10 Hidden Gems In Kolkata Even Google Doesn't Want You To Know About

Have you ever found something so unexpected that it left you speechless? A monument to both architectural genius and spiritual devotion, the Pareshnath Jain Temple is located in the centre of Kolkata. Tourists frequently ignore this breathtaking hideaway, which is full of mysteries just waiting to be unearthed. Amidst glistening mirrors and colourful mosaics, you will be traversing delicately carved marble hallways. This temple was established in 1867 to celebrate Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, by well-known Jain industrialist Ray Badridas Bahadur. It has grown to be an essential component of Kolkata's cultural landscape, along with its religious significance and also functions as an educational centre, providing researchers and interested tourists with information on Jain philosophy and customs.

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timing: 6 AM - 12 PM, 3 PM - 7 PM

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Belgachia Metro Station. It is on the blue line of the Kolkata Metro. You can also book Ola/Uber/ Rapido services.

As records say, the first Jewish immigrant in Calcutta was Shalome Cohen, who came to Calcutta in the 1790s, and with him came other Jews from the Middle East. With the Jews growing in number, there rose the need for a prayer house, and Naveh Shalome, the first Baghdadi prayer house in India, was formed out of a converted residence. Built in 1831 by Shalom Obaidah Ha Cohen, Naveh Shalome stood in Canning Street until it was demolished in 1883 to make room for a bigger synagogue (Maghen David). But in 1912, the synagogue was rebuilt again, with fairly simple interiors. The heavy wooden doors open up to a simple rectangular synagogue sanctuary that leads up to the tebah (raised platform to read the torah) and the altar behind it. Now restored after several years of neglect owing to the dwindling Jewish community, the synagogue houses a small museum in its gallery.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timing: 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed on Saturday.

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Central. It's a 7-minute walk from there.

At 65/2 Baghbazaar Street, Basu Bati is a tale straight out of Bengal's own book. The historic mansion was formerly owned by one of the city's first prominent families. The brothers Nandalal and Pashupati Basu, as well as their elder brother Mahendra Lal, lived here. They are thought to be descendants of Dasrath Basu, the first recorded man to bear the surname 'Basu,' which has since become so widespread in Bengal. They originated in Shyambazar, in the centre of north Kolkata, from the well-respected Basu family of Kantapukur. A well-known contribution to the struggle against British rule was made by the Basu family. After speaking out against the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Tagore's protest came to an end in Basu Bati. 

Google Rating: 4/5

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is the Sovazbazar Sutanuti metro station. 

LBB Tip: It is not open to the public, but you can surely look over the gates and click some pictures

Located in Narendrapur, the sanctuary is no less than a paradise for ornithologists and wildlife photographers. It's home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, ferns and orchids. Visit during winters to spot species like the Tickell's Thrush, Eurasian Woodcock, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Black-hooded Oriole and Chestnut Trained Sterling. And if you're lucky, you'll find some migratory birds during that time too. Also spot wildlife like jackals, jungle cat, civet cat, monitor lizard, and more. Locally known as Kayaler Bagan, the sanctuary was earlier an abandoned orchard surrounded by waterbodies and wasteland. Noted artist Chintamoni Kar, after whom the sanctuary is named, along with NGOs and locals, fought for a long time to achieve sanctuary status for the land. This sanctuary in Kolkata is a must-visit, not just for tourists but also for city folk. Drop in, if you haven't already.

Timing: 6 AM - 5 PM

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Kavi Nazrul Metro Station. Then, you can take an autorickshaw to Rathtala.

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Looking for a new cafe to go to in Kolkata, which not many people know about? Try out Cafe at Hazra Road. Yes, it's literally called Cafe and is a representation of everything archaic. Originally a verandah, the front portion was later converted into an outdoor space. Now a wall divides it, and the lengthy section is a pleasant spot for friends to sit and converse quietly. Order cups of coffee, chai and a plate of fish fingers, chicken cutlet, and finish up with the classic bread pudding!

Timing: 4 PM - 9 PM

Price: INR 250 for two

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Jatin Das Park. You can also use public transport such as buses, taxis and more.

Google Rating: 3.8/5

If there is one place in Kolkata that is the very definition of a ‘hidden gem’, it would probably be the boat museum. Yes, you read that right. It is the only one of its kind in the country, and surprisingly, not many of us know about it. Tucked inside the iconic Ambedkar Bhawan, the Boat Museum is a tribute to Bengal’s rivers and its indigenous craft of boat-making. A Bachhari boat (from Bangladesh) is the first to greet you. Long and narrow in shape, with a chhoi (cover) to provide shade, these boats are mainly used as water taxis. From the ancient boats of Harappa to the V-shaped dholais to the still-in-use dinghies, the museum houses 46 models of boats from Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. Each boat is unique and was designed for a particular purpose. Crafted by the Rajbanshis (woodcraft artists of West Bengal), the boats on display can be classified into five categories - Ferry Boats (for passengers), Cargo Boats (for goods), Fishing Boats, Racing Boats and Luxury Boats.

Timing: 10 AM - 5 PM.

Entry: Free

How To Reach: The nearest metro stations are Chandni Chowk and BBD Bagh metro stations. You can also book Ola/Uber services.

LBB Tip: While you are there, do not forget to peek into the adjoining Ethnographic Museum, Puppet Museum and Kantha Museum

Google Rating: 4.8/5

This is a secret gem because it has been outshining Kolkata's dinner and cutlery culture by bringing in gorgeous sets that would make your dinner table look much more exquisite, but people rarely notice. Pitter-Platter, which specialises in fine and artistic porcelain and bone china pieces, makes use of every available space in your kitchen to display its products.Tableware, crockery, and crystal-like Versace Rosenthal, Noritake, Grey Rose, Riedel, Nachtmaan, RCR, and much more are on show at Pitter-Platter. Its unique selling point is the Noritake porcelain set, which is strong, lovely, and perfect for a special gathering at your house.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Contact: 09836060194

Google Rating: 4.4/5

LBB Tip: Studio Earth, a mindful luxury dinnerware brand envisioned by entrepreneur and design aficionado Lata Kedia, recently introduced the charming collections Nyra and Nilofer at Pitter-Platter. Made in the United Arab Emirates, Studio Earth combines cruelty-free, vegan materials with ideas from heritage, environment, and cultures around the world. 

You will not be able to spot Kulture if you're not looking properly. It's housed in a small, historic building on Park Street and seems like a spot you might find by chance. They have hearty coffee, crisp Romano pizzas, and upbeat beverages that won't make you feel lightheaded. Like a postcard from Kolkata itself, you can see the Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial in the distance from the windows. Subham Das, a young engineer turned restaurateur, envisioned the "K", which pays homage to Kolkata, the city whose culture served as its inspiration.

Timing: 9 AM - 9:30 PM

Price: INR 1,000 for two

Contact: 09448040531

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Instagram: @kulture_coffee

Rongtaari is more like entering a vivid secret than a large showroom. Tucked away in a modest home adjacent to Lake Terrace (by Southern Avenue), it lacks a gaudy signboard. You enter an inviting space with soft materials and the aroma of natural dyes after ringing a little bell and climbing an ancient staircase. They use eco-friendly techniques, such as hand-woven cottons, discarded fabric, and plant and flower-based dyes. Each jacket, dress, or kurta is created in little quantities, frequently by local tailors. You will see wrap-around skirts in earthy tones, reversible coats with hand-done kantha, and patchwork dresses with irregular stitching that feel alive.

Timing: 12 PM onwards

Price: INR 1,500 - INR 3,500

Contact: +9182409 95288

How To Reach: Nearest metro station is Rabindra Sarovar metro station

You have to know someone who knows someone to find Shibuji's Khichuri & Cutlet Stall, which is buried away in a random Burrabazar road close to Posta. A tiny tin-roofed home with two swaying benches and no signboard appears as you weave among stacks of hardware and jute stores. No Zomato, no Instagram, just devoted warehouse workers and a few fortunate outliers. The cuisine? On Sundays, their mutton cutlet drops vanish in a matter of minutes. Their smoky moong-dal khichuri is served with a crispy beguni on the side. An antique radio playing Rabindra Sangeet, enamel plates, and you eating as if you've cracked a cheat code.

Timing: 12 PM - 3 PM. Closed on Mondays.

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station.

Price: INR 50 - INR 100