Ooh la la!

After all the rain in the past few days, Kolkata is treating us to some cool, calm and pleasant weather the last couple of days... With a gentle breeze blowing through the day, no rain, and spurts of sunshine, its a fairly dreamy place to be right now. If it weren't for the crowded and (still!) waterlogged streets, it would indeed be a dream come true!

After the great Belur Math & boat experience the previous day, my colleague and I detoured to the Botanical Gardens, a few mins from Howrah, right after our market visit (and before returning to office). I remember having visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens and this place is just as good, if not better. And it is huge. It took us a good 40 minutes to walk right across. Vehicles are not allowed inside, so it actually feels like you're in a jungle with all the foliage and birds.

The highlight of the 'garden' though, is undoubtedly, the Great Banyan Tree. All the ideas I had in my head about how a banyan tree looks came to nothing when I saw this one... Its just unbelievable! From far off, it looks like you're entering a small forest full of trees, but as you start walking inside this 'forest' you realize its all part of one humongous tree!!

All in all, a beautiful place, a welcome relief especially from the super-crowded markets that we visit all day!! If you happen to come down to Calcutta some time, do make it a point to visit this garden, you'll not be disappointed, especially if you're with your gf / bf / spouse! A small problem though is the lack of a good eating place inside, so I suggest you carry some fruits and water.

xx