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Koli National Park

Koli National Park (Kolin kansallispuisto) lies in the municipalities of Joensuu, Lieksa and Kontiolahti in North Karelia, Eastern Finland, on the western shore of Lake Pielinen, and covers 3,000 hectares.

When Finland was building its national identity in the late 19th century, Koli inspired many painters and composers, e.g. Eero Järnefelt and Jean Sibelius. Koli became the probably best known national scenery of Finland. A large scenery about Koli from 1911, by Eero Järnefelt, A.W. Finch and Ilmari Aalto, can be seen in the restaurant of Helsinki railway station.

Understand
Despite Koli's importance, the national park was established only in 1991. The uncommonly beautiful national park and the associated diverse winter tourist centre are administered by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla).

Climate
Koli is in inland Finland, with somewhat warmer summers and colder winters than Helsinki, but probability of extreme weather is low.

The ski season lasts from mid-February into April.

In May, there are schools visiting the park.

The summer peek starts at Midsummer and lasts until schools start in August.

The Ruska season, when leaves change colour, is usually from late September to early October.

Get in
The national park is situated next to highway 6 between Joensuu and Nurmes, across lake Pielisjärvi from Lieksa

By bus
Coaches between Joensuu and Nurmes (some services continue even to Oulu and Kajaani) stop at Ahmovaara, 10 km from the park (follow Kolintie to the east). You could also take the shared taxi from Joensuu or the ferry (or a taxi) from Lieksa. At 2021 summer season there is a demand based bus connection to Hotelli Koli and Loma-Koli from Joensuu, see timetables, book at previous day from Kolin Tilausajopalvelu Oy, +358 20 741 4392.

In winter, when the 7-km ice road is open, you could also opt for going via Vuonislahti (near Lieksa).

By car
Follow the signs to Koli and you will arrive at the visitor centre of the national park.

In wintertime there is a 7-km ice road (from Vuonislahti; when the ice is strong enough).

By taxi

 * Smartphone app: 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone app: 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone app: 02 Taksi

By boat
Koli is actually reachable by boat from the sea, through the Saimaa Canal. Mast height is restricted in Joensuu (10 or 12 m; see Boating in Finland). Pielinen is nice to experience by boat also without bringing your own. If you land on some islands, notice that landing on islets of less than in Pielinen is forbidden not to disturb nesting birds (perhaps only those in the national park? only in spring and summer?). Sadly, the car ferry does not seem to sail any more (since 2020).

Fees and permits
There are no fees for hiking in the park.

There are no open wilderness huts in the park, so unless sleeping in your tent, lean-to shelters or the like, you have to pay for lodging.

Angling and ice fishing is allowed as usual (get the permits for angling by paying the fee). For other fishing you need a special permission (probably not practical).

Get around
There is an extensive trail network, including a few nature trails (i.e. with information boards). There are also some roads in the park, but parking is allowed only in designated areas. Cycling is allowed on some routes.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding is forbidden on the natural slopes of Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli.

Landing is forbidden at some of the islands 15 May–15 Jul, to protect nesting birds.

Also when Ukko-Koli is crowded (which is common) there may be plenty of opportunities for experiencing the nature alone, only a few kilometres from that area.

See

Koli has lots to offer cultural heritage-wise. Former it was a sacrificial site. Later it was used for slash-and-burn agriculture. The aim of Koli National Park isn't to reserve wild nature but traditional agricultural heritage is cherished in Koli. Some fields are slashed, burnt and re-cultivated and hay is cut yearly. Traditional Finnish breeds of cows and sheep are grazing in the meadows of Koli.

The most well-known vantage point in the park is Ukko-Koli, with a grand view to the East, over the lake Pielinen. Near the top there's the Heritage Center Ukko. In the summer, two long scenery lifts are working in Koli.

There are also many caves in Koli area, e.g. the cave named Pirunkirkko ("Devils church"). It is 34 meters long and 1–7 meters high.

Do
There are two ski resorts in Koli area: Loma-Koli for families and Ukko-Koli for more advanced downhill skiing. There are three ski lifts and six ski slopes in Ukko-Koli. The highest vertical drop is 230 m and ski slopes are 800–1,500 m long. There are four ski lifts and six ski slopes in Loma-Koli. The highest vertical drop is 145 m and ski slopes are 530–1,050 m long. Two of the slopes are streets for snowboarding. There are also snow castles for children.

Buy
There is a shop in Koli village, with fuel, post office and pharmacy services. The nearest ATM is at Koliportti in Ahmovaara (at the Joensuu–Nurmes road, 9 km farther).

Rowing boats and canoes can be rented in the harbour, hiking equipment at Retkitupa and slalom equipment at Rinnetupa.

Eat
There are several cafés in the area, including that in the harbour, in the Koli village, in the visitor centre and (probably) in the heritage farm Mattila in the park proper (on the trail between Koli village and Ukko-Koli). Some of the cafés are open only in the summer season (by reservation otherwise).

The hotel at Ukko-Koli offers views and services as you would suspect.

You may pick berries and edible mushroom.

Campfires may be done only at designated places, and only when there are no wildfire warnings in effect. Firewood is provided.

Drink
For water for trekking, ask in the visitor centre. They monitor the water quality in the wells and have some information on water in the wild (but will not take responsibility for your using it). You can use tap water from the visitor centre.

There are wells in the park, but only some of them have good water, while others are dry or have water that must be boiled. The wells at Seppälä and Ollila should be good. Water from springs and some brooks in the wild is mostly potable, but you should be careful. Water from the lakes and rivers must be boiled for a few minutes before use.

Lodging
There is Hotel Koli near the top of Ukko-Koli and several lodging options in the vicinity, mainly cottages. The heritage farm Mattila has two guest rooms. There are quite a few rental huts in the park (booking e.g. through the visitor centre).

Camping
There are two camping areas in the vicinity:

Camping is allowed at marked sites in the park: Turula, Myllypuro, Ylä-Murhi, Lakkala and cape Rykiniemi. Most have a campfire site, a dry toilet and some source of water, which must be boiled before use.

There are a few lean-to shelters and lapp huts in the park.

Stay safe
The cliffs may be slippery, especially when wet, and the slopes steep. Take care.

Avoid the hill tops during thunderstorms, not to be hit by lightnings.

When a lot of snow has fallen, heavy branches may break under the strain. Being hit can be lethal.

title: Koli National Park


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Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) (sometimes spelled Koh Lipe) is an island in Satun Province, off the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand. It is 50km northwest of Langkawi, Malaysia, 67km west of Pak Bara, and 200km southeast of Phuket. It is part of a cluster of islands called the Butang / Adang Archipelago.

Ko Lipe is known for diving, snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It has been referred to as "The Maldives of Thailand".

Understand
The name "Ko Lipe" is a corrupted version of the Malay name, Pulau Nipis, meaning "thin island".

In 1973, Tarutao National Park was established; however, Ko Lipe is outside of the jurisdiction of the neighboring 51 islands of Tarutao National Park, and as such, development is permitted on the island.

The island is home to about 500 Urak Lawoi sea gypsies ("chao leh" in Thai and "orang laut" in Malay) who are descendants of the first and only inhabitants of the island 300 years ago. Many of them fled in the late 1800s, when the Dutch mistook them for pirates, due to their nomadic lifestyle. Ownership of the island was disputed since it was uninhabited, and to prevent Malaysian encroachment, they were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. Although some are involved in tourism, many sustain from fishing and farming of rice and vegetables. They retain their animist beliefs in the spirits of their ancestors, the island, and the sea. Twice a year, during the full moon in late May or early June and in late October or early November, they hold a 3-day spiritual festival called pla juk or loy rua, where they pay respects to the memory of their ancestors.

In the 1980s, currency was introduced to the island. Resorts were constructed starting in the 1990s.

Tourism has resulted in water shortages, waste disposal issues, and other environmental problems. It is common to see garbage being burnt since there are not many reliable options for waste disposal. To help combat this problem, many restaurants and bars will refill used plastic or reusable water bottles for free or very little cost. Look for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers to reduce waste.

Get in
As of January 2024, a plastic pontoon floating pier has been constructed where speedboats arrive. If coming from Langkawi, an immigration officer will stamp passports on arrival. There is also a ฿200 fee for entry into the national park; save the ticket as it allows for entry to other nearby islands.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Trang and Hat Yai, which is accessible by ferry then bus, or in Langkawi, accessible by ferry.

By boat
In the high season of November to May, speedboats and ferries are offered to/fromLangkawi (1.5 hour), Pak Bara (1.5 hours), Ko Tarutao (45 minutes), Trang (2.5 hours), Ko Lanta (3 hours), and Phuket (5 hours). Operators to/from Thailand include Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Tiger Line, and Bundhaya Speed Boat and operators to/from Langkawi include Tropical Charters and Telaga Terminal. Ferries operate from mid of October until end of May from/to Langkawi, typically ferry schedule available in the morning and afternoon trip daily, but during shoulder season only available one trip daily, Langkawi to Koh Lipe schedule for both Kuah jetty and Telaga Harbour departure.

Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on ferries. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats.

Get around
All of Ko Lipe can be covered on foot. A walk between the two furthest walkable points on the island, Serendipity Resort and Patai Galah Beach, takes about 45 minutes for the 3 km journey, using the roads. There are many motorcycles on the island, although none of them are for rent. The saleng are motorcycle sidecar taxis (labeled as such with drivers wearing numbered blue vests) that charge ฿50 per person for any journey or ฿300 per hour, they are typically parked near the 7-Eleven or ordered by phone (phone numbers are displayed on many of the electric poles). There are pickup trucks on the island belonging to resorts and used to transfer their customers' bags on arrival/departure and as shuttles. Certain resorts also operate golf carts as shuttles. Narrow concrete roads link the various beaches.

Long-tail boats will take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for ฿50.

See
There is a very small Buddhist temple in the center of the island.

Do
Beaches - Sunrise Beach in the east faces the sunrise; sunset views are prominent at the smaller Sunset Beach in the west, and Pattaya Beach has more nightlife. Karma Beach in the north faces the Adang/Lipe channel. There are also several smaller beaches including Galah Beach, Svedo Beach, and Batata Beach, near the "secret beach" in the southwest of the island.

Fishing is illegal near the island, so stay away from fishing trips and do not purchase locally-caught fish.

Diving and snorkeling
Around Ko Lipe are some of Thailand's best reefs, all within easy reach. The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here.

The currents here are predominantly tidal which means that at certain times of the month strong currents exist. At other times, none at all. You can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. You can see sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. Sightings of are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chances, try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge or Ko Pung.

The calm, clear water makes the Ko Lipe area ideal for snorkelling, with 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. There are large varieties of fish around the coral 20m off all of the beaches. Ko Lipe is surrounded by over 30 islands and hundreds of reefs all within easy reach of the island. Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks thus the reefs and the islands surrounding Ko Lipe are in very good condition. Nowhere else on the Southeast Asian peninsula will you find so many excellent snorkel sites so easily reached. Snorkeling day trips on a long boat for 10-15 people, visiting 3 snorkeling locations, generally cost ฿600-700 per person.

 * 8 Mile Rock - A true deep sea pinnacle 75 minutes away by boat. The rock can be a tough place to dive due to the strong currents, but the marine and bird life that come here to feed are fantastic. The top of the pinnacle rises to within 14 meters of the surface. Found here: soft corals, schools of pelagic fish, potato cod, manta rays, whale shark, leopard shark.

 * Between Ko Adang & Ko Rawi - Has excellent diving and snorkellng locations between the two islands where the mountains come down to the sea. Underwater there are huge boulders and many types of rare fish and coral species that inhabit the reef in this region. A great spot for drift diving. Snorkelers should head for the east side of Ko Rawi where the national park staff have set up ropes along the reef, so that snorkelers can pull themselves easily along and investigate the reef with ease.

 * Yong Hua Shipwreck - In 1996, a fish-factory ship anchored near the western end of Ko Lipe caught fire and sank in about 40m of water. The shipwreck is now completely covered in marine growth and inhabited by schools of fish. The shipwreck has become a very interesting place to dive, but does often have strong currents making it a difficult dive. The top of the wreck is at about 26m sitting on its keel that is at 40m.

 * Hin Takorn Dukong - This site is home to just about every species of fish that you can imagine. The site is made up of granite stones shaped similar to building blocks rising up from the seabed into a structure with a series of tall points at its peak. Up to 18m deep. Hard and soft corals, at least 6 types of eel such as snake eels, different types of lion fish and stone fish, squid and cuttlefish try to hide here and succeed in attracting the larger predators such as sailfish.

 * Ko Bu Tang - One of the most popular islands to dive. One of the largest islands of the group, Ko Bu Tong supports many bird and animal species. Troops of crab-eating macaque monkeys live on the island and a colorful type of bee-eater bird can often be spotted from the beaches here. Giant corals and shellfish grow everywhere around this island paradise. Dive the north and south channels although for deep diving the "Giant's Staircase" on the islands west side has huge natural stone steps going down to 50 m or more. Also to found on Ko Bu Tang is Sting Ray City, where the blue spotted stingrays are plentiful. This site is also very good for snorkeling. North Side: has Monkey Bay, similar to Sting Ray City but much more steep and dramatic. Expect to see endless rows of tall coral-heads, turtles and rare critters such as the ornamental ghost pipe fish and sharks sleeping under the corals. East Side: has the perfect tiny island of Ko Lokoi. Surrounded by about 90 acres of shallow coral, you could do four dives here and not see it all.

 * Ko Sawang - A tiny island on the outer edge of the archipelago. There is not a tree or scrap of vegetation that can grow on this tall smooth stone, but underwater this place is full of life. Fantastic coral gardens growing on the rocky outcrops below.

 * Ko Langcha - Between Langcha and Adang is a very nice coral garden really worth the effort both for divers and snorkellers as near-perfect gardens shelter all sorts including rays and eels.

Diving and snorkeling trip providers

Other activities

 * Day Trips to Nearby Islands - The nearby island of Ko Adang includes Pirate Falls (90 minute hike each way) and Chado Cliff as well as hikes with viewpoints overlooking Ko Lipe. The island of Ko Rawi has a dense jungle. They can be reached by boat taxis.

 * Kayaking - Rent a kayak from various spots on the beach and spend the day or two seeing the island and reef.

 * Massages - There are plenty of places to get a massage, including an offshoot of the Wat Po massage school in the centre of the island and many massage places on Walking Street. Castaway Resort has a lovely little spa with sea views. A 1 hour massage costs ฿300-400.

 * Sailing - Sailing around Ko Lipe and within the Butang Group is certainly the most chilled way to explore these natural gems. There are day sailing trips with snorkelling activities or liveaboard sailing cruises within the Butang Group or as far as Ko Tarutao National Marine Park.

 * Yoga classes - Offered by Castaway Resort and Kerita's Yoga. 1 hour classes cost ฿400.

 * Batik Workshops - offered by Lipe Art Garden, which also offers lodging.

Buy
There are three ATMs on the island. One is at 7-Eleven on Walking Street. Another is across from Pooh's at the Sunrise end of Walking Street, and the third is in front of Harmony.

Many travel agencies or hotels will offer to charge your debit/credit card and give you the cash for a 5-8% fee.

For currency exchange, Bundhaya Resort offers the best exchange rates for dollars, euros, pounds or ringgit, but the rate is less than you would receive in a major city.

Ice can be bought from Ricci house for ฿10/kg.

Prices are uniform on the island and haggling does not produce results.

Eat
There are plenty of eateries on the island and most hotels serve food and drinks.

Drink
Most of the hotels serve food and drinks. Those that have water served from large jugs will refill used water bottles for customers if asked politely. Beers cost ฿50 at 7-11 or ฿100 in a bar. Spirits cost around ฿150 and cocktails cost ฿200-250.

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Precautions
Stonefish have been spotted and photographed in the waters of Ko Lipe. While the chances of getting stung are slim, you may want to consider protective footwear when swimming in the water.

Medical care
Lipe Hospital is next to the school on Sunrise Beach and has an English-speaking doctor. There are also several clinics on the island including Siam International Clinic Koh Lipe, Southern Andaman Medical Clinic, and NemoLipe that have English-speaking staff.

Connect
Free Wi-Fi is available at almost all resorts and bars/restaurants.

Go next
Ferries and speedboats as well as further bus and train connections can be booked online or at one of the travel agencies on the island. It's best to buy tickets as early as possible as transport can be fully-booked in the high season. If booking from an agency, make sure that the booking is confirmed with the operator.

 * Ko Lanta
 * Ko Muk
 * Ko Phi Phi
 * Ko Tarutao
 * Langkawi
 * Pak Bara
 * Phuket

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ko Lipe


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Kolkata

Kolkata (Bengali: কলকাতা Kalkātā, Hindi: कोलकाता Kolkātā), formerly Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of West Bengal and the cultural capital of India. Kolkata is an "in your face" city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the Bengali Renaissance, the "City of Joy" (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners. If your trip only allows for a visit to one or two of India's metropolitan cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. Kolkata is arguably one of the most socially, culturally and politically progressive cities in India. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the "City of Joy".

Districts
This article covers the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) area with adjacent suburbs. Distant suburbs, including Howrah, Barrackpore and Barasat, are covered separately.

Understand

Kolkata (KOHL-kah-tah) is the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. Spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was once the administrative centre of the British Raj, governing a vast region that stretched from Pakistan to Burma (Myanmar) and the "second city of the British Empire after London".

Name
The name is derived from Kalikata, the name of one of the three villages in the area before the arrival of the British. There has been much debate regarding the origin of the name. Some say the name derives from kālīkṣetra, meaning the "land of [the goddess] Kali". Another theory is that the place used to specialise in quicklime (kalicun) and coir rope (kātā).

The name was officially changed from Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001 by the then-left Government of West Bengal. However, the name "Calcutta" still survives in the names of certain institutions.

History
Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city of Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore.

Whatever its origins, Calcutta flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. The University of Calcutta, the first modern Indian university, was founded here in 1857. Calcutta became the centre of Indian arts and literature and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911 and the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery was operational for nearly the first two decades after independence. Calcutta became plagued by power outages, labour unrest, disappearing industry and violence from the ideologically-motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s. In 1985, the then-Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi referred to the city as a "dying city" because of the social and political traumas.

In 1977, a "Left Front" coalition of the Communist and Marxist parties came to power and ruled West Bengal for 34 years. This is reflected in street names and memorials in the city with names like Lenin Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. During this period, the various egalitarian approaches implemented at improving the living standards of the downtrodden have helped the city in bridging the wealth gap and decreasing impoverishment.

Economy

Once India's leading city, Kolkata experienced a steady economic decline in the decades following India's independence due to a steep population increase and a rise in militant trade unionism. From the 1960s to the late 1990s, several factories were closed and businesses relocated.

Despite this, the city's fortunes have looked up since the early 1990s, coinciding with the liberalisation of the Indian economy. Since 2000, information technology (IT) services revitalised the city's stagnant economy. With the formation of New Town and the extension of Bidhannagar's Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. It also has experienced growth in the manufacturing sector, with industrial estates at Bantala, Kasba, Taratala etc.

Kolkata is fast developing into a modern infotech city with various private sector companies setting up shops here. Its economy has been amongst the fastest-growing in India. The landscape of the city is also fast changing with flyovers, gardens and several new commercial establishments. The new metro city is characterised by popular spots such as multiplexes, theatres, clubs, pubs, coffee shops, and museums.

The old Central Business District (CBD) is where the seat of the Government of West Bengal is located, along with many other government offices. Several banks have their corporate or regional headquarters around the BBD Bagh area (named after the revolutionaries Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta who forced entry into the Writers' Building, the epicentre of the British Raj government in Bengal). Many of Kolkata's older business groups have their main offices here. The area is a mix of multi-storeyed office blocks and colonial buildings.

The newer CBD is around the south of Park Street, Camac Street and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Several high-rise office blocks including some of Kolkata's tallest commercial buildings are in this area. An even newer CBD is lying between Bidhannagar and Kolkata Airport, which is part of an effort to relieve congestion in the core city. Many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Bidhannagar's Central Park.

Culture
Kolkata is known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage and it was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. The city has a tradition of political graffiti depicting everything from outrageous slander to witty banter and limericks, caricatures and propaganda.

Kolkata has been called the "City of Palaces", because of the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. During British rule, the city witnessed a spate of frenzied construction activity of buildings largely influenced by the conscious intermingling of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Islamic schools of design. The layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French. However, many of these structures are in various stages of decay, as of 2022. Some of the major buildings of this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared as heritage structures.

Kolkata is also famous for the film industry around Tollygunge, known as "Tollywood" (a blend of Tollygunge and Hollywood). From the beginning of the silent era in 1919 to the talking era in the 1930s and the golden days of the 1950s to the 1970s has been a chequered history. It has seen renowned filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen and Tapan Sinha.

Orientation
Kolkata can be roughly divided into two sections along Park Street. North of Park Street is the more congested part of the city. South of Park Street is the slightly better-planned section of the city. South Kolkata is better planned with wider roads and a better-equipped police force for keeping law and order. The better planning in South Kolkata is because it was built much later. The North is the real, old Kolkata and most of the oldest families and buildings are there.

Over the past several years the city has expanded to the south and the east, with the Greater Kolkata region spanning over, from Kalyani to Jaynagar Majilpur. The region also includes the planned townships of Bidhannagar and New Town.

Kolkata consists of neighbourhoods (Bengali: পাড়া, para) that possess a strong sense of community. They have their own community clubs and sometimes, playgrounds.

Between the river Hooghly and Chowringhee Road, the Maidan (open field) is said to be the lungs of Kolkata. The lush green meadow also houses Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and several sporting clubs. Kolkatans love to stroll in the Maidan.

Heavy construction activity along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass has been changing the face of the city. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. The city's expansion on the eastern side is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well-planned Bidhannagar. It is one of the largest planned urban developments in India.

The residential buildings are mainly low-rise and comprise older colonial buildings and numerous new four-storied apartment blocks. 10- to 12-storey apartment blocks have come up in large numbers in South Kolkata. The city has relaxed its rules on high-rise construction and 20-storey buildings are becoming more common.

However, slums and dilapidated structures exist in many pockets of the city and house over 25% of the city's population (2001 census). Slum redevelopment schemes have helped improve living conditions to a small extent, but efforts to shift slum dwellers to newer developments have often met with resistance and failure because many of the slums are in prime areas of the city and the slum dwellers who are integrated into the social structure of the neighbourhood do not want to shift.

People
Kolkata is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with diversity from all over India as well including Europeans (including Germans, Armenians, and others) and other Asians (including Chinese, Sinhalese, and Tibetans). Kolkata is also notable for being home to India's largest Chinatown, which continues to be home to a handful ethnic Chinese residents whose families have lived in India for several generations.

Climate
Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42°C. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°.

By plane

Although the airport is large and spacious, after immigration it lacks the facilities generally associated with busy international airports; there is no cafe, only one sit-down restaurant, very limited number of small shops, and no free Wi-Fi. Toilets are also sparse and far apart.

The airport has a well-established facility of prepaid taxis and air-conditioned buses connecting it to the city centre. Parking facilities at the airport terminal include two underground parking levels accommodating 3,000 cars, and outdoor car parking which can handle an additional 2,000 cars. DigiYatra facility is available at departure gates 2B and 3A, security hold area 1, 2 and 3 and boarding gates 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

Transport options to central Kolkata:
 * By bus: State-run air-conditioned buses are available to get into the city centre. Cheaper, and hassle-free, and since you can hail a taxi anywhere in the city centre to take you to your final destination, you do not need to worry. The buses are parked outside the arrival gate at the integrated terminal. Do not be dissuaded by the taxi touts, who would try and make you believe that the buses do not run anymore.
 * By taxi: In case you are arriving at busy hours, it is better to get a prepaid taxi (₹150-250), which takes you directly to your destination. There is no practice of tipping taxi drivers anywhere in India. Moreover, app-based cab services (such as Ola and Uber) are also available from the airport.

By train
Kolkata is served by five major railway stations across the urban agglomeration, which connects the city to almost all the major stations in India. Most local trains serving Greater Kolkata run from Howrah and Sealdah stations. The trains run as far as Lalgola (near Murshidabad) at the north, Hasnabad at the east, Namkhana at the south, Midnapore at the southwest and Bardhaman at the west.

Howrah railway station
Transport options to central Kolkata:
 * By bus: There's a huge bus terminus between Howrah station and the Howrah Bridge. Air-conditioned buses are available between Howrah Station and Kolkata Airport.
 * By car: The station platforms have carriageways for cars within the complex. Salkia Flyover at the end of the platforms allows the cars to exit the complex quickly. After exiting the complex, take the Howrah Bridge and cross the Hooghly River.
 * By taxi: There's a big taxi stand outside Howrah station, where iconic yellow Ambassador taxis are parked in long queues.
 * By ferry: There are ferries (₹5) opposite the station that can get you to the opposite side of the river, from where you can arrange onward transport with anything from taxis to public buses to rickshaws.
 * By metro: Howrah is served by the East–West Metro since 2024. The metro station is inside the old complex, at platform no. 15. The metro service terminates at Esplanade, and you have to take other modes of transport to reach other parts of the city.

Kolkata railway station

Transport options to central Kolkata:
 * By bus: The bus routes from the station are:
 * K1: Hatishala–Kolkata Station, via Newtown, Karunamoyee, City Center I, Ultadanga Station, Shyambazar and RG Kar Hospital
 * KB22: Kolkata Station–Jamirgachi, via RG Kar Hospital, Shyambazar, Ultadanga Station, City Center I, Central Park, Karunamoyee and Newtown

Sealdah railway station

Transport options to central Kolkata:
 * By bus: Although there's a bus stop named Sealdah, the stop is about north of Sealdah station. The nearest bus stop to the station is at Sealdah Court.
 * By metro: Sealdah is served by the East–West Metro since 2022. The metro station can be accessed within the railway station or outside the railway station. One can take a metro from Sealdah to reach their destination in East Kolkata.
 * By taxi: Although there's a taxi stand near the station, never hire a taxi from there as they ask for exorbitant fares for taxis. There are pre-paid taxis to enter the city. The pre-paid taxi stand is just outside the station's main entrance. The counter is under a tin shed.

By bus
Kolkata is well served by buses from destinations both inside and outside India. There are buses from Bangladesh, North-Eastern India, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Intercity bus termini in Kolkata include:

By car
National highway numbers 12, 16 and 19, and the Grand Trunk Road radiate from the city providing links to most parts of the country.

By boat
Ganga Vilas, India's luxurious river cruise, has a stop at Kolkata. Besides, there are various ferry options from Howrah, Serampore and Uttarpara.

Get around
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the old heritage tram system.

By taxi
Kolkata just wouldn't look the same without the plethora of yellow Ambassador taxis that ply on its roads. They're easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory.

However, Kolkata taxis sometimes refuse to go to some distant remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passengers while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation. New taxis have been introduced, which are called "No Refusal Taxis", but sadly, these taxis are also no different.

Some of the new taxis are air-conditioned; usually, these will also have a "Same Fare" sign on them. There is a 25% extra charge if you want the air-conditioner to be turned on in such taxis. In Kolkata, it is a crime for taxis to refuse a request to go to certain destinations, and they can be fined, but if you threaten the driver with a complaint to the police, they will simply ask you to complain.

Cars by app-based services such as Uber and Ola are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced, comfortable and have been embraced by citizens.

By metro

The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2023, three lines are operational and the other two are in construction.

The four-seat sections at each end of a coach are reserved for senior citizens and the physically challenged. The two middle seat sections, between the general seat sections on each side, are reserved for women. Smoking is also strictly prohibited on the metro premises. Violating any of these incurs a penalty.

By tram

Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia. Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city. Operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) since 2016, they move slowly on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets, but they are environment-friendly (no emissions on the street, only at the source of energy generation). The network includes six tram routes, as of 2023.

By train
Most daily commuters to Kolkata rely upon the electrified suburban rail network of the Eastern Railway (ER), commonly referred to as "local trains". The network is extensive and includes the Kolkata Circular Rail or chakra rail. Depending on the route, local trains can be extremely crowded. It is less expensive to travel around by train as compared to private cabs or taxis. Men must not enter the Ladies compartment, even as a family.

By bus
The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English. The conductors call out their destinations to everyone he's passing and all you have to do is wave at the bus anywhere and it will stop, at times causing a small queue of other cars behind it.

Esplanade is a major bus terminus in Kolkata. Karunamoyee in Bidhannagar is another major bus depot. Some buses operate from the Babughat area in Maidan as well.

Among the buses that ply the city streets, the deluxe buses run by JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) are probably the better option. Air-conditioned buses (Volvo) are also available to many destinations.

By rickshaw
There are four types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human-pulled rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and electric rickshaws.

Rickshaws pulled by men are a common sight in Kolkata and they are mainly found in some old localities of Kolkata. These rickshaws usually operate over short distances and mainly run on narrow lanes and they are not allowed to ply over main roads. They take more fare than cycle-rickshaws.

Cycle rickshaws are the most convenient mean of transport in Kolkata. They are very cheap and can accommodate two adults. Unlike auto-rickshaws, they can go to any place in a particular region.

In Kolkata, there are shared auto-rickshaws, i.e. the auto-rickshaws don't ferry just a single person but four people at a time. Auto-rickshaws have a fixed route and a vehicle of that route travel on that particular route only. However, unlike taxis, they don't refuse passengers. The fare of an auto-rickshaw is much less than that of a taxi, with the minimum fare being ₹10. Be prepared to give the exact fare as they are very reluctant to give change.

Electric rickshaws, popularly known as totos or e-rickshaws, are battery-operated alternatives to auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws because of their low fuel cost and less human effort compared to cycle rickshaws. They generally operate in suburban Kolkata.

The fare of rickshaws is not set by meters, as fares are fixed by the respective rickshaw association. After 10 PM, rickshaw drivers may demand an exorbitant fee and the same goes for times during natural calamities such as heavy rainfall.

By ferry
The river offers a less crowded but slow traffic medium. There are several points (popularly called ghats and jetties) on the bank of the river from where you can board several regular routes of ferry services. Ferries can be fairly large launches to small improvised motorized boats. Even if you don't get any exotic manual boat as you get in Varanasi, the river transport of the city lets you go to several old spots near the bank in a hassle-free manner with an additional dash of the view of decadent river front of the city.

By rental car
Privately owned rental car places are available throughout the city. Rates depend on the make, model, size and comfort level of the car. Agreements are flexible, for example, cars can be rented even for a couple of hours at an hourly rate. Most rental cars are accompanied by a driver from the rental agency.

By foot
Except in Maidan and newly developed areas, much of Kolkata is not so pedestrian-friendly. In the more tourist-oriented areas, you'll be constantly accosted by beggars and touts. Crossing roads often involves wading across multiple lanes of heavy traffic. Try your best to move in a predictable straight line, so vehicles can weave around you. Better yet, latch onto a group of locals and cross in their shadow. If you really want to walk around, these places would be good:
 * Walk along the Hooghly River. There is a good promenade near Eden Gardens.
 * Walk along Chowringhee Road (officially Jawaharlal Nehru Road), which sets the pace as you unravel the rare beauty of this city. Across the road sweeps a huge, lush green, open parkland called the Maidan, centring around Fort William, the massive and impregnable British citadel built in 1773. A rambling green 'lung of Kolkata', the Maidan is a hub of diverse activities.

Talk
Being in West Bengal, the native language of the people of Kolkata is Bengali. However, most educated locals also speak English and some Hindi. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers are able to communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother.

See
Kolkata is known for its numerous attractions — palaces, parks and museums — built during and after the 190 years of British rule in India. Built in 1814, the Indian Museum houses large collections that showcase Indian natural history and Indian art. The Marble Palace is a classic example of a European mansion that was built in the city. The iconic Victoria Memorial has a museum documenting the city's history. The National Library is the leading public library in India, while Science City is the largest science centre in the country.

Do
Take a tram ride in Kolkata. The city has the only active tram service in India and has become an icon of Kolkata. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets.

Several modern cinemas are dotted around the city, including INOX with several locations, Fame at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and RDB Adlabs at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Sector-V, Bidhannagar, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Kolkata also has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas.

Unlike most of cricket-obsessed India, football (soccer) reigns supreme in Kolkata, with the local clubs Mohun Bagan Athletic Club and East Bengal Club being the most successful in India. They contest the Kolkata Derby biannually, which is considered by many to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in all of Asia.

Events
Durga Puja, a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place between September and October, depending on the traditional phases of the Moon. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of pandals (প্যান্ডেল, pênḍel), large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the main club cricket league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. In addition to the IPL, India's national team also plays some of its international matches at Eden Gardens.

The Kolkata Book Fair takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is the largest book fair in Asia and is a significant event in the city. Milan Mela at East Kolkata was used to be the venue of the Kolkata Book Fair till 2022, when the fair took place at Central Park. The similarly-named but smaller Kolkata District Book Fair takes place at Netaji Indoor Stadium in May.

The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) takes place from 15 December to 22 December every year at 4PM. Although the opening and closing ceremonies takes place at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Nandan is the main centre for the festival.

Learn
Kolkata is a key centre of learning in India. The most famous universities and colleges in Kolkata are the Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur University, the University of Calcutta, the Presidency University and Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are several training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education.

Work
Volunteering is a real option here with several opportunities.

 * Brother Xavier's New Hope. Home for orphans of Kolkata's red light district. A much smaller mission than Mother Teresa's which one man built from the ground up. Brother Xavier and the children always need volunteers and funds.
 * Mother Teresa's Mission accepts volunteers to help in its multiple projects around the city. Enquire at the motherhouse.

Buy
Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the marketplace for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There were large markets in Burrabazar, Hatibagan-Shyambazar, Gariahat and Bhowanipore. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannath Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on.

The malls are a more recent addition. The South City Mall, one of the biggest in the city, is in its southern fringes. The Quest Mall is another large shopping mall at Park Circus, an old neighbourhood in South Kolkata. There are a large number of malls in East Kolkata and new malls are continually being built.

Eat
Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (which later became the Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years.

The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (23/24, Hogg St), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous Kati Kebab roll and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes, there are several places to eat in the Park Circus area and there are others all over the city.

In terms of sweet, Kolkata is best known for its rôsogolla, consisting of balls of chhena (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. Although the origin of rôsogolla is disputed between Odisha and Bengal, the first canned rôsogollas were sold in this city in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across South Asia. A variant of the dish is rôsomalai where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet.

Besides Bengali foods, Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food. Chinese restaurants are everywhere so try the Indian variant of hot and sour soup and the famous Indian Chinese dish of chilli chicken. The best place to have Chinese is to visit Chinatown near Tangra, East Kolkata. It serves the best of the Chinese dishes and you will find plenty of large, small & medium restaurants. There are some restaurants serving Thai, Mediterranean or Italian food.

Kolkata also has many excellent vegetarian restaurants ranging from budget to expensive ones. There are two types: those serving North Indian and those serving South Indian food. For those looking for vegetarian street foods, one can find ubiquitous jhal muri (somewhat similar to bhel puri of Mumbai) a concoction of puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables & other ingredients available at street vendors all over Kolkata.

Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kati rolls are safe to eat. Mughlai Paratha (earlier it was a paratha stuffed with minced meat, but now the minced meat has been replaced by cheaper but tasty alternatives) is a Kolkata speciality. Fuchka, the Kolkata version of paani-puri, but very different from the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the tamarind water. It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don't take too much.

Earlier, the restaurants were standalone entities. A cluster of restaurants in a single mall is a comparatively new idea and has become popular.

Drink
There are plenty of places to buy alcohol around the city. Kolkata has many pubs and bars, which are frequented by youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs. They include:

 * Someplace Else (The Park)
 * Roxy (The Park)
 * Aqua (The Park)
 * The Myx (Park Street)
 * Olypub (Park Street), famous for the beer and the beef steak
 * Mocha (AJC Bose Road)
 * Underground (HHI, AJC Bose Road)
 * Nocturne (Theatre Road)
 * Shisha Bar Stock Exchange, The Factory Outlet (22 Camac Street)
 * Chili's (Quest Mall, South City Mall, Acropolis Mall Kasba)
 * Cafe Mezzuna (Forum Mall Elgin Road, South City Mall)
 * Hoppipola (Acropolis Mall)
 * Afraa Lounge (City Centre Salt Lake)
 * Fairlawns (Sudder Street)
 * Big Ben (The Kenilworth, Little Russel Street)

All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy yourself in the club.

Sleep
Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the Sudder Street area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in South Kolkata. The growth of the IT Sector and hospital facilities in East Kolkata has led to development of hotels in that district.

However, if money is of no object, you can stay at Great Eastern, ITC Sonar, Taj Bengal and JW Marriott Kolkata. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Theatre Rd) and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members.

Stay safe
Kolkata is one of the safest metropolitan areas in India, and the people are friendly and helpful, unlike in most of India's other large cities. Violent crime in Kolkata is more or less like any other large Indian city. There has been some incidents of chain, bag and mobile snatching in railway stations and empty roads. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. Carry your cash and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. Beware during the rush hours in bus terminals and railway stations as many pickpockets will try to get your belongings.

Visitors outside the city are often magnets for beggars, frauds and touts. In South Kolkata, beggars often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation.

Police
The Kolkata Police is a white-uniform police force serving the city. While most police officers are honest and helpful, you may find a lot of officers who may be corrupt and unhelpful. For emergencies, you can dial 100 for police assistance. For non-emergencies, or to report a crime, visit the nearest police station. See the district articles for police stations.

Stay healthy
Air pollution is a major problem in Kolkata, with regular smog and haze. As of 2022, Kolkata is ranked as India's second most polluted city after Delhi, with pollution levels often in the "very unhealthy" or "hazardous" range. Anyone visiting the area should try to limit outdoor and exhausting activity. Have masks (single-use surgical masks are okay), tissues, and eyedrops ready when going out.

Landlines
The area code for Kolkata is "33" (prefix "+91", if you are calling from outside India). Phone numbers are eight digits long.

Phone booths
Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Else local SIM card can be used for connectivity.

Mobile phones
Mobile phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. It might be a good idea to buy a cell phone and use one of those prepaid plans to get yourself connected while you are in the city.

All mobile numbers are 10 digits long and begin with a "9", "8", "7" or "6". Do not dial the city prefix for mobile numbers. If you don't get through to a mobile number, try adding a "0" before you dial it.

Cybercafes
Internet cafes are available in plenty and charges ₹10-25/hour. You need to show your identity card to use internet in those cafes. As a precaution, change your password after you use it at a cybercafe or do private/incognito browsing.

Consulates

 * 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Hospitals
Kolkata has a number of medical colleges and hospitals, with the oldest being the Calcutta Medical College (now Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata) in North Kolkata. See the district articles for medical colleges and hospitals.

Newspapers
Local newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day to day updates about the city. The city has number of newspapers and other publication that list local happenings. There are different options for newspapers including daily, weekly and bi-weekly. Some of the popular newspapers are Bartaman (Bengali), Anandabazar Patrika (Bengali), The Statesman, The Times of India, Indian Express, Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal. For the business updates, check Economic Times.

West Bengal

 * Bishnupur — Famous for terracotta temples, clay sculptures and silk sarees.
 * Darjeeling Hills — A mountainous region home to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik. When Darjeeling is your destination, you could travel the last by a combination of bus/train and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
 * Digha — A beach town in the southern part of the state. Buses from Esplanade Bus Station.
 * Santiniketan — Famous for the ashramik school and university founded by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, the town is also known for its handmade leather crafts and kantha stitch sarees.
 * Sundarbans National Park — Part of the largest littoral mangrove in the world, and home to the famous Bengal Tigers.

Elsewhere

 * Bangladesh — Tickets for buses running to the border and Dhaka can be reserved at Shyamoli Yatri Paribahan. Beware that several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side.
 * Bhutan — Tucked away in the corner of the bus station is a small Bhutanese Government kiosk selling tickets for buses running to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Buses depart Tu Th Sa at 9PM, and the 18-hr journey costs ₹300.

title: Kolkata


text:
Kolkata/East

East Kolkata consists of the new growth areas on the eastern side of Kolkata. It includes the two IT hubs of Kolkata, shopping emporiums and amusement parks. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes have come up at a rapid pace. These expansions are spearheaded by the formation of New Town and the extension of Sector V. Science City is a major attraction. Salt Lake Stadium is a major occasional crowd puller. Large number of hospitals attract patients from the metropolis and beyond.

Bidhannagar

Bidhannagar (Bengali: বিধাননগ BIH-dhahn-naw-gohr), also called Salt Lake, was developed between 1958 and 1965 to accommodate the burgeoning population of Kolkata. Over the years, the township has become an IT hub of Greater Kolkata and companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro have their offices in Bidhannagar. There are also several government office buildings lining the Central Park, which is part of an effort to decongest Kolkata.

Bidhannagar is divided into five sectors, which are labelled with Roman numerals. Each sectors are further divided into blocks. Since 2015, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also covers the Rajarhat locality, which should not be confused with New Town. Rajarhat itself is an amalgamation of multiple neighbourhoods, including Baguiati, Kaikhali, Kestopur (also Krishnapur) and Teghoria.

New Town
New Town, also called Rajarhat New Town, was developed in the late 1990s and is rapidly growing under the leadership of the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). New Town was declared a "Solar City" by the Indian government and later a "Smart Green City". Several IT majors operate in the township, including TCS, Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) and Unitech.

New Town is divided into three action areas, each labelled with Roman numerals. Each action areas are further divided into blocks. Some of the major roads in the township include Major Arterial Road (MAR) and New Town Road.

Tangra
Tangra is one of the two Chinatowns in India, the other being Tiretta Bazar. The locality was once home to 20,000 ethnic Chinese, now the population has dropped to 2,000 or so. The traditional occupation of the Chinese community here had been working in the nearby tanning industry and Chinese restaurants. The area is still noted for the Chinese restaurants where many people flock to taste traditional Chinese and Indian Chinese food. Historically there were many opium dens in this area, which is illegal nowadays.

Get in
The district is extensive and still developing. Cycle rickshaws are available for short trips wherever there is a regular demand for them. Point-to-point auto-rickshaw services are there but are not as extensive or frequent as in some other parts of the metropolis.

By bus
There are various bus stops in East Kolkata, with the major being (Karunamoyee, Sector-III, Salt Lake) and  (AH Block, Action Area I, New Town). International bus services, including bus services to Dhaka, also operate from Karunamoyee.

By metro

 * , and  — serve Beleghata, Phoolbagan and Sector III
 * and — serve Sector I and Sector III
 * and — serve Sector II and Sector V
 * , and  — serve Garia

By train
East Kolkata can be reached by local trains, with stops at Bidhannagar Road, Sir Gurudas Banerjee Halt, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Dhakuria, Jadavpur, Baghajatin and New Garia.

By tram
Route number 18 of the Kolkata Tram runs over Maniktala Main Road and CIT Road, with stops at Bagmari Bazar, North Road, Marwari Bagan, Kankurgachi, Bagmari Kabristan, Maniktala ESI Hospital, Housing Estate and Bidhannagar.

Eco Park

A 480-acre landscaped park surrounding a 104-acre water body. There are eight gates to access the park. Parking facilities available at Gate 1 and Gate 4. Activities include paddleboats, rowboats, duo cycles, birdwatching, etc. You can also ride in trackless "toy trains" to enjoy the park. The attractions within the park include:

Eat and drink
Major restaurant chains include Haldiram's (P420, VIP Road, Kaikhali).

Connect
There's of Wi-Fi zone along MAR, from Kolkata Airport to Sector V.

title: Kolkata/East


text:
Kolkata/Central

Central Kolkata consists of several neighbourhoods at the centre of the city, including Bowbazar, College Street, Chowringhee, Entally and Park Street. The city centre is covered unde the Esplanade district.

Understand
Chowringhee is a modern central business district of Kolkata and the place of choice for many large business houses. After the British started expanding their settlement outside Fort William in the mid-18th century, Chowringhee was one of the first expansions. During the early British developments around the area, they built huge bungalows and houses all along the eastern end of Chowringhee Road (officially Jawaharlal Nehru Road). However, only a few of them still remains, including The Oberoi Grand, the Janbazar Building, the Chowringhee Mansions, the Asiatic Society and the majestic Indian Museum.

Park Street (officially Mother Teresa Sarani) is Kolkata's foremost dining area with many restaurants and pubs. It also showcases fashionable clothes, books from all over the world and so on. Park Street has retained the British spirit and is so well decorated during Christmas and New Year as if it is still part of the British Empire.

By metro
The North–South Metro runs over Chowringhee Road, with stops at Esplanade and Park Street.

Do

 * Take an auto-rickshaw ride from Chandni Chowk to Lohapool, the driver will take you through some back alleys and narrow roads of Kolkata, sit tight and keep faith on the driver.

Buy
Central Kolkata is the central marketplace for the people of Kolkata. There are shops ranging from computer peripherals to paint brushes and accessories, from cloth merchants to foreign (ফরেন PHAW-rehn) goods. There are cinemas and restaurants. Major chain retailers include Pantaloons (22, Camac St).

New Market
One of the oldest surviving markets in the city. Opened in 1874, it was named Sir Stuart Hogg Market after the commissioner Sir Stuart Hogg and it is still locally known as such. Although the beautiful fountain and benches at the market no longer exist, its popularity has not waned and the beautiful Gothic clock tower recalls the British heritage of the market.

New Market is a good place to sample Indian sweet delicacies and generally soak up the atmosphere of Kolkata. There are also a few handicraft stalls inside. The market is in a large red brick building on Lindsay Street (the road parallel Sudder Street to the north). It has got over 2,000 stalls and is a bargain hunter's delight. The shops are arranged merchandise-wise. It is supposed to be the ultimate marketing experience in Kolkata.

Coffees
There are a number of cafe chains (Barista, Cafe Coffee Day, etc.) on Park Street, near the junction with Mirza Ghalib Street.

Sleep
Sudder Street is at the centre of Kolkata's backpacker area, and many of the budget hotels geared towards travellers are on and around this street.

Stay safe
Although most of Chowringhee is considered safe, one noted problem here is the drug dealers around Sudder Street. However, as the dealers obviously do not want to draw undue attention to their activity, they are not persistent and are rarely a threat.

Connect
There are other smaller internet cafes on Sudder St such as Net Freaks, but they are often very busy.

title: Kolkata/Central


text:
Kolkata/Maidan

South of the bustling city centre of Kolkata, the Maidan (Bengali: ময়দান Maẏdān) is a 400-hectare park that stretches from the Hooghly River in the west to Chowringhee and Park Street in the east, and from the Victoria Memorial in the south to Raj Bhavan and Eden Gardens in the north.

The tiger-haunted jungle which cut off the village of Chowringhee from the river was cleared and gave way to the wide grassy stretch of the Maidan of which the city is so proud. The Maidan was developed as a 5-km2 parade ground for the British forces and even today is army property. It is a vast stretch of field and home to numerous playgrounds, including the famous cricketing venue Eden Gardens, several football grounds, and the Kolkata Race Course. The Maidan sports several statues. The roads on the Maidan are dotted with tiny greenish bungalow tents (clubhouses) belonging to various sports clubs. There are numerous patches for playing. Some of the larger clubs occupy the fields with wooden galleries.

The big three of Kolkata football, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan have a noticeable presence but there also are names with faded glory such as Rangers. Somewhere in between fit-in organisations such as Kennel Club and Press Club. There also are lower-order clubs, who do not have much of a following but have a noticeable contribution and sometimes spring a surprise – Wari, Aryans, Rajasthan and so on – and a host of office clubs. Once in a while, the Brigade Parade Ground has political rallies with crowds numbering one hundred thousand plus.

By metro
The North–South Metro runs over Chowringhee Road, with stops at Esplanade, Park Street, Maidan and Rabindra Sadan.

By train
The railway stations are and.

See

Do

 * Take a stroll down memory lane at Prinsep Ghat.
 * Take a boat cruise in small boats under the starlit sky at Outram Ghat.

Sleep
There are a lot of hotels at the opposite side of Chowringhee Road and most of these are covered in the Chowringhee-Park Street district.

title: Kolkata/Maidan


text:
Kolkata/North

North Kolkata is the oldest area of Kolkata, a fascinating district dominated by narrow little lanes and hundreds of century-old buildings. Old heritage buildings and temples are there, as well as Sovabazar Rajbari. Because of its rich cultural heritage, the district is commonly referred to as Babu Kolkata.

Understand
North Kolkata is bounded by Baranagar at the north, Dum Dum and the Circular Canal at the east, Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) at the south and the Hooghly River at the west. It includes neighbourhoods like Ahiritola, Bagbazar, Hatibagan, Hedua, Jorasanko, Kumortuli, Maniktala, Nimtala, Rajabazar, Sealdah, Sinthee, Shyambazar and Sovabazar. On the opposite bank of the Hooghly River lies Howrah, Kolkata's its twin city, and the main crossing point lies in this district.

Kumortuli (also spelt Kumartuli) is a traditional quarter for the potters (kumors). Renowned for its sculpting prowess, the area not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals (especially for Durga Puja) but also regularly exports them.

Get in
Most roads in North Kolkata have a north–south alignment and plenty of road transport available from this district to other parts of Kolkata. However, the roads grind to a halt during rush hours.

By metro
Two metro lines cross this district. The North–South Metro runs over Chittaranjan Avenue, with stops at Shyambazar, Sovabazar Sutanuti, Girish Park, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Central. The East–West Metro stops at Sealdah.

By train
North Kolkata is home to Sealdah railway station, one of the busiest railway stations in India. The district can also be reached by the Circular Railway with stops at Bagbazar, Sovabazar Ahiritola and Barabazar.

By tram
While Kolkata's tram network has shrunk, there's still a few routes operating from.

See
The northern part of Kolkata houses the old buildings belonging to the zamindars (landlords), other rich Bengalis who used to trade with the British. It preserves the cultural heritage of Kolkata. The building structures give an impression of the royal folk who occupied them. In College Street area, a visit to the Coffee House is a must.

Howrah Bridge

One of the iconic bridges of West Bengal, the long Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River. The bridge was commissioned in 1943 by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company, replacing the older pontoon bridge.

The area around Howrah station and Howrah Bridge has grown as a world of its own, catering to the needs of a huge floating population. This bridge frames the skyline of the Howrah Riverfront. The ambience is as amicable and profound as the river that flows alongside.

Buy
North Kolkata is generally crowded and has some interesting bazaars including the famous Barabazar. College Street is the place one can trace many out-of-print books with a little patience.

title: Kolkata/North


text:
Kolkata/South

South Kolkata is a posh and new area of Kolkata. It is less congested and more modern than most parts of the city. You will find more apartment blocks and green patches here.

Understand
South Kolkata consists of the southern "mushrooming" parts of the city that has been continuously developed over the years. Although the northern part of the district was developed during the British rule, the rest of South Kolkata was developed mainly after the partition of India 1947, when millions of refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) squatted in the district. Although there are still slums here and there, most of these now sport a brighter look.

Orientation
This district covers the neighbourhoods south of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road (AJC Bose Road, previously Lower Circular Road) and west of Sealdah South lines (up to Jadavpur) and Raja SC Mullick Road. The major neighbourhoods in South Kolkata include Alipore, Ballygunge, Behala, Bhowanipore, Dhakuria, Garden Reach, Gariahat, Rajpur Sonarpur, Jadavpur, Kalighat, Kidderpore, Majerhat, Park Circus and Tollygunge.

Most of South Kolkata was once part of three separate municipalities, namely Garden Reach, Jadavpur and South Suburban. They became part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in 1984. However, the area is still often called "suburbs" (শহরতলি shahartali) by the locals and Behala (once part of South Suburban) is still often considered a separate community with its own cultural values. Most people of Behala call themselves "Behala residents" (বেহালাবাসী bēhālābāsī) rather than "Kolkata residents" (কলকাতাবাসী kalkātābāsī).

Get in
South Kolkata can be easily reached from Central Kolkata easily by bus, taxi or metro railway. From North Kolkata, the number of buses is slightly low, but the metro and tram are always an option. There also are bus links with East Kolkata.

By bus
A large number of bus routes from other parts of Kolkata and outside Kolkata ply into this district. Air-conditioned buses have also started plying, for example from Sulekha to Rajarhat and New Town and from Tollygunge to Kolkata Airport. There are many long-distance buses from southeastern places to the Northern Suburbs which avoid the city crowds and travel via the EM Bypass.

Garia has three bus stands. Garia No. 5 handles buses coming along Raja SC Mullick Road. The second bus depot handles buses coming along NSC Bose Road. There is a bus stand in Patuli, handling 45 no. private bus. The Garia-Gol Park autos leave from opposite the No. 5 Bus Stand. Garia No. 6 handles buses coming along NSC Bose Road. Buses travelling south of Garia are handled by either the No. 5 or No. 6 depot depending on the direction they are coming from. Autos on the Garia-Tollyguge route leave from near this bus stand. There also are autos for Boral.

By metro
The North–South Line of the Kolkata Metro runs over Ashutosh Mukherjee Road, SP Mukherjee Road, Deshpran Shasmal Road, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Road and the Adi Ganga, with stops at Rabindra Sadan, Netaji Bhavan, Jatin Das Park, Kalighat, Rabindra Sarobar, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge), Netaji (Kudghat), Masterda Surya Sen (Bansdroni), Gitanjali (Naktala), Kavi Nazrul (Garia Bazar), Shahid Khudiram (Dhalai Bridge) and Kavi Subhash (New Garia).

The Purple Line, locally known as Behala Metro, runs over Diamond Harbour Road/NH 12 with stops at Taratala, Behala Bazar, Behala Chowrasta, Silpara, Thakurpukur and Joka.

By train
South Kolkata can be reached by the Circular Railway and Sealdah South lines. The Circular Railway stations are at Park Circus, Ballygunge, Lake Gardens Tollygunge, Majerhat, Remount Road and Khidderpore while other stations in South Kolkata are Dhakuria, Jadavpur, Baghajatin, Garia and New Garia. Beware of the work hour rush. Cycle rickshaws are available at all stations for local travel.

Eat and drink
Major chain restaurants include Domino's (1/432, Gariahat Rd S ad 62/7, Ballygunge Circular Rd) and Haldiram's (58, Chowringhee Rd and 24, Ballygunge Park). For places to eat in Tangra, see Kolkata/East, for the Park Street area see Kolkata/Central.

title: Kolkata/South


text:
Kollam

Kollam, previously Quilon, is a city in southern Kerala, India. West and slightly north of the town some 5 kilometres lies a beach, on the north end of which are various European colonial-era relics, including the ruins of a fort and a few churches. There are also some old colonial buildings scattered about the town.

Understand
Mentioned in Greek literature from the first century, Kollam or Quilon has been a thriving trading port for centuries. The surrounding region produces pepper (after which the city is named), cashews, coir and other agricultural products. Local communities include Christians, Muslims and Hindus. A historical Chinese population is known to exist, and the town's market is still named after them. Fishing occurs right along the coast as in other parts of Kerala.

Get in
The city is well connected by road. National Highways 47 and 208 pass through it. A number of long distance buses and inter state buses ply through the city. You have buses from Kochi, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, etc. The city is also well connected by railways. The railway code is QLN. You can get trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and it is 70 km away from the city.

See

 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg
 * Kollam beach, Kerala,India.jpg

Do
It's basically eating, shopping, and sightseeing. Don't swim in the water as there's a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes in to it from locals who crap on the beach.

Non Vegetarian

Go next

 * Alappuzha
 * Kochi
 * Thiruvananthapuram.

title: Kollam


text:
Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range in Central Tamil Nadu.

Understand
You climb 70 hairpin bends and reach Kolli Hills, 1,300 meters above sea level.

Get in
Buses are available only up to Arapaleshwar temple. Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.

Fees and permits
There is a nominal vehicle fee (₹10/bike & ₹20/car) collected by the temple committee for visiting the temple and waterfalls. There will be an additional ₹10/visitor at the falls' entry.

Get around
The place is very underdeveloped in terms of traveller's convenience. Very few lodging options, eat-outs and very few places to see. The climate is the best factor. You can relax, lay back and enjoy the nature.

Eat
Fresh fruits are the main attraction. You can get fresh pineapple, tapioca, jack fruit.

There is one decent non-veg hotel and numerous veg hotels. Naatu Kozhi Varuval (Country Chicken Roast) is a local favourite.

Stay safe
There are no street lights outside town. The towns sleeps by 20:00.

title: Kolli Hills


text:
Kolomna

Kolomna (Russian: Коло́мна, kah-LOHM-nuh) is a city in East Moscow Oblast.

Get in

Trains depart from Kazansky station in Moscow approximately every hour and cost ₽198. There are two types of train: most are local trains which head to Golutvin (Голутвин) and take 2 hours and 20 minutes. Kolomna is the station before Golutvin. There are also express trains to Ryazan which stop only in Golutvin, they take a little less than two hours.

Golutvin is not located in central Kolumna, it is about 3-4 km away. Therefore the slow trains to Kolumna, rather than the fast trains to Golutvin, will get you to Kolumna sooner.

Buses (number 460, Moscow-Golutvin) from Moscow cost around ₽230. They depart more often than the train but are at the mercy of traffic. The bus station in Kolomna is near the Golutvin train station.

Get around
There are buses and trams in Kolomna. Most of them are quite new and contain electronic displays with the names of the stations. The city is relatively small so the route map found on the wall of bus stops is comprehendible.

The single ride fare is ₽23.

See
A provincial town surrounds the central citadel (kremlin) which contains many old churches.

Sleep
Central Manor (Коломна-хостел), Ulitsa Pionerskaya, д. 7А, +7 916 679-30-80. Nice little bunks and kitchen area. (Dorm ₽805)

Go next

 * Moscow
 * Lukhovitsy

title: Kolomna


text:
Kolomyia

Kolomyia (Ukrainian: Коломия) (multiple spellings, also Kolomyja, Kolomyya, Kolomiya) is a town in the Ukrainian part of East Galicia. The town is in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and therefore often serves as a starting point for hiking or cultural site-seeing tours in the Eastern Carpathians.

By train
Kolomyia is a railway hub. You can easily get there from Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi.

By bus
It has also many bus connections to cities all around Ukraine and to several foreign countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Moldova).

Get around
The most common means of public transportation in the region is bus. There are many bus lines covering the whole town of Kolomyia and connecting it to many other destinations in the Carpathians. One trip within the town costs around 1 грн.

By public transport
Kolomyia has a convenient public transport system:

 * 13 bus routes

Schedules are available on rozklad.in.ua (in Ukrainian).

You can check information about public transport on DozoR (in Ukrainian).

By taxi
Taxi is the easiest way of getting around the city. Some popular taxi companies include:

By scooter
Kick scooter is a funny way to shorten your time while getting around the city.

See
Many imposing buildings dating back to the 19th century. There are quite a few interesting churches in the centre as well.

 * Museum of the Town's History.
 * Museum of the Town's History.
 * Museum of the Town's History.

Buy
Don't miss the beautiful souvenirs made by the Hutsuls. You can see them in the local markets.

Sleep
Hotel Pysanka

Go next

 * Ivano-Frankivsk
 * Chernivtsi
 * Chortkiv

title: Kolomyia


text:
Kolonia

Kolonia is a city on the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. The municipality of Kolonia has a population of around 6,500 people, but it is the center of an urban area of approximately 13,000 people, including the nearby suburbs of Sokehs Island, Nett and Porakied village.

Get in
Pohnpei International Airport is 1 km from Kolonia town via a causeway.

United Airlines flies to Pohnpei from Guam (via Chuuk), and from Hawaii (via the Marshall Islands). The regular service is United's "Island Hopper" which flies three times a week in each direction: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Guam; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays arriving from Hawaii. Note that due to the international dateline, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday flights leave Honolulu on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

There is also a Sunday night/Monday morning flight Guam-Chuuk-Pohnpei and return, arriving in Pohnpei before midnight on Sunday and returning to Guam early in the morning.

Get around
There are no buses in Kolonia, but local taxis are prominent, and fill up with passengers along the route. Cost anywhere in Kolonia including to the airport is $1. There are a number of local taxi companies, using radio communication, and taxis can be ordered by phone. This does not, however, guarantee exclusive use of the taxi during its journey.

There are numerous rental car companies, and most have a desk at the airport. Rental cars are not very cheap, generally around $60-90 a day, not including gas.

The price of gas is around $5 a gallon, and is generally 50-75¢ a gallon more expensive than Guam or Hawaii.

See
Spanish Wall Park

Cathedral of Ponape Belltower

Do
Send mail to the continental US at USPS domestic rates.

Embassies

 * 🇺🇸 United States

title: Kolonia


text:
Kolyma Highway

The Kolyma Highway is in Russian Far East. It bridges two regions of Russia, the Sakha Republic (or Yakutia) and Magadan Oblast.

Understand
Built by prisoners using hand tools in the 1930s, at an immense human toll that earned it the name Road of Bones (Дорога Костей, Doróga Kostéy), the Kolyma Highway represents the unification of two road systems, one stretching east from, the other north and west from the sea port of.

At varying points in history and times of year it has been possible to go from one end to the other, and in 2008 an 'all-seasons' road linking the two ends was completed. This also saw the road realigned north to go via Ust-Nera instead of Tomtor. The previous route, now known as the Southern Road (Южная дорога Yuzhnaya doroga), is still more or less maintained up to the Pole of Cold at Oymyakon, but is completely abandoned between Tomtor and Kadykchan.

One of the ultimate adventures in the taiga of Russian Far East, be ready to see lots of mines, people, wilderness, bears, squirrels, abandoned cities, dust.

When to go
The road condition is best in winter, when it is made of ice. This begins when the ice bridges on the Lena and Aldan are passable to trucks, around late October. In early April, these ice bridges become unsafe and by May the road is impassable while river crossings are blocked by moving ice. During winter the temperature is rarely warmer than -30 °C. Most vehicles travel in convoy, as if the car breaks down, it's only a matter of days until everything flammable has been burnt. If no other cars come, people swiftly freeze! There are many memorials along the road to people who have perished in this manner.

In late May and June (early summer), the road is muddy due to frequent rain, and the taiga is infested with hungry bears and semi-lethal Ixodes ticks. Neither are a problem in the few built-up areas. In July and August, the road is dusty, but in reasonable condition. By September it is Autumn - expect grey days, rain, and cold. During the freeze (in late September), river crossings are again impossible, except by helicopter.

Prepare
Independent travel in Kolyma is serious adventure, with the very real possibility of death. The area is essentially lawless, undeveloped, barely populated, and unbelievably remote. Just getting to either terminus at Magadan or Yakutsk is an adventure in itself - travelling along the road makes this look like buying a bus fare in comparison. Every year dozens of people die in the region from drowning, freezing, car accidents, starvation, tick-borne encephalitis, alcohol poisoning, fires, crime, wild animals, or just disappear. While travellers in the region are rewarded with nature, adventure, and so on, there is none of the safety net that accompanies nearly every other area that people travel, such as health care, consular support, English speakers, law enforcement, telecoms, etc.

Russian is the only language that will be encountered here. Some basics, enthusiasm, and a dictionary are a must. Learning the alphabet before hand is a practical alternative to hiring a translator for months at a time. Some English speakers can be found in large towns - one possibility is English teachers in schools, or young professionals.

Basic food can be purchased from truck stops every 200 km or so. Most towns have a grocery store. Available drinks along the route include vodka from stills or water from fresh mountain streams.

Get in
There are several airports along the route (at Yakutsk, Tyoply Klyuch, Ust-Nera, Tomtor, Susuman, and Sokol), and river/sea ports at Yakutsk, Khandyga, and Magadan.

If you don't have a car, a bike, a motorbike, or a lot of time (the route has been walked several times, taking around 2 months), you will need to hitch-hike with trucks, postal services, car salesmen, families, hunters, etc, or be prepared to pay for perilous overloaded and speeding group taxi services which cover the distance in about 4 days.

The distance of 2025 km can be covered in 4 days, however given the trouble it takes to get to either terminus, taking time and seeing the many unique things along the way is worth it.

Go

From Yakutsk, populated settlements on the route include:
 * the start of the 'road of bones'
 * , the location of an airport, and last settlement of any size before Ust-Nera or Tomtor
 * , an abandoned town at the junction of the old (via ) and new (via Ust-Nera) roads to Susuman, and thence to Magadan
 * a substantial (pop. ~6,000) gold mining town at the half way point
 * , with the Sakha Republic border post
 * , an abandoned city once of 15,000 people at the other junction of the old and new roads
 * , site of a functioning coal-fired power station
 * , centre of several gold mining operations
 * , nearest town to Jack London Lake
 * , once the site of a major regional hospital, now pop. ~80.
 * , site of Magadan's main airport
 * Magadan, on the Pacific coast
 * , site of Magadan's main airport
 * Magadan, on the Pacific coast
 * , site of Magadan's main airport
 * Magadan, on the Pacific coast

Stay safe
The Kolyma Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The biggest risk by far is death by car accident due to unsafe driving, bad roads, unmaintained vehicles, or a combination of all three. A local proverb advises "the slower you go, the faster you'll get there". In particular, large trucks can throw up enormous clouds of dust in dry weather which can easily hide an oncoming vehicle.

Maps (there are several available in Russian from some stores) are generally out of date by a decade or more. Many towns listed on the maps will be either abandoned or completely vanished. Only a few towns have a single hotel, though in the more remote towns almost anyone you speak to will be extremely helpful!

Many towns lack police, but not people with financial problems, so either camp out of town or don't look rich. Drunken people are more common in winter, and can occasionally be bothersome. Bears and other wildlife enjoy a fearsome reputation but very few actual recorded fatalities. Bears in Russia are less accustomed to people than in North America, have ample food resources in the wild, and are very frightened of people.

Go next
If necessary, evacuation or (relatively) speedy exit from the region is possible, either by road or from a regional airport. Helicopters in the area exist and can be hired at enormous expense (around $3000/hour).

Possible side-trips while doing the route include:

Via the old road, it is possible to visit Tomtor and Oimyakon, the nearest towns to the (northern) Pole of Cold. It is also possible to get from Susuman to Magadan via Ust-Omchug, a large (pop. ~3500) coal mining town. About 70 km by road from Yagodnoye is Jack London Lake, which is rated supreme in the Russian Far East for fishing and scenery.

From Seymchan take ferry to Nizhnekolymsk and from there head for Anyuysk to reach Anadyr.

title: Kolyma Highway


text:
Komagane

Komagane (駒ヶ根市; Komagane-shi) is a quiet city of 30,000 inhabitants in Nagano (prefecture).

Understand
Komagane draws people mostly because of its superb location close to the Chuo Alps. Also the mountain resort of Komagane Kogen just few kilometers west from the central is an attraction.

The tourist information is across the JR station, a bit right from the supermarket. In Komagane Kogen, there's tourist information in the Komagane Farm's building.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

By train
Komagane station is a stop on the JR Iida line. If coming from Tokyo, you need to change the train at least once and the last leg with the local train is slow. Fastest connection to Shinjuku takes 4 hr 15 min and costs ¥6410. Using only local trains will cut your costs to around ¥3000, but the travel time increases to more than 6 hours.

By bus
Highway bus is another option. There are highway buses from the surrounding major cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, and Matsumoto. Note that there are two different stops in Komagane, one is the Komagane bus terminal near the station (5 min walk), the other is the Komagane IC stop on the Chuo expressway. The trip from Shinjuku takes 3½ hours as scheduled and the bus connections are frequent, about once per hour to and from each of the two stops. In Shinjuku, The buses depart from Keio Highway Bus terminal, just opposite the main building of Yodobashi Camera. One-way ticket costs ¥3700. However, the Chuo expressway suffers from frequent congestion near Tokyo and the last segment of the trip into Tokyo may take up to 2 hours on its own, making it no better than travelling exclusively by local trains. One trick would be to get off at Chuo-do Hino (中央道日野) and transfer at the Koshu-kaido (甲州街道) Tama Monorail station (7 min walk). This is especially useful if your accommodation is in western Tokyo, near Tachikawa.

By bus
The most interesting bus line for the traveller is the bus leaving from Komagane JR station, going through Komagane Kogen and terminating at Shirabidaira ropeway station. The bus will depart every half hour between 07:00 and 17:00, depending on the season, and is labeled clearly with a "Komagatake Ropeway Station" sign. Trip from the station to Shirabidaira will cost ¥1030 and to Komagane Kogen ¥370. During peak seasons, particularly in Fall, the buses and the ropeway can get very crowded. Extra buses will be dispatched if scheduled buses are unable to pick up all waiting passengers. These extra buses usually arrive within 5 minutes from when the scheduled bus leaves but they are also dispatched from the ropeway station as soon as the amount of waiting passengers reach a certain threshold. Extra buses from the ropeway station only run until the Suganodai bus terminal (菅の台バスターミナル).

See

Do
Komagane is a good starting place for hikes in the Chuo Alps mountain range. The ropeway can shorten your climb notably.

Sleep
There a couple of simple business hotels near the station, where you can get a bed for around ¥6000. In Komagane Kogen, there are plenty of choices, prices are typically around ¥8,000-10,000 per person.

Go next

 * Ina
 * Iijima
 * Nakagawa
 * Matsukawa
 * Takamori
 * Iida
 * Tatsuno
 * Suwa
 * Shiojiri

title: Komagane


text:
Ko Mai Thon

Ko Mai Thon (เกาะไม้ท่อน) is a small island off the southeast coast Ko Phuket, about a third of the distance to Ko Phi Phi.

See
The island is highly prized for its near-perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters. Ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion organised by tour agencies.

Sleep
There's only one place to stay, and it's expensive.

title: Ko Mai Thon


text:
Ko Mak

Ko Mak is an island in Trat Province, Eastern Thailand. It is fairly undeveloped and natural.

Understand
There are very few islands in Thailand which are still in the same hands as they were over a century ago. There are even fewer which have a written history covering this period. But Ko Mak is one such island. The extended family, descended from a royal tax collector named Luang Prompakdee, still owns 80% of the island and runs many of the resorts. The islanders, in conjunction with the Thai government and a German NGO have been piloting many schemes aimed at making the island Thailand's first environmentally friendly, low carbon destination by showcasing how sustainable development can improve livelihoods and been done in an affordable manner. There are several projects up and running, including hydroponic farms, a biogas plant, solar powered tour boat and hop on, hop off electric bus service.

Get in
From the Ko Mak pier in Laem Ngop (Trat): Leelawadee Speedboats and Panan Speedboats provide daily speedboat service to Ko Mak, with the last boat leaving for Ko Mak at 16:00. Leelawadee provides service to the Makathanee Pier on Ko Mak's south shore, while Panan provides service to the Ko Mak Resort Pier on Ko Mak's north shore.

From Bangkok / Pattaya: Boonsiri Ferry daily service with (mini)bus transfers from Bangkok and Pattaya to connect with their Catamaran ferry service to Ko Mak and Ko Kood.

From the Laem Sok pier (Trat): Siriwhite Speedboats/CP Laem Sok Group provides daily service to Ko Mak's largest pier at Ao Nid, before continuing on to Ko Kut. There is also a new once-daily catamaran service between Laem Sok and Ao Nid pier on Ko Mak.

From Ko Chang: during the high season there is a twice daily speedboat transfer from Kai Bae Beach at 09:00 and 11:00 to the Makathanee Pier on Ko Mak. First boat is a sure bet, the 2nd only if there are enough passengers. In the low season this service won't run. On the south end of Ko Chang you can catch either a speedboat or slower wooden boat from Bang Bao

From Ko Kut: there is twice-daily speedboat service running from most resorts that own private piers at 09:30 and 12:00, arriving at Ko Mak about 45 minutes later. These boats typically continue to Ko Chang or the mainland after docking at the Makathanee Pier, Ao Nid, or Ko Mak pier.

Get around
Ko Mak has a 27 km long coastline, many long sandy beaches, a few hills. It is about 16 km2 in area.

Ko Phi, also northwest of Ko Mak but southwest of Ko Kham, is unoccupied.

At low tide, it is possible to walk to Ko Kham (privately owned), which is a smaller island less than 1 km northwest of Ko Mak. It can be reached with a sea kayak from Ko Mak or by walking during low tide. Ko Kham has nice places to snorkel, depending on the direction of wind. Especially the south beach has calm sea, a nice sand dune, black lava rocks with shells, and crabs (or crayfish or shellfish). Near rocks, you may see (or swim over) black sea urchins that have 15 - 30 cm radius and many thin black spines about 30 - 50 cm long. On contact, the spines can break off into your body and release venom. Use tweezers to remove any spines and clean the wound with rubbing alcohol, iodine or similar. The venom is only irritating and not lethal. In Thai, the name is hoi men (หอยเม่น).

For exploring the island, motorbikes and bicycles are available for rent at numerous locations, and most beaches and restaurants are within easy walking distance.

See
Ko Mak is a working island; it is covered in rubber plantations and pineapple farms. So the main attractions are the beaches. The two main beaches are Ao Suan Yai on the northwest shore of the island. And Ao Kra Tueng and Ao Kao in the southwest. Other smaller, less developed beaches include Ao Pra, Ao Tao Khai, Ao Tan, and Ao Talong.

Do

 * Kayak to nearby islands
 * Explore Ko Mak's quiet bicycle trails and roads on a rented bike or scooter
 * Visit nearby Ko Kradad's wild deer population
 * Enjoy Ko Mak's many small Thai and Western restaurants
 * Enjoy Ko Mak's many small Thai and Western restaurants

Buy
The Island does not have an ATM. There is reportedly one resort which can charge your plastic card and take an additional 5% for the pleasure. There are a few small shops on the island but no 7-Eleven.

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There are daily speedboats from Ko Mak to the mainland, Ko Chang, and Ko Kut; slow wooden boats to Ko Chang and the mainland; and daily catamaran service to the mainland.

title: Ko Mak