As the winter fog blankets the Maidan and the temperature dips, a vibrant energy pulses through Kolkata. Defying the chill, the city awakens daily with residents teeing off on golf courses, jogging along the Hooghly, rowing on calm waters, and pedaling through misty streets. This seasonal ritual offers more than just exercise; it's a blend of adrenaline, sunshine, and community bonding that clears the mind, often capped off with a rewarding coffee or a plate of steaming idlis.
The Shared Rhythm of Morning Runs
A crisp winter morning provides the perfect backdrop for a run. Weekend runs across the Maidan or by the river transcend mere physical activity, fostering a profound sense of connection and shared purpose. What starts as an individual jog often synchronizes into a collective rhythm of energy and warmth. Munazir Hossain, founder of the Weekend Activity Club, observes that people come for various reasons: some to jog, some to walk, and some simply to be part of something genuine. Raunaz Tater from the same club emphasizes that these activities remind us that movement heals, energizes, and brings people closer together.
Popular groups for this include the Calcutta Run Club and the Weekend Activity Club.
Rowing: A Low-Impact, Full-Body Awakening
For a comprehensive winter workout, rowing stands out, combining physical strength, endurance, and mental focus. National-level rower and international medalist Sanglap Bose highlights its benefits, noting it's a low-impact sport that offers full-body engagement. It improves cardiovascular fitness, core stability, and posture while being gentle on the joints. Beginners can start with indoor rowing or seek guided coaching. Competitive rower and coach Abhishek Jaiswal adds that every stroke engages the legs, core, back, and arms, building stamina, coordination, and focus simultaneously.
Interested individuals can explore The Bengal Rowing Club, The Calcutta Rowing Club, and The Lake Club.
Golf: Mindful Fitness Disguised as Leisure
The serene pace of a golf course is perfectly suited to a winter morning. Often seen as leisurely, golf actually demands significant balance, core strength, stamina, and focus, especially when players walk the course and carry their clubs. National golfer Jashan Bhaarat Shah explains that beyond physicality, the game trains patience and mindfulness, teaching one to slow down and stay present. It's fitness in disguise. Golfer Khushi Mehta calls it a rare gift in fast-paced city life.
Top venues to play include the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), The Tollygunge Club, and Club De Golf.
Cycling Through the Mist: A Community on Wheels
There's an unmatched exhilaration in cycling through Kolkata as the city stirs awake. The crisp air, empty roads, and rhythmic pedaling create an immersive winter ritual. Cycling groups often embark before sunrise, traversing misty routes from the Maidan to Prinsep Ghat. Prateek Jain of Cycle Network Grow Group points out the inclusive nature of cycling, with members ranging from teenagers to those in their sixties riding together. It boosts fitness, lifts mood, and builds a community that literally moves in the same direction.
Groups like Cycle Network Grow (CNG), 2Wheels Kolkata, and Discover On Wheels (DoW) organize rides. Popular routes are the Maidan-Prinsep Ghat stretch, New Town, and the Salt Lake-Eco Park loop.
Refueling at the City's Insta-Worthy Cafes
After an invigorating winter workout, refueling is key. Move beyond the staple kochuri-torkari and step into the city's aesthetic cafes where healthy meets indulgent. Options abound, from steaming coffee and buttery croissants to avocado toast, eggs, and South Indian favorites like idli, dosa, and vada. These spaces are perfect for lingering, laughing, and capturing the perfect morning moment. Notable spots include Yours Truly Coffee Roaster, Roastery Coffee House, 8th Day Cafe, Wise Owl, Flurys, Blue Tokai, Udipi, and Banana Leaf.
