Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Kolkata

Kolkata


Kolkata is a capital city of West Bengal and third largest metropolitan city of India which is located in the eastern part of India. Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta which changed in the year of 2000. Kolkata also known as City of Joy for its rich culture and traditional values with exotic blend of conventional and modern lifestyle. Kolkata India has produced people like Satyajit Ray, Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Laureate). Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (Freedom Fighter), Amartya Sen (Economics), Sourav Ganguly (Cricket Player) and many more. In this city you will find British architecture and design specially places like Park Street, Esplanade, Dalhousie as Kolkata was the capital of British India until they moved the capital to Delhi in the year of 1912. Kolkata tourism is such that none will go back without finding some thing of there interest spots like Shahid Minar, Fort William, Indian Coffee House, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, Nicco Park (Amusement Park), Nature Park (Garden), Swabhumi (The Heritage Park), Aquatica (Water Theme Park) and etc. Kolkata India is a quiet affordable place to visit as transport, accommodation, foods are really cheap compare to other metropolitan cities of India.

Kolkata Weather

December - February : Winter Season Temperature 12°C - 14°C
March - June : Summer Season Temperature 25°C - 41°C
June - September : Monsoon Season Temperature 19°C - 26°C

Kolkata STD Code : 033 + Landline number
Kolkata ISD Code : +9133 + Landline Number & +91 + Mobile Number

How to Reach Kolkata

By Air : Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (previously known as Dumdum International Airport) which is approximately 20 km from Center of the city. The airport has international and domestic next to each other and handle about 300 passenger flights every day.
By Railways : Howrah and Sealdah are the two main stations in Kolkata which almost covers all major cities of India.


Tourist attraction in Kolkata


Victoria Memorial is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. The structure, which is now floodlit in the night, gives a fascinating site. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia's from the days of Raj.

Indian Museum, built in 1874, has a beautiful structure. The oldest museum in India, it has one of the rare collections of archeological. The entrance to the museum houses an original Lion Capitol, the national symbol of India. The museum is opened all days of the week except Monday. The normal timing is 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Tour to KolkataFort William was constructed in 1781 after the unfortunate happenings of 1756 in which many British soldiers with their families were killed by Siraj-Ud-Daula. Large area around the village of Govindpur was cleared off the forests and this fort was constructed, which for some time also lent its name to the city. The fort is still in use and visitors are allowed inside only after getting special permits. The area around the fort is a very large patch of green known as the Maidan (ground). The Maidan is also known as the lung of Kolkata and stretches 1 km in width and 3 km in length.

Eden Garden, located in the northwest corner of the city, is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden. The place also houses the renowned cricket ground by the same name.

Birla Planetarium is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and a good place to enjoy oneself. Regular shows in Hindi and English are held here.

Kali Mandir is the temple dedicated to Kali, goddess of destruction. This is the temple from which the old village Kalikata took its name, which, in turn, also gave the city its name.

Howrah Bridge is an excellent example of engineering techniques of the early 20th century. The whole bridge is 450 m long without any pylon in the river. The bridge also has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians.

When Kolkata was the capital of British India, BBD Bagh was the center of power. This is the place that houses the now famous Writer's Building (clerks were known as writers in the British India) and the old Fort William.

Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, is situated in the north of the city. The place was founded in 1899 and houses a structure that was designed to be a church, temple, and mosque all in one.
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens in Kolkata welcomes you to an stunning oasis of lush green plants and trees, and is accredited for its huge Banyan tree that is almost two centuries old.

Shantiniketan
This place has a close connection with the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. Debendranath, father of this great poet established an Ashram here that dates back to 1863 AD. After a span of 40 years, Rabindranath commenced an “open-air school” here that gradually evolved into Vishva Bharati, an international university. This university is a uniform blend of eastern and western cultures. Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of 211km away from Kolkata. You can travel by the regular busses that will lead you to the venue.

Bishnupur
Tourism destinations around Kolkata also include Bishnupur that serves best for a one or two day trip. The major of attraction here are the terracotta temples. Items that you can shop from here are bell metal artifacts, rare ganijifa, Balucheri saris and intricately carved shells.

Dakshineshwar Temple
Dakshineshwar Temple is located towards the northern part of Kolkata and is attributed to Goddess Kali. It was Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guide of Swami Vivekananda, who spent greater part of his life here. Belur Math is located close by is known as the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission.

Krishnagar
You can reach Krishnagar from Kolkata via the railway or road route. It is situated at a distance of 100kms. This town is situated on the banks of River Jalani and is well known for its clay and toy models. Two other places worth visiting here are the Roman Catholic Church and the Krishnanagar Palace.

Ganga Sagar
Tourism destinations around Kolkata also take you to places and sites that are culturally significant. To name one such place would be the Ganga Sagar. The place also has a religious significance and also provides a beach to its visitors. Located on the Sunderbans Island, visitors can soak in the charm of the pastoral greenery around along with the scenic views of the Ganges. You can reach the place via bus from Kolkata.
 

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