Kolkata’s Most Viral Photogenic Art Lane at Ballygunge: The Colour Corridor
Yo, Kolkata!
Sahil here, back with another page from my diary of Kolkata Tales.
If you’ve been following my journey through this City of Joy, you know I’m always on the hunt. I’m not just looking for the crispiest phuchka in South Kolkata or the most fragrant ভাঁড় (bhanr) of chai at a roadside dhaba. I am searching for those hidden corners where the city whispers its stories—where the old soul of Calcutta meets the vibrant energy of Kolkata.
Today, I’m taking you to a place that has recently exploded on everyone’s Instagram feed. It’s a spot that has transformed from a forgotten, dingy alley into a vibrant canvas of memories. We are heading to the heart of South Kolkata—to the Ballygunge Art Corridor, now affectionately known as the "Colour Corridor."
If you thought Kolkata’s art scene was just about the galleries in Park Street or the clay idols of Kumartuli, wait till you walk down this lane. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and for us explorers, it is absolute visual poetry. So, grab your camera (or just your phone), and let’s take a walk through what is undoubtedly Kolkata’s most viral photogenic art lane at Ballygunge.
The "Viral" Spot: Where is the Ballygunge Art Corridor?
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first because I know you’re itching to update your feed. Finding this spot can be a bit tricky if you don't know exactly where to look, as "Ballygunge" is a massive area.
Location: The Ballygunge Art Corridor is nestled near the Ballygunge Tram Depot area. It’s the lane connecting towards Bondel Road and Ballygunge Place.
Landmark: Look for the Patha Bhavan School or the Ballygunge Phari crossing.
Nearest Metro: Kalighat (Take an auto or rickshaw to Ballygunge Phari) or the Ballygunge Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit:
For Photographers: Early morning (around 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM). The light is soft, the streets are relatively empty, and you can get those wide-angle shots without traffic blocking your view.
For the Vibe: Late afternoon (4:00 PM onwards). This is when the para (neighbourhood) wakes up, and the colours pop beautifully against the setting sun.
Sahil’s Tip: Don’t drive here if you can avoid it. The lanes are narrow, and parking is a nightmare. Take a yellow taxi or an auto, feel the wind in your hair, and enjoy the ride!
The Story: From Dingy Lane to "Colour Corridor"
Before we start snapping photos, we need to understand what we are looking at. You see, this wasn't always a "ballygunge art lane."
A few years ago, this was just another grey, neglected passage in the city. It was the kind of place you’d walk past quickly—stained walls, broken bricks, and frankly, a bit lifeless. But Kolkata has a way of reinventing itself, doesn't it?
The transformation you see today is part of the massive St+art Kolkata Festival 2025-26. This initiative, a collaboration between the St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints, decided to turn the city into an open-air gallery. They chose this specific 8,200 square foot stretch not just to paint a wall, but to create a "Third Space"—a place that isn't your home or your office, but a community hub where people can pause and connect.
Leading this visual revolution was the incredible Kolkata-based artist Sayan Mukherjee, along with a team of students from the Indian Art College. They worked for weeks, battling traffic and the elements, to give us this masterpiece.
They called it the Colour Corridor.
The idea was simple yet profound: "Home out of Home." In a city as chaotic and fast-paced as ours, what makes us feel at home? It’s not just the people; it’s the objects, the sounds, and the nostalgia.
What You Will See: A Walk Through Memory Lane
As you step into the lane, the first thing that hits you is the explosion of colour. It’s not random graffiti; it’s a curated masterpiece that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother.
1. The Nostalgia of Objects
Unlike many street art projects that focus on abstract shapes or famous faces, this ballygunge street art project celebrates things. Sayan Mukherjee chose to depict the everyday objects that every Bengali kid grew up with.
The Tiffin Carrier: You’ll see giant, colourful depictions of the multi-tiered steel tiffin carriers. It immediately reminds me of my father leaving for his office in Dalhousie, lunch packed with love.
The Gramophone: A massive nod to the old Calcutta charm. You can almost hear the crackling sound of a Rabindrasangeet record spinning just by looking at it.
The Table Fan: Remember those heavy, metal table fans that rattled but gave the best breeze? They are immortalised here in bright hues of teal and yellow.
The Kerosene Stove & Pressure Cooker: Relics of the kitchen that fueled many family meals and adda sessions.
The Switches: This is my favourite detail. There are paintings of old-school light switches that look so 3D I saw a kid actually try to flip one!
2. The City’s Soul
On the opposite walls, the narrative shifts to the city itself.
The Yellow Taxi: No kolkata art lane is complete without our beloved ambassador taxi. It’s painted in its iconic yellow, looking ready to honk its way through the traffic.
The Tram: A tribute to the rattling electric chariots of Kolkata. With the tram routes shrinking, seeing this immortalised on the wall feels emotional.
The brilliance of this art lies in its relatability. Every time I visit, I see people pointing and saying, "Arey! Amader barite oita chilo!" (Hey! We used to have that at our house!). It connects the viewer to the art instantly.
Why Is This Place So Important?
You might ask, "Sahil, it’s just a painted wall. Why the hype?"
It’s more than paint, my friends. This Ballygunge Art Corridor represents a shift in how we treat our city.
Reclaiming Public Space: This project proves that art isn't meant to be locked away in air-conditioned museums. It belongs to the streets. It belongs to the Petuk walking to the sweet shop, the student rushing to tuition, and the office-goer waiting for the bus.
Civic Pride: Before this was painted, the wall was often used as a spittoon or a garbage dump. Since the art went up, the littering has stopped. People respect beauty. The locals now guard this wall with pride.
The "Update" Factor (2026): In 2026, we are seeing a global shift towards "placemaking"—turning public spaces into community hubs. This lane has become a spot for evening Adda. It’s where the community gathers, not just to pass through, but to be.
A Visual Archive: As we move towards a digital, modern world, things like gramophones and letterboxes are disappearing. This art preserves them for the next generation. It’s a history book painted on a wall.
How to "Experience" the Lane (Not Just See It)
As your guide, I don’t want you to just go there, click a selfie, and leave. Here is how to truly experience the Ballygunge Art Corridor:
The "Slow Walk": Put your phone in your pocket for the first 5 minutes. Just walk the length of the corridor. Look at the brushstrokes. Notice how the artist used shadows to make the 2D paintings look 3D.
Talk to the Locals: The shopkeepers nearby have seen the transformation. Ask them about it. They might tell you stories about the artist painting late into the night.
Spot the Details: Look for the hidden details—a small cat painted in the corner, or the texture of the "painted" peeling wall.
Feel the "Adda": If you go in the evening, you’ll see locals sitting on the rowak (stoops) nearby. Smile at them. This art is part of their living room now.
Sahil’s Photography Guide: Crushing the Instagram Game
Okay, now let’s talk business. You want those likes, right? Here is how to shoot the Ballygunge art lane like a pro.
The Outfit: The walls are VERY colourful (think bright yellows, teals, and reds).
Good: White, black, beige, or denim. Let the wall be the hero.
Bad: Busy patterns or neon colours. You’ll blend in like a chameleon and disappear.
The Angle:
The Strut: Have a friend crouch low and shoot upwards while you walk past the "Taxi" mural. It makes you look taller and captures the scale of the art.
The "Interaction": Pretend to tune the painted radio or lift the painted tiffin carrier. Interactive poses always win on the algorithm!
The Symmetry: Use the "Corridor" effect. Stand in the middle of the lane and have the photographer shoot straight down the center to show the art on both sides enveloping you.
Lighting: As mentioned, early morning is best. The sunlight hits the eastern wall beautifully. If you go at night, the streetlights give it a grungy, moody vibe, but you’ll need a good "Night Mode" on your camera.
Nearby Explorations: Make a Day of It!
You are in Ballygunge! You cannot just go home after the art walk. Here is my "Sahil Special" itinerary for after your shoot:
Breakfast/Snack: Just a stone's throw away, you will find several small tea stalls. Grab a Matir Bhanr chai and a biscuit. It completes the vibe.
Lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place: If you want to continue the "Heritage Bengal" theme, walk to the famous 6 Ballygunge Place. It’s located in a restored zamindar house and serves the best Dab Chingri (Prawns in Coconut) in town.
Visit TRI Art & Culture Centre: This is the indoor partner to the outdoor art lane. Located nearby, they often have exhibitions that dive deeper into the themes you just saw on the walls. It’s a great place to cool off and see more contemporary art.
Gariahat Shopping: You are just a short auto ride away from Gariahat. Go do some street shopping!
A Canvas of Hope
Walking away from the Ballygunge Art Corridor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. In a city that is often criticised for being "stuck in the past," this lane feels like a bridge. It honours our past—our tiffin carriers, our trams, our simple joys—while embracing a colourful, vibrant future.
It reminds us that art isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. It turns a commute into a journey. It turns a wall into a story.
So, go visit. Take your photos. But more importantly, take a moment to appreciate the colours. And when you post it, don't forget to tag me and use the hashtag #KolkataTales. I’d love to see your perspective!
Until next time, keep exploring!
