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Kolkata · Heritage
Shobhabazar
Palaces of the North
The crumbling rajbari palaces of old Bengali dynasties, and lanes where time has stopped.
North Calcutta of old money: crumbling rajbari palaces with colonnades and inner courts that still host family Durga Pujas. These streets remember the Bengal Renaissance: reformers, poets and the city's first magnates lived here. Best done as a guided walk: half the courtyards open only on introduction.
Who it suits
northern palaces rajbari courtyards old Bengal ways
Staying here
Almost no hotels; a few rajbaris take guests, so book ahead.
In the evening
An early quarter; return to the southern neon by night.
Getting there
Ⓜ Shobhabazar Sutanuti (Blue)
What to see
Where to eat
Mitra CafeA 1920 north-Kolkata "cabin" and a living piece of the city's Anglo-Bengali cafe culture: worn, cheap and unchanged.
Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar117-year-old heritage sweet shop, GI-certified for rosogolla and widely written up by local food media; long reputation makes it a dependable pick.
Ganguram SweetsOne of the most recognised heritage sweet brands in Kolkata with many clean, well-run outlets citywide, making it a safe and easy stop for quality Bengali sweets.
Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra NandyWidely considered the home of Bengali sandesh since 1844; a purist's pilgrimage.
Shopping
Hatibagan MarketPuja shopping the way North Kolkata does it, almost entirely without visitorsDetails →
College StreetThe world's largest book market
Other areas of Kolkata
BBD Bagh (Dalhousie)Park StreetThe Maidan & VictoriaCollege StreetKumartuliKalighatDakshineswar & Belur
Areas on the map
In the app: the city's areas on the map, the places inside and a route.
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