CALCUTTA
Area
City 40 square miles (100 square km)
Metropolitan 533 square miles (1,380 square km)
Population 12,000,000 (approx)
Main Languages Bengali, Hindi, English
| Calcutta
the capital of West Bengal sprawls along the eastern bank
of the Hooghly River. It was founded in the late 17th century.
Calcutta shines on as the capital of West Bengal. Calcutta,
the plucky city is keen to promote itself as the `City of
Joy'. It derived its name from Kalikatta, one of the villages
which was incorporated in the new settlement of the British.
Calcutta, a city which has adopted to the modern trends
and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely
life style and the calm which it has accumulated since ages.
Calcutta is city with strong cultural, literary and religious
flavours. It is a city which has countries first tunnel
railway. It reveals itself to be one of the country's most
fascinating and congenial cities. The calm of the Hoogly
combined with the rush of people in the streets make Calcutta
a city to visit. It is the city which acts as the gate way
to the North East and has been coming up as a major commercial
city in the nation. |
By
Air: Calcutta's main airport
is at Dum Dum - 15 km north of the city centre. Indian Airlines
and Jet Airways run daily flights from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore
and Mumbai to Calcutta. From Mumbai, Sahara Airlines also
has daily flights to Dum Dum Airport. British Airways runs
flights from London to Calcutta on Mondays and Fridays.
By Train: There
are two railway stations in Calcutta - Howrah and Sealdah.
From Delhi, the Rajdhani Express runs daily to Howrah (except
Wednesdays and Saturdays). The fastest train from Mumbai
to Calcutta is the Gitanjali Express. From Chennai to Calcutta,
the best train is the Coramandel Express |
From
the Airport: Hire a taxi from the airport's prepaid
taxi stand to take you downtown (30 to 60 minute taxi ride).
There is also an Indian Airlines bus that runs from the
airport to Jawaharlal Nehru Road (earlier known as Chowringhee
Road) in the centre of the city. Or you can take a taxi
to the Metro (underground train service) at Dum Dum (3 km.
from the airport), and from there take a train to Park Street
in central Calcutta.
From the Station: There
is a bus stand outside the Howrah Station from where buses
take you downtown to Jawaharlal Nehru Road. Or you can hire
a taxi to take you there. |
ACADEMY
OF FINE ARTS
| Academy of fine arts
was established in 1933. Academy houses the art galleries
which exhibits by contemporary artist's throughout the year.
Its all galleries are open daily except the Rabindra Gallery
which is closed on Monday. Academy is a place where the
city's culturally conscious veterans converge |
ACADEMY
OF INDIAN COINS & HISTORY
| The academy houses
a gallery of ancient Indian coins. The gallery is open every
weekday from 11 am to 1 .pm |
AGRI-HORTICULTURAL
GARDENS
| Agri-Horticultural
Gardens are situated in Alipur and was founded by William
Carey in 1820. This garden has a significant collection
of botanical varieties with facilities for gardeners and
plant/flower lovers. This garden is adjacent to the Calcutta's
Zoological Garden |
ASHUTOSH
MUSEUM OF INDIAN ARTS
| Ashutosh Museum of
Indian Arts is located within the premises of Calcutta University.
It was established in 1937, it has interesting pieces of
Bengal art. This museum on weekdays is open from 10.30 am
to 5.30 pm and on Saturdays till 3 pm |
ASIATIC SOCIETY
| Asiatic Society, An
institution which is famous for Indology, Literature and
Scientific Research. It is located at 1 Park Street, Calcutta
700016and was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. This
institution has a library which contains about 20000 volumes
including about 8000 rare Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and
Hindi manuscripts |
BBD
SQUARE
| BBD Square is the
commercial nerve of the city. It is located right in the
middle of the city , it is the place dedicated to three
Martyrs of Bengal - Dinesh, Badal and Binay. This place
is also known as the Dalhousie square. It's near by places
are Assembly house, The High Court, GPO and towards the
north is the writer's building |
BANDEL
| Bandel is 43 kms from
Calcutta which were built in 1599 and were destroyed in
1640 by Shah Jahan. It is a site of Portuguese church and
monasteries. These were rebuilt also |
BARRACKPORE
| Barrackpore, it is
25 km from Calcutta. A place which was the cantonment of
the East India. Today this place is not like as it was earlier
but the place has acquired a historical significance. The
gardens along the river bank are very charming. Barrackpore
was one of the places which was transferred by the Danish
settlement to the East India in 1845 |
THE BELUR MATH
| The Belur math was
established in 1899. The Ramkrishna mission established
by Swami Vivekanand hasits head Quarters at Belur Math.
This mission was to preach the unity among all religion.
This mission has branches in all over the country but head
quarters at Belur. This math is 6.4 kms from Howrah Station
on the banks of the River Hooghly. |
BIRLA INDUSTRIAL &
TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
| Birla Industrial &
Technological Museum was established in 1966, it is located
at 19A Gurusaday Road.This is a seat of learning of modern
science and technology for students, research scholars etc.
This museum also houses a workshop designs and produces
much of its exhibits. This museum is a permanent exhibition
of industrial and technological progress in India. This
museum is closed on Monday. |
BIRLA PLANETARIUM
| Birla Planetarium
is one of the earliest planetarium in India and largest
in Asia. The planetarium was opened in 1961. It is located
at 96 Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The capacity of the auditorium
is 500 and there are daily film shows except Mondays. These
shows are in different languages from 12 noon to 7 pm. Inside
the planetarium one can get a complete information about
the Universe and our solar systems and can have a better
look at stars here than in the polluted atmosphere out side.
The models kept here are special attraction for the children.
This Birla Planetarium in Calcutta is a major tourist attraction.
Here entry is by ticket |
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
| The botanical garden
of Calcutta is the largest and oldest of its kind in India
and perhaps the most important gardens in India. It was
laid out in 1787. It covers an area of 109.27 ha and is
famous for the 250-years-old Great Banyan tree which covers
around 400 m in its circumference. There are more than 30,000
varieties of trees and plants. Botanical garden is situated
about 9 km from Calcutta, across the Hooghly, it is a lovely
picnic spot |
BURRABAZAR
| Burrabazar is situated
to the north of B B D Bag. This is the center of wholesale
and retail trade in Calcutta. In this market businessman
who operate here care for nothing but money |
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT
| Calcutta High Court
was constructed in 1872, and was built in the Gothic style
of architecture, and one of the oldest in India. It is a
landmark in Calcutta. It is the highest seat of judiciary
in West Bengal |
CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL
MODERN ART
| Centre of International
Modern Art (CIMA) is situated near the Birla Temple, It
is closed to Ballygunge Phari. Its a new gallery featuring
Indian Contemporary art, for which it is famous internationally.
The gallery is closed on Mondays and daily opens from 2pm
to 8pm |
CHANDERNAGORE
| Chandernagore is 39
km from Calcutta. This place was handed over to India in
1951. The French who settled here in 1673 made it their
trade centre. This is situated place along the river Hoogly
has some buildings of the French era and is now famous for
the artisans who make clay figurines |
DAKSHINESWAR
| Dakshineswar Temple
is a world famous place of pilgrimage. This temple was built
by Rani Rasmoni of north Calcutta in the 19th century on
the bank of Ganges, north east of Calcutta. In this temple
the famous spiritual personality and guru of Swami Vivekananda,
Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa had worshipped the Goddess Kali,
Bhaba Tarani |
DHAKURIA LAKE
| Dhakuria Lake, this
is an artificial lake in Ballygunge, south Calcutta on Southern
Avenue. An artificial lake was built towards the south of
the city. Today this lake serves as the venue for the organization
of various competitions in swimming and boating. It comprises
children's park, play center, an open air theatre Mukta
Manch, swimming pool training centres, a rowing club and
safari garden etc |
DIAMOND HARBOUR
| Diamond Harbour is
51km from the city. It is the old port of the Calcutta |
DIGHA
| Digha is the major
tourist attraction centre in the state. The seven kilometre
long beach is being developed as the "Brighton of the East.
Digha is 185 kms from Calcutta. It the nearest sea beach
from Calcutta |
EDEN GARDEN
| Eden Gardens Named
after the sister of Alexander, the gardens used to be lush
area covered by trees and garden. It is a sprawling garden
set up by the British in the early 20 century. Major part
of the garden has been taken to construct one of the largest
and beautiful stadiums of India- the Eden Garden or the
Ranji stadium. A stadium for cricket test matches can accommodate
about 85,000 people. Eden Garden is an attractive picnic
spot on Strand Road. The place still holds the charm to
attract people who come here for a stroll and relax |
FORT WILLIAM
| Fort William is located
on the Maidan, adjacent to Red Road. Fort William was named
after King William III it can accommodate a garrison of
10,000 men. It is the military H.Q. of the Eastern Command |
GENERAL POST OFFICE
| A piece of novel architecture,
it controls the entire postal system of Calcutta. It is
located in the B B D Bag area |
HALDIA
| Haldia was developed
as port to avoid the silting problem in the Diamond Harbour.
There are regular bus services to the port from Calcutta.
Haldia is the new port of Calcutta and is 96 km south of
the city |
HOWRAH BRIDGE
| Howrah Bridge also
called Rabindra Setu, is one of the three bridges on the
river Hoogly. This Engineering marvel has been the firmest
symbol of not only Calcutta but also West Bengal. The huge
cantilever bridge, strung on two, 270 feet high pillars
connects Calcutta from Howrah. The bridge though very old
is still holding good to reduce the traffic across the river.
Its four traffic lanes are daily used by over a lakh vehicles |
INDIAN MUSEUM
| Indian museum was
established in 1878 and is situated on J L Nehru Road. The
museum is built in Italian architectural style and is considered
as the largest museum in the country and one of the best
in Asia. This museum has different sections and the artifacts
displayed here are amazing |
KALI TEMPLE
| Kali temple was built
in 1809. It is also known as the Kaligaht temple. It is
on the name of this temple that English gave the place name
Calcutta which is anglicized form of Kalikata. Legend also
goes that the name of Calcutta, is derived from the famous
Kali deity of this temple located at Kalighat in south Calcutta |
MARBLE PALACE
| Marble Palace was
built in 1835, Located on C R Avenue in north Calcutta.
The private mansion of a Jamindar (Land owner). This place
is famous for for its marble walls and floors, antique collections,
rare birds, paintings, floor to ceiling mirrors, marble
statues, etc. There is also a private zoo. This palace is
closed on Mondays and Thursdays. |
NANDAN
| Nandan was inaugurated
by the late Satyajit Roy and he also designed its intriguing
emblem. It is situated adjacent to the Academy of Fine Arts
Complex. It is a cultural centre for film enthusiasts and
professionals. One hall is used largely by film clubs to
screen art movies for their members. Its three motion picture
theatres have the best screening facilities in Calcutta |
NATIONAL LIBRARY
| National Library is
one of the largest libraries in Asia with a collection of
rare books and manuscripts. It was earlier the Vice-Regal
House. It is located opposite the Zoological Gardens, Alipore |
NEHRU CHILDREN CENTRE
| Nehru Children's Centre
is located on J L Nehru Road. It was built during the late
sixties. It is a huge library for children. |
NETAJI INDOOR STADIUM
| A fully air-conditioned
stadium built in the seventies for indoor games and concerts.
It has been the venue for the International Table-tennis
Tournament in the seventies. Located in from the High Court
|
NICO PARK
| Nico Park is called
the Disneyland of West Bengal. This park is located at Salt
Lake. It has a variety of enjoyable games and rides. |
RABINDRABHARTI MUSEUM
| Rabindrabharati museum
is situated near Girish Park on Chittaranjan Avenue. This
museum remindsus of the Bengal renaissance of the nineteenth
century. This museum is open on weekdays from 10amto 5pm
and on Saturdays till 1.30pm. |
RAT PARK
| A grisly but fascinating
sight--hundreds of rats scampering about within a wire enclosure.
This unique set up is at Curzon Park, close to B B D Bag.
|
RAVINDRA GALLERY
| Ravindra Gallery houses
some of the rare and good pictures and manuscripts of Rabindra
Nath Tagore. The paintings which are in the museum are also
done in Rabindra style and becomes the attraction of many
curious visitors. This place is also the venue for many
cultural programs and events. Lalit Kala academy is also
located here. |
ROYAL CALCUTTA
| Royal Calcutta Turf
Club is one of the oldest and largest turfs for horse racing
in India. Here numberof national events in horse racing
done. |
SUNDERBANS
| Sunderbans are spread
over an area of almost 10,000 sq kms which is now shared
between Bangladesh and India, the home to many exquisite
animals and birds. The Indian Government has declared this
1330 sq kms of the area as national park |
SAHEED MINAR
| Saheed Minar monument
was built in 1828. This is a monument similar to Qutab Minar
of Delhi. This is a combination of Turkish, Egyptian and
Syrian architectural elements, and was named after Sir David
Ochterlony. This was known as Octerloney Monument. It was
renamed as Saheed minar and is located on Northern part
of the Maidan. It's height is 48m. Here many political meetings
were held. |
SALT LAKE
| Salt Lake Stadium
is a huge 3-tier stadium on the periphery of Calcutta's
satellite Salt Lake City. The capacity of the stadium is
over one lakh. |
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
| St. John's Church
which is dating back to 1787 has a number of monuments like
the octagonal mausoleum, Job Charnock. Also Admiral Watson
who helped Lord Clive in retaking Calcutta from Siraj Ud
Daulla is also burried here. |
ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
| St. Paul's Cathedral
was built in 1847. This is adjacent to Birla Planetarium.
Its tower is 65 m high and is famous for the serene service
conducted on Christmas Eve. |
VICTORIA MEMORIAL
| Victoria Memorial
was Built between 1906 and 1921, an splendid example of
British architecture, this building was built in memory
of Queen Victoria and was inaugurated by Prince of Wales
in 1921. The Memorial is based on architecture of the Taj
and is built in marble. It houses paintings, manuscripts,
and other objects of historic value in its Museum and Art
Gallery. In 25 rooms of the memorial are kept around 3500
items which are related to Queen Victoria. In the evenings
the light and sound programs is a major attraction for the
tourists. This memorial is closed on Mondays. |
VIDYASAGAR SETU
| Vidyasagar Setu was
inaugurated in 1994. It has been built to ease the load
off the existing Howrah bridge. |
WATER'S BUILDING
| Writer's Building
is located in the B B D Bag. This building summarises the
political revolution of Bengal |
ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
| Zoological Gardens
is one of the biggest gardens in India, spread over an sprawling
area of 45 acres. This zoo was established in 1876 and is
the one of the oldest zoo gardens in India. In this zoo
are kept many animals from all over the world, birds, snakes
and reptiles, the reptiles kept here includes King Cobra
and the Crocodiles. But the main attraction are the white
tigers of Rewa. This is also famous for the winter migration
to this zoo. Directly across the main zoo is an aquarium,
here tropical fresh water and sea fishes are kept in aquariums. |
TEMPERATURE
Maximum Temperature 108 F (42 C) Minimum Temperature 44 F (7
C)
Tourist
Information Center
West Bengal Tourist
Bureau
3/2 BBD Bagh
Calcutta 700001
Phones 2485917 2485168 2488271
Government of India Tourist Office
4 Shakespeare Sarani
Calcutta 700071
Phones 2423521 2421402 2421475 2425813
Government of India Airport Tourist Office
Phone 511829
West Bengal Tourist Information Counter
Calcutta Airport (Domestic lounge)
Phone 5119611 (Extension 440)
Howrah Station
Phone 6602518
India Tourism Development Corporation
46C Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Calcutta 700071
Phone 2420922 2420901
Calcutta Information Centre
1/1 AJC Bose Road
Calcutta 700020
Phone 2481451
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