If you’re in Kolkata to watch the IPL matches, here’s what else you could do when not at the stadium

After the hearty breakfast, your next go to place should be Jorasanko Thakurbari. It is the museum of Rabindranath Tagore and was built in 18th century. After this, go to Indian museum, which is India’s largest and oldest museum. It has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings, including the original Ashok Pillar.

By the time you get out of the historic sites of Kolkata, it will be time for lunch time. Kasturi and Padma Parer Ranna Ghar serve delicacies of Kolkata and one can eat dishes like fish and rice, chicken, mutton, etc for a steal. There are many options for vegetarians as well.

Post-lunch, academy of fine arts-Nandan-will keep your love for art movies satisfied. This place is a culture centre, which shows art movies, documentaries and international movies too. Next, head to Victoria Memorial, one of Kolkata’s most historic monuments. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this white marble memorial is a favourite tourist spot on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Since you will be close to the Hooghly River, you could choose to go for a dreamy ride across the river, a tributary of the mighty Ganga. Hop on to the boat from Prinsep Ghat and watch the sunset. You will also get to see the famous Howrah Bridge. For evening refreshments and coffee, you can either go to College Street or Floatal. The former is a hub for old manuscripts and books, while the latter is a floating hotel on a river. Choice is yours.

Late evening means time to shop! Head right to Esplanade, New Market, Park Street or Gariahat. To soothe your thirst pangs after the mammoth shopping spree, make your way back to Park Street, also known as the trendiest street in the city, with the best and hippest watering holes and restaurants. Try Oly Pub, Trincas, or Mogambo. Do not miss Nahoum’s cake and Zeeshan’s hot kathi roll.

It is finally dinner time and we suggest you go to Golbari- which is famous for Kosha mangsho (mutton curry), yet another iconic Bengali dish. You can also eat at Gariahat and try Chinese food at Tangra, cooked in authentic Chinese style, by Chinese people who have made the city their home for several decades now. Also, if you’re in Kolkata, you can’t go without trying out the ultra famous sweetmeats Bengalis are known to have created and those that they take equal pleasure in polishing off. Savour the world famous sandesh, rasgulla and their varieties from K.C Das, Bhim Nag, Balaram Mallick. Also get them packed for kith and kin.

It’s been a long day, go back to your hotel and sleep. Next morning, don’t miss Kalibari to pay obeisance to Goddess Kali, before you leave the city. This place is also near the state, West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee’s residence. You might just want to drop in to say Hi! This was Kolkata in 24 hours!