Sunderbans

Sunderbans
Location: south of Kolkata
Highlights: famous tiger reserve

Sunderbans is a very famous wildlife sanctuary of our country. It is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger and owing to this fact; it is also referred to as Sunderbans tiger reserve. In the Calcutta Sunderbans national park, you can find the estuarine crocodile, wild boar and several varieties of birds and snakes. It is located on the south of Kolkata, India and stretches till Bangladesh. Also, Sunderbans is the largest delta of the world formed by the unification of three rivers-the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna.

It is spread over an area of 2,585 square kms, out of which the core area of 1,330 square kms is formally declared as the world heritage site and a national park. Apart from the Bengal tiger, it also houses other wildlife animals like monkeys, herons, spotted deer, kingfishers, wild pigs and white-bellied eagles. Sundarbans wildlife sanctuary in Kolkata is just an apt destination for ornithologists and bird watchers.

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan
When it comes to excursions in Calcutta, the mention of Shantiniketan is like a must. Shantiniketan in Calcutta, is mainly known for Vishva-Bharati University that provides a platform for the convergence of western and eastern culture. Its foundation was laid by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The best part about this international university is that it exhibits the Indian tradition in the most modest manner, while simultaneously incorporating the best of other cultures.

The best time to visit this soothing place is between November to March. Set up in the midst of green lushy fields and forested land, it makes an excellent landscape. Initially, Shantiniketan of Kolkata, India was an ashram that was started by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore in 1863.

Later in 1901, Shantiniketan underwent a modification when Rabindranath Tagore conducted experimental open-air classes to promote education. His effort didn't go wasted and he gradually kept widening the scope. An interesting feature of Shantiniketan consists of the awesome sculptures, mural paintings and frescoes of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others.

Digha Calcutta

Digha Calcutta

Location: 185 km south east of Calcutta

Digha is located about 185 kms away from the city on the south east of Calcutta. In the list of must visit Kolkata excursions, Digha beach is on the top. It is a splendid beach resort consisting of a 6 km long beach. Shankarpur is the twin beach of Digha, Calcutta that is about 10 kms away. Digha, India is very well connected with Kolkata by road. Infact, its about five hours drive from there. Digha beach is worth visiting, as its shallow water will help in rejuvenating you. The whole atmosphere over there is very soothing and serene.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens of Kolkata, India are situated 8 kms away from the city, on the west bank of the Ganga, covering an area of about 273 acres. Laid out in the year 1787, Calcutta botanical garden is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens of India. It contains about 12,000 living perennial plants and millions of dried out plants gathered from world over. The main attraction of the botanical gardens is the giant size banyan tree that is said to have the second largest canopy in the world. Over here, you can find a plethora of beautiful orchids and other colorful flowers. The garden also has a library, where you can find a valuable collection of books on botany. The botanical garden of Calcutta houses trees of rarest variety.

Calcutta Excursions

Calcutta Excursions
When the talk is about Calcutta excursions, there are fabulous places to visit around Kolkata. The reservoir of excursion of Kolkata, India is very comprehensive consisting of a number of places. But, in this section, we will inform you mainly about the popular places.

Here is given a list of famous Kolkata excursions:

Shantiniketan
Sunderbans wildlife sanctuary
Digha Calcutta
Botanical gardens
Other places include:

Gandhi Ghat - Gandhi ghat is a memorial to our dear Bapu, Mahatma Gandhi. It is built on the banks of river Hooghly.
Ganga Sagar
Nabadwip - it is the birthplace of St. Chaitanya

Calcutta Religion

Calcutta Religion
Being a cosmopolitan city, Kolkata represents a blend of different religions. Majority of people inhabiting Calcutta are Hindus. Muslims are in minority. Other minority communities include Christians, Buddhist, Sikhs and Jains. Thus, the religion of Bengal India is not very clear. Read on to know more about the religion of Kolkata West Bengal…

On the basis of religious sects, Hindus can be further classified into a number of categories ranging from monotheists to polytheists. The largest religious sect follows Vaishnavism. In the traditional caste hierarchy, the highest position is held by the Brahmins, who are considered to be the main guardians of sacred scriptures. After Brahmins, the next caste in order of the precedence is that of Vaidyas followed by Kshatriyas and Sudras.

Calcutta Cuisine

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.

What to eat in Calcutta India

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

Calcutta Culture

Calcutta Culture
It is fun to explore the culture of Kolkata India. Over here, the days begin with a cup of tea and thereafter people leave from their houses to enjoy the morning breeze. They carry out their fitness workout consisting of walking, jogging, stretching etc. Bengal offers a mind-blowing variety of sweets and yummy mouthwatering dishes. Read on to know more about Calcutta culture:

Kolkata is truly a city of talent and passion, where people are lively and have an enthusiasm to live life to the fullest. If you want to get well versed with the Kolkatta culture, the best way is to look out for a friend over there and join adda i.e. the local parlance where chat sessions are held. Discussions take place on a wide variety of subjects ranging from politics, sports, religion, news, books, art, films, music, food etc. The discussions are healthy and never end with arguments or an ugly note.

Bengalis are very fond of music. Infact, if you go about visiting houses in the neighborhood, you'll find that there is an aspiring singer in almost every home. Bengalis love to indulge in yummy food. Infact, every meal ends up with some delicious dessert. For people who love eating junk food, Calcutta is just an apt place.

Festivities are an integral part of the city. Calcutta hosts a variety of fairs, film fests, music conferences and folk fairs. It houses the Marwaris, Parsis, Anglo Indians, Jews, Armenians and the joyous people of China town. Kolkata has a plethora of tourist attraction places encompassing museums, galleries, heritage buildings, amusement parks, temples, churches and synagogues

Siliguri India

Siliguri India
Siliguri, India is one of the most beautiful places on the earth. Infact, it can be said that it is like a mini paradise. Far away from noise and pollution, this is the perfect place for those who want to get lost in the world of peace and calm. Not only it's a very soothing place, but also a real boom city. Tourism in Siliguri is on peak, owing to its extraordinary beauty. It is a major trading center for the states of northeast and eastern Nepal. Check out the Siliguri city guide and plan your tour to this marvelous place.

Women love to indulge in shopping, so it is to inform them that loose tea is the best buy in this city. Also, superb quality cane furniture is available here. For shopping, you can check out either Hill Cart Road or Sevoke Road. Due to increase in demand from locals as far as tourists, now the goods of international brands are also stocked in the markets

Excursions in Siliguri include:
Jaldapara: this wildlife sanctuary is the habitat of rhions, bisons, barking deer and wild elephant
Jaldhaka: it is an awesome picnic spot by the side of jaldhaka river on the Bhutan border.
Gourmara: it is another wildlife sanctuary.
Mahananda Weir: it is a picnic spot that is located at a distance of about 18 kms from Siliguri.

Kalimpong India

Kalimpong India
In this article, we will provide you with the Kalimpong city guide that will help you discover this tranquil hill station. Tourism in Kalimpong is gaining momentum year by year.

Fast Facts about Kalimpong:
Location: north of West Bengal, adjacent to the state of Sikkim
Best Time to Visit: April-June
Languages: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Sightseeing Places: Flower Nurseries, Gompas, Dr Graham's Home, Sericulture Research Institute, and Nature Interpretation Center
Excursions: Bhutan, Teesta Bazaar, small village of Lava etc

Kalimpong is a very peaceful city located in the north of the state of West Bengal. The best time to visit Kalimpong, India is between April and June. The weather of this serene place can be described as alpine with mild summers and cold winters. When one thinks of this place, the first thing that strikes mind is undoubtedly its quiet atmosphere, traditional handicrafts, beautiful monasteries and churches. Kalimpong is well known for its orchids and nurseries. It offers an excellent view of the Himalayas

Famous monasteries in Kalimpong:

Tharpa Choeling Gompa
Tongsa Gompa
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa

Darjeeling India

Darjeeling India
In the contemporary times, tourism in Darjeeling is on its boom. In this article, we will provide you with Darjeeling city guide that will enable you to explore more about this beautiful city.

Fast Facts about Darjeeling, India
Location: east of West Bengal
Area: 10.57 sq km
Languages: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Tourist Attractions: Yiga Choeling Monastery, Museum of Natural History, Observatory hill, Dhirdam Temple, Aloobaari Monastery, Bhutia Bustee Monastery and the Ava Art Gallery

Darjeeling is a beautiful place lying on the east of West Bengal. Its scenic beauty has absolutely no comparison. It is famous for the splendid mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. People come from all parts of the world to feast their eyes. It is just the apt place for nature lover. It consists of a number of tourist attraction places like Lloyd Botanical garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ava Art Gallery, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Museum of Natural History, Observatory hill, Dhirdam Temple and many more.

Accommodation in Darjeeling:
Sterling Resort Darjeeling
Hotel Viceroy Darjeeling
3 Star Hotels in Darjeeling

Calcutta Nearby Places

Calcutta Nearby Places
There are a number of famous places to see near Kolkata. In this section, we will inform you about the tourist destinations around Calcutta. In the reservoir of Calcutta nearby places, we have lovely places like Darjeeling and Siliguri 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 Calcutta that are fun and exciting to explore:

Siliguri India
Darjeeling India
Mirik India
Malda India
Kalimpong India

Other Nearby Destinations:

Krishnanagar
Kurseong
Bansberia
Antpur
Kamarpukur
Tarakeswar

Eden Gardens

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.

Victoria Memorial

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.

Writers Building

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

Saheed Minar

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.

It was in 1969 that the Octerloney Monument got the name 'Sahid Minar'. It was renamed in the honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Presently, the political parties convene meetings over here. Various rallies and seminars also take place behind the Sahid Minar Of Kolkata, India. The tradition of holding political meetings began in 1931, when Rabindranath Tagore presided over a convocation meeting held over there. If you stand at the top of the minar, you'll get an excellent view of the hub city of Kolkata.

Nicco Park

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.

Nicco Park is more popularly known as Jheel Meel. It is the ultimate fun and entertainment destination for kids as well as adults. It draws huge crowds on the weekends, as it serves as the perfect place for relaxing mind, body and soul. It takes you into the world of fantasy and imagination. It provides wide choices of fun rides to choose from. To name a few, we have the Toy Train, Cable Car, Tilt-a-Whirl, Water Chute, Water Coaster, Flying Saucer, Pirate Ship and Moonraker.

For nature lovers, it is truly a feast for eyes. Its main highlights include the beautiful rose garden and the food park, where you can enjoy the mouthwatering yummy dishes. Popular cuisines include North Indian, Bengali, South Indian and Chinese fast food. Today, Nicco Park enjoys the status of being the first amusement park of the world that has obtained ISO 9002 certification from a famous European Certifying Authority

National Library

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.

National library has a huge collection of books and periodicals received from different parts of the country. Here, you can find books in almost all the Indian languages. There are separate language divisions that process the information for their readers in their respective native languages. Some of the language divisions that maintain their own collection consist of Hindi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Sindhi, Telugu and Urdu. Also, these language divisions help in solving the reference queries of their readers. There is a separate division for children that cater to their information and recreation needs.

Marble Palace

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.

Howrah Bridge

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.

Fort William

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. During the Plassey war in 1757, Siraj Ud Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal attacked on the fort and defeated the Britishers. 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.

Birla Planetarium

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.

Calcutta Tourist Attractions

Calcutta Tourist Attractions
Tourism in Kolkata is on its boom these days. There are lots of places to see in Kolkata. In this section, we will provide you with Calcutta tourist attractions guide.

There is a plethora of sightseeing places in Kolkata. We will brief you on the following popular places to visit in Calcutta

Fort William
Victoria Memorial
Eden Gardens (Stadium)
Birla Planetarium
Howrah Bridge
Marble Palace
Writer's Building
Nicco Park
Saheed Minar
National Library
Belur Math
Botanical Gardens

Religious Places in Calcutta

Religious Places in Calcutta
There are lots of pilgrimage destinations in Calcutta consisting of various temples, churches etc. There is a plethora of religious places in Calcutta, where you'll have an entirely different experience. These religious spots will energize you and take you into a new world that will completely relax your mind, body and soul.

In this section, we will provide you information on the famous places of worship in Kolkata:


Kalighat Kali Temple
Dakshineshwar Temple
Magen David Synagogue
Saint Johns Church
Saint Pauls Cathedral
Nakhoda Mosque
Belur Math
Pareshnath Jain Temple

Other pilgrimage destinations include Parasnath Jain Temple, fire temple & Armenian Church.

Calcutta Museums

Calcutta Museums
In this section, we will provide you with information about museums of Kolkata, India. Each of the Calcutta museums has something unique to offer.

Here is given a list of museums in Calcutta, India:

Indian Museum
Asiatic Society
Calcutta Museum/ Kolkata Panorama
Science City
Nehru Children Museum
Rabindra Bharati Museum
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

Calcutta Festivals

Calcutta Festivals
Calcutta festivals are celebrated with fun and frolic. In this section, we will provide you information on the different festivals of Kolkata, India.

We will brief you on the following festivals of Calcutta, India:

Laxmi Puja
Saraswati Puja
Kali Puja
Durga Puja
Dol Purnima
Bhai Phota
Nabo barsho
Rathyatra
Poila Baisakh

Calcutta Fairs

Calcutta Fairs
Calcutta fairs have become an intrinsic part of the city of joy. The city witnesses a vast array of fairs that keep the people engrossed with the task of planning as to what to buy from each fair. Each of the fairs of Calcutta India has something unique to offer.

In this section, we will provide you information about the popular fairs in Kolkata India:

Calcutta Book Fair
Handloom Expo
Poush Mela
Vidyasagar Mela
Lexpo Fair
Crafts Bazaar
Sonar Sansar

Calcutta Travel Tips

Calcutta Travel Tips
In this article, we will provide you with some safety guidelines for Calcutta travel. Going haphazardly without proper planning doesn't give satisfaction and also leads to chaos. We will give you a couple of Calcutta travel tips that will help you plan your tour in a systematized manner.

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.

Calcutta Sports

Calcutta Sports
For sports lovers, Calcutta is just the apt place. People are simply passionate about sports. When it comes to playing sports in Calcutta, men folk are mainly interested in Soccer followed by cricket, golf, tennis, swimming and rowing. In this article, we will provide you information on some Kolkata sports clubs and stadiums where you can have a good time indulging in different sporting activities.

Calcutta Sports Stadiums:

Netaji Indoor Stadium
Eden Gardens
Yuba Bharati Krirangan
Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.
Sports clubs are like an integral part of Kolkata's culture. A sports club serves as a place where people can relax their mind and body. Not only that, it also acts as a perfect destination to socialize and get along with friends.

Sports Clubs in Kolkata:

Tollygunge Club
Royal Calcutta Golf Club
South Club for grasscourt tennis
Calcutta Cricket and Football Club
Polo Club within the Race Course
Royal Calcutta Turf Club
Calcutta Rowing Club and Lake Club.

Calcutta Shopping Guide

Calcutta Shopping Guide
In this article, we will present you with Calcutta shopping guide that will give you a good idea about where to shop in Kolkata. The list of Calcutta shopping destinations is very large and consists of a number of bargain hunting places. Infact, there is a shopping destination for every income group. Read on to know more about shopping in Kolkata, India…

Here is given a list of some popular shopping centers in Calcutta:

Central cottage industries emporium at Chowringee where exquisite handicrafts are available
Shreeram arcade
Shops on the arcade near Oberoi Grand
City Centre
Treasure island
Forum- multiplex
Though, quite a decent number of malls have sprung up in the hub city of Kolkata, but if you are looking out for places where you can get a good bargain, then below are given a few options:
New Market
AC Market
College Street
Dakshinapan Shopping Complex

Calcutta Photo Gallery

Calcutta Photo Gallery
In this section, we will provide you with the picture gallery of Kolkata. It contains simply mind-blowing pictures of Calcutta. Check out the Calcutta photo gallery and explore this fabulous city:

Best Time To Visit Calcutta

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 Local Transport

Calcutta Local Transport
In this article, we will provide you with the Calcutta public transportation guide that will enable you to know about the different means & modes of transport in Kolkata. Calcutta is a big city and there arises a need to rely on means of transportation for moving from one place to another.

Buses
There is a complete chaos in buses and therefore the ride is not very relaxing. A better alternative is the slow moving trundling tram that circles the city. It covers the stops at Park Circus, Sealdah Railway Station and Howrah. They charge nominal fares starting from Rs 3. They provide services from 4 am till 11 pm.

Metros
Metro system was initialized in Calcutta in 1984. It has helped a great deal in sharing some congestion on the streets. There is one track that covers the entire city from Dum Dum train station (north) to Tollygunge (south). On the metro station, TV screens keep the commuters busy.

Taxis
Taxis provide a 24 hour service and the best thing about Taxi drivers in Kolkata is that, they are very honest and always put on the meter.

Ferries
Ferries cover short distances across the river Hooghly and they run every few minutes.

Rickshaws and Auto-rickshaws
Rickshaws and auto rickshaws can be more commonly spotted around the market areas.

How To Reach Calcutta

How To Reach Calcutta
In this section, we will provide you information on how to reach Calcutta. Reaching Calcutta is not at all cumbersome, as this city is very well connected. Read to know more about traveling to 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 Ahmedabad, 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.

Calcutta History

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. Read on to know the brief history of Calcutta India…

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.

Calcutta Entertainment

Calcutta Entertainment
Calcutta is indeed a happening city and when it comes to entertainment in Calcutta, the city of joy has a lot of choices to offer. Kolkattans are very talented people and have an artistic flair. Calcutta is infact very famous for its cultural activities then be it theatre, music, dance, art or poetry. Read on to know more about Calcutta entertainment and how to enjoy in Kolkata…

Cultural programs held on a daily basis, are listed in the daily newspapers of Calcutta. The cultural fests generally include dance performances, poetry reading & drama and are usually hosted at the Rabindra Sadan on Cathedral Rd. Nandan complex nearby and other cinema halls in Chowringhee show foreign films. Drama performances in English are very common and mostly take place at the Kala Mandir, 48 Shakespeare Sarani and musical events are usually held at the Sisir Mancha, 1/1 AJC Bose Rd.

Bars & Discos
There are a number of bars and discotheques, where you can go and enjoy.

Bars
Sun Set Bar at the Lytton Hotel
Open-air bar at the Fairlawn Hotel
Off cum On Rambo Bar on Mirza Ghalib Street
Olypub restaurant cum bar on Park St near the Moulin Rouge

Discos
As far as the discos are concerned, the best in terms of ambience and atmosphere is Pink Elephant at the Oberoi Grand Hotel. Thursday is a dry day in Kolkata.

Foreign Embassies in Calcutta

Foreign Embassies in Calcutta
In this article, we will provide you with the foreign embassies in Calcutta. Also, you can find information on the high commissions in Calcutta, India.

Check out the contact information of various international Embasies in Kolkata, India:

Austria:
96/1, Sarat Bose Road, Calcutta-26

Bangladesh
9 Circus Ave, Calcutta 700017

Belgium
53 Syed Amir Ali Avenue, Calcutta -19.

Bhutan
48 Tivoli Court, Pramothesh Barua Sarani Calcutta

Bolivia
20 Loudon Street, Calcutta 700016

Bulgaria
8A, Middleton St. Calcutta 700016

Canada
31 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta 700001

Czechoslovakia
24B, Park Street, Calcutta 700017

Denmark
3 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta 700001

Egypt
11 R.N.Mukherjee Road, Calcutta 700001

Ethiopia
4 Govt. Place(N), Calcutta 700001

Finland
7A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Calcutta 700017

France
26 Park Mansions, Calcutta 700016

Germany
1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, PO Box 16711, Calcutta 700027

Greece
41 Chowringhee Road, Calcutta 700071

Hungary
7A Middleton Street, Calcutta 700071

Indonesia
128 Rash Behari Ave

Italy
3 Raja Santosh Road, Calcutta 700027

Japan
12 Pretoria Street, Calcutta - 700 071

Nepal
19 National Library Ave, Alipore

Netherlands
Flat 5, 4 Russell St
Also at : 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta-1

Norway
5B Rawdan Street, Calcutta 700017

Philippines
14 Government Place

East Peru
37 J.N.Rd, Calcutta 700071

Rumania
26 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta 700017

Russia
7 Alipore Avenue, Calcutta 700027

Singapore
DBS Centre, Circular Court, 8 AJC Bose Rd

Spain
1, Taratolla Road, Calcutta 24

Sri Lanka
Nicco House, 2 Hare St (28 5102)

South Korea
Nicco House, Hare Street

Sweden
5/2 Russell Street, Calcutta 700001

Switzerland
113 Park Street, Calcutta 700016

Thailand
18B Mandeville Gardens, Calcutta 700019

Turkey
2 Nazar Ali Lane, Ballygunge,Calcutta 700019

UK
1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Calcutta 700071

USA
5/1 Ho Chi Min Sarani, Calcutta 700071

Calcutta At A Glance

Calcutta At A Glance
In this section, we will provide some quick facts about Calcutta India. These Kolkata fast facts will enable you to explore Calcutta at a glance.

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 Accommodation

Calcutta Accommodation
Calcutta has witnessed tremendous growth and today, it is one of the major metropolitan cities of India. There are lots of choices available, when it comes to choosing accommodation in Kolkata, India. In fact, there is a complete plethora of places to stay in Calcutta, India. Calcutta accommodation provides wide choices for every income group. There are hotels of different categories ranging from luxury and deluxe hotels to budget hotels. For the middle class, there are medium class hotels. Apart from that, there are a large number of guesthouses also. Calcutta accommodation is an epitome of hospitality and comfort. The hotels are well equipped and provide the best of services. The overall ambience is superb.

Here is given a list of some popular five star hotels in Kolkata:

Oberoi Grand
Hindustan International
Taj Bengal
ITC Shonar Bangla
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
The Park Kolkata