Friendship Day In Kolkata: A Complete Itinerary Your Pals Will Love

The grand Prinsep Ghat is located on the banks of the River Hooghly. Many history and architecture aficionados are drawn to Princep Ghat by its grandeur, but residents also visit to take in the regal aura. Take in the fresh air while strolling along the riverbanks and enjoy the sunrise with the breathtaking Howrah Bridge in the backdrop. The ghat, located between Fort William and the Water Gate, is a popular stop. Prinsep Ghat is one of the few locations that has undergone renovations to maintain the ambience from before independence. It is a popular spot for photographers, too. Numerous food stalls with mouthwatering regional specialities are available to get a snack while exploring the site. Sit there, let the conversations flow, drink bhar er chaa, have kuchuri and cholar daal, and just watch the sun rise over the river.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM

Entry: Free

Mullick Ghat is more than just a flower market. Scattered throughout the Hooghly, this century-old market is a blaze of colour comparable to Vrindavan's phoolon wali Holi. This is indeed Asia's largest wholesale flower market tucked away beneath the Howrah Bridge, where marigolds heap like gold and roses fill the air with poetry. And Coachella flower crowns? It was first done by Mullick Ghat. Buy yourself flowers and begin the day with a fresh surprise. 

Timing: 6 AM - 7:30 PM

If you are looking for something religious, you should visit this temple, which is honoured as a symbol of heavenly strength and cultural legacy. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Maa Bhabatarini Dakshineswar, a manifestation of Kali. The idol is made of black stone and shows Goddess Kali standing on top of a recumbent Lord Shiva. The peace between Kali and Shiva is symbolised by the twelve miniature Shiva temples that are organised in a row within the temple complex. The compound also features a Radha-Krishna temple, highlighting the devotional attributes of Vaishnavism. One of India's most venerated Hindu temples, it is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River and is an exquisite representation of Navaratna (nine-spired) architecture, uniting ancient history with spiritual significance. Its deep spiritual importance is further enhanced by its conformity to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's teachings. 

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3:30 PM -7:30 PM

Entry: Free

Contact: 033 2564 5222

Website: www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org

LBB Tip: If you take the metro train to Dakhineshwar Temple, you will be able to take a stroll on the skywalk which directly leads you within the temple premises. The skywalk is a very Instagrammable spot.

With Friendship Day falling on 3 August, Sunday, this has to be on your list of things to do with your friend! St.Paul's Cathedral's Indo-Gothic architecture and enormous dimensions will astound you. Built by William Narin Forbes, it is regarded as the largest church in the City of Joy and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia, and it is dedicated to Paul the Apostle. Bishop Daniel Wilson, Sir John Paxton Norman, and Arthur William Garnett were among the notable individuals interred here. With its stunning stained-glass windows, lofty spires, and well-kept garden, this church is a favourite among religious travelers and photographers. It also boasts a sizable library. 

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Contact: 033-22232802

Facebook: St.Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata 

LBB Tip: You are not allowed to take photographs within the building. You can click pictures outside.

Also called "Queen of Park Street," Flurys serves the best view of Park Street with a side of English breakfast in Kolkata. Flurys originally had been established as an old English tearoom by Mr. and Mrs. J. Flurys in 1927. Well-known around the world for its rich, creamy cookies, puddings, and pastries, decades later, the restaurant is still as well-liked, featuring chandeliers, fancy furniture, and pastel colours that evoke the atmosphere of European tea salons. We even wrote notes on the paper coasters for each other and you should do it too!

Timings: 6 AM - 11 PM

Price: INR 1000 onwards

Instagram: @flurysindia

Google Rating: 4.2/5

This entire market established the groundwork for being loud about local and thrifting before it became a fashion trend. Located on Lindsay Street, next to Free School Street, is the New Market, previously Sir Stuart Hogg Market. New Market is still the center of Kolkata's shopping scene. The market will be filled with summer outfits, sunglasses, bags, shoes, beach and boho outfits, decor collections, and other items that will also be affordable alternatives to luxury labels. But if shopping sounds strenuous, then you will appreciate the numerous vintage stores this lane hosts, from vinyl stores to old cinema theatres.

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 10 AM–8 PM. Closed on Saturdays

If you are not heading to Miniso with your friend and buying things you don't even need, you are doing it wrong. This Japanese store, with its branches now in Mani Square and City Centre 2, is no less than a dream store for all stationery lovers. They have a huge variety of stationery, organisers, toiletries, kitchenware, hardware, backpacks, handbags, travel essentials, makeup products and more. Minimal, fuss-free and quality merch available on a budget, Miniso, a Japanese brand, should be your next shopping destination. The store boasts of amazing interiors with properly-stacked sections, neat aisles and easy-to-navigate spaces. You’ll find bags, clutches, wallets, hats, yoga mats, baby products, sunglasses, massagers, travel accessories and lots of other functional goodies. Check out their bags and travel containers for all your essentials, along with travel kits, neck pillows, ticket and passport holders and stationery items that you might need on the go. This shopping spree is not going to hurt your wallet much since the prices start at just INR 150.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 11 AM - 10:30 PM

Contact: +918800193262

Instagram: @minisoindia

Indulge in some norom pakh sandesh from Nukur Sweets. Since its inception in 1896, this iconic establishment has been a beloved part of the city's culinary heritage, serving authentic Bengali mishti (sweets). What sets Nakur Chandra & Co. apart is its unwavering dedication to preserving and presenting the essence of traditional Bengali sweets. These sweets are made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite has the distinct flavour of Bengal.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 7 AM - 10 PM

Contact: 094324 94423

City of Joy's favourite street food, phuchka, is available at every nook and corner of the city, but very few can be compared to Rajendra Phuchka in front of Dakshinapan in Dhakuria. Just outside the exit gate of Dakshinapan, you will be able to spot the huge presence of his two stalls. Gorge on the huge phuchkas, which you won't be able to put in your mouth in one go. The stuffing is made with a calculated amount of spice and salt. Try it with their sweet or sour water, or maybe you can mix them both! And what you get is a sudden gush of multifarious flavours dancing inside your mouth. Rajendra Phuchka has won an award from the Khaibar Pass Award for the 'best phuchka'. A plate of alur dom, churmur, and doi churmur will add the extra "oomph" to your day! There's almost always a queue when you reach there, so make sure you have some time in hand.

Google Rating: 3.8/5

Timing: 3 PM - 9:30 PM

Price: INR 20 onwards

Beyond the hustle and bustle of College Street, South Kolkata has its own Boi Para, where old books find new homes stretching from Golpark to Gariahat. This is a place my mum and I have been going to, and I bought my first Barbie picture book here! A wealth of beloved classics, lost bestsellers, history, sports, and literature in Bengali and English can be found at these pavement stalls. The fading ink and dog-eared pages hold the voices of previous readers, just waiting to be found again. The Boi Para also has antique Bengali magazines featuring stories by Sukumar Ray and Saradindu Bandopadhyay. You can visit more such unique bookstores in Kolkata here! 

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM