Esplanade: The Heartbeat of Kolkata

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें
  [Kshama karein]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाइए?
  [Theek hoon. Aap sunaiye?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angreji bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दीजिए
  [Kripya mujhe bhugtan karne dijiye]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को कहो!
  [Police ko kaho!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को कहो!
  [Doctor ko kaho!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main ... khareedna chaahunga/chaahoongi]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mahanga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज रहा/रही है
  [Ek baj raha/rahi hai]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक्रीबन
  [Das baje takreeban]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [Kahan hai ...?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Esplanade, located in the heart of Kolkata, was developed during the British colonial period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Originally known as the 'Maidan', it was a large open space used for military parades and public gatherings. The British laid out the area as part of a broader urban planning initiative to create a modern city that would serve as a hub for trade and administration in India.

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Esplanade became a focal point of dissent against British rule. The uprising saw significant participation from various classes of society, and Esplanade served as a gathering place for protestors. The events in this area reflected the rising nationalistic sentiments that would shape India's struggle for independence.

In the late 19th century, Esplanade and its surroundings witnessed the flourishing of the Bengali Renaissance. Intellectuals, poets, and artists gathered in the area, leading to a cultural revival that emphasized education, literature, and social reform. The establishment of cultural institutions, such as the Calcutta School of Art, became pivotal in promoting Bengali culture and identity.

Esplanade played a significant role during the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. It was a site for numerous rallies and protests, including those led by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. The area became synonymous with the struggle for freedom, highlighting its strategic importance in the political landscape of Kolkata.

After India gained independence in 1947, Esplanade continued to evolve as an urban center. The area underwent significant changes with the construction of new buildings and infrastructure, including the iconic Esplanade Mansion and the establishment of various markets and commercial establishments, reflecting the dynamic growth of Kolkata as a metropolitan city.

Esplanade is centrally located in Kolkata and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the airport, you can take a taxi or app-based cab service, which takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. If coming from Howrah Station, you can take a local train to Esplanade Station, which is a short walk from the neighborhood. The nearest metro station, Esplanade Metro Station, connects to other parts of Kolkata, making it convenient to travel from places like Park Street, Dumdum, and Tollygunge.

Esplanade is well-connected by public transport, including buses, trams, and the metro. The Esplanade Metro Station is a key hub that connects to various parts of the city. You can also use local buses, which are frequent and an economical option. Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are available for short distances. Walking is a good option to explore the area, as many attractions are close by.

Esplanade is generally a safe area for tourists, but as in any major city, it is advisable to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded streets. Areas around certain markets can have pickpocketing incidents, so keep your belongings secure. It is recommended to be cautious in the crowded markets like New Market and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for the police and 102 for ambulance services. The nearest hospitals include Calcutta Medical College and SSKM Hospital, both of which are well-equipped for medical emergencies. Always carry a local SIM card to make emergency calls easily. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available, but having travel insurance is advisable.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting temples, remove your shoes and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm 'Namaste' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it’s from a clean vendor. Don't refuse food offered, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Esplanade like a local, visit the bustling New Market for shopping and tasting street food. Engage with local vendors and ask about their products. Attend cultural events at nearby venues like the Academy of Fine Arts. For a unique experience, try a heritage walk that focuses on the colonial architecture and history of the area. Be sure to visit the iconic Victoria Memorial and the Maidan for a leisurely stroll.