Day 32: Overnight at the Airport and Kolkata Adventures

Julie

2024-12-20

Day 32: Overnight at the Airport and Kolkata Adventures

From surviving an airport overnight stay to navigating the city’s bustling streets, discover how our family adapted to India’s vibrant chaos

Main Journey of Traveling with a Baby in Kolkata

Arrival at 2 AM

We landed in Kolkata in the dead of night, disembarking from a short but sleepless flight from Bangkok. Sweetie, thankfully, had fallen into a deep sleep after exhausting herself in the Bangkok Airport play area. Julie and I, however, were gearing up for a challenge we’d never faced before: spending the night at the airport.

The retiring rooms weren’t an option for arriving passengers without an onward ticket. This left us with no choice but to find a secure place inside the terminal where we could hunker down until daylight.

Events

Surviving the Night at Kolkata Airport

The airport was quiet but brightly lit, with the constant sound of low, droning Indian music creating an unsettling ambiance. We eventually found some armrest-free chairs near the baggage claim at Conveyor Belt 11. It wasn’t ideal, but it was secure, with guards patrolling the area.

Sweetie managed to rest well enough, but Julie and I were too uneasy to sleep soundly. Between the noise, the brightness, and the concern over our belongings, the hours passed slowly.

Reflection: “Travel isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes, it’s about making do and finding a way through discomfort.”

Into the City: First Missions in Kolkata

At sunrise, we ventured outside to start our day. Our goals:

Deposit our backpacks at Howrah Junction’s cloakroom.
Buy an Airtel SIM card for communication and navigation.

Navigating Kolkata’s streets for the first time was overwhelming, but we eventually reached Howrah Junction, where we stored our backpacks. The station was a hive of activity, teeming with people from every walk of life—a true testament to India’s diversity and energy.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

1. Prepare for Unexpected Overnight Stays

Always carry essentials like a small blanket, a travel pillow, and snacks for the baby. Sweetie’s familiar blanket was a lifesaver for her comfort during the night at the airport.

2. Stick Together in Crowded Areas

Kolkata’s crowded streets and stations can be daunting. A baby carrier worked better for us than a stroller, especially in tightly packed spaces like Howrah Junction.

3. Keep the Baby Hydrated and Entertained

The heat in Kolkata can be intense, so ensure your baby stays hydrated. We also carried small toys and snacks to keep Sweetie occupied during bus rides and waiting times.

Local Travel Tips

1. Navigating Kolkata Airport

Retiring rooms are only available for departing passengers with outbound tickets. If you need to rest, look for armrest-free chairs in secure areas like baggage claim or lounges.
Avoid airport currency exchange due to poor rates. Use ATMs for better options.

2. Getting to Howrah Junction

Buses: The VS2 bus from the airport is affordable and reliable, heading directly to Howrah Junction.
Prepaid Taxis: Use the prepaid taxi counter managed by Kolkata police to avoid scams. You’ll receive a slip with your taxi number—keep it until you arrive at your destination.

Travel Reflections of Traveling with a Baby in Kolkata

Resilience in Uncertainty Spending the night at Kolkata Airport wasn’t easy, but it reminded us of the importance of flexibility. Plans often go awry when traveling, and adapting on the fly is part of the adventure.
Sweetie’s Ability to Adapt Despite the chaos, Sweetie handled the journey like a pro. Her adaptability and innocent joy kept us grounded and optimistic, even in difficult moments.
First Impressions of Kolkata Kolkata is a city of contrasts—overwhelming yet fascinating, chaotic yet warm. It’s a place that demands patience and rewards those willing to embrace its quirks.