Kolkata

Howrah Bridge (officially Rabindra Setu) is Kolkata's most recognisable symbol, a 705-metre cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River without any pillars in the water. Built in 1943 during World War II, it is one of the busiest places to visit in Kolkata, carrying 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily. Walking across at dawn, with flower markets below and the sun rising over the river, is a quintessential Kolkata experience.

Kumartuli is a 300-year-old neighbourhood where generations of kumors (potters) create the thousands of clay idols used during Kolkata's Durga Puja and other festivals. Walking through the narrow lanes, you'll see artisans shaping straw and clay into towering 12-foot Durga, Kali, and Saraswati figures in various stages of completion. The weeks before Durga Puja (September-October) are the most exciting, when every studio is working furiously to meet deadlines. It is a staple for Kolkata tourism offering an authentic glimpse into the city's soul for anyone on a Kolkata trip.