline’s commitment to growth and the client’s satisfaction

As Air India Express launches flights to Ayodhya fromf Bengaluru and Kolkata signifies India’s growing connectivity. Tourists can experience the ideal mix of India’s rich history and thriving future. So, what are you waiting for? Book cheap flights to India to witness the incredible Ram temple in Ayodhya and make your journey remarkable.

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Kolkata is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of India that needs to be included in your bucket list of Indian cities to visit. Kolkata, the bustling capital of the eastern state of West Bengal in India is best known among tourists for the great engineering marvel-Howrah Bridge that connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata.

The Howrah Bridge is undeniably the numero uno of all the attractions in Kolkata but there is so much more to Kolkata than just the Howrah Bridge. Have your eyes glued to our little travel guide to Kolkata to gain a good insight into the city of joy, covering aspects like the best landmarks to visit, best restaurants for fine dining, and other useful travel information related to Kolkata.

What is Kolkata best known for?

Besides the Howrah Bridge, Kolkata is famous on the international radar for its delectable Bengali cuisine, Bengali sweets, Bengali Sarees, and most revered personalities including Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and the noble laureate Amartya Sen. The slogan of Kolkata Tourism is “City of Joy” and it truly lives up to it.

Historical facts about Kolkata, India

Interestingly, some of the historical facts about Kolkata are also the lesser known facts of Kolkata and are sure to amaze you- The British made Kolkata the center for the colonial rule in India that lasted for 200 years, Kolkata was the capital of India between the years 1772 to 1911 under the British rule and was also the capital of Bangladesh between the years 1912 to 1947.

Kolkata Highlights

There are plenty of things to do in Kolkata. From the popular Tram rides to sacred landmarks like Dakshineshwar Kali Temple to street food vendors selling authentic Bengali food, there is no dearth of attractions in the city of joy. Here’s our list of things to do in Kolkata.

• The Howrah Bridge over West Bengal’s Hooghly River is the pride of Kolkata and no trip to Kolkata is complete without exploring the Howrah Bridge
• The Victoria Memorial Palace, built in the honor of the iconic Queen Victoria is worth gazing at for its beautiful architecture
• Mother Teresa House is something that can’t be missed during a Kolkata tour. The tomb draws huge crowds every month and one can even get to see the bed used by the famous personality
• The Indian Museum is India’s first and largest museum and is worth touring for getting glimpses of the rich antiques that speak about the culture and history of India from the pre-historic period
• Tram rides on the roads of Kolkata are truly fascinating. Explore the city of joy using a tram for a different Kolkata experience.
• Birla Planetarium tops the list of attractions for kids in Kolkata. Spend some quality time with family at the planetarium to gaze at the artificial video simulations of the night sky along with the stars and other heavenly bodies of the universe
• Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the city of joy dedicated to Goddess Kali. Take a temple tour of this renowned holy site to seek the blessings of Kali
• Princep Ghat is a must-visit for getting gorgeous sights of the sunsets during the dusk

Gastronomy in Kolkata

There is no better way to experience a new place than tasting its delicious local foods. The Bengali cuisine is characterized by a sweet taste through the use of sweet spices like dry fruits and this is strong a Persian influence from the Mughal kings who once ruled Kolkata. The Delish local foods of Kolkata are endless but the must-tastes are

• Kathi roll of Kolkata- a flattened dough made of wheat that is heated on both sides with some oil on a pan and rolled with a stuffing of either cooked vegetables or cooked diced chicken along with some freshly prepared seasoning
• Rasagulla- a signature-style desert from Kolkata.

Our top picks for the best Bengali and Indian food joints are Kusum Rolls, Bhojohori Manna, and Sher-e-Punjab. For street food in Kolkata, we suggest visiting Deckers Lane and New Market which are filled with street stalls selling all kinds of Bengali delicacies at throw-away prices. No trip to Kolkata is complete without tasting the local foods of Bengal.

Reaching Kolkata

While there are many ways to reach Kolkata for the locales including the popular bus, train and private car modes, we highly recommend taking a flight to Kolkata which simplifies the accessibility of Kolkata for people from far-off places. International travellers from the United States can have their cheap flights to Kolkata booked on Indian Eagle. If you are flying to Kolkata, you will be landing at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) located at Dum Dum in West Bengal, about 17 km from the city center of Kolkata.

Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Kolkata: The Cultural Capital of India

How to get around Kolkata

Kolkata has good road connectivity backed by excellent public transportation modes of bus, taxi, metro, autos, and trams. You could also hire a private car or a bicycle to get around the city to bring out the adventurer in you. We highly recommend using a combination of all the modes for getting the best of everything. Taxis in Kolkata are the classic Ambassador cars like in Mumbai city and they are all metered-taxis and usually, in most cases, the taxi drivers in Kolkata very rarely turn the meters on and they try to charge customers exorbitant amounts for the rides. A better alternative to taxis is using the Ola and Uber cab rides which are a lot cheaper and can only be pre-booked from the respective Apps through the mobile phones linked to a local number.

Now that you have read our travel guide to Kolkata, it’s about time you planned for a trip to Kolkata to get mesmerized by its attractions. Just in case you have an emergency travel plan to Kolkata, don’t fret, Indian Eagle also offers cheap last-minute flights to Kolkata at affordable fares.

–Travel Diary

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Be it hoping from one ride to another or going for a long swimming session before heading to devour mouth-watering local delicacies. A visit to any amusement park in Kolkata will offer you a day full of fun and a closer glimpse of the lifestyle here. 

Top Amusement Parks in Kolkata 

Check out the top 5 amusement parks in Kolkata that will give you a fun-filled trip. 

1. Newtown Eco Park
2. Science City
3. Nicco Park
4. Aquatica
5. Snow Park

You can now book cheap flights from Washington to Kolkata through Indian Eagle and save more on the expenses incurred while traveling. So, why wait? Plan your itinerary today and get ready for your Kolkata adventure! 

The post Amusement Parks in Kolkata for a Thrilling Experience appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

The ‘city of joy’, Kolkata has a lot to offer its visitors be it mouth-watering delicacies or spectacular tourist attractions. Most of the sightseeing places in this town will give you an old-world charm. From exploring the works of the ‘bard of Bengal’, Rabindranath Tagore to going on a culinary walk and relishing the local food, there are a lot of things to do in Kolkata.

Counted among the top 5 popular cities in India, Kolkata attracts millions of tourists from India and across the world. You can explore the different museums here, visit Fort William or go boating in the Princep Ghat. No matter what you choose to do, you will be amazed by the magic of this beautiful city.

Here are the top things to do in Kolkata that will give you a memorable trip.

Admire the Spectacular Architecture at the Victoria Memorial Palace

Built between 1906 and 1921, this structure was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic revival architectural style. The 54 m high marble building is now converted into a museum and has an array of art and sculptural pieces on display. Take a trip down memory lane as you gain insights into Kolkata’s rich colonial history.

Explore the Diverse Wildlife at the Sundarbans

Visiting the Sundarbans National Park is one of the most adventurous things to do in Kolkata. It is located around 109 km from the city but is a popular tourist hotspot. This World Heritage Site lying on the Sundarban delta is also a Tiger and Biosphere reserve. It is also known for housing the biggest mangrove forests on the planet. You can spot the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger, an array of birds, reptiles that also include salt-water crocodiles and a lot more. The sight of the lush surroundings, gushing rivers, and gorgeous estuaries will leave you in awe!

Hop on a Vintage Tram and Enjoy a Ride Across the City

Taking a vintage tram ride is one of the best things to do in Kolkata. The city was the first in the entire continent to start electric tram services. Now rusty yet charming, these trams are equipped with FM radio and a TV to keep travelers entertained throughout the short journey. It is the most popular mode of transportation among tourists visiting this wonderful city.

Visit the Jorasanko Thakur Bari

If you are into literature and admire India’s legendary novelist, poet, artist, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore; you might want to visit his birthplace. It is one of the most recommended things to do in Kolkata for youngsters to explore the heritage and culture of this city. This massive mansion in red looks distinctive and architecturally beautiful. Here you can know more about the poet’s family and their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance.  This Bari receives a lot of tourists on the occasion of Panchise Baisakh that marks the poet’s birthday and Baishe Shravan, which is observed as his death anniversary. It also has a sound and light show so you can join one to know more about this place in a fun way.

Check Out the Iconic Mother House

The Mother House was founded by the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mother Teresa in 1950. Popular as ‘Missionaries of Charity’, this place also houses her tomb. Shelter and care to the physically and mentally challenged or the poor, sick, orphans, victims of any natural calamity, and even drug addicts is provided by the sisters working here. They also work to help improve the lives of the homeless children by admitting them in numerous non-profit schools in the city for their formal education. Now, there are many branches of this institution around the world that teach and follow these practices of selfless devotion.

Gorge on the Delicious Local Cuisine

One of the top things to do in Kolkata is trying the mouth-watering cuisine here. The city is renowned for its desserts, street food and distinct biryani. You must definitely try out different flavors of pani puri, which is locally known as ‘puchka’ here. Try out the various dishes such as Macher Jhol, Shukto, Kosha Mangsho etc. Desserts like Rasogulla, Sondesh, and Mishti Doi are a must-try as well.

Also known as the cultural capital of India, this city will leave you in awe. There are a lot of things to do in Kolkata such as checking out the flower market, visiting the Nicco Park, watching the sunset from the Howrah Bridge etc. Have you been to Kolkata before? If yes, comment below and let us know, which of the activities mentioned above would you like to do to make your trip to this gorgeous city memorable.

You can book cheap flights to Kolkata through Indian Eagle and explore the ‘city of joy’ on a budget. So, why wait? Plan your itinerary today.

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The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest and biggest museum in the country filled with relics from pre-historic eras. It is also called the Imperial Museum and was established in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Although most museums are themed, this one is a mix of everything from botany, geology and even anthropology.

The artifacts at this museum narrate the past of this diverse country; educating everyone who walks through these hallowed halls. This historical museum houses amazing relics like Mughal paintings, fossils, mummies and even skeletons. Here is everything you need to know about this museum to get you inspired and book last minute flight tickets to Kolkata.

Also Read: A Simple Kolkata Travel Guide to experience the Treasures of Kolkata

How The Museum Came Into Existence?

The Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded in 1784 with the aim to spread knowledge and conserve our cultural heritage. Members of this society framed the plan for a museum back in 1796. After a lot of delay due to lack of a structure, the museum only opened in 1814.

A Danish Botanist Nathaniel Wallich wrote a letter to the society explaining the importance of the museum. The society assigned Nathaniel as a curator who helped set up the museum and even donated artifacts from his personal collection. The Imperial Museum was now a reality at the Asiatic Society Building. Word spread like wildfire and generous individuals from India and Europe contributed a number of relics to add to its existing collection.

The Museum slowly gained fame which led to the society laying the foundation for a bigger building to house their artifacts. In 1875, the three-storey structure designed by architect W.L. Grandville was complete. All the valuable collections were transferred to the new building. On the 1st of April 1878, the Indian Museum in Kolkata opened its doors to the public with two galleries.

What Knowledge Does This Museum Impart? 

Today, this vast museum boasts 14 galleries with carefully preserved relics from ancient times. The museum has a Bird Gallery, Mask Gallery and even Insect Gallery that displays unique taxidermy animals and artifacts from around the world. Read below about the galleries and all that you are missing out on if you don’t pay a very essential visit to this museum.

Bharhut Gallery 

This gallery holds architectural remains of a gateway and railing from the 2nd Century BCE. The only surviving gateway called Torana was excavated by Sir Alexander Cunningham and brought to the museum in 1875. These relics belong to the Sunga Period and were unearthed from Bharhut in the Satna District of Madhya Pradesh.

Gandhara Gallery 

The Gandhara gallery showcases the many sculptures depicting the life of Lord Buddha. It also houses sculpting works from the Gandhara School of Art which was a flourishing artistic institute in the 2nd Century. These relics were excavated from different regions in Afghanistan.

Mammal Gallery 

This gallery dedicated to mammals was set up in 1878 to exhibit specimens for educative and conservation reasons. The gallery was recently renovated with many new additions; it houses 314 exhibits in total. Some of these taxidermy animals are over 100 years old. They also showcase horns, skeletons and skulls of mammals.

Coin Gallery 

Believe it or not but this museum holds a total of 52,000 coins from various eras ranging from 4th Century BC to present day. They have all been found from different places on the Indian subcontinent. Some coins are replicas but most of them are original with amazing intricate inscriptions.

Egypt Gallery

The star of this museum for most is the Egypt Gallery which displays artifacts from the Egyptian civilization. It includes a 4,000 year old mummy which attracts scores of tourists who want a glimpse of this wrapped up corpse.

Read Also: Best Time to Visit Kolkata: The Cultural Capital of India

Everything You Need To Know While Visiting This Museum

Now, that you know what interesting relics are on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, all that’s left is information about timings and policies.

Timings: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday but the timings are different on weekends. It opens at 10 AM and closes at 6:30 PM on Tuesday to Friday and 10 AM to 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The museum remains closed on Monday as well as all public holidays.

Entry Fee: Children above the age of 5 are charged Rs. 20 whereas Indian adults are charged Rs. 50. Foreigners visiting the museum will need to pay an entrance fee of Rs. 500 which is 7 American dollars.

Photography Charges: To click pictures on your smartphone, a fee of Rs. 50 is applied and a camera is Rs. 100. However, for videography it costs Rs. 2000 for a small camera and Rs. 5000 for a camera with a stand.

Library and Guide Facilities: The Library is open on weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and is closed on second Saturday and Sunday. The membership fee for the library is Rs. 50 and the guide for the museum is free.

This museum is a dream come true for historians and even art enthusiasts as you get to travel back in time and see unique things. The Indian Museum in Kolkata gained popularity for its dedication towards preserving the artifacts and scavenging for more rare items to add to their collection. Now that you know everything about

his museum why not plan an intriguing trip to the land of diversity. Indian Eagle is there to make your life easier with an easy to use website filled with the best offers on flight tickets.

–Travel Diary

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When it comes to delicious street foods in India, Kolkata figures out as one of the top 3 cities in India for finding awesome street food with a local Indian flavor. Kolkata has a good reputation for serving delicious street foods and offers stiff competition to other Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Our list of delish street foods in Kolkata will tickle your taste buds and will also aid in being a Kolkata food guide for you.

What is the famous food of Kolkata?

The local foods in Kolkata fall under the world-famous Bengali Cuisine which is characterized by a sweet flavor through the use of sweet-tasting spices and this was an influence from the Mughals who ruled Kolkata. From authentic Bengali Thalis to street foods like kathi rolls to delectable desserts like Rosogulla and Sondesh, the cosmopolitan city of Kolkata is a paradise for foodies who like to try out the best foods from all corners of the world.

Don’t miss out on the Kolkata Food Walks and Heritage Walks which are organized by private day tour operators for exploring the best food joints in the city guided by expert tour guides. Finding cheap flights to Kolkata is just a click away from Indian Eagle.

1. Kathi Rolls

Kathi rolls are signature style wraps of Kolkata that are a top favorite among most Kolkatans and is a must-try for experiencing the street foods of the City of Joy. Kathi rolls are flattened parathas (Indian breads) that are used as wraps for the stuffing of vegetarian or non-vegetarian rolls. The veg/non-veg Kathi rolls come in many variants including egg rolls, chicken rolls, and mutton rolls, and can be found at most hawker stalls on the streets of Kolkata.

Where to eat: The best Kathi Rolls can be found at Kusum Rolls, a popular food joint Near Park Hotel

2. Kachori Sabzi

This delicious street food can serve as a great evening snack for recharging yourself with some fresh energy. Kachori Sabzi is essentially deep-fried bread that is served along with some freshly prepared potato curry. This popular street food of Kolkata is a popular menu item at most hawker restaurants and street food vendors.

Where to eat: The best Kachori Sabzi can be found at Sharma Tea House in Bhawanipur

Recommended Read: Best Time to Visit Kolkata: The Cultural Capital of India

3. Jhalmuri

This famous street delight has its origins in Bengal and is made up of puffed rice along with the use of ingredients like finely chopped tomatoes, onions, carrots, bhujia and spices along with some seasoning for bringing out a unique local spicy taste. Jhalmuri shouldn’t be confused with Bhelpuri, although they both have a lot of commonalities in terms of the ingredients used. The main difference is that Jhalmuri is almost a ready-to-be-eaten dish and it doesn’t require any chutney to accompany it, unlike Bhel.

Where to eat: The best Jhalmuri can be found at the street-side shop near Triangular Park, Opposite Jawaharlal Nehru Road

4. Ghugni Chaat

Ghugni Chaat can be found at most street-side stalls of Kolkata and is a top favorite for Bengalis and tourists alike. The dish is prepared using white peas, yellow peas, and other essential ingredients like onion, mint, tamarind, and coriander by hand tossing them on a hot pan. Ghugni Chaat is very similar to Ragda, a popular street food in Mumbai and this will surely interest Mumbaikars.

Where to eat: The best Ghugni Chaat can be found at the street-side shops at New Market in Kolkata

Also Read: A Simple Kolkata Travel Guide to Experience the Treasures of Kolkata

5. Puchka

Puchka has so many parallels to Paani Puri. Puchka is a famous Indian snack served in most cities and is one of the most famous street foods of Kolkata. Puchkas are essentially round, crisp, thin, and hollow puris that are filled with fillings of yogurt, tamarind water mint, and sometimes even Vodka. Grab a plate of puchkas during a Kolkata tour to figure out the subtle difference between Paani Puri and Puchka. You will find that they both differ in the fillings used for the puris.

Where to eat: The best Puchkas can be found at the street shop, Ram Gupta’s Puchkas near Victoria Memorial Palace

6. Ras Malai

This is a popular sweetmeat that has its origins in the kitchens of Bengal and is a must-try if you have a sweet tooth. Ras Malai is a yummy cheesy dessert that is immersed in milk.

Where to eat: The best Ras Malai can be found at Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick, a sweet shop in Bhawanipur

7. Rosogulla

Rosagolla is another signature style of sweet meat coming from the Kitchens of Bengal.  Like most sweet delicacies from Bengal, this is a solidified milk preparation that will melt in your mouth.

Where to eat: The best Rosogullas can be found at the popular sweet shop KC Das Grandson Pvt Limited

8. Sondesh

Sondesh is another Bengali sweet delicacy that cannot be missed. The dessert is perfect for a great after-meal experience and usually has a coating of rich pistachios.

Where to eat: The best Sondesh can be found at Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick, a sweet shop in Bhawanipur

–Travel Diary

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