Bike Rental in Kolkata Scooty on Rent in Kolkata for Ghats, Museums & Pandals

The Victoria Memorial is Kolkata's most recognisable building, a white Makrana marble hall set in large gardens at the southern end of the Maidan. It opened to the public in 1921 and now houses a museum of paintings, manuscripts and artefacts from the colonial era. The gardens open early for morning walkers, and the building is lit up after dark. It is closed on Mondays, so plan your ride for another day. Park in the official two-wheeler area on Queen's Way and walk in through the north gate.

Prinsep Ghat was built in 1843 in memory of the scholar James Prinsep, who deciphered the Brahmi script. Its white Greek-style columns stand right beside the cable-stayed Vidyasagar Setu, which makes it a favourite spot for photographs and evening boat rides. Evenings are busy with families and couples. Arrive before sunset to find parking along Strand Road.

Kumartuli is the traditional potters' quarter where artisans shape Durga, Kali and Jagaddhatri idols from straw, bamboo and river clay. In the weeks before the festivals the lanes are full of half-finished figures drying in the sun. Be polite, ask before photographing artisans at work and keep your scooter parked on the main road, as the inner lanes are very narrow. The photo here shows a Kumartuli lane.

The Indian Museum was founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society and is the oldest and one of the largest museums in India. Its galleries include the Bharhut railings, Gandharan sculpture, an Egyptian mummy and natural history collections. It is closed on Mondays. Allow at least two hours, and combine it with a walk along Park Street afterwards.

Eco Park in New Town is one of the largest urban parks in India, built around a big lake with boating, cycling tracks, themed gardens and replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mother's Wax Museum sits nearby. The wide New Town roads make this an easy ride from Salt Lake or the airport side. Check timings before you go, as gates close in the evening.

College Street, known locally as Boi Para, is a long stretch of second-hand and new book stalls around Presidency University and Calcutta University. The Indian Coffee House on Bankim Chatterjee Street has been a meeting place for writers and students for generations. Most stalls close on Sundays. Weekday mornings are the best time to browse. A scooter from Hire N Ride makes the hop from College Street to Kumartuli and Shobhabazar quick, and you can carry a small bag of books home in the under-seat storage.