Kolkata

Kolkata A vibrant city with age old traditions, Kolkata is renowned for its artistic inclination, colonial era buildings and elegant culture.

Introduction

Located on the eastern coast of India, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is the hub of rich cultural heritage. Popular as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata represents the unique blend of tradition as well as modernism. The city is more than 300 years old, and was once the capital of the British. The influence of imperialism on the city is visible in the form of various structures built during the British Raj. Earlier known as Calcutta, this city of intellectuals fascinates visitors by its robust art and flamboyant history. As you enter the beautiful city of Kolkata, you find yourself engrossed with its eternal charm.

Attractions

A lot of exciting attractions await a person touring Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

The memorial was built in 1921 in the honour of Queen Victoria. Sir William Emerson, the then president of the British Institute of Architects, designed its building. It is one of the best art museums in Kolkata which has 25 galleries. These galleries contain various paintings of Royal British families, artefacts, antiquities and lithographs.

Indian Museum

Built by Danish botanist, Dr. Nathaniel Wallich in 1814, the Indian Museum is the largest and oldest museum in India and ninth oldest museum in the world. It has six sections divided into 35 galleries housing a rare collection of antiquities, artefacts, Mughal paintings, mummies, skeletons, fossils, ornaments and armour.

 

Howrah Bridge

Also referred as 'Rabindra Setu', the 450-meter-long Howrah Bridge is located over the Hooghly River without any pylon. It is believed to be the busiest bridge of the world catering around 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians in a day. The bridge connects Howrah City to Kolkata and has got two sister bridges, Vidyasagar Setu and Vivekananda Setu.

Writers Building

It once used to be the office for the junior writers of East India Company. Now, it serves as the secretariat of West Bengal Government. The red colour building preserves important documents and other records of the state government.

 

Eden Garden

The garden was established in 1864 and once used to be the venue for the gathering of elite class. It houses India’s oldest, finest and world’s third largest cricket playground which can accommodate 120,000 persons.  

Fort William

It was constructed in 1781, and is surrounded by a 3km long and 1km wide ground known as maidan which is also the largest urban park in Kolkata. The fort houses a boxing stadium, cinema, church, market, post and telegraph office, swimming pool, football ground and firing range.  

 

In addition, Kalighat temple, Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Marble Palace, Dalhousie Square, National Library, Armenian Church, Maghen David Synagogue, Dakshineswar Temple and Botanical Gardens are other important places for one to explore.

Luxury hotels

Kolkata has an array of luxury hotels serving guests to their greatest satisfaction.

Hyatt Regency

The luxury hotel is highly acclaimed for its finest services and utmost hospitality. Its 233 rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel offers meeting and conference rooms, regency ballroom, authentic restaurants, a lively hotel bar, a poolside for weddings, leisure and recreational facilities, etc.

 

Taj Bengal Hotel

This five star hotel’s architecture and interiors compliment the art, culture and heritage of Kolkata. The lavish hotel is contemporary in style with modern amenities and impeccable services. It has 229 rooms which include superior rooms, luxury rooms, Taj club rooms, executive suites, luxury suites and presidential suites. The hotel offers Jiva Spa, venues for business meetings, social events and weddings, multi-cuisine restaurants and a coffee shop.

The Oberoi Grand

This stylish hotel comes with distinguished features. It is popular among both leisure and business travellers. The 218 completely refurbished rooms of the hotel offer a cosy stay to the guests. With features like multi-cuisine restaurants, recreational activities (swimming pool, golf, tennis, squash, gym, sauna, massage, etc.) and conference and banquet facilities; the hotel has made its mark on the luxury hotels scene.

 

The Park

The iconic hotel with its 149 rooms gives a tough competition to its rivals. Started in 1967, the five star hotel is famous for its refined hospitality. Here you will discover luxury at its best in the hotel’s luxury day spa Aura, beauty salon, soothing sauna and steam chambers, poolside juice bar, outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Those seeking a relaxing escape must pay a visit to the hotel.

Furthermore, ITC Sonar, the Lalit Great Eastern, Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences represent the series of luxury hotels in Kolkata, offering unmatched hospitality with an amazing stay experience.

Cuisine

Fish curry with rice popularly known as ‘macher jhol’ and ‘bhat’ is the staple food of Kolkata. As Bengalis are big foodies, one can easily find variety of food in Kolkata. From Chinese to Continental, Thai, Tibetan and Anglo-Indian cuisine; one gets lots of options. North Indian and South Indian food are also in huge demand here. Places like Vivekananda Park, Park Street, Dacre Lane, College Street and Camac Street are famous for offering some of the best street foods. In sweets; Sandesh, Rosogolla and Chanar Payesh are delightful to the core.

Shopping: Tourists can buy a range of items from Kolkata’s bustling markets. Terracotta products, Bankura horses, masks, brass and bell metal works, Dhokra metal casting, Kalighat pats, jute craft items and Kantha embroidery fabrics are famous for their uniqueness all over the world.

When to go: It is best to visit Kolkata from October to March.

Reaching Kolkata

By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest major airport.

By Rail: The railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah connect Kolkata to the rest of India. By Road: There are buses which are frequently run by the Calcutta State Transport Corporation, Calcutta Tramways Company and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation. The main terminus is Esplanade BusTerminus.

Kolkata - a flourishing lively city

Kolkata is a resplendent city showcasing its prosperous culture and heritage.