Kolkata, formerly called Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal
Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, is a city steeped in history and culture located in the eastern part of India. It is widely regarded as the cultural capital of the country and has been a major center for literature, art, and intellectual discourse for centuries. Kolkata is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and communities and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India's rich history and vibrant culture. One of the most prominent features of Kolkata is its architecture. The city is home to many historical buildings, including the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Indian Museum. The Victoria Memorial is a grand marble building that was built in memory of Queen Victoria and serves as a museum today, displaying some of India's finest collections of art and artifacts. St. Paul's Cathedral, on the other hand, is an impressive gothic structure that dates back to the 19th century and is one of the largest cathedrals in India. Another aspect of Kolkata that makes it a must-visit destination is its street food. The city is famous for its lip-smacking street food, which includes dishes like kathi rolls, phuchka, and biryani. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you'll find plenty of options to choose from in Kolkata's bustling street food scene. The city is also a hub of cultural activities, with a thriving art, music, and film scene. Kolkata is home to many theaters and concert halls, including the iconic Nandan theater, which screens some of the best Bengali films and is a popular cultural venue in the city. In addition, Kolkata has a rich tradition of classical dance and music, with many institutions and academies dedicated to preserving and promoting these art forms. For those interested in shopping, Kolkata has a lot to offer. From high-end malls and shopping centers to local markets and bazaars, the city has something for everyone. One of the most famous shopping destinations in Kolkata is the New Market, which is a large indoor market that sells everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home goods. Aside from its rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life, Kolkata is also known for its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, which provides a beautiful backdrop to the city. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river to admire the city's stunning skyline and enjoy the cool breeze coming off the water. In conclusion, Kolkata is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, shopping, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, this city has something to offer. So, if you're looking for a truly authentic travel experience in India, be sure to put Kolkata on your list of must-visit destinations.
Calcutta always provides it’s visitors with a warm welcome. The air is filled with spices and energy, so much that you can feel it. Calcutta has two other names, ‘Kolkata’ which is what the locals call it and ‘Paris of the East’ which is what the tourists call it. Calcutta became known as the Paris of the East because of the European influence that can be seen quite obviously in the large streets, the shopping and the luxuriousness of the city.
Calcutta adores a special class of richness, in its culture, food, temples, cathedrals, monuments and bazaars. Calcutta is densely populated with a population boom in the 90s as India became an important hub. The city has grown tremendously and infrastructure enhancements in transportation and commerce has led Calcutta to becoming one of the most developed cities in eastern India.
From colonisation to independence to industrialisation - this destination has been through many transformations in it’s time and as a result you experience a real mix of history on your holiday in Calcutta. During your holiday to Calcutta, you will get a feel for the different cultures that make up this vibrant country. The city is the birthplace of many art forms and Indian literary and nationalism. The blending of the different cultures from the east and west has influenced the way Calcutta is run. This is apparent as you walk down the streets or through the many museums. To get a feel of the cultural diversity of this region, it is important to plan a visit to the national Museum while during your holiday in Calcutta. The Indian Museum and the Asutosh Museum will show you the many phases of Calcutta’s rich past. Even though the face of Calcutta is always changing, the one things that always remains the same is religion. Indians have very strong religious values and it can be seem in the many grand temples, mosques and churches. The most famous and oldest place of worship here is Dakshineswar Temple which dates back 3000 years and is almost in its original form. Jain temple is another famous temple best known for the intricate marble work.
Roaming the city is probably one of the best pastime activities for a holiday in Calcutta. It is amazing how much you will learn about Calcutta by just walking around. The beautiful colours of the traditional outfits come alive and are only outshined by the incredible hospitality of the locals. While you explore the city on foot you will also stumble across one of the many beautiful parks. These are the best places to escape the hustle and bustle on the streets. Head to the Victorian Memorial Garden to watch the fountains dance. Every night at 7pm these gardens become a spectacle of brilliantly synchronised lights and melody. Just sit back and watch how the beautiful water dances to the musical notes. On the other hand if happy dancing water is not for you then you can also go and visit the South Park street cemetery. This cemetery is actually quite beautiful with long walking streets and intricate tombstones. Don’t worry, it’s not haunted, it’s just a nice place to take a stroll.
Calcutta is a big and stylish city with a wide range of evening entertainments for all age groups and all desires. In and around Park Street is the best place to have a few drinks and enjoy your company and the atmosphere. If you are after something a bit more upbeat and trendy then head to one of the upmarket hotels, which usually has their own bar or club. There are also a number of pubs that attract mainly tourists where you can sit and watch the soccer or cricket. The nightclubs in Calcutta have a mixture of styles and music options. You can find reggae, blues, disco, hip hop, trance, Hindi pop and remixed bhangra (Punjabi dance music).
If you are flying in from another country, the nearest airport to Calcutta is 8 miles from the city. Start your Holidays in Calcutta with one of the 266 flights that fly in from all over the world. There are over 1,120 domestic flights within India. If you prefer traveling by train, you will find the Indian train network more than enough. There are regular train shuttle trips to and from Calcutta from the different major cities. These fast trains are good for someone who wants to get there fast and cheap. If you want to travel in style, consider getting a ticket on one of the executive coaches that focus on luxury and speed. Alternatively, you could board a bus and ply the picturesque roads to Calcutta. The public service buses will get you there in time. If you prefer more luxury and love your space, consider dealing with the high luxury public buses. They will pamper you and make your trip more comfortable.
Calcutta Attractions
Your Calcutta holiday can have some pretty unpredictable weather. Winter, which is the best and most stable time to visit Calcutta begins in December and runs as far as February.
The temperatures will be cool but will rarely go below 9 degrees. The tourist season however starts in October and end in March, this is to coincide with the good weather and many festivals. You will have a chance to partake in Durga puja, Laxmi puja and most importantly the Diwali festival.
Calcutta summers are hot and humid. The dryer sections of the summer are between May and June and the temperatures often soar beyond 40 degrees Celsius. Most people stay indoors trying to stay cool and avoid the heat of the sun.
The heavy monsoon rain will wash the city from June to September making it the wettest and most unpredictable months in Calcutta. It’s best to avoid this time of year as the traffic is crazy and the rain even crazier.