Previously the Gateway to the country and the capital of the British Raj in India, Kolkata still bears the Victorian imprint on its landscape. Kolkata has witnessed a number of significant happenings of the colonial rule in India. The home of the cultural Renaissance of the early nineteenth century and a number of violent and vigorous nationalist movement, Kolkata continues to be one of the most culturally and politically happening city of India. Home to more than 10 million people, the life of Kolkata is a melting pot of heritage, art, culture, sports, politics and tourism - making it a blissful place for tourists.
Fact File
- Kolkata is the capital of the state of West Bengal in the Eastern part of India. The city is oriented in the north-south direction by the banks of river Hooghly.
- The geographical coordinates of Kolkata are 22º33' N latitude and 88º20'E longitude.
- The population of the city is around 5,000,000
Climate
The climate is typically tropical and largely wet and dry, with considerable rain in the monsoon season. Kolkata can be visited any time of the year, although the best time to visit is between October and March.
Tourist Attractions
Some of the most sought after tourist sites in Kolkata, which make traveling in Kolkata all the more interesting, are:
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge
- 2nd Hoogly Bridge
- 2nd Hoogly Bridge
- Town Hall
- Kalighat Temple
- Birla Planetarium
- Fort William
- Botanical Garden
- Asiatic Society
- Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Nandan Complex
- Alipur Zoo
- Race Course
- Science City
- Millenium Park
- Aquatica
- Nicco Park
