Kolkata

Kolkata, earlier called Calcutta is the cultural capital of India. The people of Bengal, called the Bengalis are artistically inclined and even in this modern age and era they have retained their traditional values and aesthetic senses.

Scenes of Kolkata - Video

According to history, there was a cluster of three small villages near the river Hoogly. Gradually, this village developed into modern day, metropolitan city called Kolkata. Earlier, it was called Kalikatta, the land of goddess Kali. The Calcuttans are a warm and loving people and they may not be as wealthy as their counterparts in Mumbai or Delhi but in spite of it, Kolkata has been called a city of joy. Calcutta was India’s capital during the British rule and was later shifted to Delhi.

The Howrah Bridge is the most famous landmark of Kolkata. Built on the river Hoogly, by the British, it connects the station to the city. It is a hanging bridge and engineering marvel. More than 2 million people cross this bridge daily to enter the city.

Victoria memorial is another beautiful monument. Its pristine green lawns and architecture is a unique blend of Mughal motif and timeless European architecture. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria and has rare and beautiful bits of history on display.

Next to this historical memorial is the Birla planetarium built by the illustrious Birla family. The planetarium is immensely enjoyed by those who are interested in the planetary positions and other aspects of the universe. The shows are short and continuously updated. The race course in the heart of the city is beautiful to look at and one gets astonished by the fact that in the middle of a metropolitan city there can be such a great span of greenery.

Nearby you can visit the St Paul’s Cathedral. It is the first Episcopal Cathedral that was constructed in the eastern part of the world. Somewhat in the same locality is the heart throb of millions, the beautiful Eden Gardens whose size and beauty flashes in your mind the cheering applauding cricket crazy Kolkata crowd. The beautiful garden attached to the stadium has exotic flora, just like the 273 acres in size, botanical gardens which has a banyan tree more than 300 years old!

Next to the Eden gardens is the administrative seat of the state, the writers building. A 10 minutes drive from there can take you to Nirmal Hriday, the heart and home of the great saint, Mother Teresa.

The Alipur zoo in Kolkata is the largest zoo in India and you need to keep aside an entire day for a visit to this place. You get to see the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other rare species too.

Kolkata has some beautiful modern as well as old hotels to suit your lifestyle. Among the five stars are the Hyatt Regency, ITC Sonar Bengal, The Taj Bengal, the Oberoi Grand, Peerless Inn, The Hindustan International, The Park and The great Eastern Hotel. There are budget hotels too for the shoe string budget traveller.