Former capital of British India, Kolkata is a splendid example of colonial architecture and nascent hipster. Known as the City of Joy, it is a daily event of human existence, which is culturally desperate amid struggles of poverty.
Kolkata or Calcutta, the 3 century old metropolis is believed to be the intellectual, cultural and artistic capital of India. Every traveller’s dream, the city is an architectural splendour presents a great historical, art and literary magnificence.
Howrah Bridge
Also known as Rabindra Setu, this 1528 feet long and 62 feet wide bridge over Hoogly River is an iconic landmark of the city of Kolkata.
Jorasanko Thakurbari
Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house, built in 1785, is now a museum exhibiting his life and works.
Indian Museum (Jadughar)
Built in1814, the ninth oldest museum of the world, is home to contemporary paintings, sacred relic of Buddha, Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. Also find ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armours and stunning Mughal paintings.
Victoria Memorial
Dedicated to Queen Victoria, the memorial is an excellent architectural gem in Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. It was designed by George Curzon, the Viceroy of India between 1906 to 1921.
Birla Temple
A gem of South Kolkata, Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha is one of the architectural grandeurs of the city. Marvel at the intricate Rajasthani architecture.
Race Course (RCTC)
The Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) or Race Course is the premier horse racing club of Kolkata. A reminder of the British period, it is surrounded by buildings that were built by the British during their rule.
The Eden Gardens
Host to some nail biting cricket matches, the Eden Gardens is a beautiful, well- maintained cricket stadium that stretches over 50 acres. It has a seating capacity of 66,349 spectators.
Marble Palace
Built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835, it is one of the most well preserved mansions of the 19th century era. It is largely visited for its western sculpture, paintings and other antiques such as chandeliers, clocks, urns, etc.
Dakshineswar Kalibari
A gift to the city by Rani Rashmoni, it is the abode of the most powerful goddess of Kolkata – Goddess Kali. This temple was home of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his spiritual escort who lived here and served the goddess.
Netaji Bhawan
Ancestral home of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the museum showcases the life and time of this great man. Peep into the life of Netaji and see his belongings, preserved in the best possible way by the Research Bureau.
Mother House
Home of Mother Teresa, the house today is her final resting place. Visit the place where Mother lived, worked and prayed.
Saraswati Puja (January or February)
This day is considered auspicious for children to start writing for the first time. Small girls are seen all over the city wearing colourful saris to visit the decorated pandals of Goddess Saraswati.
Basanti Durga Puja (March)
Sharodiya Durga Puja or Basanti Durga Puja is a miniature Durga Puja where the Goddess is worshipped with decorated pandals. People with colourful attires dance to the beats of the drummers 'dhakis’.
Poila Boishakh (April)
First day of Baisakh in Bengali calendar calls for a celebration in a Bengali celebration. People wear new clothes, decorate homes and open new accounting book called the Hal Khata.
Jamai Shoshti (May or June)
Dedicated to the beautiful relationship of mother in law and her son in law, this day is when a jamai is honoured. Mother-in-laws prepare various mouth watering dishes and serve them to her son-in-law.
Durga Puja (September - October)
Iconic to Kolkata, Durga Puja - the victory over the shape-shifting demon Mahisasura is famous all over the world for its elaborate celebrations.
Lakshmi Puja (October)
Just after the happening Durga Puja, Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi is worshipped as the Kojagori Laxmi Puja. Mostly the puja is done in people’s own home.
Kali Puja (October - November)
Celebrated with Diwali, in the honour of Goddess Kali, this festival is marked by chanting mantras during nighttime which goes up till dawn.
Bhai Phota (November)
Sisters put a tika on the forehead of her brother with some mantras and pray for their long life.
When it comes to shopping, nothing can match the authentic Kolkata markets which are bustling with the bargaining culture. From the streets of Burrabazar and Gariahat to American style shopping malls, a shopper will be spoilt with choices with a variety of goods. Some of the famous markets to visit in the city are:
Burrabazar Market
Yarn, Textiles, electronic goods and artificial jewellery.
New Market of Kolkata
Best place to buy sarees, specially the red border one. Also look out for ‘tussar’ and ‘vishnupuri silk.
Gariahat Market
clothes, jewellery, electronics, saris, furniture and even pets.
College Street
Half mile of bookshops and bookstalls spilling onto the pavement.
Hatibagan Market
Finest Bengali silk and cotton saris.
High End Malls for branded shopping: South City Mall, Mani Square Shopping Mall,City Centre 1 Shopping Mall and Avani Riverside Shopping Mall.
Winter
(October to March): Most pleasant time to visit, as the temperature goes as low as 11°C. October is time for Durga Puja.
Summer
(April - May): Extremely hot and humid. Kolkata’s average temperature goes around 30° C and sometimes 40° C. Not recommended for tourism.
Monsoons
(June to September): During this time, Kolkata receives maximum rainfall. So travelling can be difficult due to unexpected rains.
By Air:
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Dumdum has good connectivity across major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or a bus to your final destination.
By Rail:
Kolkata has two major railway stations in the city, Howrah and Sealdah; well linked with cities all over the country. Inside Kolkata, Metro Rail is the best option for travelling.
By Road
The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regular services in the city. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminus.
