Kolkata,the capital of west Bengal, has a colonial charm and a replete with colonial charm, variety and interest, is famous for its tourist attractions. West Bengal is one of the first destinations in a tourist's itinerary visiting the eastern part of the country. It remains the 'city of joy' despite all the developmental problems of a crowded metropolitan city.

Emerging out of its Raj era, the Kolkata attractions are both of a heritage city and a modern city. The Victoria Memorial is one of India's most beautiful monuments, representing a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. This grand edifice constructed in memory of Queen Victoria (who was once the Queen Empress of India) houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the city of Kolkata.This hanging bridge is an engineering marvel. It is the third largest bridge in the world and has around 2 million people crossing over it daily. Marble Palace, located on C R Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street is constructed lavishly with Italian marble and has a rich collection of curios. Shantiniketan, Tagore's university township is a must see place for a tourist visiting Kolkata.It was here that in 1901 Rabindranath Tagore started an experimental place of learning with a 'class room' under the trees, and a group of five pupils which later became the 'Vishva Bharati University in 1921. Legend has it that Calcutta gains its name from 'Kalighat', where there is a celebrated temple dedicated to Kali, replete with sweeping curved roof, typical of the traditional wood and bamboo construction of Bengal. On Chowringhee Road, is St.Paul's Cathedral, the first Episcopal Cathedral Church to be erected in the eastern world. Belurmath about 10 km. from Calcutta is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math, which has more than100 centres in India and abroad. Three kilometers from Belur Math across the river Ganga is, Dakshineswar. On the bank of the river is a beautiful navaratna temple associated with the great religious prophet, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Nirmal Hirday (Pure Heart) is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity situated on J.C.Bose Road. It was Mother Theresa's first home for serving destitute and dying people. Birla Planetarium is one of the largest in Asia built after the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi.Alipore Zoological Garden, located opposite of the National Library at Belvedere Road is popularly called Chidiakhana.Botanical Gardens, spread over an area of 273 acres on the west bank of Ganga, is the largest of its kind in India. Eden Gardens Stadium is supposed to be the largest in Asia with a seating capacity of more than one lakh spectators. Writers' Building was till the mid - 19th century, the place of residence for the junior servants (who were called writers of the East India Company). Situated at the northern end of Dalhousie Square, it now houses the Secretariat of West Bengal Government.

Events And Festivals

Besides the other festivals of the Hindu solar calendar, Durga Puja (link to Travel to Kolkata page) is one festival that gains ultimate importance and attention in West Bengal. Durga Puja is an extravaganza of almost seven days; but the preparation starts months before the actual event.

Excursions from Kolkata

Excursions can be made form Kolkata to neighboring places, mostly hill stations. Darjeeling,a hill station, located 7,000 feet above sea level is famous for its magnificent mountains and pristine locale. It is also the home of the famed Darjeeling flavored tea popular all over the world. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. The Tibetan Center has a range of carpets for sale in their showroom. Mirik is the land of oranges while the charming city of Kalimpong is famous for its orchids and curio shops. In the same area is Kurseong from where one can get a panoramic view of the Gangetic delta from Eagle's Crag. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for elephants and other wild animals. Malda has a rich history and one can find the relics of Muslim culture embodied in the Bara Sona mosque. Not very far is Behrampur, another cradle of Bengal's Muslim past. Sunder bans Tiger Reserve is the largest estuarine delta in the world and the biggest colony of the Royal Bengal Tigers.

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