Kolkata Travel Guide

Kolkata Travel Guide

Kolkata has a unique magical charm of its own which has over the years captured the heart of billions from all over the world. Though once a small village way back in the 17th century it has uprooted itself, emanating today into one of the major metropolis of India. Kolkata is a city adorned with several tourist spots along the length and breadth of its borders. Unlike Delhi, the history of Kolkata is not very old. Established in the year 1686 under the British expansion plans, the immense influence of that European power can still be ascertained from a number of colonial architectures. “Calcutta” as the name was formerly spelled has been derived from one of the last village settlements of Kalikata. It has been officially renamed as Kolkata in the year 2001. The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata today stands as one of the largest cities in India.

The literary, cultural and artistic traditions are harmoniously blended in all its splendour in Kolkata. This is what gives it a unique identity. Much truth is embedded in its crowned title as “the city of joy”. People partake in several cultural and religious festivals and indulge in ‘addas’ at clubs and paras. Blessed with plethora of tourist destinations like Victoria Memorial, Kalighat Temple, Howrah Bridge, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, National Library, Belurmath, Eden Garden etc a tour through this place will acquaint you with the spiritual, cultural and religious diversity of the city.

The Victoria Memorial represents a unique blend of two architecture-European and Mughal. It houses rare specimen of historical importance. The Kalighta temple dedicated to the goddess Kali is one of the most renowned temples in India. Howrah bridge is one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world. The first Episcopal Cathedral Church in the eastern world, St. Paul’s Cathedral has a mesmerizing architectural splendour of its own. Birla Planetarium is credited with being one of the largest planetariums in Asia.

The National Library in Kolkata is known to be the largest in India and the second largest in Asia. It houses approximately 2 million books and half a million documents. Belurmath is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission founded in 1899. It has a structure that is designed to represent the unity of three religions Hindu, Muslims and Christians. Kolkata is also the proud possessor of the world’s second largest cricket stadium, the Eden garden.

Festivals and celebrations are an integral part of this city of joy. The festival of Durga Puja is observed with great jubilations all over the city bringing together people from far and near. This festival is known to attract a considerable number of tourists from all over the world every year. Other festival includes Diwali, the festival of light, Holi the festival of colour, Saraswati Puja and prominent festivals of the Hindu solar calendar.

Kolkata is a place that awe- inspires every ardent traveller. A Kolkata visit with the help of a good and relaible Kolkata travel guide will surely make you want to go back to it very soon.

Kolkata Emergency Numbers

Kolkata Important Websites

Last Updated: 26/07/2012