r2i forum

It may just be my halucination, but by looking at the number of threads on this forum and the lack of querries pertaining to Kolkata in the other R2I forums, I'm assuming there are relatively fewer folks interested in relocating to Kolkata. Any particularly strong reason(s) for this being the case? Just curious.

I have been to Kolkota before R2Ing to check it out. Only a very small portion of the city is being developed or seeing change. Rest of the city and the mentality is 20 years behind rest of India. You will see lot of Ambassadors, dilapidated tram which is considered heritage, and other such outdates things.
Kolkata has a long way to go. I R2Ied to Bangalore and then realized where did and do all Bengalis go.

All Indian cities are same not particual kolkata.

Good question. Here's my take on it as an Expat/Bengali who grew up outside Bengal (my Hindi is better than my Bengali):

1) Don't go by how many people post queries about Kolkata on this site. Although this site absolutely rocks, I don't think that many people are simply aware of it's existence.

2) Why I would consider Kolkata as a r2i destination (The pros):[INDENT] - More cosmopolitan than many other Indian cities. If you don't know Bengali, you don't feel like an outcast. If you know it, you will be considered a Bhadralok (gentleman) :)
- Very good infrastructure in terms of roads (there are no traffic jams in Kolkata after the recent rounds of construction), air connectivity, power and water. Three major engineering colleges (includes one IIT) within driving distance, Two major medical colleges. Very good hospitals, catering to both domestic and international customers.
- The city does not sleep! The Bengali loves to drink, smoke and eat. I have been told by many that they seriously miss the nightlife of Kolkata in Bangalore (I don't know this from personal experience, any comments?).
- Very good schools (kid's education) at a reasonable price.
- Real estate is still very reasonably priced.
- If you are a meat eater, you won't feel stigmatized: Calcuttans are confirmed non-vegetarians. Ever heard the famous saying: The vegetarian Bengalee rides a unicorn?
- The state is under new management for the last few years, and apparently, they are seriously trying to attract high tech investment and do away with the "red bastion" image.
- If you like sports (cricket, league football), fine arts and culture, this is the place for you.
- Lowest turnover rates for employees: I have been told that a Bengali employee is basically too lazy to pack up his/her office unless the financial incentive is REALLY high. :emwink:
- The planned townships of Rajarhat and Salt-Lake (where all the techies live and work) are outside the busy areas of the city and closer to the airport. Greatly helps with traffic. Also, don't forget that Kolkata has a fully functional metro (India's first) and a second international airport on the way.
[/INDENT]3) The cons:[INDENT] - Compared to cities like Bangalore and Pune, Kolkata weather sucks. For three or four months after April, first, its hot and humid, then, the Bay of Bengal empties out from the sky. However, if you live in Chennai/Hyderabad, you will find this place a tossup in terms of the heat/humidity.
- The city still shuts down during Bandhs, ironically, the communists are trying to prevent those nowadays! But the number and frequency of these has gone down dramatically.
- As someone posted, many parts of the city will look rundown, and this may be a turn-off to some. But the Bengalis are very touchy about heritage buildings. Take a look at this site to understand why demolition is such as touchy issue: http://www.kolkatainformation.com/calhert/pastpresent.htm

[/INDENT]Finally, the million dollar question (with the declining dollar, I don't know if I should keep using this phrase): Will I consider going back to Kolkata as a Bengali living in the US? Absolutely! And I am definitely considering it!

If you want to get a unique perspective on living in Kolkata, check out this blog: http://american-in-calcutta.blogspot.com/

Tiger,

You forgot to mention that Kolkata has the best food.

Is loadshedding still a big problem ?

Bengal Tiger #5 - good post

I'm a non-bengali, but with a strong Cal connection

The Badshah/Nizam kati rolls, the Tangra Chinese, the Nahoum's pastries and cakes, Sabbir's biryani and hundreds of other great (and non fancy) restaurants make R2i to good old Cal worthwhile (burp!)

Too bad they closed down Blue Fox - the sizzlers there were amazing

Weather sucks big time tho

Kolkata weather is bad in summer...but then very few Indian cities are any better. I lived in and liked Salt Lake. language is not an issue on the street but people speaking Bengali in office sometimes may put you off (I didn't mind). The best thing about Kolkata, IMO, is the cheaper real estate. I also found that maids and general labor are hardworking and very cheap. I once took a cycle Rikshaw (driver must be either Bangaladeshi or Bihari) and he asked for Rs 2.00 for a ride!!! Unbeleivable and very sad. A delicious plate of 'Luchi' and potato bhaji costs just Rs 5.00 on a roadside shanty restaurant...and the cheap and wonderful Singadas yumyum!
Travelling in a boat from soba bajar ghat to Howrah station and having Nibu chai (cost rs 2.00!) while watching the great Bridge at sunset time is something to cherish.