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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
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| kolkata(Calcutta)
the capital of West Bengal sprawls along the eastern bank
of the Hooghly River. It was founded in the late 17th century.
kolkata(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.
kolkata(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.
kolkata(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 kolkata(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. |
How
To Get Here
By
Air: kolkata's (Calcutta) 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 kolkata(Calcutta) on Mondays and Fridays.
By Train: There
are two railway stations in kolkata(Calcutta) - Howrah and Sealdah.
From Delhi, the Rajdhani Express runs daily to Howrah (except
Wednesdays and Saturdays). The fastest train from Mumbai
to kolkata(Calcutta) is the Gitanjali Express. From Chennai to kolkata(Calcutta),
the best train is the Coramandel Express |
Getting
Around The City
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 kolkata(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. |
Attractions In & Around
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 kolkata(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 kolkata(Calcutta) is
a major tourist attraction. Here entry is by ticket |
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
| The
botanical garden of kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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 Ray 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 kolkata(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 kolkata(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. |
Getting in, Around & Away
| Calcutta
is well connected and easily accessible from any where in
India and abroad. All the major Airlines have their flights
to this city. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (DumDum
airport) serves domestic as well as the International needs
of this region. Calcutta is well connected with all corners
of the country. The two railway stations of Howrah and Sealdeah
serve all the needs of the city. From here one can board
trains to Southern India upto Kanyakumari, Jammu in the
North, Gandhinagar and Mumbai in the West and Guwahati in
the North East. Apart from the long distance trains there
are plenty of local trains which connects the city with
the near by areas. It also has good road communication with
all corners of the country. Grand Trunk road was built to
promote and facilitate trade and commerce from the city
with other parts of India. Calcutta has regular bus service
from the various places within the state as well as there
are services to places in Bihar, Orissa and Assam. The bus
services are run by the State as well as private operators. |
When
to Visit
TEMPERATURE
Maximum Temperature 108 F (42 C) Minimum
Temperature 44 F (7 C)
Tourist
Information Center
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
3/2 BBD Bagh
kolkata(Calcutta) 700001
Phones 033-22485917, 22485168, 22488271
Government of India Tourist Office
4 Shakespeare Sarani
kolkata(Calcutta) 700071
Phones 033-22425813, 22423521, 22421402, 22421475
Government of India Airport Tourist Office
Phone 033-25118299
West Bengal Tourist Information Counter
kolkata(Calcutta) Airport (Domestic lounge)
Phone 5119611 (Extension 440)
Howrah Station
Phone 033-25116026
India Tourism Development Corporation
46C Chowringhee Rd. Jawaharlal Nehru Road
kolkata(Calcutta) 700071
Phone 033-22880901, 22889066
Calcutta Information Centre
1/1 AJC Bose Road
kolkata(Calcutta) 700020
Phone 033-22232451
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