70 reasons to stay in Kolkata !‏

1.. Phulkopir Shingara: samosas don't stand a chance against these.

2.. Phuchka: gol-gappas aren't a patch on phuchkas. Try Bengal Lamp/Dakshinapan.

3.. Karaishutir Kochuri: a seasonal favourite, have it with "alur dam".

4.. Luchi: puri and phulkas - no comparison.

5.. Alurdom: the world's best. Try the offering at Vivekananda Park.

6.. Jhalmuri: a unique concoction, with nothing to equal it.

7.. Telebhaaja: these and jhalmuri are like 'made for each other'.

8.. Chanachur: many have tried unsuccessfully to steal the formula,

MNCs included!

9.. Alukabli: where will you get something like this?

10.. Ghugni: again, chana is not the same at all.

11.. Radhaballavi: try it with alurdom or cholar daal.

12.. Chanmp: even Pakistani cricketers have sampled these, in Chitpur.

13.. Rezala: out of this world, just out of this world!

14.. Paradiser Sharbat: there is one which is green, and another, pink. No college student from Presidency or the University has failed to sample these!

15.. Lere Biscut: needed to make the batter for chop-katlet.

16.. Chicken Kabiraji: an unbelievable variation on the chicken cutlet.

17.. Moton Afghani: an equally innovative presentation of the mutton cutlet.

18.. Dimer Kalia: again, where do you get something like this?

19.. Kasha mangsho: it has become an institution now.

20.. Roll: the ubiquitous mutton, chicken or egg roll. Unquestionably superior to any variants (Frankies 4 that matter) in any other city of the world.

And also....

21.. Coffee house coffee ar adda: try the float with ice cream.

22.. Bharer chaa: on the Maidan, from shining brass vessels on a rainy day.

And not to be missed in all this,

23.. Pan: unmatched, even in Benaras or Lucknow. Honestly!

The sweeter side

24.. Roshomalai: a creamy, mouth-watering delight!

25.. Jilipi: smaller than the jalebis and tastes quite different.

26.. Lal doi: is an experience by itself!

27.. Sada Doi: have it @ the shop, "Mithai"

28.. Kamala bhog: a pale yellow orb, delicately sweetened.

29.. Notun gurer sondesh: a winter speciality available in no other city.

30.. Rosogolla: simply needs no introduction.

31.. Natun gurer Rosogolla: the latest innovation. There are many, many more traditional favourites.

and also... 32.. Shitabhog: pure white, sweetened to just the right extent.

33.. Mihi Dana: golden yellow, saffron scented.

34.. Maalpoa: rich brown pancakes, dripping in sugar syrup.

35.. Ranga alur pithey: another traditional favourite in winter.

Up fashion street

36.. Fashions keep changing. But the dhuti-panjabi and tangail look never becomes out-dated.

37.. Dhuti with extra broad borders: the finest and most elegant available here.

38.. Dhutis in red or black: The latest sensation in Calcutta.

39.. Giley kara Panjabi: those with the improbably crinkled sleeves.

40.. Tangail Sari: the best in these all-time favourites can be found here.

and the other marks of distinction are...

41.. Bidyasagari choti: you still get them here.

42.. Kabuli Chappal: another old favourite.

43.. Garader Sari: ideal with pujo bari, shankher awaaj.

Sights and sounds

One wakes up in the morning and hears their voices drifting through the air. So typically do they say their bit...that it is difficult to forget.... and even more so ...to imitate...

44.. Shil katowala: they chip the stone slabs which grind masalas.

45.. Chhuri Kanchhi Shaanwala: sharpens knives, scissors and anything with an edge.

46.. Lep Shelaiwala: they make those cotton quilts which warm you up in winter.

And early in the morning, before Durga Pujo, who can forget the strains of 47.. Mahalayar mahishashuromardini:

Other things, quaint and very special

48.. Chinese Food in China Town: an early morning breakfast here is an experience.

49.. Metro Rail: spick and span, and the trains are dot on time.

50.. Maidan: the ideal place to be on a sleepy, winter morning.

51.. College Streeter Boipara: bookworms buzz around this place morning, noon and night.

52.. All Night Music Conference: you won't find a minute to yawn.

53.. Circular Rail: see the river all along as you travel on the train.

54.. Ganga te nouko bihar: either in a country boat or a steamer or on hover craft!

55.. Dolphins in the Ganga: if it's your lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of a frolicking shoal.

56.. Morning tram to the Maidan: see how green and fresh the city looks.

57.. East Calcutta Wetlands: our very own eco-system regulator - just on the outskirts.

Travel in style

58.. Rickshaw: still the preferred form of transportation for some,

especially children and the elderly.

59.. School van: it's to be seen to be believed.

60.. Tram: if you have time on hand, you can see the city glide by.

Calcutta's passion

61.. Roker adda: Calcuttans are an adda baaj lot.Mohan Bagan & East Bengal: prices of ilish or chingri go up, depending on who wins the day.

62.. Jatra: who says it is all melodrama?

63.. Durga pujo: the pomp and pageantry, reserved each year for the 'mother of all festivals'.

64.. Little magazine: you still find devotees of this publishing wonder.

65.. Book Fair: when the fair is on, you are there - whether you love books or not.

66.. Cricket match at the Eden: cricketers and cricket lovers the world over treasure the experience.

City's own

67..Hydrant: there's a move by the CMC to revive the practice of splashing the streets with Ganga water from the hydrants

68..Italian Saloon: road side barber joints, where you sit on a piece of brick (it).

69..Chinese dry cleaners: do a very clean job, indeed.

70..Darjees of Metiabruz: are a cut above the rest. Even if they cut corners at times! Now, Tell Me Is There Any Other Place Better Than Kolkata On Earth?

Sent by Jimmy Keir, after his recent visit to Kolkata