Best Travel to Kolkata (Calcutta)
It is no coincidence that Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is also known as the "City of Palaces". In fact, the city is replete with many magnificent buildings, which have helped the city earn the above sobriquet. One of the four biggest cities in India, Kolkata is second to none in charm, variety and interest, as its proud denizens would make us believe. Best Indian travel offers you a complete Calcutta travel guide on the numerous attractions in the city.
Not an old city by Indian standards, Kolkata was founded in 1690 by Job Charnock as a trading post of British East India Company. This showpiece capital of the British India till 1911 is rightly acknowledged as the cultural capital of India. It is of no surprise that a place, where art is the way of life, is home to many galleries and music festivals.
Now the capital of the state of West Bengal, it has continued the tradition of being the hub of political activity since the British period. Huge rallies drawing thousands of people are the order of the day. This sometimes results in the total chaos of the city, which is taken hostage by the people attending the rallies.
Kolkata attracts visitors first and foremost as a colonial charm. A travel to Kolkata is a must for those who want to experience old-world colonial charm. The white-marble Victoria Memorial, the most wonderful reminder of the Raj, is located near the huge green expanse of Maidan, situated in the heart of Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 25-year reign in India. After the Great Uprising of 1857, the British government assumed direct control of administration of the country from the hands of East India Company. Victoria was made the Empress of India in 1876 by the British parliament. Her reign came to an end with her death in 1901. The most imposing feature of Maidan, often referred to as 'lungs' of Kolkata, is Fort William, which was rebuilt there in 1758 after the original fort was destroyed. In the northeastern section is Eden Gardens where the atmosphere reach frenzied proportions during International matches.
The magnificent gothic St Paul's Cathedral and the eclectic Indian Museum, India's largest museum are the pieces de resistance. Built between 1839 and 1847, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in India. Built in 1875 the Indian Museum is the largest and probably the best museum in India.
Proceed to the north further to find the BBD Bagh, formerly called Dalhousie Square. The place is replete with the relics of the British India. Here lies the famed Writers' Building, now the seat of government of the state government. Stroll down the frenetic, labyrinthine markets of Barabazaar. Kolkata has two main railway stations, Howrah and Sealdah, both opposite sides of the Hooghly River.
Other places of absolute must see are the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu (bridge) on the Hoogly River, the renowned Kalighat Temple and Birla Planetarium.
One of the important travel destinations in India, Kolkata can be reached by air, rail and road from all the important places in the country.
