Kolkata offers you some wonderful sites that are full of medieval and modern architectural beauties. A trip to the city is incomplete till you visit those places that either existed before British colonialism or were developed in the colonial phase. One such place in Calcutta is Maniktala, which is located in the northern part of the city. Before British colonialization, the place was known as Sutanuti and was a residential place of the aristocratic native people. The place, despite being congested and old, is marked for its genuineness even now. Maniktala is surrounded by Ghose Bagan on the eastern front, Narikel Danga on the southern front and Simla on the western front. The entire locality is woven with small and narrow lanes and passages that connect this small suburb to the main road, called Satin Sen Sarani. From the main road, Manik Tala has a good connectivity with the rest of Kolkata, through the roadways and metro railways. The appearance of the area is, in itself, very interesting, making you feel like you are visiting a British colony. Maniktala currently houses Swami Vivekananda’s birth place, Esavi India Match Factory, Maniktala Bazar, Beleghata E.S.I Hospital, Deshbandhu Park, Calcutta Homeopathic College and Science College of the Calcutta University, which is famous for its grand British architecture. The area is connected by roadways, circular railway, buses, taxis as well as metro. The nearest metro station is Girish Park. If you are in Kolkata and interested in old architecture, Maniktala will surely be a worth-visiting place for you.
General Information about Maniktala Area :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Maniktala Area :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

