My First Day in Kolkata (Calcutta), India 2024 🇮🇳

Returning to India, I share my first day walking around Kolkata (Calcutta), capital of West Bengal.
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I'm Jason, a full-time British Travel Vlogger and KZbinr who's been to 61 countries. I've been travelling around the world full-time since 2017.
I have travel series' from many of the world's best (and least) known destinations. I filmed the first vlogs on my channel in the summer of 2016 after spending a year living in China. A proper solo trip around Eastern Europe followed after graduating from University in the summer of 2017, taking me to Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo. This marked the start of my efforts to turn vlogging into a full-time job.
After that European trip I explored much of Asia: visiting India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea and Kazakhstan.
I have also travelled to North Africa and the Middle East fairly extensively over the last five years, filming videos in Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine.
I've travelled to North America just once as a KZbinr, visiting Mexico in 2021. Though I have been to both the USA and Canada, this was as a child on family holidays.
In 2022, I took my first trip to Sub Saharan Africa, visiting Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to the Middle East, stopping in Dubai and Lebanon. Europe followed, covering both the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus, and afterwards going back to Italy for the second time to cover Milan and Sicily. I then visited the Caribbean for the first time, covering the Dominican Republic, before heading to both Brussels and Amsterdam, then covering Taiwan and the Philippines in Asia. I finished off the year with a trip around Morocco.
I started my travels in 2023 by finally visiting Paris, taking the Eurostar from London. I then headed over to Qatar for a few days, before heading to Asia, with videos following from India, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand and Sumatra (Indonesia). I began 2024 by revisiting Bangladesh.
#kolkata #calcutta #india

[@Aairamukharji]

Love Kolkata ❤❤ The Sweetest part of India 🇮🇳❤

[@abhinandanbhattacharjee9461]

Bro, Visit the Salt Lake, Newtown area , Eco park, Biswa bangla gate ( The hanging resturant) , city centre etc. Have a go to the modern area of the city. Thank you for visiting our city... you're welcome here❤ Cheers 🍻

[@mainakbiswas2584]

But the beauty and vibe is not present there

[@stxfdt1240]

​@@mainakbiswas2584 huhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@KnightAnish01]

Kolkata is the cultural capital of India. It's the best city on many parameters. The diversity is amazing. It's the sweetest part of India. 💚💚💚💚💚

[@International-indic.]

Only m0r0ns say that.

[@International-indic.]

Poor city on low happiness

[@KnightAnish01]

@@International-indic. Best city high on conscience and self respect. It is mini global village.

[@International-indic.]

@@KnightAnish01 are u in sound mind?

[@KnightAnish01]

@@International-indic. Are you educated? I am a doctor myself. If you need medication free I can give

[@flaviomulatojerkin]

Jason my dream is to visit India, such a beautfiul country 😍😍

[@shivathealmighty]

Please come but between November till March. Weather remains pleasant..

[@flaviomulatojerkin]

@@shivathealmighty thanks, I'm planning to go around that time, India is so much fun

[@nasrin_05]

❤

[@lugartan3418]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@flaviomulatojerkin]

@@lugartan3418 why you laughing?

[@shivathealmighty]

It is the best Indian city to live your life. I miss the vive of this city ever since I left it. Kolkata's winter, cuisines, cultural practice all are missed...

[@webabhi]

I love Bengali Cinema particularly films of Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, Rituparno Ghosh and Aparna Sen. You must watch these 5 great Bengali 60s films 1) Kanchenjunga (1962) 2) Deya Neya (1963) 3) Charulata (1964) 4) Thana Theke Aschi (1965) this film was like Witness for Prosecution (1957) 5) Nayak: The Hero (1966) I also love Bengali pop rock music like Mohiner Ghoraguly, Chandrabindoo, Fossils, Anupam Roy, Somalata Chowdhury, Lalon Band, James, Ayyub Bachhu, Arman Alif, Miles, Baul Sukumar etc etc. I have a playlist of more than 200 great Bengali pop rock songs from West Bengal and Bangladesh.

[@International-indic.]

Cringe 😬 films

[@stxfdt1240]

​​@@International-indic.Eh???you maybe

[@devilxboi]

​@@International-indic.You haven't even watched it 😂 but you're saying it cringe wtf bro why so much hate towards Bengalis?

[@a1q369]

Oh Calcutta is very beautiful ❤ I Love Calcutta from Chicago

[@International-indic.]

If Kolkata is beautiful why r u begging in Chicago??

[@a1q369]

@@International-indic. Cause Calcutta is not safe for me .. but Calcutta is beautiful it's true

[@soumyadeeplovestoexplore6631]

Welcome to our City of Joy, Jason. The city has a rich history of Bengali culture and it's heritage, the old buildings from the British colonial era, as one you noticed in the beginning. Even you can notice, the people in here speaks in Bengali, this language, according to UNESCO, is being positioned to be the most sweetest in the world. So enjoy and hope you will like it.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

I have to say it’s one of my favourite cities in India.

[@International-indic.]

A city which made by brits and spoiled by Bengalis

[@devilxboi]

​@@International-indic.Actually spoiled by Bihar, up people

[@riderab9681]

​@@devilxboi Jio guru.. nice reply..

[@boyka2748]

Welcome to Kolkata bro 🇮🇳❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@fireflyrobert]

Thanks Jason, I really enjoyed this video. Incredible India!

[@eddie_d1233]

I have noticed that you eat an incredible amount of food. When I see the huge portions you get, even for breakfast, I don't feel hungry for the rest of the day! My grandmother would have loved you!

[@hdt8112]

I missed the part where he finished everything he ordered. 🤔

[@soumyadeepchowdhury3585]

It's better than Western countries atleast. When you see north America Canada amd European countries in food crisis and people buy expired foods , India is so much better

[@himanshunalin4058]

Bro blogger only shows the dirty party Kolkata this not a real Kolkata ..

[@arindampaul5308]

You have choosen the right way to explore kolkata. It is famously said in Bengali " তুমিও হেঁটে দেখো কলকাতা " which means "you also walk through kolkata" to better know the city. Each and every lanes, streets, old buildings of kolkata showcase the rich diverse culture of the city and obviously the city will give you the original colour of indian freedom struggle durihg british colonial era because most of the revolutionaries were Bengali & from Kolkata.

[@International-indic.]

Bengalis are begotten sons of British 😂

[@user-vq7lu1vv7p]

​@@International-indic. It were the Bengalis who fought against them. You people have only 2 proper Ancestors who disowned you, Mughals and the British. Some Bengalis enjoyed your women as well. 😂

[@user-vq7lu1vv7p]

​@@International-indic. You people are begotten sons of Bengalis 😂

[@user-vq7lu1vv7p]

​@@International-indic. And btw Bengalis fought against both of your foreign Ancestors, Mughals and the British so cope harder 😂

[@UserYt-lw8xq]

​@@International-indic.Abey o UP bimari 😂 Sonagachi, G.B. Road your birthplace ask your Mother about Bengali Babus visiting frequently enjoying Hindi women there 😘

[@TravellingdoctorPrithvi]

Many thanks for the true and real side of Calcutta, my dear old city. It's nostalgia keeps me alive daily, though I work in Dubai nowadays. I wish you could have seen the Durga puja here. Loved to hear that you made many vlogs here and your love for the city. Unfortunately you lost them. But I am happy that you always come back for more. Many thanks. My gratitude and love. Subscribed. 🙏🙏

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thanks for the nice words.

[@priyabere6163]

Welcome to our kolkata and bengali culture, city of joy. I watching your video for the first time lots of love. Please reply

[@shanaipr]

Nice Vlogging dear welcome to India 🇮🇳👍🌏

[@sabyasaci]

You have done your research on Kolkata pretty well... Very good...🙏👌👍

[@tomasp1988]

love Kolkata and its energy!

[@thebaaz1]

A city with a heart....love from Karachi

[@surajitmondal823]

Nomoskar, Welcome to Kolkata and India overall. Sorry for the past experience you had. Hope you will enjoy the travel and stay. Valo thakben

[@batayangosh]

Glad to hear that you came back to Kolkata, even after you have had such a bitter experience of losing your expensive camera. So grateful to you.

[@hardnaqlife9540]

I really enjoy watching your perspective and the open mindedness you approach all destinations and cultures with. Often times when I watch Western vloggers visiting foreign countries, especially in the global South, there is an air of cultural superiority they give off and I feel like it blinds them from the charm and beauty of these places and people. I can imagine other vloggers being angry about having to spend however much money at a mandir, but I was happy to see that you understand it just comes as part of the experience, fair or not, especially as a Westerner. Excited to see more.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thanks for the nice words. Looking forward to putting the next India videos out.

[@-Yeasir-Scrapers]

Nice to see , it's gives the vive's of old Dhaka . Nice❤

[@danielvalenzuela9764]

Thank you quite a busy place there in Calcutta. Very nice video of all and bothe the realistic older snd newer places and buildings you d o a great job. Thank so much.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Happy to hear that!

[@user-xx9up2xl7o]

Hello my dear friend Jason, it was an interesting trip. You take us to different places and different cultures. I really enjoyed the video. Thank you very much. ❤😊

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Glad to hear it!

[@user-xx9up2xl7o]

😊😊❤ ​@@JasonBillamTravel

[@sanjaysarkar5749]

Thank you for coming to Kolkata. 🙏❤️

[@sahidulislam4898]

Love from India🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@cracklingsoda]

Love all your videos!

[@goutammaity7970]

Well come to India friends ❤

[@Kumaresh-Paul]

Love from Nadia,west bengal ❤️

[@Jpkjr52]

So many people Thanks again John in Chicago

[@tomfrith1949]

The beard looks good on ya. Yea if it wasn't supposed to be. It would not be.. God bless you, for sharing !!! Especially for us who cannot afford to go , everywhere you have gone ..I personally delight 8n your commentary.. very informative and educational. BRAVO !!! Enjoy every moment-- Smile and be happy. My prayers are for you ..Thanks ,once again . -- live long and prosperity. Peace,Brother !!!

[@NBD96]

Welcome to Kolkata

[@Enjelika23]

Its giving 90s vibes, the car and the buildings everything, someone can go and film a movie there

[@mosarafsk860]

Welcome 👍 I like your video so much 😊 Lots of love.

[@chakanyosuf6424]

Love from Bangladesh

[@gregorworld]

Wow!

[@Hypedlife2907]

Amazing video ❤

[@its_me_and_you...]

Love from kolkata ❤

[@amnanshafol]

I love Kolkata.💙from Dhaka.

[@carriejiramuny7051]

I'm surprised you went to see Kali ma 🙏🏽😊

[@shibamdebnath254]

Visit Salt Lake sector v.. Newtown.. those areas are High developed.

[@user-cu8oz9wg6q]

I am watching your vlog from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@user-nv7mc8mr2k]

As a west bengali, i would suggest you to visit the rural part of Bengal. you can also visit the delta of Ganga. Digha, a popular sea beach or Darjeeling ( Queen of hills).

[@souryamookerjee]

That’s my hometown :) hope you had a great time in the former capital of British India!

[@barbarasueantle]

Would an e-sim be useful? Love your videos; they show such a real side of these countries. Thanks!

[@JasonBillamTravel]

I don’t currently use one but I’ve heard of people having success with them.

[@sharmisthachatterjee5277]

Welcome in Kolkata ❤️

[@debobrotaroy1252]

The heart of Bengal in India

[@503945158]

The honking will drive you crazy

[@bombaybhai6435]

Sorry to hear the lost of your camera 🙏

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thanks. I’m over it now as it was back in 2019!

[@wizardsaviour9930]

Sad to hear your story of 2k19 btw do come Assam Jason mostly in Guwahati

[@kuntalpanja6338]

Welcome to City of joy 😊

[@satyanagaraja5982]

Very nice video. Wish you had visited the tomb of Sir William Jones aka Oriental Jones.

[@OkatuLegends]

Love from Kolkata

[@pallabgolui1304]

Thanks...

[@swagatabasu79]

i wish u travelled to the modern part of the city as well which is newtown ( Rajarhat) & also if u had travelled in the first underwater metro in india which is also in this city.

[@akashdas9897]

Hey brother namaste 🙏🏻, is that comfortable for tour Kolkata in May month... because it's summer 🌞 season so!!!

[@Divu521]

I subscribed your channel. I am from kerala😊. Hai. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thank you! I hope to visit Kerala one day.

[@dianach-fl7fw]

First, from indonesia🇮🇩

[@STRBOY304]

Nice Kolkata ❤❤🎉

[@ayushbose599]

👍🏼🙏🏼Welcome to the City of Joy❤️🇮🇳

[@costealucia5357]

I am glad your experience was pleasant, i had a terrible one, from taking fleas from traveling with train, till the city pollution and dirt....

[@rahuldahoob]

😭

[@GOURAB0]

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF JOY.

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Woooooow, thanks for the heads up regarding additional “donation”. Ha, I’m fascinated about this part of the world but the more I watch your vlogs and others… I may have to skip for now. Currently, hassle free travels is most appealing

[@JasonBillamTravel]

India is always worth it, you’ll have have life changing experiences.

[@mylahbarreto5265]

@@JasonBillamTravel I believe you, and am sure of it!! Definitely someday :)

[@Titli-qq4nb]

So nice 🙏❤️

[@AO-xd2ml]

Welcome to India! In case you plan to visit the state of GUJARAT later, all guide books are outdated, so here are some things to see: 1. Statue of Unity (tallest statue in the world) near Vadodara 2. Gir National Park (The only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion) 3. Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, close to Ahmedabad 4. Modhera Sun Temple close to Ahmedabad 5. Rann of Kutch: Rann Utsav Festival (Oct. to Feb.) is amazing! 6. Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad 7. Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara 8. Somnath 9. Dwarka 10. Diu 11. Rani Ki Vav 12. Surat Diamond Bourse (largest office building in the world) 13. Narendra Modi Stadium (largest stadium in the world) 14. Manekchowk night market in Ahmedabad 15. Law Garden night market in Ahmedabad 16. Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad (possible sight of 2036 Olympics) 17. Kankaria Lake Recreational Area in Ahmedabad 18. Adalaj Stepwell 19. Hathee Singh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad 20. Ambaji Goddess Temple in Banaskantha District 21. Shatrunjaya Hill temple in Palitana 22. Nilkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple near Vadodara 23. Saputara Lake 24. Polo Forest 25. Dholavira (ancient city ruins from 3500 BCE) 26. Balasinor Dinosaur Excavation and Museum 27. Science City in Ahmedabad 28. GIFT City (new fintech city being built) And be sure to do the Thali restaurants in Ahmedabad. They are something unique. Here are some of the best: 1. Agashiye 2. Atithi 3. Gordhan Thal 4. Vishala 5. Rajwadu

[@mRpapastalin]

Bro please go to Lali Changanni's Club kachori in kolkata🙏😁. They sell great appetizing food 😊

[@Ronnie1989ism]

Do pay a visit to the districts of west bengal, it has lot to offer. Bengal loves football, fish, sweets & whisky.

[@sayanchakraborty5807]

Whisky should be permanent🤣

[@harveyschwartz6789]

I was told to stay inside till around Noon and then go out. You would think the air would be cleaner overnight or early in the morning but that is not the case. There are now many PM 2.5 measuring stations around the city so you can find out just how awful the air is.

[@stxfdt1240]

No

[@arabinnoor]

Come to chennai or southern part of India. Or can see Northeast part of India. Than you can enjoy.

[@Prabir97]

Kolkata is emotion, please visit Salt Lake,new town.

[@saibalganguly8154]

You are the only foreigner who visit prestigious coffee house

[@aninditasinha7435]

Hi,how was your experience..are you still here or left ?

[@Maxsarkar]

visit Botanical Gardens of Calcutta

[@mayamajumder6666]

Visit New Town and Salt Lake in Kolkata.

[@rikayangu3833]

The place looks chaotic and unfriendly, im glad I don't have to live there, thanks so much for sharing and giving us an inside look of calcutta.

[@stxfdt1240]

Ht b

[@bhyomkeshbakshika5938]

I mustv recommend to you the great Park Street of Calcutta where the likes of Cliff Richard , Fred Mercury started their careers amongst other famous musicians & artists many of whom went on to become the biggest stars of their time The Park Street cemetery is where Leo Tolstoy is buried and now his resting place

[@mylahbarreto5265]

It’s 2024, how unfortunate and a bit shocking that the airport doesn’t have Wi-Fi or ATM. Thank you for the useful info! Sorry about your equipment and lost footage on your initial trip to the area

[@stxfdt1240]

It has...I used

[@shahbazkhan8673]

Sad to hear Jason you lost your favourite camera

[@SanjivSingh-uc4wn]

How long are you living here in kolkata

[@HappyBowtieCat-eg1ve]

ভালোবাসা # love ♥️

[@curiousLeafy]

bro you have a magnificent beard.

[@viniciusvoon8564]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lakshmikrishna5660]

Bro please visit Kashmir, Himachal, Darjeeling, meghalaya, Sikkim, arunachal,assam😊

[@orrangetv5553]

One question for you Jason, which city you felt more developed? Dhaka or Kolkata? Thank you.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Kolkata

[@orrangetv5553]

@@JasonBillamTravel Thank you for your input Jason.

[@Arianas_MoM]

Love ❤colkata

[@kofeesala23]

Crumbling historical buildings.

[@mudassarjehan381]

I am from Lahore Pakistan. Coffee house was awesome. Old buildings are worth watching. How beautiful colkata would be 100 years back with so beautiful buildings. Looks like a lively city. Better than any city in India. I wish I would visit it. Lot of love from Lahore Pakistan

[@rakabag1565]

You were just infront of my dad's shop..

[@payelsarkar7634]

You can try visiting Dakshineswar Kali temple and Belur math next time.

[@benrichard3675]

how about the current heat? seems underrable

[@JasonBillamTravel]

It was incredibly humid!

[@akashdas9897]

I am feeling very sad 😢 brother for ur camera lost. And that is a lesson for us also

[@SanjivSingh-uc4wn]

I am also a kolkatan. You have come from which country in kolkata

[@himadrisaha571]

Pls visit north bengal!

[@kousikthanader7098]

Sorry for your loss.😢 Cam

[@soumyasekharsar1591]

Please visit these places in India 🇮🇳❤️ 1. Ladakh 2. Kashmir 3. Manali 4. Shimla 5. Rishikesh 6. Mcleodganj 7. Jaisalmer 8. Goa 9. Kerala ( kochi, varkala, Alleppey, Munnar) 10. Hampi 11. Darjeeling 12. Sikkim 13. Meghalaya 14. Andaman and Nicobar islands 15. Udaipur

[@lugartan3418]

All slums.

[@BiologyWithRajaBabu]

​@@lugartan3418all slums? Omg😂. Are you from China?

[@TituMaiti]

3:28 college street

[@SuLamRoy]

Nice

[@govaert7]

Welcome to India, BEEP BEEP!

[@stefano9729]

Did you find more chaotic Dhaka or Kolkata?

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Dhaka

[@a1q369]

Calcutta was the capital of British India=(Pakistan+India+Bangladesh)

[@aroy914]

Actually most percentage places in kolkata is full of british cultures as britishers entered in india through bengal

[@Acphiletrpz]

Must visit panchmarhi hill station in madhya pradesh 🙌. Most of the foreigners waste their time in boring cities . Hope you Explore new places .