Kolkata
Kolkata or Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal.
Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river,
it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India. It
is the third-most populous metropolitan area in India. As of 2008, its economic output as measured by
gross domestic product ranked third among South Asian cities, behind Mumbai and Delhi. As a growing metropolitan city in a developing
country, Kolkata confronts substantial urban pollution, traffic congestion,
poverty, overpopulation, and other logistic and socioeconomic problems.
Under East India Company and later under the British Raj,
Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911, when its perceived
geographical disadvantages, combined with growing nationalism in Bengal, led to a shift of the capital to New Delhi. The
city was a centre of the Indian independence movement; it remains a hotbed of contemporary state politics.
The city, which also hosts venerable cultural
institutions of national importance, such as the Academy of Fine Arts, the Victoria Memorial, the Asiatic Society, the Indian Museum,
and the National Library of India. Though home to major cricketing
venues and franchises, Kolkata differs from other Indian cities by giving
importance to association football and other sports.
A city of festivals would be the correct synonym for this
gorgeous city. Behind the bejeweled doors of each house, incenses hazes, and
gleaming flowers wallop with the greenery to herald a flavor of carousing. The
air is perfumed with the delicate smell of vermilion, camphor, ghee, the spiky
odor of new-fangled clothes and pungent whiff from the kitchen. Thrilled
prattle of voices mixes with the timbre of rituals definitely would provide you
a great sense of homely feeling.
To the outside world Kolkata, brings forth the sacred remembrance of Mother Teresa whose selfless and kindhearted services through a new life to thousands. This city would be remembered forever as the birth place of some of the illustrious Indians like Rabindranatha Tagore and Sathyajith Ray.
To the outside world Kolkata, brings forth the sacred remembrance of Mother Teresa whose selfless and kindhearted services through a new life to thousands. This city would be remembered forever as the birth place of some of the illustrious Indians like Rabindranatha Tagore and Sathyajith Ray.
Kolkata presents a
friendly attitude to all that is new and that has gained high dividends to this
second populous city in India. Industrial icons like Bata India, ITC Limited,
Coal India Limited and Birla Corporation choose the friendly ambiance of the
city to be their headquarters.
To some Kolkata is the city of joy and others name it as the city of dreams. Whatever it may be, it is rest assured that this marvelous city would mesmerize you with its narrow galleys, tram journeys and the old world charm. This vibrant city with lots of temples, zoo, museums and science centers still keeps the melancholy charisma of the innate environs and by lanes. So tie your tour bags chart your tour and explore the city that holds effervescent amusements.
If the spectator in you are not satisfied with the ordinary charms and wants to witness something unique, you can definitely choose Kolkata as your dream destination. Perhaps Kolkata would be the sole place where you can have the luxury of a tram ride. The mere glance of the Kolkata railway station and the colossal Howrah Bridge is adequate to quench the thirsty traveler. If a tram ride through boulevard, covered with colonial buildings delights you, if the blend of pastoral and offbeat thrills you, if you are fond of artistic performances, Kolkata would be a perfect location where you are sure to come across with the hodgepodge of all the things that tourists look for.
To some Kolkata is the city of joy and others name it as the city of dreams. Whatever it may be, it is rest assured that this marvelous city would mesmerize you with its narrow galleys, tram journeys and the old world charm. This vibrant city with lots of temples, zoo, museums and science centers still keeps the melancholy charisma of the innate environs and by lanes. So tie your tour bags chart your tour and explore the city that holds effervescent amusements.
If the spectator in you are not satisfied with the ordinary charms and wants to witness something unique, you can definitely choose Kolkata as your dream destination. Perhaps Kolkata would be the sole place where you can have the luxury of a tram ride. The mere glance of the Kolkata railway station and the colossal Howrah Bridge is adequate to quench the thirsty traveler. If a tram ride through boulevard, covered with colonial buildings delights you, if the blend of pastoral and offbeat thrills you, if you are fond of artistic performances, Kolkata would be a perfect location where you are sure to come across with the hodgepodge of all the things that tourists look for.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Birla Planetarium
A visit to a planetarium is sure to set the heart racing of any science enthusiast and even a believer of God. The vastness of our Universe and the captivating creations of nature are to be seen to be believed. The Birla Planetarium constructed in 1962 provides an excellent opportunity for the locals and visitors to witness the glory of our Universe and try and understand our world and creation in layman’s language.
This planetarium presents a series of shows wherein
numerous scientific theories and discoveries are displayed on the gigantic dome
while the commentary in various Indian languages and English explains the
intricate world of planets, galaxies, solar system, and life cycles of stars.
The Birla
Industrial and Technological Museum
Birla is a name which is associated with Industrial
progress of India and the Birla group has not spared any efforts in presenting
these achievements and providing an opportunity for the younger minds to
experiment and understand the basic concepts of science. The Birla Industrial
and Technological Museum, established in 1956 boasts of a wide spectrum of
gallery and design work ranging from basic to advance science such as
electronics, nuclear, communication as well as mining, iron etc.
The museum pro actively organizes film shows, games, sky
watch sessions, fun filled learning sessions and a lot more. Various
attractions as rabbit house, aquarium, aviary, bonsai, snake pits and an
underground coal mine setup provide a deep insight into the field. The purpose
of scientific awareness is innovatively achieved through generation of
interest. The Museum can visited from 1000 -1730hr. Monday is the weekly off.
Fort William
Apart from being the British stronghold Kolkata has also
been the main center for Indian Army operations post independence. The majestic
Fort William constructed in 1781 in the honour of King William –III is the
nerve centre of these Eastern operations of Indian Army, being the Eastern Army
Command. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Hoogly the Fort has been a
witness to many bloodbaths and historical moments.
Constructed in an octagonal shape the fort houses the
famous St. Peter’s Church constructed in 1928. The association with Armies has
provided the fort with accommodation, offices and recreation and training
facilities such as swimming pool, movie hall, boxing stadium as well a firing
range. Being under the stronghold of the Indian Army the entry to the fort is
restricted.
Howrah Bridge
The
Howrah Bridge is a Suspension type
Balanced Cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River
in West Bengal, India. Commissioned in 1943, the bridge was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, because it links
the city of Howrah to its
twin city, Kolkata
(Calcutta). On 14 June 1965 it was renamed Rabindra Setu, after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate. However it is still popularly known as the Howrah Bridge.
The
bridge is one of the four on the Hooghly River
and is a famous symbol of Kolkata and West Bengal.
The other bridges are the Vidyasagar Setu
(popularly called the Second Hooghly Bridge), the Vivekananda Setu
and the newly built Nivedita Setu. Apart from bearing the stormy weather of the Bay of Bengal
region, it successfully bears the weight of a daily traffic of
approximately 100,000 vehicles, easily making it the busiest
cantilever bridge in the world. The
third longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction, it is currently the sixth longest bridge of
its type in the world
Indian Museum
Want to see an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur remains in
person. Welcome to the iNdian museum, the house of various wonderful and awe
inspiring discoveries and excavations undertaken by mankind. Considered as one
of the oldest and largest museum of the country the Indian museum and its 60
galleries are replete with a dazzling collection of geographical,
archaeological, textile and botanical objects.
The museum inaugurated in 1875 presents a strong
influence of in Italian architecture. Be prepared to be stunned by the skeletal
remains straight from the sites from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, Buddhist stupa,
various rare antiques, and a big collection of meteorites. Open on all weekdays
except Mondays the museum is open from 100-1900hr
Science City
If you ever visit Kolkata and skip the Science City then
your family, especially children are bound to hold a grudge against you for
life. This amazing place has been so well conceptualized and created that it
takes at least 6-8 hours to be completely satiated by what it offers. On offer
are 3-D movies, Fish eye projected I-MAX movies, train rides, Space station
tour, Creepy crawler section, excellent garden for kids as well as a Naval Ship
structured museum.
Open on all weekdays except Mondays the Science city is one place to get lost in the cycle of evolution with roaring dinosaurs, mammoths, sabre tooths and many other Jurassic life size creatures. Hold your breath all these activities can be undertaken within a budget of Rs 100/- per head, just make sure that you reach early so that you don’t regret the lack of time for not being able to do justice to each section.
Open on all weekdays except Mondays the Science city is one place to get lost in the cycle of evolution with roaring dinosaurs, mammoths, sabre tooths and many other Jurassic life size creatures. Hold your breath all these activities can be undertaken within a budget of Rs 100/- per head, just make sure that you reach early so that you don’t regret the lack of time for not being able to do justice to each section.
Victoria Memorial
An everlasting impression one carries from Kolkata is the
shining white Victoria memorial surrounded by lush greenery and wide roads.
Conceptualised and created by Sir William Emerson – President, British
institute of Architects in 1921 the Victoria Memorial provides an idea of how
the riches plundered from India were splurged on pleasing the Royal family.
This memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria provides an insight into Indian
History right from the arrival of British to the Independence era.
Amazing paintings
and photographs by British officers unfold an Indian subcontinent hitherto
unknown to many of us. The photographs and sculptures of numerous historic
figures also adorn this museum spread over an area of 64 acres. Watch out for
an exact replica of a busy Kolkata street from the 18th century. Be sure to
reach the memorial prior to 1600hr in order to enjoy the contents for the
museum guards are pretty strict about the closing timings of 1800hr. A special
light show is also presented at 1930 hr daily except Mondays.
Eden Garden
Long association with the British enables Kolkata to
boast of numerous locations remembered due to their association with certain
individuals, like the Eden Gardens. The garden, as the name suggests, is where
two sisters (one of them named Eden) related to the Governor of Auckland, spend
hours during their leisurely strolls. The cricket stadium built next to the
garden is also aptly named after the garden.
Considered to be the largest cricket stadium in the world the Eden Gardens boast of a capacity of 1,20,000. Witnessing a cricket match at Eden Gardens jam packed with spectators is any cricket lover’s dream come true. The mammoth score board and the flood lights just add to the cricket zing. One may get a glimpse of the stadium upon request to the chowkidar, otherwise entry is restricted to the stadium. The adjoining garden can visited from 0900-2000hr daily. Also try and visit the Mohun Bagan football club nearby.
Marble Palace
Marble
palace of Kolkata, India is a must visit tourist attraction spot. Built in the
year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace
houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings.
Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the
original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen etc. Calcutta marble
palace is the one of its kinds and consists of exquisite pieces of art. It also
has a zoo, where you can find different kinds of birds and animals. Infact, it
has a rare collection of birds.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near
Kolkata. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity
of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, meaning, 'She who liberates
Her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e. Saṃsāra'. The temple was built by
Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali in 1855. The temple is
famous for its association with Ramakrishna, a mystic of 19th Century Bengal.
The temple compound, apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a
large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls.
There are twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva—Kali's companion—along the
riverfront, a temple to Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, a shrine
dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. 'Nahavat-Khana', the chamber in the northwestern
corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Ramakrishna spent a
considerable part of his life.
Markets and Malls
New Market is Kolkata's historic shopping district. Opened in 1874, it
was named Hogg Market after the commissioner Sir Stuart Hogg. The beautiful
fountain and benches at the market no longer exist, but the popularity of the
market has not waned, and the beautiful gothic clock tower recalls the British
heritage of the market. It was renamed New Market after Independence.
The Park Street, Camac Street and Shakespeare Sarani are considered to
be a high street of Kolkata with many commercial establishments & high end
shopping destinations, with lots of shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants and
stand alone retail outlets. College Street is an area famous for its
bookstores.
HOW TO REACH
BY RAIL - Howrah and Sealdah
are two major railway stations in Kolkata. These stations are well connected to
all major cities in India.
Metro
rail system in Kolkata connects all the main junctions in Kolkata. It is the
fastest way to reach the different parts of the big city
BY AIR - Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose International Airport, located at Dumdum, is 17 km away from the heart of
Kolkata. This airport is well connected to all major cities in India including
north east capitals. Kolkata is a major international airport which is
connected to many cities in abroad.
BY ROAD - West Bengal state
buses connect all parts of the state with Kolkata. Deluxe and A/C luxury buses
are available from Kolkata to various cities in the state and neighboring
states.
