Kolkata City Guide

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Kolkata City Guide

Kolkata- City Guide

We are thrilled that you are looking forward to joining Wipro BPO, Kolkata. You will
be joining a family that is over 5000 people strong! Kolkata centre was started in
the year 2004.
As you look forward to joining Wipro BPO at Kolkata, we would like to share some
information with you. We hope that this information will help you settle in faster
and enable you to enjoy the best of Kolkata, an ever-growing metropolis that is a
huge melting pot of various cultures. From shopping to eating options to places of
religious worship, theres a lot that is available in Kolkata. Our facility at Salt Lake,
Sector V, is strategically located to allow you to experience the entire range of
what Kolkata can offer.

How to Reach Kolkata?

Reaching Kolkata is not at all cumbersome, as this city is very well connected. For
reaching Kolkata, you can take various means of transport like bus, train or
airplane, depending on your location.
By Air:
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport at Dum Dum, is the international and
domestic airport of Kolkata, and is located at around 16 km from the heart of the
city. The Dumdum metro station is about 5 kilometers from the airport. Taxiyellow cab is the popular mode of communicating to and from the city.
By Rail:
Kolkata is well linked to other parts of the country by railways. There are super fast
trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express that join Kolkata from Delhi and
other nearby places. Kolkata consists of two major railway stations; one in Howrah
and the other at Sealdah.
By Road:
The city is also well linked with almost all the cities of India by road. The Esplanade
Terminus is the main bus terminus that lies in the heart of the city.

Where are we located?

Wipro BPO is located at the following address in Kolkata:
Wipro Limited
Block DM, Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata- 700091
Contact No: 033-23675020 / 033-23675030
Wipro campus is located in Salt Lake, Sector V, which is popularly known as the IT hub
of Kolkata. The campus is a landmark in itself for the nearby areas. Our campus is

Kolkata City Guide

located near a popular amusement park named Nicco Park. Please refer to this when
asking localities for directions.

How to reach our Wipro Campus?

To reach our Wipro campus in Kolkata, you have the option
of Non AC Taxis and Radio Taxis. The fares chargeable by the
operators are:
Non AC Taxis (Yellow Taxi):
There are plenty of these yellow taxis through out the city.
The amount payable would simply be the double of the sum
displayed in the meter + Rs.2. However, the passenger can always ask for a rate
conversion chart which displays the conversion list between metered amount and
the payable amount. There is another option of prepaid taxis, which are available
from the Airport and Howrah station.
Radio Taxis
Mega Cabs

Rs 15/- for first Kilometer (once the meter starts) and

thereafter Rs. 15/- per Kilometer for every additional kilometer
Contact No: 033-41414141

Kolkata Cabs

Rs 15/- for first Kilometer (once the meter starts) and

thereafter Rs. 15/- per Kilometer for every additional kilometer
Contact No: 033-44333222

Other Transportation Systems in Kolkata:

Buses
This is the most widely used mode of transportation between suburbs and the
main city. Different kinds of buses are available like, CSTC (Kolkata State Transport
Corporation) Govt. buses, privately owned buses, mini buses etc. Fares starts from
Rs.5. Long distance buses are available from Esplanade and Karunamoyee (Salt
Lake).
Metros
There is one track that covers the major part of the city from Dum Dum train
station (North) to New Garia (South) and is one of the most convenient modes of
commutation.
Auto-rickshaws
These are three wheeled vehicles which run between short distances and are
available through out the city, mostly in suburban areas. Most of them have
designated routes and need a minimum number of 4 or 5 passengers to start, but

Kolkata City Guide

they are flexible.

Trams
Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the
means of traveling between places within the city.
If you are coming from any of the railway stations in Kolkata, you are suggested to
take a prepaid taxi or book a radio taxi to Salt Lake, Sector V.
If you are coming from the airport, you are suggested to take a prepaid taxi or book a
radio taxi to the above mentioned address.

Where to Stay?
Some of the suggested localities wherein you can look for an accommodation are:
Salt Lake Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Ultadanga, Sreebhumi, Laketown, Bangur
Avenue, Kestopur, Baguihati, Tegharia, Nagebazar, Dum Dum, Kakurgachi,
Phoolbagan.
Some of the economical options in South Kolkata are available in localities like Park
Circus, Kalikapur, Ajoynagar, Patuli Township, Garia.
Paying guest accommodation options are available in Kolkata within the range from
Rs.2000/- to Rs.4000/- inclusive of meals for 2 to 3 times a day. You can also rent a flat
and stay on a sharing basis along with other colleagues & friends.
Important link for Property Dealers in Kolkata:
http://www.indiahousing.com/property-dealers-list/kolkata/index.html
http://www.99acres.com/

Kolkata Shopping:
The list of Kolkata shopping destinations is very large and consists of a number of
bargain hunting places. Infact, there is a shopping destination for every income
group. Shopping in Kolkata is more or less like a treasure hunt. The city
is dotted with shops, shops at the corners of the streets, in super
markets, shopping arcades, multiplexes, underground markets, open
air markets and without doubts - the street vendors.
The treasure hunt in Kolkata takes down the alleys and into the
popular markets, most of which are in the heart of the city. The
renowned places as such include Chowringhee Road, Sudder Street,
Shakespeare Sarani, Bowbazar, College Street, Salt Lake City,
Kidderpore, Dharamtala, Park Street, Camac Street. Most of these are
general markets and sell all the amenities.

Kolkata City Guide

Some popular shopping centers in Kolkata are:
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Shreeram arcade
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Shops on the arcade near Oberoi Grand
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City Centre- I & II
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Forum
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Manisquare Mall
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South City Mall
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Gariahat Mall

Kolkata Cuisine
Bengali traditional food, especially the yummy mouthwatering sweets are popular
all over India. Bengal boasts off its cottage cheese based sweets like sandesh,
rosogolla and chanar payesh. Other must try delicacies consist of Misti doi
(sweetened curd) and Patali gur confectionery (date palm jaggery). When it comes
to Kolkata cuisine, it can be said that each district of Bengal has its own unique
dish to offer like Langcha and mihidana-sitabhog of Bardhaman, sharbhaja of
Krishnanagar, chanabora of Murshidabad etc.
Kolkata will never disappoint food lovers. In Bengal, Chinese cuisine is in demand.
North Indian and South Indian food can be found virtually in any restaurant. Other
cuisines that Bengalis are fond of include Continental, Thai, Tibetian and AngloIndian. If you wish to savor the taste of these cuisines, you can visit some eatinghouses in and around Chowringhee and Park Street. When it comes to the cooking
specialty of Kolkata, Kathi rolls (kebabs wrapped in dough) truly deserve a special
mention. Below is given a list of some foods that you can indulge in:
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Luchi
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Cholaar dal
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Kochuri and alurdom
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Chop-cutlet
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Telebhaja

Some of the best confectionary shops of Kolkata that provide quality stuff are:
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Flury's (formerly Swiss owned) on Park Street
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Nahoum's (oldest Jewish bakery) in New Market
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Others include Upper Crust, Kathleen, Monginis, Jalajoga

Kolkata City Guide

Kolkata Weather
Kolkata is located in the far east of Indian sub continent and close to the sea, Bay
of Bengal. The weather of the city as such is greatly influenced by the adjoining
sea. The place enjoys a sub tropical climate. The temperature in summers can
reach to a maximum of 41 C. The minimum recorded temperature during
winter's stands as low as 9 C. Kolkata receives surplus rainfall during monsoons.
The outpour is due to summer monsoons yielding into a good rainfall.3

Kolkata Festivals
Kolkata festivals are celebrated with fun and frolic. Some of the important festivals
are:
Durga Puja
Time: September-October
Dedicated to: Maa Durga, the goddess of power (Shakti)
Durga Puja is a major festival of Bengalis, for which they keep waiting the whole
year. Kolkata Durga Puja festival is celebrated on a large scale with great pomp and
gaiety. It is celebrated to worship mother the Goddess of Power. It celebrates the
victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja usually takes place
during the autumn period from September-October. The weather is pleasant,
giving air a festivity touch. Though the festival of Durga puja is celebrated
throughout Bengal, but it is special in Kolkata. Durga puja involves the
performance of a long series of rituals. Every day starting from the day of the
Mahalaya, the days of Sashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami or Bijoya
Dashami has its own set of rituals. Durga puja is a time for socializing with friends,
family and relatives. People dressed in their new clothing, visit pandals, eat
mouthwatering food and enjoy the drumbeats. It is truly the best time to catch up
with your old friends.
Kali Puja
Time: October-November
Dedicated to: Kali, the Goddess of destruction who protects from
evils
Kolkata Kali Puja festival is another important occasion. It is
performed in the honor of Kali, the Goddess of destruction. People worship
Goddess Kali with the belief that she will protect them from evils. Also, she
symbolizes strength. Kali Puja of Kolkata usually coincides with Diwali. It is
celebrated with splendid grandeur. People light candles, burst crackers, dress up in
good clothes and offer prayers to mother Goddess Kali.

Kolkata City Guide

Poila Baisakh
Time: First month of Bengali calendar, Baishakh (April)
Significance: It is basically a harvest festival that celebrates the
beginning of crop cycle in Bengal
Kolkata Poila Baisakh festival is basically a harvest festivity that
marks the beginning of the crop cycle in Bengal. It takes place in the first month of
the Bengali calendar, Baisakh (April). Poila Baisakh is celebrated with magnificent
grandeur. The first day of the month of Baisakh is known as Poila Baisakh and is
celebrated as the Bengali New Year. It is on this day that wherever you go, you are
offered yummy sweets.
Poila Baisakh festival of Kolkata, India witnesses the inauguration of the new books
of accounts by the traders. The month of baisakh marks the beginning of
agricultural activities.
People dress up in their best apparels and share joyous moments with friends and
family. Houses are not only cleaned thoroughly, but also beautifully decorated. On
this festivity, cultural programs are held. People greet each other and exchange
sweets. Prayers are conducted to seek the divine blessings.
Rathayatra
Time: Late June or early July
Significance: It marks the beginning of harvest season
Kolkata Rath Yatra festival is the first festivity of the Monsoon
season and usually falls in late June or early July. Rathyatra festival
is dedicated to Jagannath, an avatar of Vishnu. It is on this day that
processions are conducted by the ISKON. Children decorate their
chariots with flowers and they keep the clay images of Jagannath, his brother
Balaram and sister Subhadra. Rathayatra is celebrated to mark the beginning of
harvest season. It is owing to this fact that it is considered a very auspicious time.
This festivity is of prime importance in villages and towns.
Saraswati Puja
Time: Between late January and early February
Dedicated to: Saraswati, the Goddess of learning
Saraswati puja is one big occasion in Kolkata that takes place during the period
between late January and early February. It is on this day that the
youngest female of the family is asked to dress up in yellow clothes.
Sarswati puja of Kolkata is dedicated to the goddess of learning.
Saraswati puja is conducted in almost every locality of Kolkata.
People of the locality get together and assemble at the pandal to

Kolkata City Guide

celebrate the festivity. Kids are really enthusiastic about the puja. It is during this
puja that children pray to the goddess for their academic success.

Kolkata Tourist Attractions

There is a plethora of sightseeing places in Kolkata. Some of the popular places to
visit in Kolkata are:
Belur Math
This magnificent temple located on the bank of river Ganges is
the head quarter of the Ramakrishna Mission. It was
conceptualized by Swami Vivekananda, the illustrious disciple of
Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The construction took four years and
was completed in 1899. The temple building is one of the finest
specimens of temple architecture in India. The display includes
Swami Vivekananda's room, meditation bed, belongings etc. From
the temple, one can have a panoramic view of the holy river Ganges.
Birla Planetarium
Inaugurated in 1963, Birla Planetarium was the first of
it's kind in India. The Planetarium owns an astronomical
observatory equipped with a Celestron C-14 Telescope.
The central dome has a diameter of 27 meter. The
building is modeled after the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi.
The central hall can accommodate 500 people which hosts
daily shows in English, Hindi and Bengali.
Dakshineswar Temple
Located on the bank of the river Ganga near Bally Bridge,
Dakshineswar Temple remains as one of the most important
Hindu temple in Kolkata. The main temple houses an idol of
Goddess Kali on a silver lotus with thousand petals. There are
twelve spires known as Navratna Temple and a courtyard
surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Shri
Shri Ramakrishna, the great 19th century religious personality
attained enlightenment in this temple. There is a congregation of 5 ancient trees
known as Panchavati, a spot for meditation.. On an average, over 40,000 people
visit this temple every day.3
Kalighat Temple
The temple is believed to be 350 years old. The earliest mention
of Kalighat is found in 'Ain-i-Akbari' (a historical document
written during the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar) in the 16th

Kolkata City Guide

century. Kalighat is the temple of Goddess 'Kali', the deity of power.

The temple was rebuilt in 1809 and renovated in 1971. A black stone idol of
Goddess Kali decorated with gold and silver ornaments is ensconced here.
St. Paul's Cathedral
When first built in 1847 by Bishop Wilson, this was the first
Episcopal Cathedral Church in the eastern world. The IndoGothic style structure was severely damaged in
earthquakes and was redesigned and rebuilt in 1938
replicating Bell Harry Tower of Canterbury Cathedral. The
cathedral has many rare paintings and antique books. The
interior is decorated with mosaic panels, stained glass
windows, beautifully carved wooden pews, intricate artwork on walls and two
marvelous Florentine frescoes. The church is 201 feet high.
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921 in
the memory of Queen Victoria. Its foundation stone was
laid by Prince of Wales (George V) on January 4th, 1906,
and was inaugurated by Prince of Wales (King Edward
VIII) on 28 December 1921. This majestic white marble
palace is located in southern part of the Maidan. The
area comprises of 64 acres of land with gardens, pool and
walk trails. The building covers 338 feet by 228 feet of land and the highest point is
about 184 feet above the ground with a black bronze angel holding a bugle in her
hand. The statue is about five meters tall, weighs 3,500 kg and rotates when the
wind speed is high enough. Currently the memorial building serves as a museum.
The building has galleries with paintings, portraits of eminent personalities,
documents witnessing the city's history during the British period.
Writers' Building
Also known as 'Mahakaran' in Bengali, this building
houses the State Secretariat and is the official address
of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. The Writers
Building got it's name for being the dwelling place of
the junior servants (who were also called as writers) of
the East India Company during the early British era;
since late 19th century the building started hosting the
office of the Bengal Secretariat. The original building was constructed in 1779; the
current red brick style structure was completed during the time of Lt. Governor
Ashley Eden in 1882. The total area consists of 10 acres of land and thirteen four
storied buildings. The building epitomizes the political revolution of Bengal.
Tourist Places near Kolkata:

Kolkata City Guide

There are a number of famous places to see near Kolkata.. In the reservoir of
Kolkata nearby places, we have lovely places like Darjeeling and Gangtok that are
well known for their scenic charm and tranquil atmosphere. The weather over
there is always pleasant and gives an opportunity to people to savor the beauty of
nature.
Here are given a few famous places near Kolkata that are fun and exciting to
explore:
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Darjeeling
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Mirik
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Kalimpong
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Shantiniketan
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Digha
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Gangtok
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Kurseong
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Tarakeswar

Kolkata Museums
Each of the Kolkata museums has something unique to
offer. Here is given a list of museums in Kolkata:
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Indian Museum
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Science City
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Nehru Children Museum
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Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

Kolkata Hospitals
While we have an on campus medical facility available 24*7, some of the
nearest hospitals and medical centers around our campus are:
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AMRI Hospital- Salt Lake, Contact No: 033-2335 7710/8596/ 8597
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Apollo Gleneagles Hospital- Canal Circular Road (EM By Pass), Contact No:

033- 23203040
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DESUN Hospital- Kasba, Golpark, Contact No: 033- 24439001
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Suraksha Hospital- Salt Lake, Contact No: 033-24188223
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Wockhardt Hospital & Kidney Institute- Rash Behari Avenue, Contact No:

033- 24633318
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Columbia Asia Hospital- Salt Lake, Contact No: 033- 39898969
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Ruby General Hospital- EM Bypass, Contact No: 033- 24426091
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The Apollo Clinic- City Centre, Salt Lake, Contact No: 033- 23581021

Chemists are present in large number throughout the city and in most cases, you
should be able to find one within walking distance from your residence.
The information contained in this guide has been obtained from various sources and Wipro does not take any responsibility about the
authenticity of the information contained herein. Please also note that the printed information is subject to change.

Kolkata City Guide