Calcutta City Guide
Kolkata also called Calcutta in the past, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal and a metropolitan town of Eastern India that houses the population of around 14 million. Due to the investor friendly policies and with the vision to all round economic growth, Kolkata is considered among the main commercial centres of India after Mumbai and New Delhi.
Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is abundant in colonial charm, variety and interest. Calcutta is one of the most crowded and busiest cities, it is a perfect blend of heritage and modernization. The city is the commercial nerve-centre of the East, with major industrial plants, textile mills and corporate units. Royal structures, bustling bazaars, luxurious hotels, people from all walks of life - Calcutta has it all. Along with its financial status the city of Kolkata or Calcutta also has a rich and glorious heritage in fields of art, music and literature. Calcutta has always prided itself on the many luminaries it has sent forth, be it Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or Mrinal Sen. The architectural grace of various design patterns from Roman, Indo-Islamic are much evident in the building spread across the city.
Festivals of Calcutta
Apart from all other festivals celebrated in the city, the Durga Pooja is more lively and interesting. It is celebrated as a tribute to the Goddess Durga for almost ten days. People from all over the city participate and make the celebration in a grand way. The statues of Goddess Durga are produced and are ornamented with excellent style and is worshiped as a mark of respect. Basant Utsav, Saraswati Pooja and Holi are other major celebrations of the country.
What to See In Calcutta
Fort William : Fort William was constructed in 1781 and is still in use. The large patch of green around the fort is known as the Maidan (ground), or the lung of Calcutta. It stretches for a distance of 3 km and is 1 km wide.
Indian Museum : The Indian Museum, built in 1874 is the oldest museum in India. It houses a rare collection of artifacts. The entrance to the museum has an original Lion Capitol, the national symbol of India.
Eden Garden : It is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden that was once the gathering place of the social elite. It today houses the renowned cricket ground by the same name.
Kali Mandir : Also known as Kalighat, the Kali Mandir is dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of destruction and is a frequented tourist destination.
Marble Palace : The Marble Palace displays the art forms of Italy, the Netherlands, England and other European nations. The interior of the palace-the floors, walls, and tabletops-are all made of marble.
What to See Around Calcutta
Dakshineshwar Temple : Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Dakshineshwar Temple is where Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, lived most of his life.
Shanti Niketan : Shanti Niketan, Tagore's university township, is a must visit place while on your tour to West Bengal. The hot springs here are famous for curing many chronic diseases.
Bishnupur : Bishnupur's glorious past is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It comprises of unique terracotta temples and is renowned for its crafts such as intricate Balucheri saris, the rare ganijifa (circular Indian playing card), delicate carving on shells and bell metal artefacts.
Things to see
