Maheshtala

Understand

Behala Behala (বেহালা Behālā) is one of the oldest suburbs of Kolkata, maintaining a strong local identity since time immemorial. The Sabarna Roy Choudhury family is known for taking credit to the modern city of Kolkata, challenging the traditional narrative of Job Charnock being the founder of the city, as the jagirdari rights over the original villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata were originally belonged to them, and they transferred the rights over the villages to the East India Company (EIC) by lease on 10 Novermber 1698. The pillars of the cutchery (land rent collection office) where East India Company’s Charles Eyre, son-in-law of Job Charnock, was handed over the right to collect rent in three villages still stand. A "city within a city", Behala's transport system has changed drastically over the decades, from narrow-gauge railways and tramways to modern-day buses and metros. And despite still being locally called "Rail Line", James Long Sarani has not been served by trains since the 1950s.

Garden Reach Garden Reach (গার্ডেনরিচ Gārḍenrich) or Metiabruz (মেটিয়াবুরুজ Meṭiyāburuj) is home to one of the major ports of Eastern India as well as the "mini-Lucknow" of Kolkata. Wajid Ali Shah, the eleventh Nawab of Awadh, took refuge at Garden Reach near the erstwhile Calcutta after being ousted from Lucknow by the East India Company. He was imprisoned in Fort William during the 1857 rebellion and was later released. In Garden Reach, Wajid Ali Shah developed a microcosm of Lucknow, complete with grand Islamic structures and cultural hubs. He also arranged dance and music events and nurtured his love of poetry and the arts, keeping his sweet memories in Lucknow alive. The popular Kolkata biryani was born out of this mini-Lucknow, derived from the original Awadhi biryani, with a large quantity of meat being replaced with potatoes and eggs to maintain the royalty of the former Nawab despite the lack of funds.

Getting there

Point to point autorickshaws are available for slightly longer routes. Cycle rickshaws are available everywhere.

By metro The Blue Line 1 runs along the city from north to south, and is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the Southern Suburbs. In addition, the Orange Line 6 runs from south to east, which is convenient for the commuters to the tech hub. However, in both cases, you may have to change to other modes of transport to reach your destination. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-15, from 8AM to 9:45PM from Monday to Saturday and 2PM to 9:45PM on Sunday. The Purple Line 3 runs from Joka to Majerhat, providing a connectivity to Alipore. The metro stations along the Blue Line include 1 Rabindra Sarobar 1 (Charu Market), 2 Mahanayak Uttam Kumar 1 (Tollygunge), 3 Netaji 1 (Kudghat), 4 Masterda Surya Sen 1 (Bansdroni), 5 Gitanjali 1 (Naktala), 6 Kavi Nazrul 1 (Garia Bazar), 7 Shahid Khudiram 1 (Briji) and 8 Kavi Subhash 1 6 (New Garia).

By bus Large number of bus routes from other parts of Kolkata and outside Kolkata ply into this area. AC buses have also started plying as for example from Sulekha to Rajarhat Newtown and from Tollygunge to Dumdum Airport. Some of the important bus stands / stops are:

9 Bagha Jatin More bus stop. Auto link to Rani Kuthi 10 Behala Chowrasta bus stop. 11 Behala Manton bus stop. 12 Behala Parnasree Pally bus stand. 13 Garia No. 5 bus stand (lotus cinema). Garia has three bus stands. This depot 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 No. 5 Bus Stand. 14 Garia No. 6 bus stand. This bus depot handles buses coming along NSC Bose Road. Buses travelling south of Garia are handled by either 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. 15 Golf Green bus stand, 18/3 Uday Shankar Sarani. Bus terminus for 223, 234, 234/1, 240, AC43 (Golf Green-Dumdum Airport via Sector 5 & New Town), AC9A (Golf Green-Dakhineswar) and Golf Green-Howrah mini. Auto link to Lake Garden/ Lords More. 16 Jadavpur 8B bus stand. It is terminus for E1, AC1, S9, AC9, AC9B, S31 & AC 31 buses and Jadavpur-Dumdum Airport and Jadavpur-Purbachal (via Diamond Harbour Road) minis. Auto to Nayabad, Rani Kuthi, Tollygunge Metro and Taratala (bit infrequent). Garia-Golpark auto passes through. 17 Jadavpur Thana More

See

1 Bhukailash Rajbari (ভূকৈলাস রাজবাড়ি Bhūkailas Rājbāṛi), Kidderpore. One of the few zamindar palaces in South Kolkata, built by Joynarayan Ghosal in 1781. He had an estate at Gobindapur, which later became Fort William (present-day Vijay Durg). He got a new estate of 108 bighas (1,44,720 m²) at Kidderpore during the construction of Fort William. After clearing the forest, he built a palace as well as temples dedicated to Shiva and family deity Patitapavani. Since then, the whole property has been endowed for worship of Patitapavani. (updated Feb 2026) 2 BNR House. Once the residence of Indologist Sir William Jones, now the official residence of the General Manager (GM) of South Eastern Railway (SER). (updated Aug 2025) 3 Choto Rasbari (ছোট রাসবাড়ি Choṭa Rāsbāṛi), 93, Tollygunge Rd. A temple built in 1846-47 by Pyarilal Mondal and Monimohan Mondal, both members of the Bawali zamindar family of Budge Budge, once served as a major pilgrimage site. The temple complex also has a ghat along the Adi Ganga River with four columns, now in shambles. Even the river faces similar condition, being neglected for decades. (updated Nov 2025) 4 India Government Mint (Alipore Mint), Taratala (south of Majerhat 3 KCR ), ☏ +91 33 2401 4132. Though the mint dates back to 1757, the present building was built in the 1930s. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Tollywood (টলিপাড়া Ṭalipāṛā), Tollygunge. From an early beginning in the silent era in 1919 to the talking era in the 1930s to the golden days of 1950s to 1970s has been a chequered history. It has seen such greats as Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen. Tollygunge produces about 70 films annually. (updated May 2026)

Memorials 6 Indenture Memorial, Kidderpore Dock. A memorial dedicated to the 1.6 million Indian workers who were transported to labour in European colonies. The indenture system was a substitute for slavery, which was abolished in many European countries by the 19th century. This resulted to the increasing presence of Indians abroad, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. (updated Nov 2024) 7 Suriname Ghat Memorial, Netaji Subhas Dock. A memorial commemorating the indentured migration of Indian workers from the ghat to the South American country of Suriname, then a Dutch colony. A total of 64 sailing ships carried 34,300 workers to the country from 1873 to 1917. The memorial contains an aluminium statue of a plainly-dressed couple carrying a potli, symbolising the first Indian man and woman to set foot on Suriname, resembling the Baba and Mai monument in Paramaribo. (u

Do

Fame - South City (Watch films).

Clubs 1 Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The oldest golf club in India, established in 1829. Exclusively for members and guests. (updated Aug 2022) 2 Tollygunge Club (টালিগঞ্জ ক্লাব Ṭāligañj Klāb), 120, Deshpran Sasmal Rd (metro: Mahanayak Uttam Kumar 1 ). Exclusively for members and guests. Founded in 1895, and popularly known as the Tolly Club, the club is spread over a hundred-acre campus, and is acknowledged as one of the top clubs in the world. Even though the club has been more Indianised since 1947, the old elite colonial vibe is still there. It has been a popular choice to host events like weddings. As a sports club, it offers facilities for golf, tennis, squash, indoor and outdoor swimming, riding and amateur equestrian sports. The club also offers 67 well-furnished rooms, including air conditioned suites and residential rooms for the members and guests. Both AC and non-AC restaurants are available, serving continental, Indian and Chinese meals along with snacks and drinks. ₹8,00,000. (updated Nov 2025)

Durga Puja venues

Behala Friends. (updated Feb 2026) 3 Durga Puja of Sabarna Roy Choudhury's family, Barisha. Sabarna Roy Chowdhury's jagirdari family has been celebrating Durga Puja since 1610 in their ancestral home at Barisha. It is the second oldest bonedi (family) Durga Puja in West Bengal and possibly the oldest organised festival in Kolkata. (updated Aug 2022)

Parks 4 Benuban Chhaya (বেণুবন ছায়া Beṇuban Chāẏā), EM Bypass, Patuli. A public park built around a lake and has a tree lined path flanked by lakes on either side. The park is a peaceful destination to spend time with family and friends. You can also take a boat ride and visit a tram restaurant inside the park. ₹10 per person. (updated Dec 2022) 5 Jodhpur Park. (updated Nov 2025)

Sports 6 Eastern Railway Sports Complex, 192, James Long Sarani. (updated Feb 2026)

Buy

Diamond Harbour Road (DH Road) and James Long Sarani (JLS) are dotted on both sides with shops and eateries. Clothes, jewellery, electronic items, sports goods, books and footwear can be found in a multitude of stores all along the stretch from Taratala to Manton. The pavements of Behala are crowded with hawkers selling everything from toothpicks to bedsheets.

Markets 1 Bijaygarh Bazar, Jadavpur. (updated Aug 2022) 2 Charu Market, 54/1 Charu Chandra Ave (suburban: Tollygunge ; metro: Rabindra Sarobar 1 ). A private roadside market spread across 0.66 acres (2,700 m2). Vegetables, fruits, betel leaf, fish, meat, egg and grocery are available. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Fancy Market, ~22, Karl Marx Sarani, Khidirpur. Consumer goods market - lots of foreign goods. Fancy items, fancy prices. Beware of fakes. Garia Bazar. (updated Oct 2022) 4 Kidderpore Babu Bazar, Bhukailash Road, Khidirpur (from Fancy Market 300 m west). 5 Patuli Floating Market (ভাসমান বাজার Bhāsamān Bājār), Block E, Patuli, EM Bypass (metro: Kavi Subhash 6 , Shahid Khudiram 1 ; bus: Patuli Floating Market ). 8AM-9PM. Opened in 2018, it is the first artificial floating market in India with 280 shops housing on 114 boats. Buyers stand on the wooden waterproof walkways to buy from the vendors on boats with their items. It is considered a one-stop location for everything from exotic spices to handicrafts. It's also a treasure trove for street food lovers, with all popular Kolkata street foods in one spot. Furthermore, various cultural events are hosted in the market premises, with many eminent local artists performing here. (updated Nov 2025)

Shopping malls 6 Dakhsinapan Shopping Complex, Dhakuria. Tu-Sa 11AM-7:30PM, and Mondays after 2PM, closed on Sunday. It is an excellent place to buy Indian handicrafts and artifacts. There are many Indian state government emporiums there, stocked with fixed price goods from all over the country. It also has clothes shops, eateries et al. 7 South City Mall, 375 Prince Anwar Shah Rd. Car parking available @ ₹25 per hour.

Shops 8 Sulekha, 142C, Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Rd, ☏ +91 90078 38226. Although the era of fountain pens is over, the company still sells these and their inks, mainly as souvenir products. (updated Jul 2025)

Eat

1 Arsalan Restaurant & Caterer, 23A Diamond Harbour Rd (opposite India Government Mint), ☏ +91 90070 07944. 10:30AM-11:30PM. Biryani and Mughlai food. Popular items: firni, mutton kosha, mutton boti kebab, chicken chatpata, mutton biryani, egg chicken roll. ₹200-600. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Fiya the Zayka, 44/1 Adi Ganga, Bansdroni Post Office Road, Bansdroni 700070 (opposite of Surya Sen Metro), toll-free: +919748079337, [email protected]. 3-10:30PM. Cooking the Royal Biryani is the profession of Fiya the Zayka’s; they serve Mughlai food, developed under the patronage of the Mughal Kings and Queens using the spices of the Mughals' adopted Indian homeland. ₹25/₹100.

Behala 3 Beans and Cream Cafe, P-105, James Long Sarani (opposite MP Birla Foundation School). noon-11PM. A cosy café with outdoor seating. Offers a variety of breakfast options, as well as coffees and teas. ₹200-400. (updated Feb 2026) 4 Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor (ভূতের রাজা দিল বর Bhūter Rājā Dila Bar), James Long Sarani. noon-10:30PM. A Feluda-themed restaurant with 10 outlets in Kolkata, literally meaning "the king of ghosts has given a boon". It is famous for its hilsa (iliś) dishes. (updated Feb 2026) 5 Double Daker's Lane Café, 1F, P-14, Jadu Colony. A café with an old-house vibe, with familiar menu like pastas, burgers, wraps and rolls, along with a variety of hot and cold drinks. ₹200-400. (updated Feb 2026) 6 Koshe Kosha (কষে কষা Kaṣe Kaṣā), ☏ +91 98309 49494. 11AM-11PM. Famous for its mahabhoj thali with mutton curry, as well as whole bhapa ilish. (updated Feb 2026)

Kidderpore 7 Drop In, Ground Floor, Ideal Towers, 57, Block A, Diamond Harbour Road, ☏ +91 9073309928, +91 9073309929. 7:30AM-11PM. Vegetarian restaurant. Indian and Chinese cuisine. Popular items: lassi, naan, paneer tikka masala, roti, thali. (updated Apr 2018) 8 India Restaurant, 34 Karl Marx Sarani (near Fancy Market), ☏ +91 33 44502381. 9 Sheesh Mahal, 28 Karl Marx Sarani (Near Fancy Market), ☏ +91 33 66037353.

Jodhpur Park and Lake Gardens 10 Chakhna Shakna Punjabi Dhaba (Flavours of Punjab.), 259-B, Lake-Gardens (Near Rammohan Mission School), ☏ +91 9002107890, +91 9474453800. Specialist in Punjabi, tandoori & North Indian cuisine. Free home food delivery or sit 'n' dine service. 11 Domino's Pizza, 1/432 Gariahat Road South, Jodhpur Park, ☏ +91 33 24837471, +91 24837474-76-32402551, +91 33 40004601. 11AM-11PM. Pizzas, garlic bread. 12 Don Giovanni's, 1/114 Jodhpur Park, ☏ +91 33 40007830, +91 33 24133243. Supreme pizza, momos, fried rice chicken, burgers, Margherita pizza. 13 The Flamingo (দ্যা ফ্

Drink & nightlife

Amit Das F.L. Off Shop, Santoshpur Jorabridge. Liquor shop. Gossip, 1050/1 Unnayan Commercial Complex, UNS 77, Survey Park, Santoshpur, ☏ +91 33 24188348. Palki, 110 Baroda Avenue Extension, Patuli (Near 45 Bus Stand), ☏ +91 33 24308378. Spoonz Rooftop Restaurant, 140-22A, NSC Bose Road, Tollygunge (Near Malancha Cinema), ☏ +91 33 28370868. Trouble Bay, Survey Park, Ajay Nagar Morh, Santoshpur, ☏ +91 33 24164126.

Sleep

Budget 1 Hotel Artland, Joka. 2 Hotel East Palace, Diamond Harbour Rd, ☏ +91 6450 4025, +91 33 2497 9007, +91 9230613727.

Mid-range 3 New Punjabi Hotel & Restaurant, 394 Diamond Harbour Rd, ☏ +91 9874661256.

Splurge 4 Ibiza (The Fern Resort & Spa), Diamond Harbour Rd, ☏ +91 33 24809009, +91 33 24709929, +91 33 24809000, +91 33 24709928, [email protected]. 110 rooms, halls, conference rooms, swimming pool and many other indoor facilities. Arrangements for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, conferences, corporate award shows and dinner, dealer’s meet, training sessions etc. Lunch also available for non-boarders. Price starts from ₹4,720. (updated Jul 2025)