The Land of Rustic Beauty — Kalyani, West Bengal

Visiting my grandmother has never been so exciting. I take a local train from Sealdah. The clamour at the station is pretty amusing. As the train begins to move, people run towards it; some even fall down while boarding a moving train. As I reached early, I was able to get a window seat in the ladies’ compartment.

Chug Chug… Chug Chug… Chug Chug… the train stops at the first station — Bidhannagar

Some more passengers aboard and the train catches pace again. I rest my hand on the window sill to experience a cool breeze and feel the early morning sun’s rays shine on my forehead.

Suddenly, the train stops abruptly, as another local train storms past us. A vendor enters, selling a medicinal toffee that solves the problem of acidity/indigestion.

The next halt is at Dumdum Junction. I believe a station is a wonderful place since masses from all classes are present at one place. We start moving again passing through the lush green trees, small apartments, slum dwellings etc; these are the common view at every station en route to Kalyani.

I was overwhelmed seeing the huge expanse of lush green trees. Three minutes later, the train halted at Belgharia for only 30 seconds.

Chug chug… chug chug… we move again. Another station — Agarpara. At Sodepur we start seeing the Pujo fervour. A vendor sells beauty products and body care stuff such as pumice stone. Another vendor selling handkerchiefs, kitchen cloth, and scarves boards the train. You will be surprised to know the lowest price is Rs. 10 and maximum price is Rs. 20. Amazing, isn’t it?

At Khardaha, I saw a series of Ashoka trees are cut in a uniform pattern, i.e. size and height.

Titagarh — A bangle-seller (churi wala enters); starting price Rs 120/- only for a set of 2 golden bangles. He also has an exquisite collection of costume jewellery made of gold, meenakari, white metal etc.

Barrackpore — the military units are situated here..barracks…

Co-passengers are curious to know what am I writing. :)

Palta — a small pool of water surrounded by coconut trees, so many of them.

Ichhapur — Another jewelry vendor enters the train. The view outside includes green pastures with herds of cows grazing on them.

Shyamnagar, Jagaddal, Kankinara are other stations that we cross. It has started becoming cloudy.

Next station is Naihati Jn. The rhythm of dhak beats sound pleasant. At Halisahar, it begins to drizzle. Kanchrapara station has a small ghughni stall. The vendors end up in a small tiff. As we approach Kalyani, it starts to rain heavily. Heading towards Kalyani Ghoshpara now. I would advise you to carry an umbrella all year round. The last station is Kalyani Simanta, my destination. Finally, I reach my grandma’s house, battling the rain and finding my way on foot.

The journey of a local train is amazing. It is a different experience altogether. I would recommend each one of you visiting Kolkata must travel in the Local train at least once. :)