How does one choose where to travel next?
Sometimes, it starts with a whisper—or a shared confidence. “Kolkata,” my friend Mohan said, “is an undiscovered gem in India.” That’s all it took. A whisper. A spark.
What did I know of Kolkata or Calcutta then? Growing up in the Philippines, I knew of Mother Teresa’s work, her mission to care for the poor and the lepers. Beyond that, nothing. How I managed to stay so unaware is frankly unforgivable—but it’s also why I travel. To learn, to witness, to break ignorance with experience.
Then there was Husna. I met her in Bali at a Travel Show, and the way she spoke of Kolkata—her passion, her pride—it sealed the deal. I knew if I returned to India, Kolkata would be my next stop. Especially if I could stay at The Glenburn Penthouse—a reimagined colonial retreat perched atop the city, with sweeping views of the Victoria Memorial. The design? Chic colonial elegance. The service and food? Divine. It is THE place to stay in Kolkata. No debate.
Joining me on this discovery were our dear friends and clients, the Matters. And oh, what a discovery it was.
Let’s start with the food
West Bengali cuisine was a revelation. Milder than I expected, refreshingly simple at times, and always delicious. Because Kolkata was once the capital of British India, many menus still carry echoes of that era. Dishes like Chicken a la Kiev, Beef Stroganoff, and Baked Alaska—yes, really—made surprising appearances, and they were fantastic.
At Mocambo, a vintage restaurant dating back to 1956, the vibe was pure retro glamour. I half expected Rick from Casablanca to stroll in and order a drink. We dined like royalty—Sizzling Fish Steak, cocktails flowing—and when the bill came for the four of us, it totaled $42. Yes, for everyone. I checked it three times. Husna smiled and said, “This is what makes Kolkata so different—everyone can eat well and afford it.” Sign me up.
Kolkata isn’t just about food. It’s a textile lover’s dream.
As the former capital of British India and a major hub for the East India Company’s trade in muslin, silk, and cotton, the city has a rich fabric heritage. At Weavers Studio, a showroom supporting Bengal’s weaving communities, I found stunning silk pieces to add to my ever-growing “wearable souvenirs” collection. We even visited the flagship store of Sabyasachi Studio even if they now have an outpost in the West Village of Manhattan.
In just four days, we managed a surprisingly full itinerary:
Watched the morning EID prayers and shared smiles across faiths
Wandered through the Flower Market and Potter’s Village
Toured the Victoria Memorial and Mother Teresa’s Mission of Charity
Visited Jewish synagogues, Jain temples, and the eclectic Marble Palace
Enjoyed a private lunch at the home of an art collector
Explored the lush Bengali Quarter
What stood out the most wasn’t just the sights, though—it was the people. Everywhere we went, across different backgrounds and beliefs, we were greeted with warmth and kindness. Kolkata is a city of layered histories and living legacies, of contradictions that somehow harmonize.
This wasn’t the India I expected. It was something even better—authentic, surprising, graciously unpolished, and bursting with stories. Kolkata didn’t just whisper to me. By the end of our trip, it was singing.
Ready to plan your own adventure to India? Whether it’s Kolkata, Rajasthan, or beyond—send me a message. I’d love to help you discover your own unforgettable corner of India.
