Kolkata

State: West Bengal

Summer temperature: 30° C - 40° C
Winter temperature: 30° C - 10° C
Metropolitan Area: 1380 sq. km. (1991)
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and English
Altitude: 17 ft above sea level
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 033
Major tourist attractions: Victoria memorial, Fort William, Eden
gardens, Birla planetarium, Howrah bridge, Belur math, Botanical
gardens, Writer's building & Science city
Educational Institutes: St. Xavier’s College Kolkata, IIM Calcutta
Major festivals: Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, Poila Baisakh,
Makar Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja & Lakshmi Puja.
Major fairs: Calcutta book Fair, Poush Mela & Joydev mela.
 Calcutta History
It is interesting to explore the origin & history of Kolkata, the
capital of British India. Calcutta history is not that old as that of
Delhi. Calcutta, the city of joy was established in the year 1686,
as a result of the expansion plans of the British Raj. It was during
those times that European powers were heading their way
towards capturing the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and
Kalikata. Calcutta derived its name from the last of the village
settlements of kalikata.

The city kept progressing until 1756, when Siraj- Ud-Daula

(Nawab of Bengal) attacked and succeeded in driving the British
away from the town. It was during that time that most of the
British civilians had escaped, but a few of them were captured
and imprisoned in a suffocating room. This incident has become
a history in itself and was given the name 'Black hole tragedy'. In
1757, the following year, Battle of Plassey took place, in which
Robert Clive took over the city by defeating the Nawab
The end of battle witnessed the establishment of
Supreme Court in 1774, making Calcutta as the base
of justice. Battle of Plassey saw the drain of wealth,
which strained the Bengal's economy. The period
between 1820 and 1930 saw the growing of seeds of
nationalism that reached its height in 1905, when
people stood against Lord Curzon's plan regarding the
partition of Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore led the
nationalist anti partition movements. The Partition
was repealed in 1911, followed by the shifting of
capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi. In 2001,
Calcutta was officially renamed Kolkata.
 How To Reach Calcutta

By Air:
It is completely accessible by air. There are a number of domestic airlines that
connect Kolkata with other major cities of India like Ahmadabad, Bagdogra,
Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur,
Lucknow, Mumbai, and Port Blair.
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 Calcutta from
Delhi and other nearby places. Calcutta consists of two major railway stations;
one is located in Howrah and the other at Sealdah.
By Road:
The city of joy is 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.
The latest development is the starting of Dhaka-Calcutta buses, which are fully
air-conditioned and also very comfortable.
 Best Time To Visit Calcutta
Talking about Kolkata peak travel time, it can be said
that period between October-march is the best time
to visit Calcutta. This is the perfect time to savor the
autumn season that is in its full bloom. Not only the
weather is pleasant, but also, it is the time of
festivities. Durga puja is a festival that is celebrated
with great pomp and show. Laxmi puja and Diwali
follow it. January-February is the period that
witnesses the conduct of Calcutta book fair that acts
as a platform for bringing people from all over the
world together under one roof. Thus, if you have an
option to choose the time period, then plan out your
tour during October-March, as it is the ideal time to
visit Calcutta.
 Calcutta Travel Tips

Dos & don'ts for Kolkata travel:

For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their
Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving
Carry all your important documents and money
If you are traveling alone, don't publicize it.
Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a
complaint at the police station and also inform your country's
embassy.
It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport,
traveler's checks and insurance.
Beware of touts and agents.
Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is
confirmed.
To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.
Fort William
Fort William is a must visit tourist attraction place of Calcutta. Situated at the
banks of river Hooghly, it was named after King William III of England. Fort
William of Kolkata, India, was established during the tenure of British Raj in
1696. It was the guardroom of this two-storied building, where the black hole
tragedy took place. This paved way for the construction of a new fort by
British.
The new fort was initiated by Robert Clive, which got completed by 1780. The
basic purpose of setting up Calcutta Fort William was to prevent attacks from
Muslim invaders. The area that was cleared around the fort became maidan,
where several exhibitions and fairs take place. The foundation of the old fort is
still intact. Till date, it is a military area and the Arsenal inside it is worth
watching, but for that prior permission of the commanding officer is required.
Victoria Memorial
Calcutta Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum that was
established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing
the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of
the British Institute of Architects. Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, India
is a fantastic place that will take you into the world of past history,
where you can view the photos and effigies of prominent
personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of
India. Today, Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in
Kolkata. It is a 184 ft tall edifice that was constructed on 64 acres of
land. The museum houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the
north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood.
 Eden Gardens
Eden garden of Kolkata, India is one of the major tourist
attraction places of the city of joy. Eden gardens is
basically a cricket stadium, where people have witnessed
the history of Indian cricket. It is the oldest cricket
playground in the country and also the finest one.
Calcutta Eden Gardens Cricket Club came into existence in
the year 1864. The first ever first-class match that took
place in the Eden Gardens was in 1917-18 and the first
test match to be played here was in January 1934 against
Douglas Jardine's MCC. It was in February 1987, when the
first ODI match was hosted here. It has undergone a
tremendous modernization and infact, today it boasts of
its large accommodation that can capaticitate about
1,20,000 persons. Eden gardens of Calcutta definitely falls
into the category of must see places.
Birla Planetarium
Birla planetarium of Kolkata, India is one of the largest museums in Asia. It
came into existence in the year 1962 and the credit for establishing this
wonderful center of science, communication & environment goes to Birla
Education Trust. It is situated at the Eastern metropolitan bypass of Calcutta.
Birla planetarium provides a parlance where astronomical presentations take
place. It provides useful piece of information about our solar system, galaxies,
life span of stars, space, planets and other heavenly bodies in the most
interactive manner via audio video aids. Usually the lectures are given in
English, Hindi, and Bengali and occasionally in Oriya, Tamil & Gujarati.
Calcutta Birla planetarium is a single storied circular edifice designed in the
typical Indian style. It is a must see place for those interested in astronomy. Its
astronomy gallery maintains a huge collection of fine paintings & celestial
models of renowned astronomers. It enables you to explore science outdoors.
 Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge, located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal,
India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. It got its
name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to
Calcutta. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the
name ‘ Rabindra Setu', was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270
feet high pillars. Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss
bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts.
Though, earlier it had a tram route, but presently, it is serving
mainly as a Road Bridge. Howrah bridge has got two sister
bridges also, namely, Vidyasagar Setu and the Vivekananda Setu
that are situated at different points over the hoogly river. This
bridge acts as an important symbol of Kolkata.
 Marble Palace
Location: C.R. Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street, Chorabagan
Year of construction: 1835
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.
Writers Building
The construction of Writers building began as early as in 1690. It got
its name owing to the fact that it served as the dwelling place for the
junior writers of the East India Company. The original Writers Building
of Kolkata, India did not have any architectural beauty. It was on the
same site that another Writers' Building was created later on. This
Gothic structure came into existence during the tenure of Lt.
Governor Ashley Eden (1877). The present Calcutta Writers' Building
is located at the northern end of Dalhousie Square. Today, it serves as
the Secretariat of West Bengal Government. This gigantic building is
also known as ‘ Mahakaran ', where all the important documents and
other records of the West Bengal Govt are preserved.
Nicco Park
Calcutta Nicco Park, situated at Salt Lake, is an
amazing amusement park. It can be said about the
Nicco Park of Kolkata, India that, it is like the
Disneyland of West Bengal with lots of wonderful
games and rides. Its most recent addition is the Cave
ride that is very interesting and adventurous. It is a
spacious park covering about 40-acre land. It is one of
the biggest amusement parks in the country and it
was opened in the year 1991.
Saheed Minar
Saheed Minar, situated near Esplanade on the Kolkata
Maidan, was initially known as Octerloney Monument. It
was named after its founder, Sir David Ochterlony. This
magnificent monument was established in the year 1848
so as to mark the founder's victory in the Nepal War
(1814-1816). The construction of Calcutta Saheed Minar
follows an architectural variety. Its foundation is based on
the Egyptian style, whereas the main Shahid Minar in
Calcutta and its dome follow Syrian and Turkish designs
respectively.
National Library
National Library in Kolkata, India is the largest library of
our country that is supported by the Dept of Culture,
Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India. It is
constructed on 30 acres Belvedere Estate in Kolkata. It
was basically set up to collect, distribute and preserve
material that is produced within the country. There are no
special criteria for membership of Calcutta national
library. Infact, any person who is above the age of 18 can
become its member. However, to avail the facilities of
reading room and lending, separate membership is
required.
 Kalighat Kali Temple
Location:Banks of river Hooghly
Dedicated to: Goddess Kali
Located on the banks of river Hooghly, Kalighat Kali temple is a very
famous temple of the city of joy i.e. Calcutta. It is dedicated to
Goddess kali, who is believed to be the destroyer as well as liberator.
Every year, it has been attracting more and more crowds. Infact,
Calcutta Kalighat Kali temple has come in the top list of must see
tourist attraction places. For Hindus, Kali temple at Kalighat, Kolkata
is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations.
 Pareshnath Jain Temple
Location: northeast of Calcutta
Year of construction: 1867
Pareshnath Jain temple is a very famous temple of Calcutta that
was built by an art connoisseur named Ray Badridas Bahadur in
1867. Located in the northeast side of the city, Calcutta
Pareshnath Jain temple is a mind-blowing place of worship, the
beauty of which is enhanced by mirrors and colored stones. It
houses four different temples, out of which the main temple is
established in the honor of the 10th Jain Avtaar, Sri Sital Nath Ji.
There is a small stream over there, which is covered by gorgeous
flowers on all sides. Pareshnath Jain temple of Kolkata also
contains a cozy greeting room and a museum. It is a splendid
edifice that consists of mirror inlaid pillars and its windows are
made from stained glass. Floral designs further adorn the
marble flooring. It also has a garden that contains the blocks of
glass mosaics and awesome European statues. In a nutshell, it
can be said that it's a must visit tourist attraction religious
destination.
Nakhoda Mosque
Location: in Jacquaria Street, near the junction of
Chitpore Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road
YearofEstablishment:1926 Calcutta Nakhoda Mosque is
the largest mosque within the city. It can capacitate about
10,000 persons. Located in Jacquaria Street, near the
junction of Chitpore Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road, its
foundation was laid by Abdar Rahim Osman, a resident of
Cutch, in the year 1926. Nakhoda mosque is constructed
on the lines of Akbar's tomb in Sikandra. Read to know
more about the Nakhoda masjid of Kolkata, India.
Calcutta 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 Calcutta 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. Read
on to know more about cuisine of Kolkata, India…
Calcutta 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 Anglo-Indian. If you wish to savor the taste of these cuisines, you
can visit some eating-houses in and around Chowringhee and Park Street.
When it comes to the cooking specialty of Calcutta, Kathi rolls (kebabs
wrapped in dough) truly deserve a special mention.
Below is given a list of some foods that you can indulge
in:
Luchi
Cholaar dal
Kochuri and alurdom
Chop-cutlet
Telebhaja
Some of the best confectionary shops of Kolkata that
provide quality stuff are:
Flury's (formerly Swiss owned) on Park Street
Nahoum's (oldest Jewish bakery) in New Market
Others include Uppu, Crust, Kathleen, Monginis, Jalajoga